S 1153: Head Start Improvement Act

This bill would allow states to receive money for Head Start programs directly through block grants. Funds will be allotted to eligible states and Indian tribes in proportion to the number of children ages 3-5 from families with incomes below 100% of the poverty line. Providing block grants empowers parents, community leaders, and state and local officials to improve outcomes of young children, including cognitive, social, and emotional development. Grant recipients will be required to conduct a comprehensive self-assessment of the effetiveness and progress of the program, including the number of low-income children served by the program. Ongoing monitoring will also be required to ensure programs work toward meeting program goals.