Based on the latest information by the Census Bureau, the poverty rate for children in 2008 was 19 percent and is estimated to rise to 25 percent for 2009. With so many children in poverty it is crucial for programs like Head Start to be available to serve these families and children who are most at risk.

Head Start provides comprehensive education, social and emotional development, and parent involvement to enhance the lives of families. Head Start provides parents with access to available resources and provides their children with a preschool program that prepares them for kindergarten and ongoing school success.

Head Start is more than a daycare program; to me Head Start has become a part of my family and provided my children with continuity, that at times I was unable to offer them. Head Start funding needs to be sustained or increased to ensure that these quality services can continue to be provided to families.

Kylee Allen

Head Start parent

Oak Harbor