In anticipation of the 1994 reauthorization of the Head Start Act, this oversight hearing sought testimony from California county government grantees managing groups of Head Start facilities, program directors, teachers, parents, and other participants. Following introductory comments by subcommittee members, Andrew Kennedy, senior Head Start project director in Los Angeles (LA) County, addressed the changes needed to improve Head Start and key issues facing the LA County program, including the incorporation of Head Start in a Family Service Center model, services for substance abusers and the homeless, and the need for innovation and flexibility. Kennedy's prepared statement also focused on changes in services, the impact of recent expansion, quality assurance measures, innovative programs in LA county, future trends, and coordination with other programs. Next, a Congressional Research Service fact sheet on Head Start was presented and is included in the record. The transcript of a question-and-answer period follows, focusing on licensing problems, local control, funding, student tracking, performance standards, and teacher qualifications. Next, a panel comprised of program managers and participants offered testimony on the history, characteristics, and achievements of programs in Bakersfield, Los Angeles, South El Monte, and Compton. Topics covered include possible approaches to future expansions, maintaining quality as Head Start expands, facility needs, and parent involvement. Statements by Jo Navarro of the American Federation of Teachers and Hortense Hunn of San Bernardino's Preschool Services Department are also included. (AC)

Head Start is a federal program that has provided comprehensive early childhood development services to low-income children since 1996. Services provided to preschool-aged children include child development, educational health, nutritional, social and other activities, intended to prepare low-income children for entering kindergarten. The program is administered by the Administration for Children and Families of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Unlike many other social service programs, federal Head Start funds are provided directly to local grantees, rather than through states. Programs are locally designed, and are administered by a network of about 1,500 public and private nonprofit agencies. outlines the past, present and future of this socially beneficial program. The long-term impact on the children aided, particularly with respect to educational attainment, is addressed and continues to be an area of focus and concern. In addition, the numerous roadblocks that exist with regard to the Head Start program, are assessed and handled accordingly. CONTENTS: Preface; Head Start: Background and Funding (Alice Butler and Melinda Gish); Head Start Issues in the 108th Congress (Alice Butler and Melinda Gish); Head Start: Better Data and Processes Needed to Monitor Underenrollment (Marnie S. Shaul); Bibliography; Index.