Human Services News

From Center for Law and Social Policy:

This policy brief examines the latest data from the Program Information Reports (PIR) that all Head Start programs must submit to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Since 1965, the federal Head Start program has served lowincome 3- and 4-year-old children and their families with comprehensive early education and support services.

Most families did not have child care subsidies and relied on informal child care during the hours their child was not in Head Start.

At least 90 percent of enrollees must be from low-income families (with income at or below federal poverty guidelines), receiving public assistance, or in foster care.

Standards require that all children receive a complete medical screening within 45 days of enrollment and, if necessary, staff must work with parents to provide referrals for follow-up treatment.

More than half of all children enrolled in Head Start with a disability are not diagnosed until entering the program.

Children are increasingly receiving health insurance through public programs, even though parental employment rates have remained constant.

Families (TANF) program has decreased significantly in recent years.

In 2005, just 19 percent of Head Start families received TANF benefits, compared to 45 percent in 1997.

2002. The number of parents participating in Head Start as staff members or volunteers remained the same in 2005.

2003. Head Start programs met that mandate, and the number of teachers with degrees and credentials continued to increase in 2005, with 69 percent of teachers holding an A.A. or higher.

2005. The PIR includes all children who were enrolled in Head Start at any point during the program year, including those who dropped out before 45 days of enrollment, the time frame during which Head Start programs are required to provide medical and dental screenings.

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