Comment needed to protect Head Start
Oct. 6 is the deadline to protect the kids and families served by Head Start. The clock is running out to protect the integrity of the Head Start program, which for 60 years, has had bipartisan support, effectively serving children, families and communities.
The Department of Health and Human Services/Children and Family Services plans to make drastic changes to curriculum and classroom coverage, among other things, that would keep the program from being effective, things like removing curriculum guidelines, turning management over to the states and increasing teacher student ratio (e.g., one teacher to eight 2-year-olds, for three hours instead of six hours).
I taught Head Start in Carroll County for eight years and learned firsthand the results it gives to students, families and the community. This valuable program has enhanced the health and well-being of children as it prepares them to be successful academically. If you have success stories, like I do, please take five minutes to comment in favor of keeping Head Start guidelines in place, and if anything, adding more resources to the program, not taking them away.
Go to regulations.gov and search Reducing Federal Burden for Head Start.Head Start is not a burden, but lack of care for our most vulnerable preschoolers is a financial and societal burden to us all.