Congressman Dave Loebsack, as a member of the Education and Labor Committee, was appointed today to the conference committee that will begin work this week to finalize the Improving Head Start Act of 2007, H.R. 1429. This legislation expands and improves the already successful Head Start early childhood education program.

“Head Start is this country’s premiere early education program and has served over 20 million families in its 42 year history,” said Congressman Loebsack. “As a conferee I will have the opportunity to directly help more children arrive at kindergarten better prepared and ready to succeed.”

Head Start is a highly successful, research-based, comprehensive child development and early education program for both low-income children, from birth to age five, and their families.

“I grew up in poverty and know first hand how important programs like Head Start are to families that struggle in poverty everyday,” added Congressman Loebsack. “Head Start does more than prepare children for elementary school; it helps restore hope and opportunity to Iowa’s families.”

Head Start is a critical part of Iowa’s effort to combat the effects of poverty and ensure that all children have the opportunity and skills necessary to succeed. In 2006, there were a total of 231 Head Start Program Centers operating in Iowa. These centers served 9,689 children throughout the state. Research finds that children who attend Head Start enter school better prepared than other low-income children who do not attend the program.

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