Support For H.R. 1429, Improving Head Start Act

Floor Speech

SUPPORT FOR H.R. 1429, IMPROVING HEAD START ACT -- (Extensions of Remarks - May 14, 2007)

* Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 1429, the Improving Head Start Act. Having had the opportunity to serve on the Education and Workforce committee for 6 years, I am very pleased to have the opportunity today to finally vote for a Head Start reauthorization bill that will improve on the success of this critical program.

* Head Start is one of the most successful programs funded by Congress. Research shows that children who attend Head Start enter school better prepared, are less likely to need special education services, and are more likely to graduate. The Minneapolis Federal Reserve Bank reported a few years ago that there is actually a 16 percent rate of return on investment in quality early education. In my opinion, funding education for our youngest children is the most efficient and important investment we can make.

* The biggest challenge facing Head Start has been lack of resources. In Minnesota, less than half the children eligible for Head Start are served due to funding shortages. And nationwide, only 2 percent of children eligible for Early Head Start receive services. We can do better. Increasing access to Head Start is good for children, for families, for communities and for the federal budget.

* The Improving Head Start Act will expand and improve Head Start. It will allow access for 10,000 more children and prioritize expanding Early Head Start. It increases teacher qualifications and helps to attract quality teachers by improving salaries. It will also improve coordination with other early education programs, ensure that parents continue to play an important role in governing Head Start and strengthen the focus on health, mental health, and obesity prevention.

* Equally important are the things this bill does not include. It prohibits further use of the National Reporting System--high stakes testing that was inappropriate for 4-year olds and was draining time and dollars from Head Start programs. It does not include block grants to the states which would have diluted Head Start's high standards and comprehensive programming. And finally, I join with faith groups in Minnesota and around the country in applauding the successful efforts to defeat a provision to allow discrimination in hiring with Head Start dollars.

* I congratulate Chairman MILLER and Speaker PELOSI for making our children's education a priority for the 110th Congress. I am pleased to support H.R. 1429 and look forward to continuing to put the interests of our children and our families first.

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