Watch CBS News

Head Start Programs Must Measure Up

Philadelphia (CBS) - When most people think of early childhood programs, they think of "Head Start." Started 45 years ago, there are about 1600 programs for pre-school children nationally at an approximate cost of $7.2 million annually.

The goal of Head Start is to meet the social, educational and physical needs of poor young children, so that they may achieve in school as well as their more affluent peers.

According to Education Week, about 25% of the programs are evaluated on a rotating basis each year. Now, those up for evaluation will be reviewed under seven performance conditions in categories relating to program quality, licensing and operation, fiscal and internal controls.

Making a change to regulations, the US Department of Health and Human Services has announced rules that would force low performing programs to compete for federal funding. A program can be terminated for serious violations and will not be permitted to compete for five years.

These changes, suggested by the Head Start Advisory Committee, are being praised by early childhood advocates and exemplify the Obama administration's emphasis on quality.

Reported By Dr. Marciene Mattleman, KYW Newsradio

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.