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Head Start: Participant Characteristics, Services, and Funding
 

Head Start – now more than 30 years old – has long enjoyed both congressional and public support. Through an annual survey, Head Start collects information on the type and extent of services provided, as well as children and families being served. Program directors and management staff can refer to this report for a historical perspective on Head Start’s effectiveness and the efficiency of various models used in the program.

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Head Start: Participant Characteristics, Services, and Funding
 

Head Start – now more than 30 years old – has long enjoyed both congressional and public support. Since its inception, the program has served more than 16 million children at a total cost of $35 billion. Funding for Head Start has tripled in the past 10 years. In addition, the [former] President announced several proposals to help working parents secure affordable, quality child care, including significantly expanding Head Start so it could serve more children who are eligible.

Head Start collects information annually on all its programs, but that information does not provide a complete picture of Head Start operations. This report describes (1) the number and the characteristics of those served, (2) the services provided and how they are provided, (3) the federal and nonfederal dollars that programs have received and spent to deliver Head Start services, and (4) the other programs providing similar early childhood services. Full text [PDF, 2MB]

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Head Start: Participant Characteristics, Services, and Funding. HEHS-98-65. GAO. 1998. English. [PDF, 2MB].