H.R.1429 Head Start for School Readiness Act

To reauthorize the Head Start Act, to improve program quality, to expand access, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep Kildee, Dale E. [2] [D-MI-5] (introduced 3/9/2007)      Cosponsors (26)
Related Bills: H.RES.348 [3], S.556 [4]
House Reports: 110-67 [5]
Latest Major Action: 6/19/2007 Resolving differences -- Senate actions. Status: Senate insists on its amendment, asks for a conference.Highlights: Includes children's growth in language, preliteracy, premathematics, emotional, and physical skills among the aims of Head Start programs. Authorizes appropriations for Head Start programs for FY2008-FY2012, with specified amounts for research, demonstration, and evaluation activities, including longitudinal studies and impact studies. Raises from below the poverty line to 130% of the poverty line the family income threshold for a child's eligibility to participate in Head Start programs. Requires priority to be given, however, to serving those below the poverty level.

Provides funds for training of Head Start personnel in addressing the unique needs of disabled children and their families, migrant and seasonal farmworker families, LEP families, and homeless families.

ASPIRA Policy Position

ASPIRA supports expansion of Head Start services and the purpose of the legislation. ASPIRA is concerned that the annual appropriation for the program may not allow it to achieve the proposed intent or that adding components (such as research, demonstration and evaluation activities) may undercut funding for program implementation.

ASPIRA is also concerned about the potential burden of these new activities on existing programs.