Like all federal programs, Head Start must be reauthorized by Congress every few years.  Reauthorization bills are the basis for program regulations and may make significant changes in how programs like Head Start operate.  Head Start was last reauthorized in 1998 for five years.  Congress has been working since 2003 on new legislation.  Both the House and Senate have passed bills, which have gone to a conference committee to work out differences.  A final bill is expected to go back to both houses in late 2007. 

The Kansas Head Start Association (KHSA) Board of Directors has identified and adopted the following six priorities in our work with our Congressional delegation on reauthorization:

• Increase income eligibility to 130 % of the federal poverty guidelines. This increase would allow more flexibility in serving families and meeting local needs without additional program cost. Programs already have systems in place to ensure that those most in need are the first served.
  • While the need for Head Start services continues, many families are migrating from rural areas to urban areas, leaving smaller numbers of children eligible for services at the 100% guideline.
  • Families who are just over the 100% guideline are still living in poverty and lack resources for their children’s educational needs. Head Start is an important support to ensure their successful transition to self-sufficieny

• Degree Requirement for Teachers: BA-Teacher Mandate. While the Kansas Head Start Association supports required teacher degrees and recognizes that all classrooms should have qualified teachers who possess necessary competencies to perform effectively within an early childhood setting. However, it is critical that Head Start programs receive necessary funding to compensate and maintain teachers at a salary commensurate with their level of education.
  
  In addition to teaching staff, local agencies should have resources to ensure that all staff demonstrate and are recognized for their professional status.

• Re-competition of Head Start Grantees. The issue of re-competition of grants and any activities which support that process should be limited to poorly performing programs which have unresolved deficiencies. A system is in place which includes timely resolution of issues. A clear and concise definition of the term “deficiency” is needed relative to the issue of re-competition.

• Funding for Transportation. Funding needs to be available to provide much-needed transportation for families and to ensure that programs can meet all standards effectively and serve children safely. Programs must be able to provide transportation and meet all safety standards without continuing to write waivers which only serve to stall the problem of inadequate funding in meeting mandates.

• Increase set aside funding for Early Head Start. By increasing the set aside of funding, programs would be allowed more flexibility regarding the shifting of slots to respond to community needs. The increase would also allow for a more comprehensive approach and seamless services to enrolled families.

• Maintain the current Policy Council – Shared Governance Structure. It is critical that the current Policy Council structure of shared decision making be maintained. It is vitally as important to provide a clear understanding of the delineation of roles and responsibilities of the Policy Council and the governing board and ensure that each entity is held accountable for fulfilling its designated responsibilities.