Get the Facts

Head Start was created in 1964 to provide low-income children with the early learning experiences they need in order to succeed in school and help lift their families out of poverty. Early Head Start was later established to enhance the physical, cognitive and socio-emotional development of infants and toddlers. Since then, these programs have helped millions of children become capable young adults, loving parents and productive citizens. A federally funded program administered through local public and private agencies, Head Start promotes school readiness by focusing on the cognitive and socio-emotional development of low-income three and four year olds. In addition to traditional learning, Head Start shapes the character skills that create success in school and life—attentiveness, persistence, impulse control and working with others. Based in community settings and schools, Head Start programs can be half-day or full-day. All programs provide education, emotional development, health, nutrition, parent education and social services.

 

Head Start works for children. National evaluations have shown that Head Start children do better in learning, language and socio-emotional development than do similar children who do not experience the program. Head Start children have better social skills and approach learning with enthusiasm, curiosity, imagination and persistence. They have a positive attitude about gaining new knowledge and skills—and they are less likely to have behavior problems.

 

Head Start works for families. Because Head Start provides parental education, the program helps transform homes into environments that encourage early childhood development and later school achievement. Parents of Head Start children are more likely to read to their children and engage in social and cultural activities together. Increased parent/child interaction reduces behavior problems and increases family stability. Parents report that their children are healthier due to greater access to health and dental care. And, families of Head Start children are reported to have increased income and employment and decreased welfare dependency.

 

Head Start works for all of us. Providing low-income children with early foundational skills for success pays off for everyone. By shaping the early skills that lead to adult productivity, Head Start reduces the high costs of remediation and social dependence—and increases productivity and economic growth.

 

How you can help. Despite its effectiveness, federal funding does not nearly cover the number of low-income children who need Head Start. Federal funding covers fewer than one in every four children who qualify for the program. The need for Head Start and Early Head Start is growing; access to the program must grow as well. You can help by sharing the stories on this website with your friends, relatives and elected officials. Let them know that Head Start is important to you and urge them to support more funding for Head Start and Early Head Start.