WHEREAS:

Head Start has prepared over 20 million of America's neediest children for success in kindergarten and later life; and

WHEREAS:

Strong program performance standards, high teacher qualifications, comprehensive services to children and families, technical assistance for continued improvements, and federal oversight have been hallmarks of Head Start quality for many years; and

WHEREAS:

Despite this distinguished record, the U.S. House of Representatives approved a bill that would turn Head Start funding over to the states in the form of a block grant. While this bill would limit the initial block grant to eight states, any block grant would threaten the long-term existence of the federal Head Start program with its hallmark comprehensive service component; and

WHEREAS:

Study after study during Head Start's 40-year existence has concluded that low-income children who attend Head Start enter kindergarten better prepared and more ready to learn than children from similar backgrounds who do not attend Head Start; and

WHEREAS:

The House-passed bill shortchanges children and Head Start workers because it provides little additional funding. In fact, the bill would not even allow Head Start to keep pace with inflation let alone cover additional eligible children or pay for training for Head Start workers; and

WHEREAS:

This legislation would require that 50 percent of Head Start teachers have a B.A. degree within five years; and

WHEREAS:

Head Start teachers with advanced degrees already are paid at appreciably lower rates than their peers with similar credentials; and

WHEREAS:

The bill would permit Head Start administrators to discriminate in hiring practices based on religion; and

WHEREAS:

Head Start currently covers only approximately 60 percent of all eligible children.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:

That AFSCME opposes any plan to block grant the Head Start program; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That AFSCME opposes the House bill's provisions that repeal civil rights protections for Head Start employees and permit the program to discriminate in hiring based on religion; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That AFSCME supports increasing educational standards for Head Start teachers and teacher aides only if there is sufficient funding to pay for teacher education and training. Increased standards without the necessary federal funding will result in increased staff turnover in this vital program; and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED:

That AFSCME supports expanding Head Start to cover all eligible children.

SUBMITTED BY:

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