Orrin Hatch: “today we approved the Conference Report on the Improving Head Start for School Readiness Act of 2007--H.R. 1429. I…”

“today we approved the Conference Report on the Improving Head Start for School Readiness Act of 2007--H.R. 1429. I applaud the good work of all involved. I particularly want to commend Chairman Kennedy and Senator Enzi, as well as Chairman Miller and Representative McKeon on the House side for their collective work on this important bill. Head Start is a national program promoting school readiness through educational, health, nutritional, and social services. Currently, Head Start serves over 900,000 low-income children and their families in approximately 1,600 programs run by public and private agencies. As a whole-child, whole-family program, Head Start prepares children for what we hope will be a lifetime of learning. I want to recognize and commend our Head Start programs in Utah. They do an outstanding job, and I believe this legislation will go a long way to providing additional support for them. I have appreciated their input during this long process. I have been struck by some of the stories shared by our Head Start people in Utah. I remember hearing from one of our Head Start Directors that a number of children have never held a book before entering the program. When they are handed their first book, many don't know how to open it. Entering Head Start swings wide the doors of learning and opportunity and exposes young children to the reading and learning process.”