Molohan Applauds House Action to Extend the Head Start Program

Press Release

Mollohan Applauds House Action to Extend the Head Start Program

Congressman Alan B. Mollohan said House passage of legislation that keeps the popular Head Start program for early childhood education represents another strong effort to answer the needs of the American people.

The House passed a conference report Wednesday extending the life of Head Start which has been the premier early childhood education program in the U.S. for more than 40 years and served more than 20 million children and families.

"Head Start has been the cornerstone in our efforts to close the achievement gap, combat poverty and provide all Americans with the opportunity to thrive," Mollohan said. "The legislation approved today improves teacher and classroom quality, strengthens Head Start's focus on school readiness, expands access to Head Start for more children, ensures that centers are well-run, and boosts comprehensive services that help children by helping their families."

In addition to ensuring that classroom staff receives better training to meet the needs of children with disabilities, the legislation improves teacher qualifications requiring half of teachers nationwide to have a bachelor's degree by 2013.

The bill also provides greater flexibility to serve children whose family income is just above the federal poverty line while ensuring that serving the neediest children remains the program's top priority.

The bill authorizes total funding of $7.35 billion for fiscal year 2008, $7.65 billion for fiscal year 2009, and $7.99 billion for fiscal year 2010.

"This is a program that I am proud to support," Mollohan said. "It has been a success and will continue to contribute to the improvement of childrens' lives for years to come."

Source