H.R.1630 Head Start Accountability Act of 2007

Title: To amend the Head Start Act to provide greater accountability for Head Start agencies.
Sponsor: Rep Putnam, Adam H. [2] [R-FL-12] (introduced 3/21/2007)      Cosponsors (None)
Latest Major Action: 6/27/2007 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education.

Highlights: Head Start Accountability Act of 2007 - Amends the Head Start Act to require additional accountability measures for Head Start agencies, including: (1) agency designation period limits; (2) revised redesignation priorities; (3) local oversight boards; (4) revised administrative and financial management standards; (5) delegate agency evaluations and corrective actions; (6) shorter deadlines for agency corrective actions; (7) revised notice and hearing procedures for assistance suspensions, terminations, or reductions; and (8) annual audits. Prohibits recipients from using Head Start assistance to appeal any decision of the Secretary of Health and Human Services under the Act.

ASPIRA Policy Position

ASPIRA opposes the measure. ASPIRA recognizes the need for accountability in Head Start and supports the current accountability system. However, ASPIRAopposes further accountability measures which will draw resources from actual services and will create a new layer of bureaucracy further burdening programs.

ASPIRA recognizes that the research on Head Start over the past decades clearly demonstrate its effectiveness.