Jim Ramstad: “I don't understand why the administration wants to fix a program that's not broken. Head Start is one Federal program…”

“I don't understand why the administration wants to fix a program that's not broken. Head Start is one Federal program that works and gives parents a voice in how to best meet their children's educational needs. I have visited a number of Head Start classrooms, and I have seen firsthand that Head Start is working well for 'at-risk' preschoolers and their families. I oppose this bill to recast Head Start because it would disrupt Head Start's comprehensive mission of education, health and nutrition. Comprehensive services, along with parental involvement, are the foundation that make Head Start successful. This bill diverts funds from local programs to the States, while relieving States of the responsibility to meet current performance standards. Early childhood experts agree that the proposed changes would be devastating for Head Start and the children and families it serves. The last thing Congress should do is experiment with a successful program. I urge my colleagues to vote against this legislation.”