Legislators Start Drive To Help Out Head Start N. Idaho Lawmakers Lead Fight To Boost Preschool Aid For Low-Income Kids

This year’s fight to win the first-ever state funding for Head Start was launched Friday, largely by North Idaho legislators.

“There’s work being done to try to identify some funds to fund it,” said Sen. Shawn Keough, R-Sandpoint, shortly after the Senate Education Committee agreed to introduce a bill she co-sponsored.

The measure would take the first step, setting up a state council to administer the new funds and get them out to Head Start programs.

Head Start is a federally funded preschool program for low-income children. It’s popular in part because it also educates parents and families, and because it’s seen as effective. A recent federal study showed 4-year-olds who went through the program were likely to gain the reading, math and social skills needed to be successful in kindergarten.

Because Idaho adds nothing to the federal money it receives for the program, only 20 percent of eligible Idaho children are in Head Start. Nationally, the average is 40 percent.

Keough said, “I think our hope is this year, with the governor’s emphasis on early childhood development and education, … (is) that we have some momentum.”

Sen. Clyde Boatright, R-Rathdrum, said Idaho is saving millions because it cut its welfare rolls 70 percent through welfare reform. “What we’re trying to do is redirect some of those funds to expand Head Start,” he said.

While the senators in the Education Committee said they’re hoping for at least $500,000, Boatright said he’s looking at a $1.5 million plan. Because the move would involve some federal money, Boatright said federal approval is being sought.

If it succeeds, “we can open about 15 more classrooms.” he said. That would mean up to 300 additional children could be served.

“That’s quite an expansion of the program here in Idaho,” Boatright said. “It probably won’t serve all the needs, but at least it’ll get some of these children in poverty off to a better start in life.”

The Education Committee will schedule a hearing on the bill.