More than 200,000 children nationwide could be denied the academic boost they receive from the federally-funded Head Start program if a budget plan proposed by Representative Paul Ryan is passed. The Wisconsin Republican, who is chairman of the House Budget Committee, has proposed a budget cut that could have a major impact on Head Start enrollment as early as 2014. If approved, 2 million children in Ohio and across the country could be negatively
Horizon Education Centers participates in the Head Start program, offering half-day preschool programs for children ages 3 to 5 in collaboration with the Lorain County Community Action Agency. Head Start programs are offered at all four Lorain County Horizon Centers. Head Start is a federally-funded program that prepares low-income children to succeed socially and academically when they enter kindergarten.
Multiple research studies have shown that pre-kindergarten education and child care not only help low-income children succeed academically, but giving children the skills to succeed in school can help break the cycle of poverty. According to economist James Heckman, a 2000 Nobel Prize winner, when program graduates enter the work force the U.S. economy gains $7 to $9 for every dollar invested in Head Start.
As Congress struggles to pare down budget deficits, Washington watchers feel it is unlikely that the Ryan budget proposal will stand; but they are equally pessimistic about the potential passage of a counter proposal to expand Head Start introduced by Senator Tom Harkin, an Iowa democrat.