Conyers: Reauthorization of Head Start an Important Step Forward

Washington, DC - Congressman John Conyers, Jr., Chairman of the House Committee on Judiciary and Dean of the Congressional Black Caucus, made the following statement on the passage of H.R.1429, The Improving Head Start Act of 2007:

"After nearly four years of setbacks in the reauthorization of Head Start, the 110th Congress finally has voted in favor of this critical program. Reauthorization of Head Start, the highly successful early childhood education program for low-income children, is a significant step in the direction of improving the education of America's youth. Now it is up to our colleagues in the Senate to pass this bill and ensure that it continues on to the President.

Americans know what a huge difference early childhood education can make in a child's development; they understand that early childhood education needs to be a national priority. The long-term impact of these programs is clearly demonstrated in the high percentage of low-income children who have participated in Head Start and were subsequently more likely to be developmentally on par with their peers in kindergarten, to behave well in class, succeed in school and ultimately to graduate.

Our nation has long recognized that education should be a universal right to all, regardless of race, religion, or socioeconomic status. I am pleased that the Chairman of Education and Labor, George Miller, has made improving America's education system one of his top priorities in the 110th Congress.

By improving Head Start's teacher and classroom quality, expanding access, increasing coordination between Head Start and state and local early childhood services, and strengthening Head Start's accountability, The Improving Head Start Act of 2007 will help more children arrive at school ready to succeed."

##05-02-2007##