Don Owens
Office 202.862.9863
Mobile 202.302.5928
dowens@preknow.org

(Washington, DC) - The executive director of Pre-K Now, Libby Doggett, today issued the following statement on the recently released study of the impact of the federal Head Start program:

"The Head Start impact study, released June 9th, shows that the United States must do better by our nation's neediest children, and we must continue to improve the quality of Head Start. The study showed modest improvements in 14 out of 30 categories measured in three year olds and 6 of 30 categories measured in four year olds. The fact that children made small to moderate gains on so many measures after just one year of Head Start is very promising. Yet, some high-quality, state-funded pre-k programs and some individual Head Start programs are achieving better results.

"Unlike many state-funded pre-k programs, Head Start does not yet require teachers to hold bachelor's degrees in early childhood education, nor has the program received the necessary funds to pay their teachers higher salaries. Currently, only 31 percent of Head Start teachers hold a bachelor's degree. And the average Head Start teacher with a BA degree earns only $26,000 annually compared to the average salary of a public school teacher of $43,000 per year. While our country should expect more from Head Start, so must we give more. Better-educated and better-paid teachers typically result in better child outcomes.

"Head Start is currently being reauthorized by both the House and Senate. Bills in both bodies propose expanding the educational requirements of Head Start teachers. However, the funding to increase salaries commensurate with education has not been allotted. Head Start funding must be increased to ensure payment of adequate salaries to highly qualified teachers.

"As our nation works to improve this vitally important program, state pre-k and Head Start must work together to serve the rest of our nation's children—particularly those from low income families who could benefit from pre-k. While the results of this impact study are somewhat disappointing, research over the last 35 years has clearly shown us that children who attend high-quality pre-k do better in kindergarten and throughout school and after graduation are less likely to commit crimes and more likely to attend college, get jobs and pay taxes.

"By raising teacher qualifications, increasing teacher pay and committing to more stable funding we will promote the value of a robust and thriving Head Start program for years to come."

**Access the Head Start Impact Study here.

Pre-K Now collaborates with state advocates and policymakers to lead a movement for high-quality, voluntary pre-kindergarten for all three and four year olds. We gratefully acknowledge past and present funders: The Pew Charitable Trusts, the David and Lucile Packard Foundation, the Schumann Fund for New Jersey, the Foundation for Child Development, the Kellogg Foundation, the Joyce Foundation and the McCormick Tribune Foundation.

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