Bipartisan Effort Will Improve Head Start (Sen. Mike Enzi)

After many false starts, we have finally reached an agreement on the reauthorization of the Head Start Act. This conference agreement to the “Improving Head Start for School Readiness Act of 2007,

I am particularly pleased with the accountability provisions put forward in this conference report as well as the emphasis we have placed on the role of parents in Head Start programs. This report increases the presence of parents in Head Start programs, strengthens services for families, and provides training and development opportunities for parents that serve on policy councils and governing bodies.

Thursday’s agreement between the House and Senate is an important step. Now we need to turn our attention to reviewing the effectiveness of and the need for the 57 other early childhood and preschool programs that receive federal support. Head Start is an effective program that deserves our continued support — support that should not be diluted by competing programs or new authorizations.

Sen. Enzi is Ranking Member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee.