WHEAREAS:

The Bush Administration has set up an inter-agency task force to examine the transfer of Head Start from the Department of Health and Human Services to the Department of Education; and

WHEREAS:

Moving Head Start to the Department of Education could provide an opportunity to convert the program to a block grant, giving the money directly to the governor rather than to grantees. A block grant would most likely remove the prescriptive provisions requiring quality improvements including mandatory cost-of-living increases and employer neutrality in union organizing campaigns; and

WHEREAS:

The Department of Health and Human Services staff have developed the expertise both at the national and regional levels to administer the program; and

WHEREAS:

The transfer will result in a loss of contracts and chaos as the Department of Education tries to administer a program for which they have no expertise.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:

The Head Start program is not just an educational or a day care program. It provides comprehensive social services for families, including dental screening, health and nutrition services and mental health programs requiring parental involvement; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

The Head Start Bureau is part of the Health and Human Services Administration on Children, Youth and Families (ACYF), and ACYF oversees the administration of other programs for children, including child care and child welfare programs; and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED:

That AFSCME work closely with Congress to examine all aspects of the program to maintain the current administrative structure to ensure collaboration and integration of all components providing the education, health, family and community support.

SUBMITTED BY:

Betty Powell, President and Delegate
AFSCME Local 95, Council 1707
New York