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,� H.R. 1429, will improve Head Start programs and ensure that all children, regardless of background, enter school ready to learn and succeed. It is a bipartisan, bicameral effort to ensure that low-income children are prepared not only for success in school, but for later success in life as well.

Head Start currently serves over 900,000 children and their families through a network of about 1,600 public and private agencies.

For many students, Head Start is the beginning of a lifetime of learning opportunities. It is vital that we set clear standards for this critical first step to ensure that these children can develop the knowledge and skills they need to learn and succeed. This bill also strengthens standards for Head Start teachers to ensure that Head Start programs maximize the impact they have on children.

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.

This entry was posted on Friday, November 9th, 2007 at 3:29 pm and is filed under Politics .