Nancy Kassebaum: “First, I agree with Senator Kennedy that HHS administrators already have considerable authority to approve alternate…”

“First, I agree with Senator Kennedy that HHS administrators already have considerable authority to approve alternate ways of delivering Head Start services. I would hope that authority is used to meet the differing needs of families in local communities around the country--as long as Head Start's performance standards continue to be met. I also believe it may be wise in many local communities to encourage collaboration in the planning and delivery of early childhood and family services between Head Start and subsidized child care and other local programs that serve the same children and families. One good example, is the potential or combining funding and services from Head Start and subsidized child care for eligible children who have parents working or in school at times that extend beyond a part-day of part-week Head Start program. Furthermore, I believe that, when administrative rules and regulations are a barrier for effectively combining funds from different Federal programs, a timely mechanism for requesting and granting waivers should be put into place. And, finally, I realize that many of these same issues need to be addressed in the design of federally subsidized child care and other programs that serve low-income children and families. I intend to continue to work closely with Senator Durenberger, Senator Kennedy, and others on these issues as we take up a variety of initiatives on welfare reform later this year.”