Research Paper on:
Origins of the Head Start Program

Unformatted Sample Text from the Research Paper:
children primarily focus on education such as literacy activities, socioemotional development, including things such as activities developing self-concept, physical and mental health, which includes getting immunizations, and meal and nutrition  awareness. The program also provides some parental support services such as referrals to social services. Head Start primarily serves the three to four year old age groups in  part-day and full-day programs. At least ninety percent of the children enrolled in a program must come from families whose income is at or below the federal poverty line  or who are receiving public assistance. In fiscal year 1999, an estimated 1,520 grantees participated in Head Start, serving slightly more than 831,000 children. Early Head Start, which  began in 1995, was designed to enhance the development of infants and toddlers and to promote healthy family functioning and healthy prenatal outcomes for pregnant women. For fiscal year  1999, Congress set aside $349.4 million for Early Head Start. The program reports having served thirty-nine thousand infants and toddlers in that year (GAO PG). Head Start is a  program now over thirty years old. Head Start has been found to positively enrich the lives of low-income children and their families with a comprehensive program of developmentally and  culturally appropriate education, health, nutrition and social services, parent involvement and career development. The program works to improve childrens health, their emotional, social, intellectual and physical development, and support  families in becoming self-reliant (Winter 9). Funds are provided to agencies to operate programs according to federal Head Start guidelines. The costs that are covered can include staff  wages and training, medical/dental services, program supplies and equipment, program enhancement and expansion (Winter 9). It has been found that of the twelve million children younger than age 3