NHSA:  "VERY STIMULATING" 60,000 JOBS POSSIBLE FROM $2.1 BILLION FOR HEAD START/EARLY HEAD START IN SENATE ECONOMIC RECOVERY PACKAGE

WASHINGTON, D.C.///February 5, 2009///The National Head Start Association (NHSA) issued the following statement today via NHSA Board Chairperson Ron Herndon, who also is the director of the Albina Head Start program in Portland, Oregon:

"It's time to set the record straight about Head Start/Early Head Start and the economic stimulus bill now before the U.S. Senate.  The truth is that up to 60,000 jobs could be created -- and that is not even including related construction positions - with the $2.1 billion has been designated for Head Start and Early Head Start.

The arguments that some are making today that more spending on Head Start is ‘non stimulative' as part of the package are simply untrue.   Not only would the targeted stimulus funds go directly to the hardest-hit communities where they are needed most, but they could be put to work immediately to hire more teachers, more aides,  and other staff, as well as the construction workers needed to fix or replace Head Start's deteriorating schools and other infrastructure.

And then there is this fact:  More Head Start slots and more full-time Head Start programs mean that more parents with children can get jobs and go to work.    

Even though we announced on January 8, 2009 that Head Start and Early Head Start need $4.3 billion as part of the economic recovery package, we were pleased that the House of Representatives version of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Bill includes $2.1 billion for what are America's most successful early childhood education and health programs and we hope that the Senate is able to  maintain the $2.1 billion for Head Start in its version."

ABOUT NHSA

The National Head Start Association (http://www.nhsa.org) is a private not-for-profit membership organization dedicated exclusively to meeting the needs of Head Start children and their families. It represents more than one million children, 200,000 staff and 2,600 Head Start programs in the United States. The Association provides support for the entire Head Start community by advocating for policies that strengthen services to Head Start children and their families; by providing extensive training and professional development to Head Start staff; and by developing and disseminating research, information, and resources that enrich Head Start program delivery.

CONTACT:  Ailis Aaron Wolf, (703) 276-3265 or aawolf@hastingsgroup.com.