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Head Start is a US program for children aged 0-5 from low-income families, providing education, health care, and food support. Eligibility is based on income level, with the federal poverty level being $20,000 per year for a family of four. Studies show mixed results on the program’s effectiveness, with some showing academic benefits but also behavioral problems. The program remains important, but questions remain about its long-term benefits and the need for additional services for impoverished families.
Head Start is a US program designed to help children from birth to five years of age who come from low-income or poverty-level families. Its goal is to help these children prepare for kindergarten and also provide necessary requirements such as health care and food support. President Lyndon Johnson approved the program in 1965 as part of his larger social program which he called the War on Poverty.
The Head Start program is multifaceted and is now administered by the United States Department of Health and Human Services. Early services include access to antenatal care and feeding programs for mothers of newborns and children under five.
Most are more familiar with Head Start programs that provide preschool education for children ages three and older. To participate in a preschool associated with the program, a family must be financially qualified. Additionally, all children who are in foster care are eligible, regardless of the income of the foster family.
If one receives assistance or a disability, the child is immediately qualified for Head Start. Otherwise, eligibility is based on income level. The federal poverty level is often far below what would be considered a living income in some parts of the country. For example, a family of four is considered impoverished with an income of $20,000 US Dollars (USD) a year. This is the maximum income allowed for children in Head Start Preschools or pregnant women participating in Head Start Early Programs.
Some Head Start preschools allow 10% of their places to go to higher income families. Usually, however, these preschools are quite full, so children with parents who have incomes above the poverty level may not have a chance of enrolling in one.
These preschools have been shown to slightly increase the IQ of children entering kindergarten. Children who participate in the program also seem more ready to learn by starting to read and do math. A government study published in 2005 shows that these children have mild to moderate advantages over children who participate in charitable community programs run to help poor students.
Other studies have not been so favourable. A 1995 study showed that white children benefit more in the long term from the program than children of other races.
A 2004 study agrees with previous studies that children are better prepared academically for kindergarten as a result of Head Start preschools. However, these same children seemed less socially prepared to be in kindergarten and tended to have more behavioral problems.
Others questioned the IQ benefits of Head Start. Some cite that most children who do not participate in the program quickly catch up with peers in IQ level and academic readiness. The long-term effects may not be as beneficial as claimed according to some studies. The 2004 study also showed that behavior problems tended to persist after kindergarten in students who had attended Head Start Preschools.
While the program has drawbacks, these studies can help Head Start adjust programs to reflect long-term needs. No such social program can be without some problems. Head Start remains an important program that many children benefit from. Questions remain about the longevity of such benefits and whether other programs or services could further help impoverished children and their families.
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