SEIU Local 200U

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OUR KIDS DESERVE THE BEST HEAD START WE CAN GIVE THEM . . .

Head Start Makes A Difference

Head Start helps disadvantaged kids get the competitive edge they need to succeed in school and to be successful in life.

Low-income children who participate in early childhood programs like Head Start are less likely to be held back in school or to be placed in special education classes. They are more likely to succeed in school and to graduate.
Young women who have experienced an early childhood program like Head Start are one-third less likely to have children out-of-wedlock and 25 percent less likely to be teen mothers.
In a study comparing low-income children attending Head Start, other preschool, or no preschool, the Head Start children scored higher on school readiness measures than either of the other groups.
Head Start children receive significantly more health care screenings, and are more likely to receive medical and dental care, than non-Head Start children.
At-risk children who are not able to participate in a quality early childhood program are five times more likely to be arrested repeatedly by age 27.
Children from developmentally appropriate Head Start or pre-kindergarten classrooms are more likely to achieve in elementary school than children from didactic classrooms. This suggests that early education using a variety of curricula — rather than a rigid program designed specifically to teach — can be beneficial for children from low-income families.

Head Start Builds Strong Families

Head Start also helps kids by strengthening families through parental involvement and parenting skills training.

Positive effects on family functioning are seen in parents and families of Head Start children. An enriched Head Start program aided parents in seeing their children's competence and social acceptance more positively and fostered improved self-esteem in the children.
Head Start parents participate in more of their children’s activities than non-Head Start parents do.
Involvement of Head Start parents contributes to the family’s growth and upward mobility. While the more involved parents tended to be of higher social economic status, gains are present in all involved parents, regardless of status.

Too Many Kids Are Still Left Out

Head Start programs only reach three out of five eligible children. That means that 40 percent of low-income kids are missing out on the proven benefits of Head Start.

Congress Can Do Better for Our Kids

Increase Funding to ensure that every child gets off to the best start possible. An additional $1 billion in Head Start funding would enable all eligible kids to participate.
Allocate Quality Improvement Funds to improve the program by investing in Head Start worker training programs to lower turnover rates and develop career ladders.
Enforce Employer Neutrality to stop violations of the federal law prohibiting Head Start directors and supervisors from interfering with workers seeking an independent voice. Ensure that all Head Start employees have the freedom to choose to form a union.
Demand Financial Accountability to make sure that the money allocated for Head Start is spent on our kids.

(Sources: The Children’s Defense Fund and the National Head Start Association)