Head Start funding must continue

I am a retired professor of Early Childhood Education. In the course of my work, I placed students in a variety of early childhood programs to complete their field experiences. After years of visiting ECE programs, I found the Head Start programs are among highest quality in the U.S.

Decades of research on Head Start demonstrate increased school readiness, improved social emotional skills, and better health outcomes for children enrolled in the program. Head Start graduates are more likely to graduate from high school. Head Start parents show improved parenting skills, graduate from college and can work.

These are only some of the benefits demonstrated by Head Start over the past 60 years.

President Trump is planning to cut all Head Start funding. This would be a national travesty. Low-income families deserve quality early education programs. This program fills a critical need for preschool and child care and is a vital support for low-income families.

Head Start has a long legacy of supporting low-income families. At a time when food programs and other services to families are being cut by the government, I grow increasing concerned. Head Start was born in the 1960s during the War on Poverty and it provides a remarkable service for our country. Instead of fighting poverty, the current Administration seems intent on creating a war on the poor. I call on Congress to continue to support Head Start with full funding.

Melanie Nollsch

Cedar Rapids