Head Start Program Analysis

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With new criteria’s being implemented in Head Start, programs must now ensure that by September 2013, a majority or at least 50% of Head Start teachers and Head Start Education Coordinators within center-based programs have: baccalaureate or advanced degree in early childhood education. A baccalaureate or advanced degree or have coursework equivalent to a major relating to early childhood education, also have some experience in teaching preschoolers. All teachers who meet this requirement in center base Head Start programs. Teacher Assistants in center based Head Start programs are required to have a child development associate degree and or be working toward their associate or baccalaureate degree by the September dates. Head Start programs…show more content…
Federal funds for Head Start programs are allocated in block grants to each state. Allocation of these monies is given to local Head Start programs. The Head Start funds are passed from the Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children and Families (ACF). In December 2007 Head Start was reauthorized with hundreds of new expensive regulations. Head Start suffered a cut of more than $10 million for the Head Start program affected for the 2008 Fiscal Year. The 2008 funding cut to Head Start means that programs will experience a decline in federal support by 11% since 2002. Federal support for Head Start kept a pace with the rise of inflation during this period. The budget rose from $6.54 billion in the fiscal year of 2002 to $7.77 billion for the fiscal year 2008. If Head Start programs received their full allocated monies from the ACF’s proposed 2009 budget increase, then programs would still operate in a negative stage by $923 million. This would cause a funding cut of 12% at the end of the budget period. This budget cut does not take into consideration the additional millions of dollars needed to operate according to the new requirements approved in December 2007. Allocated amounts for collaborative grants during the 2007 fiscal year level; has been allocated to be at least 2.5%, but no more than 3% for training and technical assistance. 20% of this allocation is to be used for providing assistance to Early Head Start

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