A Renewed Head Start: New Opportunities for Latino Children

Publication Date: December 2008

Publisher: National Council of La Raza

Author(s): Erika Beltran; Amy Goldwasser; Erika Beltran; Amy Goldwasser

Research Area: Education

Keywords: Ethnic communities; Hispanic population; limited-English-proficient (LEP); Spanish speakers

Type: Report

Coverage: United States United States

Abstract:

On December 12, 2007, President Bush signed into law the Improving Head Start for School Readiness Act of 2007 (P.L. 110-134). This was the first reauthorization of Head Start in nearly ten years. Given the growing diversity and rapidly changing demographics across the country, Latino children and families had a lot at stake in the reauthorization process of the nation’s premier early childhood education program. This white paper highlights the new provisions found in the bill which, if well implemented, could significantly improve services for Latino children. Specifically, this paper:

• Provides an overview of issues related to Latinos’ and LEPs’ access to high-quality Head Start programs and services

• Discusses how these challenges are addressed in the new legislation

• Recommends strategies for effective implementation to best meet the needs of Hispanic children.