Head Start Child Outcomes—Setting the Context for the National Reporting System

     THE HEAD START PROGRAM HAS ALWAYS faced challenges and created innovations. Looking on from the University of Iowa in 1965, I witnessed a broadly comprehensive child development program in the making. Back then, who really understood the great move toward parent involvement? I also remember thinking, "Aides in the classroom… sounds like a good idea but what exactly does it mean?" These innovations, which may have seemed so novel or overwhelming at the time, are only distant memories now. So many other changes have been introduced— main-streaming children with disabilities, Program Performance Standards, CDA, Early Head Start— and each was accepted and integrated into Head Start services for children and families.

     It seems that change never ends. For over 37 years and against some great odds, Head Start programs have miraculously adapted and adopted, forging ahead to improve the quality of services to the nation's neediest children and families. Head Start has a history of framing each new endeavor in a way that is developmentally appropriate and that flows from its core values. These values are reinforced in each and every article in this Bulletin on Head Start Child Outcomes— Setting the Context for the National Reporting System. The authors include Federal staff and T/ TA providers. They have a long history with Head Start and are passionate about the program. Most recently, they have been involved in the early implementation associated with positive child outcomes and ongoing assessment efforts. These efforts are designed to strengthen Head Start as stated in President Bush's Early Childhood Initiative, Good Start, Grow Smart.

     The Associate Commissioner Windy Hill's article, as well as the Assistant Secretary Wade Horn's message, are clear challenges to move Head Start into increased accountability in concert with sound child development principles. Tom Schultz, from the Head Start Bureau, writes with clarity and dedication about the approaches and processes used to develop this system. You will note that the focus groups included many grantee staff, T/ TA providers, experts in the field, and Federal staff, all of whom reflect the values Head Start holds dear.

     Jeff Hoffman helps us understand the systems needed to meet this goal of national accountability. His graphic depiction helps us further imagine how the systems inter-relate to support program quality.

      Jim O'Brien discusses what the child outcomes and the National Reporting System mean for children with disabilities. Graciela Italiano-Thomas reminds us of our commitment to English Language Learners. Nanette Lofaro, from the Head Start Information and Publication Center, has prepared a gateway to electronic resources of print and media support.

     The best news about developing an outcomes-oriented system is that we have many people working together in thoughtful, knowledgeable ways. When we share our ideas, concerns, and successes, as we have in this Bulletin, we all stand to benefit, including the Head Start children, their families, and their communities. As the President has indicated in his Initiative, the goal is to strengthen Head Start. Enjoy this issue— it was designed for you!

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JoAn Knight Herren is Chief, T/ TA Branch, Head Start Bureau.
T: 202-205-8566, E: jherren@ acf. hhs. gov.