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1994.02.10 : Proposal to Reauthorize Head Start

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                   Contact:  David Siegel
Thursday, Feb. 10, 1994                           (202) 401-9215


     HHS Secretary Donna E. Shalala today joined a bipartisan group
of members of Congress to announce the introduction of a consensus
proposal to reauthorize and strengthen the Head Start program.

     "This proposed legislation reflects agreement on both sides of
the aisle that we need a new Head Start program -- not just bigger,
but also better," Secretary Shalala said.  "The emphasis here is on
quality in every Head Start center."

     The proposed legislation was formally transmitted to Congress
today and introduced in the Senate and House of Representatives by
Senators Edward Kennedy, D-Mass., Chris Dodd, D-Conn., Nancy
Kassebaum, R-Kan., and Dan Coats, R-Ind., and Representatives
William Ford, D-Mich., Matthew Martinez, D-Calif., William
Goodling, R-Pa., and Susan Molinari, R-N.Y.

     The administration's proposal, the "Head Start Act Amendments
of 1994," was also the subject of a joint hearing today of the
Senate Committee on Labor and Human Resources, Subcommittee on
Children, Family, Drugs, and Alcoholism, and the House Committee on
Education and Labor, Subcommittee on Human Resources.

     "We are proud that this bill reflects the bipartisan support
Head Start has enjoyed throughout its 29-year history," said
Shalala.  "The proposed legislation includes tough new provisions
to ensure that no Head Start grantee will continue to provide
services if it falls below a minimum quality level and fails to
correct the deficiencies promptly."

     The bill requires the promulgation of performance measures;
strengthens performance standards; establishes a minimum standard
of accomplishment for all grantees; and strengthens current
authority regarding staff qualifications and development.

     In addition, for the first time, the proposal would require
that past performance be taken into account in allocating Head
Start expansion funds.

     In testimony before today's joint hearing,  HHS Assistant
Secretary for Children and Families Mary Jo Bane said, "The
proposed legislation incorporates the priorities of Secretary
Shalala's Advisory Committee on Head Start Quality and Expansion.
It places a strong emphasis on quality and provides programs the
flexibility to meet local needs -- such as providing full-day,
full-year services to families working or in training.  It also
encourages strategic planning at the national and local levels and
ensures that new funds are allocated to serve more children in
communities with the greatest need." 

(Note to Correspondents:  the Head Start Act Amendments of 1994
Summary is available upon request.)