Just For Parents

A Newsletter from NHSA’s Government Affairs Division

January 2006

Please circulate this document to all Head Start parents

Head Start Goes Under the Budget Knife

Head Start is just one of many federally funded programs being drastically affected by the one percent across-the-board cuts Congress passed in December. These cuts could deny approximately 32,000 children access to Head Start services. Programs like child care, education, homeless assistance programs, and HIV/AIDS prevention services were also cut.

Head Start Reauthorization at a Stand Still

Head Start reauthorization appears to have stalled in the Senate because of religious discrimination language that Republicans would like to add to the Head Start Reauthorization Bill (S.1107). This language allows faith-based organizations to discriminate in hiring practices based on religious affiliation. Other issues of concern to the Head Start community are the reduction in the role of Head Start parents in decision making (share governance) and the lack of adequate pay for Head Start teachers who are mandated to go back to school and get their degrees.

Call to Action: Three Steps

1. On February 1, the House of Representatives will vote to cut funding for Medicaid, SSI, child support, and the Student Loan Program. We need all parents to contact their member of Congress right now. You can call your member of Congress for free by dialing (800) 426-8073. Use the sample below to assist you with your call.

“My name is _______________, and I live in (your town/city). I would like Representative [name] to vote NO on the budget cuts bill (S.1932). This bill will cut billions in vital services, including Medicaid, SSI, foster care, child care, child support, and student loans. I urge Representative [name] to vote against this bill because it chooses special interests over families.”

2. NHSA has developed a new e-mail letter just for parents. Send your member of Congress the new parent policy council letter by visiting www.saveheadstart.org

3. Join the upcoming National Parent Conference Calls by dialing (888) 457-6338 and entering the pass code 266082. Upcoming dates for the next Parent Conference Calls are Feb.22, March 15, and April 19 at 8:30 p.m. EST.