Head Start is essential

If Congress doesn’t make a decision with the upcoming budget cuts, many successful programs like Head Start will be cut. Head Start is a successful program that helps our most at-risk children and families.

If a child is entering the world in poverty, there’s already one more hurdle for them to overcome before they reach success. Programs like Head Start are these children’s foundation for success, as they are valuable, proven and have positive effects on the children and families. Children who attend Head Start are better prepared for kindergarten, less likely to be in special education programs and more likely to graduate from high school.

Serving on the agency’s Policy Council, I have personally seen the positive outcome. Head Start is more than an early-childhood education initiative. It provides social and emotional development through high-quality early education, health screenings and support services to children and families who otherwise may not receive such care.

The greatest investment we can make in our nation’s future is in the education of our young people. Funding for Head Start needs to be sustained or increased to ensure that quality services can continue to be there for the families that need them.

Becky Nielsen

Pullman