Among the biggest changes the bill proposes is to increase program eligibility for low-income families. Currently, Head Start is open to children in families living below the federal poverty line, or $20,600 for a family of four. The new bill would expand eligibility to families living at or below 130 percent of the poverty line, or $26,800 for a family of four. The bill would also require states to create local partnerships, expand services, and align those services to state standards.

PTA applauds the committee’s efforts to reauthorize this critically important program, but is extremely concerned that the new bill will not include the parent involvement components necessary to keeping Head Start an effective venture. The legislation approved by the committee weakens the role of the parent policy council so that parents no longer have an effective voice in their children’s education. PTA strongly supports the program’s current setup, under which parents are encouraged to be involved and to help improve their states’ programs. This setup keeps the purpose of Head Start intact and provides a direct link to the children Head Start should be serving. PTA has voiced its opposition to this proposed change numerous times during past reauthorization efforts, and is looking forward to working with Congress to enhance parent involvement under Head Start instead of lessening it.

PTA encourages its members to contact their senators and representatives about this important issue. Contact your senators and representative toll-free at (800) 459-1887. If you’re not sure who your senators and representative are, go to the Issues and Action section of the PTA website and type in your ZIP code.