(NOTE - S.1940 & S.1483, unlike H.R.2210, do not provide for State demonstration programs that allow States to administer their allotment of Federal Head Start funds.)
Head Start Coordination and School Readiness Act - Amends the Head Start Act to reauthorize through FY 2008 and revise Head Start programs.
Requires expanded coordination and collaboration among Head Start and other agencies. Requires States that receive Head Start quality improvement and collaboration grants (currently collaboration grants) to establish: (1) State Head Start Quality Improvement and Collaboration Offices; and (2) State advisory councils on collaboration on early care and education activities for children.
Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to issue regulations requiring Head Start agencies to implement certain policies and procedures for enrollment of eligible homeless children.
Revises requirements for the Secretary's designation of Head Start agencies, as well as those for quality standards.
Requires annual Head Start program self-assessments, reports, and improvement plans.
Requires Head Start agencies to have: (1) a program meeting all quality standards; (2) capacity to serve eligible children with scientifically based curricula and other interventions and support services that promote school readiness; (3) outreach to schools, local educational agencies (LEAs), local businesses, community-based organizations, faith-based organizations, museums, and libraries; and (4) coordination with LEAs, particularly on ways to increase participation of underserved populations.
Revises requirements for Early Head Start grant programs to include: (1) consideration of homeless infants and toddlers; (2) migrant and seasonal Head Start programs; (3) grants to applicants in communities which have experienced a large percentage increase in limited English proficient (LEP) children and families; and (4) professional development to increase program participation for underserved populations.
Establishes increased staff qualification requirements for Head Start programs.
Requires individuals receiving financial assistance under the Act to pursue a degree to qualify as Head Start staff to: (1) teach or work in a Head Start program for at least three years after receiving the degree; or (2) repay the assistance received.
Requires every Head Start agency and program to create a professional development plan for employees providing direct services to children.
Establishes programs to: (1) attract and retain high-quality Head Start classroom teachers; and (2) improve literacy in Head Start programs.
Directs the Secretary to contract with the Board on Children, Youth, and Families of the National Research Council and the Board on Testing and Assessments of the National Academy of Sciences to establish expert, independent panels to study, report, and make recommendations on: (1) the assessment of school readiness in young children; and (2) the Head Start reporting system.
[Congressional Bills 108th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. 1483 Introduced in Senate (IS)]
108th CONGRESS
1st Session
S. 1483
To amend the Head Start Act to reauthorize that Act, and for other
purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
July 29 (legislative day, July 21), 2003
Mr. Dodd (for himself, Mr. Kennedy, Mr. Harkin, Ms. Mikulski, Mr.
Jeffords, Mr. Bingaman, Mrs. Murray, Mr. Reed, Mr. Edwards, Mrs.
Clinton, Mr. Rockefeller, and Mr. Daschle) introduced the following
bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Health,
Education, Labor, and Resources
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To amend the Head Start Act to reauthorize that Act, and for other
purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Head Start Coordination and School
Readiness Act''.
TITLE I--HEAD START ACT
SEC. 101. STATEMENT OF PURPOSE.
Section 636 of the Head Start Act (42 U.S.C. 9831) is amended by
inserting ``(including enhancing their preliteracy skills,
premathematics skills, and language skills)'' after ``of low-income
children''.
SEC. 102. DEFINITIONS.
Section 637 of the Head Start Act (42 U.S.C. 9832) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (17)--
(A) by striking ``the Term'' and inserting ``The
term''; and
(B) by striking ``and the Commonwealth of the
Northern Mariana Islands, but for fiscal years ending
before October 1, 2001 (and fiscal year 2002, if the
legislation described in section 640(a)(2)(B)(iii) has
not been enacted before September 30, 2001), also
means'' and inserting ``the Commonwealth of the
Northern Mariana Islands,''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(18) The term `eligible entity' means an institution of
higher education (as defined in section 101(a) of the Higher
Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001(a)), or another agency
(including libraries or museums), with demonstrated expertise
in providing training in early childhood development, family
support, or other assistance designed to improve the quality of
early childhood programs.
``(19) The term `homeless child' means a child described in
section 725(2) of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act
(42 U.S.C. 11434a(2)).''.
SEC. 103. FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR HEAD START PROGRAMS AND HEAD START
PROGRAM COORDINATION.
Section 638 of the Head Start Act (42 U.S.C. 9833) is amended--
(1) by striking the following:
``financial assistance for head start programs''
and inserting the following:
``financial assistance for head start programs and head start program
coordination'';
(2) by striking ``The'' and inserting ``(a) The''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following;
``(b) In order to promote school readiness, each Head Start agency
in a State shall--
``(1) coordinate and collaborate on activities with the
State Head Start Quality Improvement and Collaboration Office,
the State lead agency administering the financial assistance
received under the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act
of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 9858 et seq.), the head of the State library
administrative agency, entities that carry out State
prekindergarten programs, entities that carry out Early Reading
First and Even Start programs under subparts 2 and 3 of part B
of title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of
1965 (20 U.S.C. 6371 et seq., 6381 et seq.), entities that
carry out other early childhood education programs under title
I of that Act (20 U.S.C. 6301 et seq.), entities that carry out
programs under section 619 and part C of the Individuals with
Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. 1419, 1431 et seq.),
entities such as public and school libraries that carry out
library reading readiness programs, entities that carry out
local educational programs that children enrolled in Head Start
programs will enter at the age of compulsory school attendance,
and entities that carry out the Ready to Learn television
program under subpart 3 of part D of title II of the Elementary
and Secondary Education Act (20 U.S.C. 6775);
``(2) coordinate and collaborate on conducting community-
wide strategic planning and needs assessments for Head Start
services;
``(3) coordinate and collaborate on the provision of full-
working-day, full calendar year services, with other community
providers of child care or preschool services;
``(4) with local elementary schools, coordinate and
collaborate on--
``(A) ensuring that the curriculum and classroom
experiences for Head Start programs support the
development of the cognitive, social, emotional, and
physical competencies that children entering
kindergarten are expected to demonstrate; and
``(B) ensuring the continuity of curricula and
services between Head Start programs and kindergarten;
``(5) coordinate and collaborate on the transition of
children enrolled in Head Start programs to kindergarten; and
``(6) coordinate and collaborate on activities with local
providers of health care, mental health, nutrition services,
and other supportive services that families may need, based on
individual family needs assessments of children enrolled in
Head Start programs, and of their families.''.
SEC. 104. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
Section 639 of the Head Start Act (42 U.S.C. 9834) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a), by striking ``such sums as may be
necessary for fiscal years 1999 through 2003.'' and inserting
``(other than section 648B) $8,570,000,000 for fiscal year
2004, $10,445,000,000 for fiscal year 2005, $12,384,000,000 for
fiscal year 2006, $14,334,000,000 for fiscal year 2007, and
$16,332,000,000 for fiscal year 2008.''; and
(2) in subsection (b)--
(A) in paragraph (1)--
(i) by striking ``for each of fiscal years
1999 through 2003'' and inserting ``not less
than $35,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2004
through 2008''; and
(ii) by striking ``, not more than'' and
all that follows and inserting a semicolon;
(B) in paragraph (2), by striking ``$5,000,000 for
each of fiscal years 1999 through 2003'' and inserting
``$7,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2004 through
2008''; and
(C) in paragraph (3), by striking ``not more than
$12,000,000 for fiscal year 1999, and such sums as may
be necessary for each of fiscal years 2000 through
2003,'' and inserting ``not more than $13,000,000 for
fiscal year 2004, and such sums as may be necessary for
each of fiscal years 2005 through 2008,''.
SEC. 105. ALLOTMENT OF FUNDS.
(a) Indians; Territories; Training and Technical Assistance.--
Section 640(a)(2) of the Head Start Act (42 U.S.C. 9835(a)(2)) is
amended--
(1) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking
``13 percent'' and inserting ``16 percent'';
(2) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``except'' and all
that follows and inserting the following: ``except that there
shall be made available for each fiscal year for use--
``(i) by Indian Head Start programs, on a
nationwide basis, a portion that is not less than 4
percent of such appropriated funds and is not less than
the amount that was obligated for use for Indian Head
Start programs for fiscal year 2003; and
``(ii) by migrant and seasonal Head Start programs,
on a nationwide basis, a portion that is not less than
5 percent of such appropriated funds and not less than
the amount that was obligated for use for migrant and
seasonal Head Start programs for fiscal year 2003;'';
(3) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``(7)--'' and all that
follows through ``according'' and inserting ``(7), to Guam,
American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana
Islands, the Virgin Islands of the United States, the Federated
States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and
the Republic of Palau, according'';
(4) in subparagraph (C)--
(A) by striking ``2 percent'' and inserting ``3
percent''; and
(B) by striking ``of which'' and all that follows
and inserting the following: ``, of which--
``(i) not less than 50 percent shall be made
available to Head Start agencies to assist the agencies
to comply with the standards described in section
641A(a)(1), of which not less than 50 percent shall be
used to assist the agencies to comply with the
education performance standards described in section
641A(a)(1)(B);
``(ii) not more than 25 percent shall be made
available to provide technical assistance and training
in accordance with subsections (b), (c), and (d) of
section 648, including supporting State systems of
training and technical assistance established in
accordance with section 648(b) (in collaboration with
the Secretary and offices described in that section);
``(iii) not less than 10 percent shall be made
available to support training, and other activities to
promote literacy, described in section 648C; and
``(iv) not more than 15 percent shall be made
available to the Secretary of which--
``(I) not more than 67 percent shall be
used to assist Head Start agencies to comply
with the standards described in section
641A(a)(1) and to provide assistance to comply
with the transportation regulations issued
pursuant to section 640(i) and section
645A(b)(9), to provide technical assistance and
training with respect to family literacy
services under section 648(d)(4), to provide
assistance under section 648B(c), to provide
assistance under section 648B(e), and to
provide funding under section 649(j), of which
not less than $3,000,000 shall be used to
provide the technical assistance and training
with respect to family literacy services; and
``(II) not less than 33 percent shall be
used in collaboration with State Head Start
Quality Improvement and Collaboration offices
to conduct distance learning initiatives in
coordination with institutions of higher
education, including Tribal Colleges and
Universities, to expand the availability of
postsecondary programs in early childhood
education in rural communities and on
reservations.'';
(5) in subparagraph (D)--
(A) by striking ``section 641A(c)'' and inserting
``section 641A(c)(2)''; and
(B) by striking ``agencies;'' and inserting
``agencies);''; and
(6) by striking the last sentence.
(b) Quality Improvement.--Section 640(a)(3) of the Head Start Act
(42 U.S.C. 9835(a)(3)) is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (A)(i), by striking subclause (I) and
inserting the following:
``(I) 60 percent of such excess amount for fiscal year
2004, 50 percent of such excess amount for fiscal year 2005, 40
percent of such excess amount for fiscal year 2006, 30 percent
of such excess amount for fiscal year 2007, and 25 percent of
such excess amount for fiscal year 2008; and'';
(2) in subparagraph (B)--
(A) in clause (i), by striking ``performance
standards pursuant to section 641A(a)(1)(A)'' and
inserting ``performance standards pursuant to
subparagraphs (A) and (B) of section 641A(a)(1)'';
(B) in clause (ii), by striking ``including
developing skills'' and inserting ``including training
to promote the development of language skills,
mathematics skills, and literacy in young children, and
training'';
(C) in clause (iii), by striking ``Ensuring that
salary levels and benefits are'' and inserting
``Developing the salary and benefit standards and
salary scales described in sections 644(a) and 653, and
financing salaries and benefits in accordance with the
standards and scales, in order to ensure that the
salary levels and benefits are'';
(D) in clause (iv), by striking ``of career
development programs,'' and inserting ``of programs
specifically designed to enable classroom instructors
to become more effective educators, to provide
programs'';
(E) in clause (v), by inserting before the period
the following: ``, including collaboration to increase
participation in Head Start programs by underserved
populations of eligible children'';
(F) in clause (vii)--
(i) by striking ``provide children'' and
insert ``provide children (including children
who are limited English proficient)''; and
(ii) by striking ``, through scientifically
based'' and all that follows and inserting
``through scientifically based reading
research.'';
(G) by redesignating clause (viii) as clause (x);
and
(H) by inserting after clause (vii) the following:
``(viii) Providing assistance to enable staff of Head Start
agencies to carry out and complete postsecondary coursework
toward attaining baccalaureate degrees in early childhood
education.
``(ix) Promoting regular attendance at Head Start programs
and stability of highly mobile children, including children of
migrant and seasonal farmworker families and homeless
children.''; and
(3) in subparagraph (C)--
(A) in clause (i)(II), by striking ``to improve
wages'';
(B) in clause (i)(III), by striking ``clauses (ii)
through (vii)'' and inserting ``clauses (ii) through
(viii)'';
(C) in clause (ii)(IV)--
(i) by inserting ``provide education and''
before ``training necessary''; and
(ii) by inserting ``, particularly
education and training to enable more
instructors to meet the degree requirements
described in section 648A(a)(2)(A),'' after
``staff of the Head Start agencies'';
(D) in clause (v), by inserting ``children in
foster care, children referred to Head Start programs
by child welfare agencies'' after ``dysfunctional
families'';
(E) by redesignating clause (vi) as clause (viii);
and
(F) by inserting after clause (v) the following:
``(vi) To conduct outreach to homeless
families in an effort to increase the
participation in Head Start programs of
eligible homeless children.
``(vii) To conduct outreach to migrant and
seasonal farmworker families and families with
children with limited English proficiency.''.
(c) State Allotments.--Section 640(a)(4)(A) of the Head Start Act
(42 U.S.C. 9835(a)(4)(A)) is amended by striking ``1998'' and inserting
``2003''.
(d) Head Start Quality Improvement and Collaboration Grants.--
Section 640(a)(5) of the Head Start Act (42 U.S.C. 9835(a)(5)) is
amended--
(1) in subparagraph (A)--
(A) by striking ``such sums as may be necessary to
award the collaboration grants'' and inserting ``not
less than $24,000,000 to award the quality improvement
and collaboration grants''; and
(B) by striking ``subparagraphs (B) and (D)'' and
inserting ``subparagraph (B)'';
(2) in subparagraph (B)--
(A) by striking ``(B)'' and inserting ``(B)(i)'';
(B) by striking ``may award a collaboration grant''
and inserting ``shall award a quality improvement and
collaboration grant'';
(C) by striking ``facilitate collaboration
regarding activities carried out in the State under
this subchapter, and other activities carried out in,
and by, the State that are designed'' and inserting
``improve the quality of Head Start programs in the
State and to facilitate collaboration between Head
Start agencies throughout the State and entities
(including the State) that carry out other activities
in the State that are designed'';
(D) by striking ``children and families'' the first
place it appears and all that follows and inserting the
following: ``children from birth to school entry and
families.''; and
(E) by adding at the end the following:
``(ii) Grants described in clause (i) shall be used to--
``(I) encourage Head Start agencies to collaborate with
entities involved in State and local planning processes to
better meet the needs of low-income children from birth to
school entry and families;
``(II) encourage Head Start agencies to coordinate
activities with the State lead agency administering the
financial assistance received under the Child Care and
Development Block Grant Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 9858 et seq.),
and entities providing resource and referral services in the State, to
make full-working-day and full calendar year services available to
children;
``(III) promote alignment of Head Start services with State
early learning and school readiness standards;
``(IV) promote better linkages between Head Start agencies
and other child and family agencies, including agencies that
provide health, mental health, or family services, including
family literacy services, or other child or family supportive
services.'';
(3) by striking subparagraph (C) and inserting the
following:
``(C) In order to improve results for children, a State that
receives a grant under subparagraph (B) shall--
``(i) establish a State Head Start Quality Improvement and
Collaboration Office by expanding the functions of a State Head
Start Collaboration Office;
``(ii) appoint an individual to serve as the Director of
the State Head Start Quality Improvement and Collaboration
Office;
``(iii) involve the State Head Start Association in the
selection of the Director of the State Head Start Quality
Improvement and Collaboration Office under clause (ii), and
involve the association in determinations relating to the
ongoing direction of the office; and
``(iv) ensure that the Director of the State Head Start
Quality Improvement and Collaboration Office holds a position
with sufficient authority and access to ensure that the
collaboration described in subparagraph (B) is effective and
involves a range of State agencies.'';
(4) by striking subparagraph (D) and inserting the
following:
``(D) The Director of the State Head Start Quality Improvement and
Collaboration Office, after consulting with the State advisory council
described in subparagraph (F), shall--
``(i) conduct an assessment of the needs of Head Start
agencies in the State with respect to collaborating on and
coordinating services and implementing State early learning and
school readiness standards to better serve children enrolled in
Head Start programs in the State;
``(ii) develop, and submit to the advisory council for
approval, a strategic plan that is based on the assessment
described in clause (i) and designed to provide technical
assistance and resources to Head Start agencies in the State,
to--
``(I) enable agencies in the State to better
coordinate Head Start services with services for
children from birth to school entry including health
care, mental health, welfare, child care, and other
early childhood education programs (such as those
offered by museums or science-technology centers),
community service activities, family literacy services,
library reading readiness programs, services for
children with disabilities, and services for homeless
children in their communities;
``(II) assist Head Start agencies to develop a plan
for the provision of full-working-day, full calendar
year services, for children enrolled in Head Start
programs who need such care;
``(III) assist Head Start agencies to align
services with State early learning and school readiness
standards;
``(IV) enable the State Head Start agencies to
better coordinate outreach to eligible families;
``(V) enable agencies in the State to better
coordinate professional development opportunities for
Head Start staff and other staff working in early
childhood education programs in the State and to
provide assistance under section 648B(d);
``(VI) promote partnerships between Head Start
agencies, schools, and law enforcement, substance
abuse, and mental health treatment agencies (such as
the partnerships involved with Free to Grow
initiatives) to strengthen family and community
environments, and to reduce the impact on child
development of substance abuse, child abuse, domestic
violence, and other high risk behaviors that compromise
that development;
``(VII) promote partnerships between Head Start
agencies and other organizations (such as museums and
science-technology centers) to promote multi-sensory
approaches to learning that enhance the Head Start
curriculum; and
``(VIII) identify other resources and
organizations, public and private, for the provision of
in-kind services to Head Start agencies in the State;
``(iii) assist each Head Start agency in developing a plan
to improve coordination of services and improve services and
outcomes for children and families; and
``(iv) develop a plan for and, at the election of the
State, administer a State system of training and technical
assistance in accordance with section 648(b) (established in
collaboration with the Secretary and offices described in that
section), that improves the capacity of Head Start agencies in
the State to deliver services in accordance with the
performance standards established under subparagraphs (A) and
(B) of section 641A(a)(1).'';
(5) in subparagraph (E)(i)(II), by striking ``to the
collaboration'' and inserting ``to the improvement of Head
Start services and outcomes for children enrolled in Head Start
programs'';
(6) by redesignating subparagraph (F) as subparagraph (G);
and
(7) by inserting after subparagraph (E) the following:
``(F)(i) The Governor of the State shall designate or establish a
council to serve as the advisory council for the State on collaboration
on early care and education activities for children from birth to
school entry.
``(ii) The Governor may designate an existing entity to serve as
the advisory council, if the entity includes representatives described
in clause (iii).
``(iii) If the Governor appoints the advisory council, the Governor
shall appoint a council with representatives from--
``(I) the appropriate regional office of the Administration
for Children and Families;
``(II) the State educational agency;
``(III) the State agency with responsibility for overseeing
human services or social services;
``(IV) the State agency with responsibility for health
care;
``(V) the State agency with responsibility for mental
health care;
``(VI) the State agency with responsibility for child care;
``(VII) the State agency with responsibility for children
with developmental disabilities;
``(VIII) the State agency with responsibility for juvenile
justice;
``(IX) the State agency with responsibility for programs
under part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
(20 U.S.C. 1431 et seq.);
``(X) the State agency with responsibility for maternal and
child health care;
``(XI) the Director of the State Head Start Quality
Improvement and Collaboration Office;
``(XII) the head of the State library administrative
agency;
``(XIII) the State agency responsible for teacher
professional standards, certification, and licensing;
``(XIV) the State Head Start Association;
``(XV) specialists in infant and toddler development;
``(XVI) the State network of child care resource and
referral agencies;
``(XVII) local educational agencies;
``(XVIII) community-based and faith-based organizations;
``(XIX) State migrant and seasonal Head Start associations;
``(XX) State Indian Head Start associations;
``(XXI) representatives of State and local organizations of
early care and education providers;
``(XXII) the State agency for higher education;
``(XXIII) a representative of family literacy services
organizations;
``(XXIV) representatives of State and local organizations
and other entities providing professional development to early
care and education providers; and
``(XXV) other entities carrying out programs serving low-
income children and families in the State.
``(iv) To the extent feasible, the membership of the advisory
council shall be geographically representative of the State and reflect
the diversity of the population of the State with regard to race,
ethnicity, gender, and disability characteristics.
``(v)(I) The advisory council shall be responsible for--
``(aa) conducting a periodic statewide needs assessment
concerning early care and education programs for children from
birth to school entry in the State, including the
identification of barriers to, and opportunities for,
collaboration and coordination between Federal and State child
development, child care, and early childhood education
programs;
``(bb) conducting a statewide needs assessment concerning
programs in the State for children from birth to entry into
kindergarten;
``(cc) developing a statewide professional development and
career ladder plan that ties education and credential
attainment to compensation increases for the early care and
education workforce in the State;
``(dd) reviewing and approving the strategic plan to
provide technical assistance and resources to Head Start
agencies, developed by the Director of the State Head Start
Quality Improvement and Collaboration Office under subparagraph
(D)(ii); and
``(ee) developing recommendations regarding means of
establishing a unified data collection system for early care
and education programs throughout the State;
``(II) The advisory council shall hold public hearings and provide
an opportunity for public comment on the needs assessments and
recommendations described in subclause (I).
``(III) The advisory council shall submit a statewide strategic
report containing the needs assessments and recommendations described
in subclause (I) to the Director of the State Office of Head Start
Quality Improvement and Collaboration and the chief executive officer
of the State. All members of the advisory council must provide written
assurance that they are in agreement with the needs assessments and
recommendations contained in the report prior to submission.
``(IV) After submission of a statewide strategic report under
subclause (III), the advisory council shall meet periodically to review
any implementation of the recommendations in such report and any
changes in State and local needs, to appropriately revise additional
statewide strategic reports. Such additional reports shall be prepared
and submitted in accordance with subclauses (I) through (III). ''.
(e) Funding.--Section 640(a)(6) of the Head Start Act (42 U.S.C.
9835(a)(6)) is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``7.5 percent for
fiscal year 1999'' and all that follows, and inserting ``12
percent for fiscal year 2004, 14 percent for fiscal year 2005,
16 percent for fiscal year 2006, 18 percent for fiscal year
2007 and 20 percent for fiscal year 2008, of the amount
appropriated pursuant to section 639(a).'';
(2) by striking subparagraph (B); and
(3) by redesignating subparagraph (C) as subparagraph (B).
(f) Programs for Children With Disabilities.--Section 640(d) of the
Head Start Act (42 U.S.C. 9835(d)) is amended by striking ``20 U.S.C
1431-1435'' and inserting ``20 U.S.C. 1431 et seq.''.
(g) Allocation of Funds.--Section 640(g)(2) of the Head Start Act
(42 U.S.C. 9835(g)(2)) is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (C), by striking ``and public entities
serving children with disabilities'' and inserting ``, public
entities, and individuals serving children with disabilities
and homeless children (including local educational agency
liaisons designated under section 722(g)(1)(J)(ii) of the
McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C.
11432(g)(1)(J)(ii)))''; and
(2) in subparagraph (H), by inserting ``, including the
local educational agency liaison designated under section
722(g)(1)(J)(ii) of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act
(42 U.S.C. 11432(g)(1)(J)(ii)),'' after ``agency serving the
community involved''.
(h) Enrollment of Homeless Children.--Section 640 of the Head Start
Act (42 U.S.C. 9835) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(m) The Secretary shall issue regulations to remove barriers to
the enrollment and participation of eligible homeless children in Head
Start programs. Such regulations shall require Head Start agencies to--
``(1) implement policies and procedures to ensure that
eligible homeless children are identified and prioritized for
enrollment;
``(2) allow homeless children to apply to, enroll in, and
attend Head Start programs while required documents, such as
proof of residency, immunization and other medical records,
birth certificates, and other documents, are obtained within a
reasonable timeframe; and
``(3) coordinate individual Head Start programs with the
programs for homeless children (including coordination of
programs in individual Head Start centers with efforts to
implement subtitle B of title VII of the McKinney-Vento
Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 11431 et seq.)).''.
SEC. 106. DESIGNATION OF HEAD START AGENCIES.
Section 641 of the Head Start Act (42 U.S.C. 9836) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) by inserting ``(1)'' after ``(a)''; and
(B) by adding at the end the following:
``(2) Each agency desiring a designation as a Head Start agency
under paragraph (1) shall submit to the Secretary goals, determined by
the agency, for improving the school readiness of children
participating in the proposed program, including goals for--
``(A) educational instruction in preliteracy,
premathematical, and language skills, including oral
expression;
``(B) social and emotional development; and
``(C) the provision of health, educational, nutritional,
social, and other services.
``(3) Each agency receiving a grant under this subchapter shall
demonstrate progress toward the goals described in paragraph (2). Such
demonstration shall not be based solely or primarily on the results of
child assessments. If for any year such agency fails to make progress
toward the goals, the agency shall file an improvement plan to describe
steps to be taken to make progress toward the goals in subsequent
years, as part of a self-assessment conducted under section 641A(c).'';
(2) in subsection (c)--
(A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``(subject to
paragraph (2))'';
(B) by striking paragraph (2); and
(C) by redesignating paragraph (3) as paragraph
(2);
(3) in subsection (d)--
(A) in the first sentence, by inserting ``, after
consultation with the State involved through the State
Head Start Quality Improvement and Collaboration
Office,'' after ``then the Secretary'';
(B) in paragraph (2), by striking ``needed to aid
participating children in attaining their full
potential'' and inserting ``, and to attain the
performance standards described in subparagraphs (A)
and (B) of section 641A(a)(1), to prepare children to
succeed in school'';
(C) by striking paragraph (3) and inserting the
following:
``(3) the plan of such applicant to coordinate the Head
Start program it proposes to carry out with other programs and
resources to improve services and outcomes for low-income
children and families, including--
``(A) the Early Reading First and Even Start
programs under subparts 2 and 3 of part B of title I of
the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20
U.S.C. 6371 et seq., 6381 et seq.) and other preschool
programs carried out under title I of that Act (20
U.S.C. 6301 et seq.);
``(B) programs under part C and section 619 of the
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C.
1431 et seq., 1419);
``(C) State prekindergarten programs;
``(D) the educational programs such children will
enter at the age of compulsory school attendance;
``(E) reading readiness programs conducted by
school and public libraries; and
``(F) the Ready to Learn television program under
subpart 3 of part D of title II of the Elementary and
Secondary Education Act (20 U.S.C. 6775);'';
(D) in paragraph (7), by inserting ``and children
in emerging limited English proficient communities''
before the semicolon;
(E) in paragraph (9), by striking ``and'';
(F) in paragraph (10) by striking the period and
inserting ``; and''; and
(G) by adding at the end the following:
``(11) the plan of such applicant to meet the needs of
homeless children and children in foster care.''; and
(4) in subsection (e), by inserting ``, after consultation
with the State involved,'' after ``the Secretary''.
SEC. 107. QUALITY STANDARDS; MONITORING OF HEAD START AGENCIES AND
PROGRAMS.
(a) Quality Standards.--Section 641A(a) of the Head Start Act (42
U.S.C. 9836a(a)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)(B)(ii) by striking ``at a minimum--''
and all that follows and inserting the following: ``at a
minimum, develop and demonstrate--
``(I) language skills, including an
expanded use of vocabulary;
``(II) interest in and appreciation of
books, reading, and writing, either alone or
with others, phonological and phonemic
awareness, and varied modes of expression and
communication;
``(III) premathematics knowledge and
skills, including knowledge and skills relating
to aspects of classification, seriation,
numbers, spatial relations, and time;
``(IV) cognitive abilities related to
academic achievement;
``(V) social and emotional development;
``(VI) gross and fine motor skills; and
``(VII) in the case of children with
limited English proficiency, progress toward
acquisition of the English language;'';
(2) in paragraph (2)--
(A) in subparagraph (B)--
(i) in clause (i), by striking ``on the
date of enactment of this section'' and
inserting ``on October 27, 1998'';
(ii) in clause (ii), by striking ``since
the date of enactment of this Act'' and
inserting ``since October 27, 1998'';
(iii) in clause (vi), by striking ``; and''
and inserting a semicolon; and
(iv) by adding at the end the following:
``(viii) the unique challenges faced by
individual programs, including programs that
are seasonal or short-term and programs that
serve rural populations; and''; and
(B) in subparagraph (C)(ii), by striking ``the date
of enactment of the Coats Human Services
Reauthorization Act of 1998'' and inserting ``the date
of enactment of the Head Start Coordination and School
Readiness Act''; and
(3) in paragraph (3), by striking ``(c)(1)(A)'' and
inserting ``(c)(2)(A)''.
(b) Results-Based Performance Measures.--Section 641A(b) of the
Head Start Act (42 U.S.C. 9836a(b)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (2)--
(A) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``, not later
than July 1, 1999; and'' and inserting a semicolon;
(B) by redesignating subparagraph (C) as
subparagraph (F); and
(C) by inserting after subparagraph (B) the
following:
``(C) be appropriate for the population served;
``(D) be reviewed not less than every 4 years,
based on advances in the science of early childhood
development;
``(E) require Head Start agencies to show evidence
that they are meeting local needs for early childhood
programs and are working in collaboration with entities
carrying out other local early childhood programs
serving similar populations, including prekindergarten
programs, child care programs, library-based programs,
and Even Start programs under subpart 3 of part B of
title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act
of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6381 et seq.); and''; and
(D) in the flush matter at the end, by striking
``subsection (a)(1)(B)(ii)'' and inserting
``subparagraphs (A) and (B) of subsection (a)(1)''; and
(2) by striking paragraph (4) and inserting the following:
``(4) Educational performance measures.--Such results-based
performance measures shall be designed for the purpose of
promoting the competencies described in subsection
(a)(1)(B)(ii) of children participating in Head Start programs,
with an emphasis on the cognitive, social, emotional, and
physical development of children to ensure school readiness.''.
(c) Monitoring of Local Agencies and Programs.--Section 641A(c) of
the Head Start Act (42 U.S.C. 9836a(c)) is amended--
(1) by redesignating paragraphs (1) and (2) as paragraphs
(2) and (3), respectively;
(2) by inserting before paragraph (2), as so redesignated,
the following:
``(1) Head start program self-assessments.--
``(A) In general.--In order to monitor and improve
Head Start and Early Head Start program performance
with respect to program, administrative, financial
management, and other requirements, at least once each
program year, after consultation with, and with the
participation of, policy groups, an appropriate
representative from the State Head Start Quality
Improvement and Collaboration Office, a representative
from the regional office of Health and Human Services,
and other community members (including a representative
of the local school district to review program
compliance with performance measures and goals related
to school readiness) each Head Start agency, Early Head
Start agency, and delegate agency shall conduct a self-
assessment of the effectiveness of the program involved
and progress toward--
``(i) meeting program goals and objectives;
``(ii) meeting performance standards
described in subparagraphs (A) and (B) of
subsection (a)(1); and
``(iii) sustaining an effective management
system for overall program consistency.
``(B) Use of program self-assessments.--The self-
assessments conducted under subparagraph (A) shall be
used to assist the agencies described in subparagraph
(A) in continuous improvement of program plans and
service delivery methods, and for the enhancement of
program quality and timely responses to issues that
arise in the community, the program, and among enrolled
families.
``(C) Training and assistance.--The Secretary and
the Director of the relevant State Head Start Quality
Improvement and Collaboration Office shall assist the
agencies described in subparagraph (A) in conducting
effective self-assessments under subparagraph (A) by
providing training and technical assistance through--
``(i) funds set aside in clauses (ii) and
(iv) of section 640(a)(2)(C); and
``(ii) regional or State staff or by other
means (such as the use of onsite embedded
technical assistance through a network of
specialists from the region or the State).
``(D) Report and improvement plans.--
``(i) Report.--An agency conducting a self-
assessment under subparagraph (A) shall report
the findings of the self-assessment to the
relevant policy council, policy committee (as
defined by regulation), Head Start Parent
Policy Council, State Head Start Quality
Improvement and Collaboration Office, and
regional office of the Department of Health and
Human Services.
``(ii) Improvement plans.--The agency shall
develop an improvement plan in coordination
with the entities described in clause (i) to
strengthen the Head Start program involved in
any areas identified as weaknesses or in need
of improvement in the self-assessment conducted
under subparagraph (A).
``(E) Implementation of federal regulations.--Each
Head Start agency, Early Head Start agency, and
delegate agency shall establish and implement
procedures for the ongoing monitoring of their Head
Start and Early Head Start programs, to ensure that
those operations effectively work toward meeting
program goals and objectives and performance standards
described in subparagraphs (A) and (B) of subsection
(a)(1).'';
(3) in paragraph (2), as so redesignated, in the paragraph
heading, by striking ``In general'' and inserting ``Performance
reviews'';
(4) in paragraph (3), as so redesignated--
(A) in the paragraph heading, by inserting
``performance'' after ``Conduct of'';
(B) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by
striking ``paragraph (1)'' and inserting ``paragraph
(2)'';
(C) in subparagraph (C)--
(i) by inserting ``and children with
limited English proficiency'' after
``disabilities''; and
(ii) by inserting before the semicolon the
following: ``, in coordination with the State
Head Start Quality Improvement and
Collaboration Offices'';
(D) in subparagraph (D), by striking ``; and'' and
inserting a semicolon;
(E) in subparagraph (E), by striking ``community.''
and inserting ``community;''; and
(F) by adding at the end the following:
``(F) seek information from the communities where
Head Start programs exist about innovative or effective
collaborative efforts, barriers to collaboration, and
the efforts of the Head Start agencies and programs in
the communities to collaborate with other entities
carrying out early childhood education and child care
programs in the communities;
``(G) include a review and assessment of whether
Head Start agencies comply with the income eligibility
requirements of the regulations promulgated pursuant to
section 645;
``(H) include a review and assessment of whether
programs have adequately addressed the needs of the
populations and communities served (including
populations of children with limited English
proficiency and children of migrant and seasonal
farmworker families); and
``(I) include a review of the extent to which
programs undertake strategic planning and address
community needs as identified in the needs assessments
described in section 640(g)(2)(C).''; and
(5) by adding at the end the following:
``(4) Ongoing monitoring of local programs.--For the
purpose of monitoring a Head Start program, the Secretary may
conduct periodic monitoring visits without prior notice to a
Head Start agency. The Secretary may use the results of the
monitoring to work with the Head Start agency to strengthen the
program in any areas identified as weaknesses or in need of
improvement.''.
(d) Corrective Action; Termination.--Section 641A(d) of the Head
Start Act (42 U.S.C. 9836a(d)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1), in the matter preceding subparagraph
(A)--
(A) by striking ``pursuant to subsection (c)'' and
inserting ``pursuant to subsection (c)(2)''; and
(B) by inserting ``or fails to adequately undertake
strategic planning and address community needs as
identified in a needs assessment described in section
640(g)(2)(C),'' after ``under subsection (b),''; and
(2) in paragraph (2)(A)--
(A) in clause (i), by striking ``, obtain the
approval of the Secretary regarding, and implement a
quality improvement plan that specifies--'' and
inserting ``a quality improvement plan, which shall be
subject to the approval of the Secretary and shall
specify--''; and
(B) in clause (ii), by striking ``agency received
notice of the determination and of the specific
deficiency to be corrected'' and inserting ``Secretary
approved the quality improvement plan''.
(e) Summaries.--Section 641A(e) of the Head Start Act (42 U.S.C.
9836a(e)) is amended--
(1) in the first sentence--
(A) by striking ``Not later'' and inserting the
following:
``(1) In general.--Not later''; and
(B) by striking ``under subsection (c)'' and
inserting ``under subsection (c)(2)''; and
(2) by striking the second sentence and inserting the
following:
``(2) Availability.--The information contained in the
report shall be made available--
``(A) to all parents with children receiving
assistance under this subchapter--
``(i) in an understandable and uniform
format;
``(ii) to the extent practicable, in a
language that parents can understand; and
``(B) through public means such as distribution
through public agencies.''.
SEC. 108. POWERS AND FUNCTIONS OF HEAD START AGENCIES.
Section 642 of the Head Start Act (42 U.S.C. 9637) is amended--
(1) in subsection (b)--
(A) by redesignating paragraphs (1) through (4) and
paragraphs (5) through (11) as paragraphs (3) through
(6) and paragraphs (8) through (14), respectively;
(B) by inserting before paragraph (3), as so
redesignated, the following:
``(1) establish a program that provides Head Start services
in accordance with the standards set forth in section
641A(a)(1), with particular attention to the performance
standards set forth in subparagraphs (A) and (B) of such
section;
``(2) demonstrate the capacity to serve eligible children
with effective, research-based curricula and other
interventions and support services that help promote the school
readiness of children participating in the program;'';
(C) by inserting after paragraph (6), as so
redesignated, the following:
``(7) conduct outreach to schools in which participating
children enroll, local educational agencies, the local business
community, community-based organizations, faith-based
organizations, museums, and libraries to generate support for
the program and leverage the resources of the entire community
in order to improve school readiness;''; and
(D) in paragraph (11), as so redesignated, by
striking ``paragraphs (4) through (7)'' and inserting
``paragraphs (6) through (10)'';
(2) in subsection (c), by striking ``Even Start programs
under part B of chapter 1 of title I of the Elementary and
Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 2741 et seq.)'' and
inserting ``programs under subtitle B of title VII of the
McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 11431 et
seq.), Even Start programs under subpart 3 of part B of title I
of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20
U.S.C. 6381 et seq.),''; and
(3) in subsection (d)(2)--
(A) by striking the matter preceding subparagraph
(A) and inserting the following:
``(2) A Head Start agency shall take steps to coordinate activities
with, and to conduct an annual needs assessment to identify potential
areas for collaboration and coordination with the local educational
agency serving the community involved, to improve services for children
including--'';
(B) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``; and'' and
inserting a semicolon;
(C) by redesignating subparagraph (B) as
subparagraph (C); and
(D) by inserting after subparagraph (A) the
following:
``(B) collaborating on ways to increase the program
participation of underserved populations; and''.
SEC. 109. HEAD START ALIGNMENT AND HEAD START TRANSITION.
Section 642A of the Head Start Act (42 U.S.C. 9637a) is amended--
(1) by striking the section heading and inserting the
following:
``SEC. 642A. HEAD START ALIGNMENT AND HEAD START TRANSITION.'';
(2) by striking paragraph (7);
(3) by redesignating paragraphs (1) and (2), and paragraphs
(3) though (6) as paragraphs (2) and (3), and paragraphs (5)
through (8), respectively;
(4) by inserting before paragraph (2), as so redesignated,
the following:
``(1) coordinating and collaborating in the development of
the Head Start curriculum to ensure that it is aligned with the
cognitive, social, emotional, and physical competencies that
children entering kindergarten are expected to demonstrate;'';
(5) in paragraph (3), as so redesignated, by inserting
``local educational agency liaisons designated under section
722(g)(1)(J)(ii) of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act
(42 U.S.C. 11432(g)(1)(J)(ii)),'' after ``social workers,'';
(6) by inserting after paragraph (3), as so redesignated,
the following:
``(4) developing a continuum of developmentally appropriate
curricula -and practice between the Head Start agency and the
local educational agency to ensure an effective transition and
appropriate shared expectations for children's learning and
development as they make the transition to school;''
(7) in paragraph (7), as so redesignated, by inserting
``and family outreach and support efforts under subtitle B of
title VII of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42
U.S.C. 11431 et seq.)'' before the semicolon;
(8) in paragraph (8), as so redesignated--
(A) by inserting ``continuity, including enhancing
continuity in language, literacy, and numeracy
activities and encouraging the continuity of parental
involvement in activities'' after ``school classes'';
and
(B) by striking ``and'' at the end; and
(9) by adding at the end the following:
``(9) helping parents to understand the importance of
parental involvement in a child's academic success while
teaching them strategies for maintaining parental involvement
as their child moves from a Head Start program to elementary
school; and
``(10) developing and implementing a system to increase
program participation of underserved populations of eligible
children, including children with disabilities and children
with limited English proficiency.''.
SEC. 110. ADMINISTRATIVE REQUIREMENTS AND STANDARDS.
Section 644 of the Head Start Act (42 U.S.C. 9839) is amended--
(1) by striking the following:
``administrative requirements and standards''
and inserting the following:
``administrative requirements, standards, and local coordination'';
(2) in subsection (c), in the second sentence, by striking
``may'' and inserting ``shall''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(i)(1) A Head Start agency may provide Head Start services to
children who are enrolled in another Federal or State child care
program operated by the agency if--
``(A) the agency receives funds other than those provided
pursuant to this subchapter sufficient to pay the incremental
cost of providing those services;
``(B) the family income of children served in such program
does not exceed the income eligibility threshold established
for the State involved under section 658P(4)(B) of the Child
Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C.
9858n(4)(B)) and the children meet the age eligibility
requirements under section 645 or 645A; and
``(C) the children receive the full range of Head Start
services.
``(2) Funds appropriated pursuant to the authority of this
subchapter, including assistance made available under this subsection,
shall be used to supplement and not supplant other Federal, State, and
local public funds expended to provide services for eligible
individuals.''.
SEC. 111. PARTICIPATION IN HEAD START PROGRAMS.
Section 645 of the Head Start Act (42 U.S.C. 9840) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a), by adding at the end the following:
``(3)(A) In this paragraph:
``(i) The term `dependent' has the meaning given the term
in paragraphs (2)(A) and (4)(A)(i) of section 401(a) of title
37, United States Code.
``(ii) The terms `member' and `uniformed services' have the
meanings given the terms in paragraphs (23) and (3),
respectively, of section 101 of title 37, United States Code.
``(B) The amount of basic allowance provided under section 403 of
title 37, United States Code, on behalf of an individual who is a
member of the uniformed services for housing that is acquired or
constructed under the alternative authority for the acquisition and
improvement of military housing under subchapter IV of chapter 169 of
title 10, United States Code, or any other related provision of law,
shall not be considered to be income for purposes of determining the
eligibility of a dependent of such individual for programs funded under
this subchapter.
``(4) Pursuant to a need demonstrated through a community needs
assessment, a Head Start agency may apply to a regional office to--
``(A) convert part-day sessions, particularly consecutive
part-day sessions, into full-day sessions;
``(B) serve children whose families do not meet the income
criteria for eligibility if--
``(i) a local community assessment documents the
need to serve low-income children from those families;
``(ii) family income does not exceed the level
established (including a level established by a State,
if any) under section 658P(4)(B) of the Child Care and
Development Block Grant Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C.
9858n(4)(B)) and the number of children from those
families does not exceed 25 percent of the total
population served by the program; and
``(iii) the program first demonstrates that it has
conducted sufficient outreach and recruitment
activities for all families with eligible children; or
``(C) serve persons described in section 645A(c) in
accordance with subsection (e).'';
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(e) No Head Start agency may use funds received for a program
under this section to serve persons described in section 645A(c),
unless such agency--
``(1) includes, in the application submitted under section
645(a)(4), evidence of community need for such services;
``(2) includes, in that application, a written request that
addresses how the needs of pregnant women, infants, and
toddlers will be addressed in accordance with section 645A(b),
in areas prescribed by the Secretary, including--
``(A) childhood development and health services;
``(B) family and community partnerships; and
``(C) program design and management;
``(3) participates in technical assistance activities for
newly funded and existing grantees under section 645A; and
``(4) meets the same eligibility and selection criteria as
grantees under section 645A.
``(f) A migrant and seasonal Head Start program that provides
services to infants and toddlers may also provide services to pregnant
women.''.
SEC. 112. EARLY HEAD START PROGRAMS FOR FAMILIES WITH INFANTS AND
TODDLERS.
Section 645A of the Head Start Act (42 U.S.C. 9840a) is amended--
(1) in subsection (b)--
(A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``intellectual''
and inserting ``cognitive''; and
(B) in paragraph (5), by inserting ``and homeless
children who are infants and toddlers'' after
``toddlers with disabilities'';
(2) in subsection (d)(1), by inserting ``, including
migrant and seasonal Head Start programs,'' after ``programs'';
(3) in subsection (f)--
(A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``; and'' and
inserting a semicolon;
(B) in paragraph (2), by striking the period and
inserting ``; and''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(3) award grants to applicants located in communities
which have experienced a large percentage increase in limited
English proficient children and families compared to other
communities within the State.''; and
(4) in subsection (g)--
(A) in paragraph (1), by inserting ``including
continuing the Early Head Start impact study (conducted
by the Secretary as of the date of enactment of the
Head Start Act Amendments of 1998)'' after
``effectiveness''; and
(B) in paragraph (2)(B)--
(i) in the matter preceding clause (i), by
striking ``may'' and inserting ``shall'';
(ii) in clause (i)--
(I) by inserting ``demonstrated''
after ``and families and the''; and
(II) by inserting ``(including
support for regional and program staff
under clause (ii)) and to coordinate
the provision of training and technical
assistance to existing recipients of
grants under subsection (a) and the
provision of planning and
implementation assistance to new
recipients of grants under subsection
(a)'' before the semicolon;
(iii) in clause (iii), by inserting ``and
to coordinate the provision of training and
technical assistance to existing recipients of
such grants and the provision of planning and
implementation assistance to new recipients of
such grants'' after ``such grants'';
(iv) in clause (iv) by striking the period
and inserting ''; and''; and
(v) by adding at the end the following:
``(v) providing professional development
designed to increase program participation for
underserved populations of eligible
children.''.
SEC. 113. APPEALS, NOTICE AND HEARING.
Section 646(a)(3) of the Head Start Act (42 U.S.C. 9841(a)(3)) is
amended by striking ``unless'' and all that follows and inserting
``unless--
``(A) the recipient has been afforded reasonable
notice and an opportunity for a full and fair hearing;
``(B) a hearing has been held on the record or the
recipient has waived the right to such a hearing; and
``(C) the presiding officer at the hearing has
issued a decision in favor of such termination,
reduction, denial of refunding, or suspension; and''.
SEC. 114. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AND TRAINING.
Section 648 of the Head Start Act (42 U.S.C. 9843) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) by inserting ``the system,'' before ``the
process''; and
(B) by striking ``(b) and (c)'' and inserting
``(b), (c), and (d)'';
(2) by redesignating subsections (b) through (e) as
subsections (c) through (f), respectively;
(3) by inserting after subsection (a) the following:
``(b)(1) The Secretary shall make available funds set aside in
section 640(a)(2)(C)(ii) to the States described in paragraph (2)(A) to
enable the States to establish systems of training and technical
assistance or to designate existing State training systems to be
expanded to specifically address the training and technical assistance
needs of Head Start agencies (in collaboration with the Secretary and
regional offices, and in collaboration with the State Head Start
Quality Improvement and Collaboration Offices if those offices are not
otherwise involved in the establishment or designation). The States
shall establish or designate the systems to improve the capacity of
Head Start agencies in the States to deliver services in accordance
with the performance standards established under subparagraphs (A) and
(B) of section 641A(a)(1).
``(2)(A) To be eligible to receive funds under paragraph (1), a
State shall be a State--
``(i) that has met the requirements of section
640(a)(5)(C);
``(ii) in which the Director of the State Head Start
Quality Improvement and Collaboration Office is meeting the
requirements of section 640(a)(5)(D);
``(iii) that has established or designated the advisory
council described in section 640(a)(5)(F), in accordance with
that section; and
``(iv) in which the advisory council is meeting the
requirements of section 640(a)(5)(F)(iv).
``(B) In establishing or designating such a system , each State
shall--
``(i) through a competitive bidding process, select
eligible entities for participation in such system;
``(ii) ensure that agencies with demonstrated expertise in
providing high quality training and technical assistance to
improve the delivery of Head Start services, including the
State Head Start Association, State agencies, migrant and
seasonal Head Start programs operating in the State, and other
entities providing training and technical assistance in early
education, are included in the planning and coordination of the
system; and
``(iii) supplement the funds set aside in section
640(a)(2)(C)(ii) with Federal, State, or local funds other than
funds made available under this subchapter, to provide
activities through such a system for providers other than Head
Start program staff, including providers of other early
childhood services within a State.
``(3) The State Head Start Quality Improvement and Collaboration
Office or another entity designated by the State (in coordination with
that Office) shall administer, in coordination with the appropriate
Head Start regional office, each training agency that provides training
under this subsection.
``(4) Funds authorized under this subchapter for training and
technical assistance shall not be used for any purpose other than those
specifically stated in this subchapter.'';
(4) in subsection (d), as so redesignated--
(A) in paragraph (1)--
(i) in subparagraph (A)--
(I) by striking ``section 641A(c)''
and inserting ``section 641A(c)(2)'';
and
(II) by striking ``; and'' and
inserting a semicolon;
(ii) in subparagraph (B)(ii) by adding
``and'' at the end; and
(iii) by adding at the end the following:
``(C) assisting Head Start agencies in--
``(i) implementing systemic procedures for
identifying limited English proficient students
through home language surveys and parent
interviews; and
``(ii) establishing age and linguistically
appropriate programs to serve limited English
proficient students and their families;''
(B) in paragraph (5), by inserting ``, including
assessing the needs of homeless children and their
families'' after ``needs assessment'';
(C) in paragraph (10), by striking ``; and'' and
inserting a semicolon;
(D) in paragraph (11)--
(i) by striking ``section 641A(c)'' and
inserting ``section 641A(c)(2)''; and
(ii) by striking the period and inserting
``; and''; and
(E) by adding at the end the following:
``(12) assist Head Start agencies to increase the program
participation of eligible homeless children.''; and
(5) by adding at the end the following:
``(g) The Secretary shall provide, either directly or through
grants or other arrangements, funds for the training of Head Start
program staff in addressing the unique needs of migrant and seasonal
farmworker families and families with limited English proficiency. If
such a grant is awarded for the provision of technical assistance for a
migrant and seasonal Head Start program, the Secretary shall continue
the administrative arrangement in place for fiscal years 1998 through
2003 for such programs.
``(h) The majority of funds expended under this section shall be
used to provide high-quality, sustained, intensive, and classroom-
focused training and technical assistance in order to have a positive
and lasting impact on classroom instruction. The funds shall be used to
carry out activities related to 1 or more of the following:
``(1) Education and early childhood development, including
social and emotional development.
``(2) Child health, nutrition, and safety.
``(3) Family and community partnerships.
``(4) Other areas that impact the quality or overall
effectiveness of Head Start programs.''.
SEC. 115. STAFF QUALIFICATIONS AND DEVELOPMENT.
Section 648A of the Head Start Act (42 U.S.C. 9843a) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) in paragraph (1)(C), by inserting ``to ensure
school readiness'' after ``development of children'';
(B) in paragraph (2)--
(i) in subparagraph (A)--
(I) in the matter preceding clause
(i), by striking ``not later than
September 30, 2003'' and all that
follows through ``programs have--'' and
inserting ``not later than the date
determined under subparagraph (B), all
classrooms nationwide in center-based
Head Start programs shall have at least
1 teacher who has--'';
(II) in clause (i), by striking
``an associate, baccalaureate,'' and
inserting ``a baccalaureate''; and
(III) in clause (ii), by striking
``an associate, baccalaureate,'' and
inserting ``a baccalaureate''; and
(ii) by striking subparagraph (B) and
inserting the following:
``(B) Date appropriate.--The Secretary shall
determine an appropriate date for Head Start agencies
in each Head Start region to reach the result described
in subparagraph (A), but in no case shall the date be
later than 8 years after the date of enactment of the
Head Start Coordination and School Readiness Act.
``(C) Progress.--Each State shall establish a plan
for the Head Start agencies in the State to meet the
requirements of this paragraph. Each Head Start agency
shall provide to the Secretary and the chief executive
officer of the State a report indicating the number and
percentage of its classroom instructors with child
development associate credentials or associate,
baccalaureate, or advanced degrees in early childhood
education. The Secretary shall compile all such reports
and make the compiled reports available to the
Committee on Education and the Workforce of the House
of Representatives and the Committee on Health,
Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate. The
Secretary shall require Head Start agencies to
demonstrate continuing and consistent progress each
year to reach the result described in subparagraph (A).
``(D) Requirement for new head start teachers.--Not
later than 3 years after the date of enactment of the
Head Start Coordination and School Readiness Act, the
Secretary shall require that all Head Start teachers
hired nationwide in center-based programs following the
date of the requirement--
``(i) have an associate, baccalaureate, or
advanced degree in early childhood education;
``(ii) have an associate, baccalaureate, or
advanced degree in a field related to early
childhood education, with experience in
teaching preschool children; or
``(iii) be currently enrolled, or enroll
not later than 1 year after the date of hire,
in a program of study leading to an associate
degree in early childhood education.
``(E) Service requirements.--The Secretary shall
establish requirements to ensure that, in order to
enable Head Start agencies to comply with the
requirements of subparagraph (A), individuals who
receive financial assistance under this subchapter to
pursue a degree described in subparagraph (A) shall--
``(i) teach in a Head Start program for a
minimum of 3 years after obtaining a degree; or
``(ii) repay the amount of the financial
assistance received.''; and
(C) in paragraph (3), in the paragraph heading, by
striking ``Alternative'' and inserting ``Interim''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(f) Professional Development Plans.--Every Head Start agency and
program shall create, in consultation with an employee, a professional
development plan for all full-time employees who provide direct
services to children, including a plan for at least 1 teacher in every
classroom to obtain a baccalaureate degree.
``(g) Training and Certification Study.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall enter into an
agreement with the National Academy of Sciences to conduct a
study on the training and certification of early childhood care
providers and educators (referred to in this subsection as
`early childhood providers').
``(2) Contents.--In conducting the study, the academy shall
review and synthesize research, theory, and practice in the
training, certification, and degree granting of early childhood
providers with regard to--
``(A) describing the variation in the training,
certification and degree granting program requirements
(such as requirements concerning program content and
coursework, minimum requirements for entrance and
graduation, and standards for assessment of early
childhood providers in training) for early childhood
providers across institutions of higher education and
other institutions in the United States, and reviewing
the adequacy of the practices of the institutions
described in this subparagraph for producing high
quality early childhood providers;
``(B) identifying models for preparation of early
childhood providers that result in high quality
teaching and educational environments for children in
early child care and early education settings,
including the subgroups of children served by Head
Start programs, provided by early childhood providers
who come from the variety of backgrounds found within
Head Start programs;
``(C) describing the elements of the training,
certification, and degree granting programs that
produce highly qualified and successful early childhood
providers;
``(D) describing the availability of such programs
within and across all States, and within rural regions;
and
``(E) developing research plans for subsequent
scientific research necessary to adequately carry out
the activities described in subparagraphs (A), (B),
(C), and (D).
``(3) Timing.--The study shall commence not later than 90
days after the date of enactment of the Head Start Coordination
and School Readiness Act.
``(4) Report.--The National Academy of Sciences shall
submit to the Secretary, the Committee on Education and the
Workforce of the House of Representatives, and the Committee on
Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate--
``(A) an interim report of the findings and
recommendations resulting from the study not later than
1 year after the commencement of the study; and
``(B) a final report of the findings and
recommendations resulting from the study not later than
2 years after the commencement of the study.''.
SEC. 116. ATTRACTING AND RETAINING HIGH QUALITY HEAD START CLASSROOM
TEACHERS.
The Head Start Act is amended by inserting after section 648A (42
U.S.C. 9843a) the following:
``SEC. 648B. ATTRACTING AND RETAINING HIGH QUALITY HEAD START CLASSROOM
TEACHERS.
``(a) Authorization of Appropriations.--In order to enable Head
Start agencies to comply with the requirements of subparagraphs (A) and
(D) of section 648A(a)(2), there are authorized to be appropriated
$387,000,000 for fiscal year 2004, $496,000,000 for fiscal year 2005,
$608,000,000 for fiscal year 2006, $723,000,000 for fiscal year 2007,
and $841,000,000 for fiscal year 2008 to carry out activities described
in this section.
``(b) Allotments.--From the funds made available under subsection
(a) for a fiscal year, the Secretary shall allot to each Head Start
agency an amount that bears the same relationship to such funds as the
amount received by the agency under section 640 for that fiscal year
bears to the amount received by all Head Start agencies under those
sections for that fiscal year.
``(c) Salary Plan.--Each Head Start agency shall develop a plan to
raise the average salaries of classroom teachers in the agency's Head
Start program, taking into consideration training, level of education,
and experience, and the average salaries of prekindergarten and
kindergarten teachers employed by the local educational agency for the
school district in which the Head Start agency is located, with similar
training, levels of education, and experience. The Secretary may use
funds available under section 640(a)(2)(C)(iv) to assist Head Start
agencies located in high-cost areas to help reduce the discrepancy
between the average salaries that the Head Start agencies provide to
such classroom teachers and the average salaries of the prekindergarten
and kindergarten teachers.
``(d) Early Childhood Education Programs.--
``(1) In general.--Of the amounts made available under
section 640(a)(5)(A), a portion shall be made available for the
State Head Start Quality Improvement and Collaboration Office,
to work in coordination with the State educational agency, the
State agency responsible for teacher professional standards,
certification, and licensing, the State agency for higher
education, and a representative of the State Head Start
Association, to establish a program under which an increasing
number of Head Start program teachers will work toward
associate degrees, and an increasing number of such teachers
with associate degrees will work toward bachelor's degrees,
each year.
``(2) Use of funds.--The State Head Start Quality
Improvement and Collaboration Office may use the portion to--
``(A) assist 2-year and 4-year public and private
institutions of higher education to develop
articulation agreements;
``(B) award grants to institutions of higher
education to develop model early childhood education
programs, including practica or internships for
students to spend time in a Head Start or
prekindergarten classroom;
``(C) enter into contracts with institutions of
higher education to pay the cost of attendance,
determined in accordance with section 472 of the Higher
Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1087ll), for qualified
Head Start program staff to enroll in courses leading
to a degree in early childhood education, for such
period of enrollment; and
``(D) provide grants to Head Start agencies to
enable qualified staff of such entities to pay for
courses, books, fees, and release time leading to a
degree in early childhood education.
``(3) Qualified staff.--To be eligible to receive
assistance under subparagraph (C) or (D) of paragraph (2), an
individual shall be a staff member who--
``(A) has been employed by a Head Start agency for
more than 1 program year; and
``(B) agrees to continue teaching for the Head
Start agency for a minimum of 3 years after attainment
of a degree in early childhood education.
``(4) Repayment.--If the staff member receives assistance
under subparagraph (C) or (D) of paragraph (2) and terminates
employment with the Head Start agency, the staff member shall
repay the assistance to the State Head Start Quality
Improvement and Collaboration Office or the Head Start agency,
respectively.
``(e) Activities of the Secretary.--Of the amounts made available
under section 640(a)(2)(C)(iv), the Secretary shall use a portion to
work, in coordination with the Secretary of Education, to--
``(1) encourage institutions of higher education to use
Federal work-study assistance available under part C of title
IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 2751 et seq.)
to encourage students to participate as assistant teachers in
Head Start or prekindergarten classrooms or to participate in practica
or internships described in paragraph (3);
``(2) expand the beneficiaries of Federal student loan
forgiveness programs to include Head Start program and
prekindergarten teachers, employed in low-income areas;
``(3) award grants to institutions of higher education to
develop model early childhood education programs, which include
a practicum or internship for students in a Head Start or
prekindergarten classroom; and
``(4) disseminate best practices relating to early
childhood education degree programs to States.
``(f) Compliance Date.--No Head Start agency shall be required to
comply with the requirements of subparagraphs (A) and (D) of section
648A(a)(2) until the first year for which appropriations are made
available under subsection (a). If appropriations under subsection (a)
fail to match the levels authorized under subsection (a), then the
Secretary shall waive the requirements under section 648A(a)(2)(A) for
a Head Start agency as long as the Head Start agency has demonstrated
progress in meeting the goals established by the State plan under
section 648A(a)(2)(C) until every Head Start classroom is led by a
teacher with a bachelor's degree.''.
SEC. 117. IMPROVING LITERACY IN HEAD START PROGRAMS.
The Head Start Act, as amended by section 116, is further amended
by inserting after section 648B the following:
``SEC. 648C. IMPROVING LITERACY IN HEAD START PROGRAMS.
``(a) In General.--
``(1) Training.--To support local efforts to enhance early
language and preliteracy development of children in Head Start
programs, and to provide the children with high quality oral
language skills, and environments that are rich in literature,
in which to acquire language and preliteracy skills, each Head
Start agency, in coordination with the appropriate State office
and the relevant State Head Start Quality Improvement and
Collaboration Office, shall ensure that all of the agency's
Head Start teachers receive ongoing training in language and
emergent literacy (referred to in this section as `literacy
training'), including appropriate curricula and assessments to
improve instruction and learning. Such training shall include
training in methods to promote phonological and phonemic
awareness and vocabulary development in an age-appropriate and
culturally and linguistically appropriate manner.
``(2) Local level.--The literacy training shall be provided
at the local level in order--
``(A) to be provided, to the extent feasible, in
the context of the Head Start programs of the State
involved and the children the program serves; and
``(B) to be tailored to the early childhood
literacy background and experience of the teachers
involved.
``(3) Culturally and linguistically appropriate training.--
The literacy training shall be culturally and linguistically
appropriate and support children's development in their home
language.
``(4) Training to work with parents.--The literacy training
shall include training in how to work with parents to enhance
positive language and early literacy development at home,
including the use of family literacy services.
``(5) Training to work with children with supplemental
needs.--The literacy training shall include specific methods to
best address the needs of children who are English language
learners, have speech and language delays, including problems
with articulation, or have other disabilities.
``(6) Training in developmentally appropriate practices.--
The literacy training shall be designed to ensure that Head
Start programs use language and literacy activities, based on
scientifically based reading research, that support the age-
appropriate development of--
``(A) recognition, leading to automatic
recognition, of letters of the alphabet;
``(B) knowledge of letter sounds, the blending of
sounds, and the use of increasingly complex
vocabularies;
``(C) an understanding that written language is
composed of phonemes and letters each representing 1 or
more speech sounds that in combination make up
syllables, words, and sentences;
``(D) spoken language, including vocabulary, oral
comprehension, oral presentation, and expression
abilities; and
``(E) knowledge of the purposes and conventions of
print.
``(b) Books in the Head Start Classroom.--
``(1) Books for classrooms.--The Secretary shall issue a
guideline that recommends a minimum book-child ratio to ensure
that every Head Start classroom contains sufficient children's
books to promote an environment that is rich in literature,
meeting the needs of children in a multicultural and age-
appropriate manner.
``(2) Library partnerships.--Each Head Start agency shall
collaborate with a local library, where available, that is
interested in that collaboration, to develop innovative
programs to excite children about the world of books, such as
programs that involve--
``(A) taking children to the library for a story
hour;
``(B) promoting use of library cards for families
so that children can bring books home;
``(C) developing a lending library or using a
mobile library van;
``(D) entering into a financial agreement with the
library to provide the Head Start classroom book
collection described in paragraph (1) or to supplement
the collection with books on various themes of the
week, to provide fresh books in the classroom on a
regular basis; and
``(E) carrying out other activities through
partnerships, which shall include the library and may
include other entities, to promote literacy and
excitement about the world of print.
``(c) Books in the Home.--To promote parents as their children's
first teachers and to promote parental reading to children, the
Secretary shall work with State Head Start Quality Improvement and
Collaboration Offices to provide children in Head Start programs with
books to take home. Such books shall be made available through the
programs in English and Spanish and may be offered to children in the
programs several times a year, to parents who attend parenting classes
or otherwise receive services through a Head Start program, or through
other means as determined by the Head Start agencies involved.''.
SEC. 118. RESEARCH, DEMONSTRATIONS, AND EVALUATION.
Section 649 of the Head Start Act (42 U.S.C. 9844) is amended--
(1) in subsection (b)--
(A) in paragraph (5), by striking ``; and'' and
inserting a semicolon;
(B) in paragraph (6), by striking the period and
inserting ``; and''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(7) shall obtain the consent of parents for the
involvement of their children in such research, demonstration,
or evaluation activities.'';
(2) in subsection (d)--
(A) in paragraph (8), by adding ``and'' at the end;
(B) by striking paragraph (9);
(C) by redesignating paragraphs (6), (7), and (8)
as paragraphs (7), (8), and (9), respectively;
(D) by inserting after paragraph (5) the following:
``(6) compare and differentiate the effectiveness of
various program participation models as they relate to child
outcomes including examining the effect of factors such as
program type, length, variety, and intensity of services;'';
(E) in paragraph (10)(B), by inserting ``nationally
representative data sets, including'' after ``using'';
and
(F) by striking the flush matter after subparagraph
(E);
(3) in subsection (g)--
(A) in paragraph (1)(A)--
(i) by striking clause (i); and
(ii) by redesignating clauses (ii) and
(iii) as clauses (i) and (ii), respectively;
(B) in paragraph (5)(A)(i) by striking ``the social
competence'' and inserting ``the cognitive, social,
emotional, and physical competence''; and
(C) in paragraph (7)(C)--
(i) in clause (i)--
(I) by striking ``September 30,
1999'' and inserting ``September 30,
2003'';
(II) by striking ``September 30,
2001'' and inserting ``September 30,
2005''; and
(III) by striking ``September 30,
2003'' and inserting ``September 30,
2006''; and
(ii) in clause (ii), by striking ``Labor
and Human Resources'' and inserting ``Health,
Education, Labor, and Pensions'';
(4) in subsection (h)--
(A) in paragraph (1)--
(i) by striking ``a study regarding the use
and effects of'' and inserting ``an annual
study regarding the use and effects of the'';
and
(ii) by striking ``since fiscal year
1991''; and
(B) in paragraph (2), by striking ``September 2000
a report'' and inserting ``December 31 of each year, a
report for the fiscal year ending on the preceding
September 30''; and
(5) by adding at the end the following:
``(i) Panel on the Assessment of School Readiness in Young
Children.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall contract with the
Board on Children, Youth, and Families and the Board on Testing
and Assessment of the National Academy of Sciences to establish
an independent panel of experts. The panel shall be known as
the Panel on the Assessment of School Readiness in Young
Children (referred to in this subsection as the `Panel'). The
Panel shall review and synthesize--
``(A) research, theory, and applications regarding
early childhood development in the social, behavioral,
and biological sciences; and
``(B) research on early childhood pedagogy.
``(2) Composition.--
``(A) Required members.--The Panel shall include
experts in--
``(i) child development and education,
including cognitive, social, emotional, and
physical development;
``(ii) assessment of young children,
including screening, diagnostic assessment,
classroom-based instructional assessment, and
assessment of child outcomes;
``(iii) education of children with special
needs, including children with disabilities,
children with limited English proficiency, and
homeless children; and
``(iv) relevant methodologies and
statistics.
``(B) Permissible consultation.--The panel may seek
input from the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention, the National Institute of Mental Health,
the National Institute of Child Health and Human
Development, the National Association for the Education
of Young Children, the National Center for Learning
Disabilities, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the
Office of Educational Research and Improvement of the
Department of Education, and the General Accounting
Office, and other noted experts in the field of early
care and education.
``(3) Recommendations.--The Panel shall make
recommendations to the Secretary with regard to--
``(A) science-based indicators and benchmarks of
age-appropriate competencies related to school
readiness for young children, including cognitive,
social, emotional, and physical development;
``(B) the identification of--
``(i) existing valid and reliable measures
for those indicators, including, measures based
on direct assessments, systematic observational
measures, and measures from parent and provider
interviews and input; and
``(ii) domains of child development related
to school readiness that lack valid and
reliable measures; and
``(C) appropriate assessments of young children for
the purposes of improving instruction, services, and
program quality, and shall give consideration to--
``(i) methodology, including direct
assessments, systematic observational
assessments, and parent and provider interviews
and input; and
``(ii) evaluating issues of validity,
reliability, and fairness in light of subgroup
differences, such as the differences relating
to culture, ethnicity, socioeconomic status,
disability and special needs, limited English
proficiency, and homelessness.
``(4) Coordination.--The panel shall coordinate activities,
including the dissemination of the reports, with the Panel on
the Head Start National Reporting System described in
subsection (j).
``(5) Timing.--
``(A) Establishment.--The Boards described in
paragraph (1) shall establish the Panel not later than
90 days after the date of enactment of the Head Start
Coordination and School Readiness Act.
``(B) Report.--The Panel shall submit to the
Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of
the Senate and the Committee on Education and the
Workforce of the House of Representatives a report
containing its findings and recommendations not later
than 24 months after the first meeting of the Panel.
``(j) Head Start National Reporting System.--
``(1) Panel.--
``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall use funds
allocated in section 640(a)(2)(C)(iv) to contract with
the Board on Children, Youth, and Families and the
Board on Testing and Assessment of the National Academy
of Sciences to establish an independent panel of
experts to examine the purposes, proposed uses, and
development of the Head Start National Reporting
System. The panel shall be known as the Panel on the
Head Start National Reporting System (referred to in
this subsection as the `Panel').
``(B) Composition.--The Panel shall consist of
experts in--
``(i) child development and education,
including cognitive, social, emotional, and
physical development;
``(ii) assessment of young children,
including screening, diagnostic assessment,
classroom-based instructional assessment, and
assessment of child outcomes;
``(iii) relevant methodologies and
statistics; and
``(iv) Head Start programs and populations
served through the programs, especially low-
income children and children with special
needs, including children with disabilities and
children with limited English proficiency.
``(C) Reviews and first annual report.--
``(i) Research, theory, and applications.--
The Panel shall review and synthesize research,
theory, and applications, regarding early
childhood development, in the social,
behavioral, and biological sciences with regard
to--
``(I) developmentally appropriate
school readiness benchmarks, outcomes,
and indicators for Head Start programs,
including benchmarks, outcomes, and
indicators for the abilities,
interests, and knowledge described in
subclauses (I) through (VII) of section
641A(a)(1)(B)(ii);
``(II) developmentally and
culturally appropriate assessments for
children in Head Start programs, with
sensitivity to subgroup differences in
child development, for the purposes of
improving instruction, services, and
program quality;
``(III) appropriate methodologies
and sampling techniques for the
assessment of children in Head Start
programs; and
``(IV) the identification of
variables likely related to child
outcomes in Head Start programs,
including--
``(aa) program and
classroom variables;
``(bb) type, length,
variety, and intensity of
services; and
``(cc) child and family
characteristics.
``(ii) National reporting system.--The
Panel shall review the development and
implementation of the Head Start National
Reporting System and make recommendations in
light of its findings from the review conducted
under clause (i), the requirements specified in
subparagraphs (B)(ii) and (C) of paragraph (2),
and findings from the Panel described in
subsection (i).
``(iii) Report.--Not later than 1 year
after the first meeting of the Panel, the Panel
shall submit to the Secretary, the Committee on
Education and the Workforce of the House of
Representatives, and the Committee on Health,
Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate a
report, in the form of a letter, containing its
findings and recommendations resulting from the
reviews conducted under clauses (i) and (ii).
``(D) Annual reviews.--
``(i) In general.--The Panel shall annually
review the development and implementation of
the Head Start National Reporting System and
make recommendations in light of its findings
from the review conducted under subparagraph
(C)(i) and requirements specified in
subparagraphs (B)(ii) and (C) of paragraph (2)
until at least 1 year after full implementation
of the system.
``(ii) Duration.--The Panel may continue
the reviews described in clause (i) after the
date specified in such clause if the Panel
deems such continuation necessary.
``(iii) Report.--The Panel shall annually
submit to the Secretary, the Committee on
Education and the Workforce of the House of
Representatives, and the Committee on Health,
Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate, a
report, containing its recommendations
resulting from the review conducted under
clause (i).
``(E) Coordination.--The Panel shall coordinate
activities with the Panel on the Assessment of School
Readiness in Young Children described in subsection
(i). The coordination mechanisms for such coordination
shall be described by the National Academy of Sciences
in its statement of task. The Panel on the Head Start
National Reporting System shall strive to ensure that
its reviews, and recommendations resulting from the
reviews, do not contradict and are in accordance with
the review, and recommendations resulting from the
review, conducted by the Panel on the Assessment of
School Readiness in Young Children.
``(F) Establishment.--The Boards described in
subparagraph (A) shall establish the Panel on the Head
Start National Reporting System not later than 90 days
after the date of enactment of the Head Start
Coordination and School Readiness Act.
``(2) Development and implementation.--
``(A) Suspension.--The Secretary shall suspend
development, and plans for implementation of, a
standardized assessment of children in Head Start
programs for the Head Start National Reporting System
and shall not recommence development of such assessment
until the Secretary receives the Panel's first annual
report under paragraph (1)(C).
``(B) Development.--
``(i) In general.--The assessment shall be
developed on the basis of the recommendations
of the Panel resulting from the reviews
conducted by the Panel under paragraph (1).
``(ii) Requirements.--The assessment
shall--
``(I) be aimed at improving
instruction, services, and program
quality across Head Start programs;
``(II) be standardized and aligned
with the performance standards
described in subparagraphs (A) and (B)
of section 641A(a)(1);
``(III) adopt multiple methods,
such as direct assessments, systematic
observations, and parent and provider
interviews and inputs;
``(IV) validly assess children's
change over time by repeating
measurements;
``(V) comprehensively assess child
outcomes, including language, literacy,
mathematics, science, and creative arts
outcomes, social and emotional
development, approaches to learning,
and physical and health development;
``(VI) make accommodations for
children with disabilities;
``(VII) include a version that is
culturally and linguistically
appropriate for children with limited
English proficiency; and
``(VIII) include parental consent.
``(iii) Easing burdens.--In developing the
recommendations, the Panel shall be sensitive
to assessment burdens put on children, classes,
and programs, and ease such burdens by
promoting consideration of scientifically valid
sampling strategies and compensation to the
individual programs for expenses incurred.
``(C) Implementation study.--Based on reports and
recommendations from the Panel, the Secretary shall
conduct an implementation study to ensure that--
``(i) the assessment is feasible;
``(ii) the items of the assessment and the
assessment as a whole are valid, reliable, and
fair;
``(iii) the items of the assessment are
free from racial, cultural, or gender bias;
``(iv) the assessment is designed to
measure change over time;
``(v) the assessment addresses the needs of
children with special needs, including children
with disabilities and children with limited
English proficiency;
``(vi) testing conditions, including the
physical environment, familiarity with the
assessor, and child well-being, are considered;
and
``(vii) plans for data analysis and
reporting are appropriately designed and
aligned with data collection.
``(D) Transparency.--In all phases of the
development, implementation, and uses of the Head Start
National Reporting System, the Secretary shall create
opportunities for and be responsive to public hearings
and comment.
``(E) Timing.--The Secretary shall ensure that the
assessment is fully implemented not later than 3 years
after receipt of the Panel's first annual report under
paragraph (1)(C).
``(3) Funding.--The Secretary shall provide adequate
funding for the development and implementation of the Head
Start National Reporting System from funds set aside in section
640(a)(2)(C)(iv).''.
SEC. 119. REPORTS.
Section 650(a) of the Head Start Act (42 U.S.C. 9846(a)) is
amended--
(1) in the first sentence, by striking ``Labor and Human
Resources'' and inserting ``Health, Education, Labor, and
Pensions'';
(2) in paragraph (10), by striking ``section 641A(c)'' and
inserting ``section 641A(c)(2)''; and
(3) in the flush matter following paragraph (14), by
striking ``Labor and Human Resources'' and inserting ``Health,
Education, Labor, and Pensions''.
<all>
Introduced in Senate
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S10145-10146)
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. (text of measure as introduced: CR S10150-10151)
Llama 3.2 · runs locally in your browser
Ask anything about this bill. The AI reads the full text to answer.
Enter to send · Shift+Enter for new line