Head Start

A a part of the Great Society the government began the Head Start and Early Head Start programs. Head Start is for children ages 3 to 5 and Early Head Start is for children birth to age 3. These are federally funded government childcare programs. Studies show an early improvement in academic achievement but it fades as the child gets older. A large study was completed in 2008 and showed some positive results but the study came under scrutiny when it was discovered that instead of the participants being chosen randomly they were selected by teachers in the program. Regardless of the academic effectiveness, the program does provide baby sitting for low income families. Most programs are 6 hours and this gives a break to single working moms. It cost $12,000 per year per student which is comparable to $15,000 per year for other public school students. The program serves 1.1 million mostly minority children 37% Hispanic and 29% Black. If the program were expanded to a full school day the biggest beneficiaries would be single working moms. Parents whose children do not qualify for free childcare spend on average $12,000 per year per child which is what Head Start cost.