HomeMy WebLinkAboutRESOLUTIONS - 01012003 - 2003-218 077
In the Matter of Recognizing and Preserving)
the Headstart Program } RESOLUTION NO.2003/218
WHEREAS, Head Start is a 38-year-old federally funded program charged with preparing poverty-level
preschoolers for elementary school; and
WHEREAS Head Start also establishes a medical home for children to the dentist, the doctor or the
mental health professional;and provides case management services as well as duality educational
development and parenting classes for families that live below the federal poverty level; and
WHEREAS, the President has proposed moving the program to the U.S. Department of Education and
changing the focus of the program from comprehensive, family-based to an academic focus only using a
narrow view of what ultimately promotes literacy in program but a family focused program and if the
proposed changes are implemented, the family development aspect of Head Start will be lost; and
WHEREAS, the President's proposal is designed to eliminate the proven national performance
standards and devolve responsibility to each state that may not even have quality standards in place; and
remove parents in their critical role of shared program governance ensuring services reflect the
communities identified needs; and
WHEREAS, while we support proposals to encourage states to increase all-day Head Start classes,
coordinate state preschool programs and childcare program with Head Start, and mesh preschool
instruction with kindergarten through grade 12 curriculum, all of which Contra Costa County is a leader
in developing, as the first designated Program of Achievement in the state of California; we assert that
federal legislation should promote the highest standards to continue collaborative efforts. Head Start
has been identified as the model system, research based and outcomes driven; and
WHEREAS, if the states are each in charge of the funding for Head Start programs, there is the
possibility of increased administrative cost, broad interpretations related to funding standards, lack of
accountability for federal investment of dollars resulting in disproportion of services provided and less
resources going toward serving the neediest of the children;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF CONTRA
COSTA COUNTY:
That the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors urges Congress to recognize the meritorious
aspects and successes of the Head Start program, maintain funding at the highest possible level, and
reject any proposal to move Head Start from the Department of Health and Human Services to the
Department of Education,to block grant it or to devolve the program or any attempt to limit the scope
or dismantle the Head Start program;and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors forward copies of
this resolution to the President, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, the Secretary of
Education, Governor Davis and to each member of the California Congressional Delegation.
MARK DeSAC.)LNIER,CHAIR;
I hereby certify that this is a true and correct copy of an action
taken and entered on the minutes ofthe Board of Supervisors on
the date shown:
ATTESTED: April 8,2003
JOHN SWEETEN, Clerk of the Board of Supervisors and
Coun Admin" r
i
By Deputy
IRY.SOLUTION NO.2003/218