Better times ahead for Head Start

Apr/May 2008 - Since 1965, Head Start has been the nation's most successful school readiness program. Yet for years, this federal program has suffered funding freezes and cuts that threatened its very existence.

Finally, after a five-year debate, congress overwhelmingly approved reauthorization of Head Start this fall. The reauthorization bill boosts funding for Head Start and expands eligibility to allow more working poor to participate in the program. President Bush signed the bill in December.

"MEA-MFT has worked for years with our national affiliates to protect Head Start," said MEA-MFT President Eric Feaver. "There's much more work to be done. We need to get Head Start funding to the point where the program will pay its employees a living wage and fulfill its promise of getting America's most at-risk children ready for school."