Washington, DC - Congressman Edolphus Towns, District 10 New York, voted in favor of H.R. 1429, the "Improving Head Start Act of 2007. This legislation had become a top priority for the Democratic-led House after it was stalled in two previous Congresses.  The measure passed the U.S. House with a vote of 365-48.

"Our children are our most important resource," said Congressman Towns.  "We must begin investing in them at an early age so that as they get older they will be able to complete globally."

The legislation itself improves the Head Start program through Fiscal Year 2012 by preparing more children arriving to kindergarten.  Improving the program quality and expanding access it allows children to take their next steps in becoming successful learners.  This legislation also:

· Improves classroom and teacher quality by raising the qualifications of teachers and increasing funding for teacher and staff salaries as well as professional development.

· Updates the Head Start program by using the latest and best science on early childhood brain development to strengthen the focus on school readiness.

· Includes strong accountability measures to better ensure that Head Start funds are used appropriately and efficiently and that underperforming programs are either replaced or quickly improved.

Research shows that the Head Start programs across the country do work.  Children who attend Head Start enter school better prepared than low-income children who do not attend the program.  A congressionally-mandated Impact Study found that after less than one school year, Head Start narrowed the achievement gap by 45 percent in pre-reading and by 28 percent in pre-writing.  There is also research that shows Head Start students experience IQ gains and are less likely to need special education services or repeat a grade.  Students who have had the advantage of participating in a Head Start program are also more likely to graduate from high school.
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