H.R. 1429 would reauthorize the Head Start Act, improve program quality, and expand access.

== Detailed Summary ==

<summary>
Head Start for School Readiness Act - Amends<b>(This measure has not been amended since the Head Start Act (the Act) to revise and reauthorize Head Start programs.Conference Report was filed in the House on November 14, 2007. The summary of that version is repeated here.)</b>

(Sec. 2) Includes children's growth in language, preliteracy, premathematics, emotional, and physical skills among the aimsImproving Head Start for School Readiness Act of 2007 - Amends the Head Start Act (the Act) to revise and reauthorize Head Start programs.

(Sec. 3)2) Includes community-based organizations and financial literacy training withinamong the definitionsaims of Head Start delegate agenciesprograms children's growth in language, literacy, mathematics, science, social and family literacy services, respectively. Adds definitions of Head Start deficiencies, homeless children, institutions of higher education, interrater reliability, limited English proficient (LEP) children,emotional functioning, creative arts, physical skills, and unresolved areas of noncompliance.approaches to learning.

Removes Micronesia,(Sec. 3) Includes community-based organizations and financial literacy training within the Marshall Islands,definitions of Head Start delegate agencies and Palaufamily literacy services, respectively. Adds definitions of Head Start deficiencies, homeless children, institutions of higher education, interrater reliability, limited English proficient (LEP) children, principles of scientific research, professional development for teachers and staff, scientifically valid research, and unresolved areas of noncompliance.

Removes Micronesia and the Marshall Islands from the list of program participants.

(Sec. 4) Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services (the Secretary) to provide financial assistance to Head Start agencies for five-year periods.

(Sec. 5) Authorizes appropriations for Head Start programs for FY2008-FY2012, with specified amounts for research, demonstration, and evaluation activities, including longitudinal studies and impact studies.FY2008-FY2012.

(Sec. 6) Revises requirements for allotment, andSets forth allotment requirements, as well as limitations on use,and authorized uses of Head Start funds, including training and technical activities as well as quality improvement activities.funds.

Includes among quality improvement goals providing:Reserves from such funds: (1) adequate numbers of qualified staff, with adequate training in developing language skills, premathematics skills, and preliteracy,amounts for state, Indian, migrant and in working with LEP children, children referred by child welfare services,seasonal, and children with disabilities; (2) salary scales and benefits adequateterritorial Head Start programs that are equal to attract and retain qualified staff;the base amounts such programs received for the prior fiscal year; (2) amounts for collaborative grants at the FY2007 level; (3) salary increasesat least 2.5% and no more than 3% for specified purposes; (4) collaboration to increase program participation by underserved populationstraining and technical assistance, at least 20% of eligible children; (5) assistancewhich is to complete postsecondary courseworkbe used to provide such assistance to enableEarly Head Start teachers to improve competencies;programs; and (6) promotion of regular attendance(4) specified monetary amounts for research, demonstration, and stabilityevaluation activities and for discretionary payments. Requires the use of allremaining funds for cost of living increases for each Head Start children, especially highly mobile children, including childrenagency and the provision of specified amounts to Indian and migrant and seasonal farmworkers, homeless children, and children in foster care.Head Start programs to increase enrollment.

Includes among quality improvement activities:Requires that after at least 20% of of the training and technical assistance funds are reserved for Early Head Start programs: (1) preliteracy development;at least 50% of such remaining funds be available for the direct use of Head Start agencies; (2) helpat least 25% be available to the Secretary for LEP children in attaining certain knowledge, skills,state-based or national training and development, and promotion of English language acquisition by themtechnical assistance systems; and their families; (3) education and trainingthe remainder be available to improve staff qualifications, particularly assistancethe Secretary to instructors to reach full competencyassist local Early Head Start entities meet and meet degree requirements under this Act; (4) outreach to homeless families to increase theirexceed program participation; (5) outreach to migrant and seasonal farmworker families and families with LEP children; and (6) upgrading of qualifications and skills of educational personnel, including bilingual education teachers and others serving LEP students.performance standards.

Changes from discretionary Requires any additional remaining funds to mandatory the authority of the Secretary to award collaboration grants to states and each national administrative office serving Indianbe used for specified Head Start quality improvement and migrant and seasonal Head Start programs to facilitate coordination between Head Start agencies and entities that carry out other activities designed to benefit low-income families and children from birth to school entry.expansion activities.

RequiresProvides funding for the useRepublic of collaboration grants to: (1) assist Head Start agenciesPalau through FY2009 and, if legislation approving a new agreement regarding assistance to collaborate with entities involved in state and local planning processes to better meet the needs of low-income families and children; (2) assist Head Start agencies to coordinate activities with the state agency responsible for the state program under the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990, and other specified entities; (3) promote alignment of Head Start services with state early learning standards, as appropriate, and the Head Start Child Outcomes Framework; (4) promote better linkages between Head Start agencies and other child and family agencies; and (5) carry out the activities ofPalau is not enacted by the state Directorend of Head Start Collaboration.FY2009, through FY2012.

RequiresDirects the stateSecretary to appoint or designate a state Directorestablish policies and procedures assuring that: (1) by FY2009 at least 10% of the children enrolled by each Head Start Collaboration (currently state liaison), and establish an Office of such Director. Requires the state Director to: (1) make specified assessmentsdelegate agency will be disabled children eligible for special education or early intervention services; and strategic plans; (2) promote certain partnerships; (3) enable statesuch agencies to better coordinate professional development opportunities for Head Start staff; and (4) help Head Start agencies develop plans to provide full-working-day, full calendar year services, and align themwill collaborate with state early learning standards, as appropriate, and the Head Start Child Outcomes Framework. local agencies providing such services.

DirectsApplies service delivery guidelines to: (1) models that leverage the Governorcapacity and capabilities of the state to designate or establish a state advisory council ondelivery system of early childhood education and caredevelopment services or programs; and (2) procedures to provide for children from birththe conversion of part-day programs to school entry.full-day programs or part-day slots to full-day slots and serve additional infants and toddlers.

IncreasesProvides that, when Head Start appropriations are less than the percentage of funds reserved for Earlyprior fiscal year's appropriations or not sufficient to maintain services comparable to that prior year's services, Head Start programs from at least 12%grantees may negotiate a reduced funded enrollment level with the Secretary without a reduction in FY2008their grant level, if they can show that a reduced enrollment level is necessary to at least 20% in FY2012.maintain the quality of services.

Directs the SecretaryRequires regulations to establish policiesensure appropriate supervision and procedures assuring that: (1) by FY2008 at least 10%background checks of the children enrolled by eachindividuals with whom Head Start and delegate agency will be disabled children eligible for special education or early intervention services; and (2) such agencies will collaborate with state and local agencies providing such services.contract to transport children.

Applies service delivery guidelinesRequires the Secretary to: (1) models that leverage the capacityappoint a national migrant and capabilities of the delivery system of early childhood educationseasonal Head Start collaboration director and child care;a national Indian Head Start collaboration director; (2) conduct annual consultations in each affected Head Start region with tribal governments operating Head Start or Early Head Start programs to better gauge their needs; and (3) establish policies and (2) procedures to provide forremove barriers to the conversionenrollment and participation of part-day programs to full-day programs or part-day slots to full-day slots and serve additional infants and toddlers.homeless children in Head Start programs.

Requires(Sec. 7) Provides for the Secretary, in allotting fundsdevelopment of a new system for expansion ofdesignating Head Start programs, to consideragencies and the extent that an applicant: (1) has involved providersconsideration of family support services and protective services for children and familiesadditional criteria in community-wide strategic planning and needs assessments; and (2) plans to coordinate its services with a community liaison designated under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Assistance Improvements Act of 2001 (homeless education liaison), as well as (under current law) with the education services of the local educational agency (LEA). evaluating applicants.

Requires regulations to ensure appropriate supervision Includes community-based and background checks of individuals with whomfaith-based organizations among the entities that may be designated Head Start agencies contract to transport children. Directs the Secretary to review and, as necessary, revise certain school vehicle safety standards within 60 days after the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) of the Department of Transportation (DOT) submits its study on the protection of occupants in such vehicles, in order to make such standards consistent with the study's findings. Makes current seat spacing and compartmentalization requirements inapplicable until the Secretary completes such review and revisions.agencies.

DirectsMaintains the Secretary to: (1) appointcurrent process of designating a national migrant and seasonal Head Start program collaboration directoragency until the Secretary develops and implements a national Indian Head Start collaboration director; (2) conduct annual consultations with tribal governments operating Head Starttransparent, reliable, and Earlyvalid designation renewal system that integrates the recommendations of an expert panel. Designates those grantees that the system finds to be successfully delivering a high quality and comprehensive Head Start programs in each affectedprogram as Head Start region; and (3) collaborate with providers of migrant and seasonal Head Start programs, and the Secretaries of Agriculture, of Labor, and of Education to increase accessagencies for children of migrant and seasonal farmworkersfive years, but requires underperforming grantees to Head Start services.enter into open competition with other applicants.

Directs the Secretary Sets forth criteria to issue regulationsbe considered in choosing between competing applicants, including each applicant's ability to: (1) attract and retain qualified staff; (2) maintain child-to-teacher ratios and family service worker caseloads; (3) use scientifically-based curriculum and teaching practices that are developmentally appropriate and promote school readiness; (4) coordinate with other public or private entities providing early childhood education and development programs and services for young children or willing to commit resources to require Head Start agenciesprograms; (5) provide family health, literacy, and parenting services; (6) extend outreach to remove barriers to the enrollmentfathers; and participation(7) meet the needs of homeless children in Head Start programs. LEP, disabled, homeless, and foster care children. Removes the priority currently given nonprofit applicants.

Declares that nothing inDirects the Act shall be construedSecretary to require a state to: (1) establish a program of early educationcontinue to involve parents and care for children; (2) require any child to participateaffected area residents in a programselection of early education and care in order to attend school; or (3) participate in any initial screening prior to participation inqualified applicants for such program, except under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).designation.

Requires all curricula funded underProhibits a non-Indian Head Start agency from operating an Indian Head Start program, unless there is no Indian Head Start agency available in the Act to be scientifically, developmentally, and linguistically based, and age appropriate.community.

(Sec. 7)8) Revises requirements for the Secretary's designation of Head Start agencies.quality standards and monitoring requirements.

Requires eligible entitiesRequires the Secretary to establish and meet or make progress toward: (1)modify program goals for improving participating children's school readiness, including meeting educational performance standards;standards, as necessary, so they are scientifically-based, developmentally appropriate, and (2) results-based school readiness goals aligned withbased on the Head Start Child Outcomes Framework, state early learning standards (as appropriate),Framework to ensure that children, at a minimum, progress in language, literacy, mathematics, science, cognitive abilities, approaches to learning, social and requirementsemotional development, creative arts, physical development and expectationsthe acquisition of the English language. Adds as new factors the Secretary must consider in modifying such standards: (1) the recommendations of the study on Developmental Outcomes and Assessments for local public schools.Young Children by the National Academy of Sciences (NAS); (2) the need for Head Start agencies to communicate regularly with parents; and (3) the unique challenges faced by individual programs, including seasonal, short term, and rural programs.

Requires eachfacilities used by Head Start agencyStart, Early Head Start, and delegate agencies for regularly scheduled center-based and combination program option classroom activities to meet or exceed state and local licensing requirements, and be accessible by state and local authorities to establish a governing bodymonitor and a policy council. ensure compliance, unless state or local law prohibits such access.

Gives priorityRequires scientifically-based measures of program performance to be reviewed periodically so they reflect advances in redesignation to high-performing grantee agencies that meet or exceed quality standards and program, financial management, and other requirements. Requires the Secretary, if no entity in a community is entitled to such priority, to designate an agency from among qualified community applicants after conducting an open competition. Specifies effectiveness factors to consider in designating a Head Start agency.science of early childhood development.

DirectsProhibits federal use of any assessment to: (1) rank, compare, or otherwise evaluate individual Head Start children for purposes other than research, training, or technical assistance; and (2) reward or sanction individual Head Start children or teachers. Prohibits the Secretary to continue to involve parents and affected area residents in selection of qualified applicantsfrom using any single assessment as the sole method for such designation. assessing program effectiveness or making agency funding determinations.

Prohibits any non-IndianRequires the Secretary's reviews of Head Start agency from receivingagencies and programs to include unannounced site inspections, as appropriate. Requires the full reviews, conducted at least once every three years for each agency, to include a grantrisk-based assessment approach. Requires review teams to carry outreceive periodic training to ensure quality and consistency across reviews. Includes in such reviews: (1) an Indianassessment of whether programs adequately address community needs; (2) an observational instrument that addresses classroom quality; and (3) an assessment of whether programs use federal funds appropriately and conform to Head Start program, except where there are no Indian Head Start agencies in a community.eligibility and enrollment requirements.

(Sec. 8) Revises requirements for quality standards and for monitoring ofRequires that Early Head Start agenciesprogram reviews be conducted by individuals knowledgeable about infant and programs.toddler development.

Requires additional educational standardsDirects Head Start agencies to evaluate their delegate agencies and inform them of deficiencies which must be based on the recommendations ofcorrected. Prohibits Head Start agencies from terminating a National Academy of Sciences panel and other experts indelegate agency's contract or reducing its service area without showing cause or demonstrating the field.decision's cost-effectiveness.

Requires facilities used by Head Start, Early Head Start,summaries of program reviews and delegate agencies for regularly scheduled center-based and combination program option classroom activitiesthe outcomes of quality improvement plans to comply with state and local licensing requirements, and be accessible by state and local authoritiesmade available to monitor and ensure compliance.all parents with children receiving Head Start assistance, in addition to the public.

Requires each Head Start and delegate agency to establish procedures for:to: (1) evaluating delegate agencies;conduct a comprehensive self-assessment at least once each program year; (2) defunding delegate agencies;develop goals and a plan for improving childrens' school readiness; and (3) appealing such defunding decisions.implement ongoing monitoring of its programs.

Requires performance measures to: (1) measure characteristics strongly predictive of a child's school readiness and later performance; (2) be appropriateDirects Head Start agencies to report their actual enrollment monthly to the Secretary and, if it is less than the funded enrollment, any apparent reason for the population served; and (3) be reviewed at least every four years, based on advances in early childhood development science.shortfall. Directs the Secretary to use performance measures to enable Head Start agencies to individualizedevelop plans for programs of instruction to better meet the needs of the child involved.reduce or eliminate underenrollment, and provide such programs with technical assistance in implementing such plans.

ProhibitsSets forth rules for the Act from being construed to authorize the Departmentredistribution of Health and Human Services (HHS) to control the selection of a curriculum, instructional program,base grants recaptured, withheld, or instructional materials for a Head Start program.reduced.

Requires each Head Start agency to: (1) conduct a comprehensive self-assessment at least once each program year; (2) develop an improvement plan;(Sec. 9) Revises the power and (3) implement ongoing monitoringfunctions of its programs.Head Start agencies.

DirectsAdds to the Secretaryminimum services Head Start agencies provide by requiring them to: (1) seek the involvement of local business, in addition to develop plans to reduce or eliminate underenrollmentparents and community residents, in programsthe design and implementation of programs; (2) offer health services to parents of participating children, including information on maternal depression; (3) provide parents of LEP children with less than 95%outreach and information in an understandable and uniform format, and to the extent practicable, in a language such parents can understand; (4) promote the continued involvement of parents and, as appropriate, foster parents, grandparents, and kinship caregivers in the education of participating children upon their funded enrollment.transition to school; and (5) provide disabled children with intervention and referral services.

Sets forth requirementsDirects each Head Start agency to establish and proceduresmaintain a formal structure for reductionprogram governance, for the oversight of grantsquality services for Head Start children and redistribution of funds in casesfamilies, and for making decisions related to program design and implementation. Requires such structure to include a governing body with legal and fiscal responsibility for the Head Start agency and a policy council, elected by Head Start parents, which is responsible for the direction of underenrollment.the Head Start program.

(Sec. 9) DirectsDirects the Secretary to: (1) designate up to 200 exemplary Head Start agencies as Centersdevelop policies, procedures, and guidance on the resolution of Excellence in Early Childhood;internal disputes and (2) make them bonus grants.the implementation of collaborative decision-making in program governance.

Specifies authorized uses of such grants,Requires Head Start agencies to conduct outreach to schools, local educational agencies (LEAs), local businesses, community-based organizations, faith-based organizations, museums, and libraries to generate support and leverage community resources to improve school readiness. Requires Head Start agencies, in communities where both public prekindergarten programs and Head Start programs operate, to collaborate and coordinate activities with the public agency and providers responsible for operating prekindergarten programs, including modelingoutreach activities to identify eligible children. Directs Head Start agencies, with parental consent, to communicate regularly with schools children will be attending to share information about them, collaborate with such schools' teachers, and dissemination of best practices.ensure children's smooth transition to such schools.

Requires Centers to: (1) encourage their delegate agencies, several additionalChanges from discretionary to mandatory the authority of Head Start agencies,agencies to coordinate activities with LEAs and other providers of early childhood education and careschools in which participating children will enroll. Includes in such collaboration, enhancing the community involved to carry out model programs; and (2) establish a local council.efficiency of services while increasing the participation of underserved eligible children.

Directs the SecretaryRequires each Head Start agency, within one year of this Act's enactment, to awardenter into a grant or contract to an independent organization to research and report onmemorandum of understanding with the Centers' ability to: (1) improvelocal entity responsible for managing publicly funded preschool programs in its service area for the school readinesscoordination and review of children receiving Head Start services; and (2) impact school results positively in the earliest grades.program services.

Authorizes appropriations for FY2008-FY2012.Establishes curricular requirements that are research-based, comprehensive, and aligned with the Head Start Child Outcomes Framework and state early learning standards, as appropriate. Requires the use of ongoing research-based assessment methods and developmental screening tools. Directs programs to develop training and technical assistance plans and professional development plans focused on teacher effectiveness.

(Sec. 10) Revises powers and functions ofRequires each Head Start agencies.agency to enroll 100% of its funded enrollment, maintain an active waiting list, and conduct community outreach.

Requires Head Start agencies, in communities where both public prekindergarten programs and Head Start programs operate,such agencies to collaborate and coordinate activities with the LEA or other public agency responsible for operating prekindergarten programs and providers of prekindergarten, including outreach activities to identify eligible children. use strong fiscal controls.

Changes from discretionary(Sec. 10) Adds to mandatory the authority ofrequirements for Head Start agencies to coordinate activitiesprogram coordination with LEAs and schools in which participating children will enroll followingto ensure the continuity of childrens' K-12 education by requiring: (1) the needs of homeless and LEP children, and those currently underserved by Head Start program.programs, to be addressed; (2) the continuity of developmentally appropriate curricula between Head Start agencies and LEAs; and (3) an emphasis on the role of parental involvement in a child's academic success.

Requires eachDirects the Secretary to provide Head Start agency to: (1) enroll 100% of its funded enrollment; and (2) maintain an active waiting list at all times,agencies with ongoing outreach to the communityinformation on, and technical assistance in establishing, policies and activities that support childrens' successful transition to identify underserved populations. public schools.

(Sec. 11) Specifies Head Start transition requirementsProvides for alignment with K-12local and state integration of early childhood education.

(Sec. 12) ReducesChanges from 45discretionary to 30 daysmandatory the deadline for any state disapprovalauthority of a plan submitted bythe Secretary to award, upon written request, collaboration grants to states and each national administrative office serving Indian Head Start agency, with certain exceptions.and migrant and seasonal Head Start programs to facilitate coordination among Head Start agencies and entities that carry out other activities designed to benefit low-income families and children from birth to school entry.

(Sec. 13) DirectsRequires the Secretaryuse of collaboration grants to: (1) assist Head Start agencies to allow upcollaborate with entities involved in state and local planning processes to 10better meet the needs of low-income families and children; (2) assist Head Start agencies to exceed by up to 5%coordinate activities with the responsible state agency under the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of total program costs1990, and other specified entities; (3) promote alignment of Head Start curricula and services with state early learning standards, as appropriate, and the limit on developingHead Start Child Outcomes Framework; (4) promote better linkages between Head Start agencies and administering a program if they will serve a greater percentageother child and family agencies; and (5) carry out the activities of children in the community than was previously served, without diminishing services provided to currently enrolled children.state Director of Head Start Collaboration.

(Sec. 14) Raises from belowRequires the poverty linestate to 130%appoint or designate a state Director of Head Start Collaboration (currently state liaison), and establish an Office of such Director. Requires the poverty line the family income threshold for a child's eligibilitystate Director to: (1) make specified assessments and strategic plans; (2) promote certain partnerships; (3) enable state agencies to participate inbetter coordinate professional development opportunities for Head Start programs. Requires priority to be given, however,staff; and (4) help Head Start agencies develop plans to serving those belowprovide full-working-day, full calendar year services, and align them with state early learning standards, as appropriate, and the poverty level. Head Start Child Outcomes Framework.

RequiresDirects the Governor of the state to designate or establish a state advisory council on early childhood education and care for children from birth to school entry, on which the state's Director of Head Start Collaboration shall serve.

(Sec. 12) Exempts from the requirement for prior submission of explanatory plans to the chief executive officer of a state any contracts, agreements, grants, loans, or other assistance for Indian Head Start programs or migrant or seasonal Head Start programs.<br>

(Sec. 13) Adds to Head Start administrative requirements.

Directs each Head Start agency to make a report available to the public at least once each fiscal year disclosing: (1) its finances and budget; (2) its enrollment, including the percentage of its enrollees receiving medical and dental exams; (3) the results of the Secretary's most recent review and the financial audit; (4) parental involvement activities; and (5) the agency's efforts to prepare children for kindergarten.

Prohibits an agency from using federal funds to purchase a facility unless the agency receives the Secretary's approval and informs the Secretary of its efforts to collaborate with other community providers in seeking assistance to purchase such facility.

(Sec. 14) Alters rules regarding eligible Head Start program participants.

Requires that homeless children be deemed eligible for Head Start services.services

Allows Head Start agencies to provide services to limited percentages of participants who: (1) are not impoverished but whose family income is below 130% of the poverty level; or (2) who do not meet poverty criteria but would benefit from such services, such as disabled children. Requires priority to be given to children who are homeless or whose family income is below the poverty level.

Exempts certain amounts of military pay and allowances from family income consideration for purposes of determining Head Start eligibility, including: (1) special pay for duty subject to hostile fire or imminent danger; and (2) a specified basic allowance, especially for housing.

Authorizes a Head Start agency, after it demonstrates a need through a communitywide strategic planning and needs assessment, to apply to the Secretary to: (1)to convert part-day sessions, particularly consecutive part-day sessions, into full-day sessions; and (2)sessions.

Allows a Head Start agency to use program funds to serve additional infants and toddlers if it meetsprovides certain requirements.information to the Secretary proving its capacity and capability to carry out an effective Early Head Start program. Subjects such agency to the same rules applicable to Early Head Start programs.

Allows Indian Head Start agencies that also operate a Early Head Start program to reallocate funds between both programs at any time.

(Sec. 15) Requires Early Head Start programsAdds to include: (1) parental training in parenting skills and in basic child development; (2) coordination with home-based services and family support services; (3) appropriate screening and referral for children with documented behavioral problems; (4) procedures for transitioning children and parents from an Early Head Start program into a Head Start program or another local early childhood educationservice, coordination, and care program; (5) communication channels to help coordination between program and provider staff; and (6) formal linkages with agencies responsible for administering the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act. training requirements.

Includes as eligibleRequires Early Head Start service providers:programs to include: (1) tribal governmentsparental training in parenting skills and entities operating migrant and seasonal Head Start programs; and (2) community-based organizations capable of providingin basic child development; (2) coordination with home-based services, programs for homeless infants and toddlers, and family services that meetsupport services; (3) appropriate screening and referral for children with documented behavioral problems; (4) procedures for transitioning children and parents from an Early Head Start standardsprogram into a Head Start program or another local early childhood education and development program; (5) communication channels to help coordinate such Early Head Start programs with other appropriate requirements.early childhood education and development programs; and (6) formal linkages with agencies responsible for administering the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act.

Allows funds in a training and technical assistance account to be used for:Includes as eligible Early Head Start service providers: (1) effective methods of conducting parent education, home visiting,entities operating Indian or migrant or seasonal Head Start programs; and promoting quality early childhood development; (2) recruitingcommunity-based and retaining qualified staff;faith-based organizations capable of providing child and (3) increasing program participation for underserved populations of eligible children.family services that meet Head Start standards and other appropriate requirements.

DirectsMakes homeless children eligible for Early Head Start services. Applies the Secretarychanges made to ensure that, by September 30, 2012, all teachers providing direct services to Early Head Start children and families inincome eligiblity requirements to Early Head Start centers: (1) have a minimum of a child development associate credential or an associate degree; and (2) have been trained, or have equivalent course work, in early childhood development with a focus on infant and toddler development.programs.

Directs the Secretary to establish standards for training, qualifications, Makes available from Early Head Start training and technical assistance funds: (1) at least 50% for the conductdirect use of home visitsEarly Head Start agencies; (2) at least 25% for home visitor staff instate-based or national training and technical assistance systems, including supportive infant and toddler specialists; and (3) the remainder to assist local Early Head Start programs. entities meet and exceed program performance standards.

(Sec. 16) Revises provisions for appeals, notice,Directs the Secretary to ensure that all teachers providing direct services to children and hearings. families in Early Head Start centers have a minimum of a child development associate credential and training in early childhood development by September 30, 2010, and training in early childhood development with a focus on infant and toddler development by September 30, 2012.

Requires each Head StartDirects the Secretary to establish standards for training, qualifications, and the conduct of home visits for home visitor staff in Early Head Start center receiving financial assistance to make a complete annual accountingprograms. Requires that such standards include content related to the Secretaryrole of its administrative expenses. parents in child development and in working with other health and developmental service providers to eliminate gaps in service.

(Sec. 17) Revise technical assistance16) Revises requirements for appeals, notice, and training requirements.hearings.

Directs the Secretary to make specified funds available to support a regional or state system of training and technicalProhibits Head Start agencies from using federal Head Start assistance in early childhood educationfor legal fees and care that improvesother costs incurred in pursuing appeals; but permits the capacity ofSecretary to reimburse Head Start programs to deliver services in accordance with specified quality standards.agencies for fees deemed reasonable and customary.

Provides for services(Sec. 17) Requires Head Start agencies to abused or neglected children,submit to the Secretary complete annual accountings of their administrative expenses as well as, within 30 days after completion of an audit, a copy of the audit management letters and training for personnel providing them.audit findings.

Directs the Secretary to provide funds for(Sec. 18) Revises training of Head Start personnel in addressing the unique needs of disabled children and their families, migrant and seasonal farmworker families, LEP families, and homeless families. technical assistance requirements.

Requires the useAdds as targets of technical assistancesuch assistance: (1) services and training funds to carry out activities relatedoutreach to one or more of the following: (1) educationhomeless children, LEP children and early childhood development; (2) child health, nutrition,their families, and safety;disabled children; (2) the unique needs of rural Head Start programs; (3) familymembers of governing bodies and community partnerships;policy councils or committees; (4) other areasensuring that impact the quality or overall effectiveness ofstaff are qualified to promote child obesity prevention; (5) training for Indian Head Start programs. agency staff; and (6) Head Start agency selection and use of performance measures.

Requires each Head Start agencythe Secretary to ensure that all of its teachers receive ongoing training in languageprovide additional support for: (1) an organization to administer a centralized child development and emergent literacy (literacy training), includingnational assessment program leading to recognized credentials for early childhood education and development personnel; and (2) training in methodspersonnel to promote phonologicbetter serve LEP children and phonemic awarenesstheir families, abused or neglected children, children coping with community violence, children with health problems, disabled children and vocabulary development in an age-appropriatetheir families, migrant and culturallyseasonal farmworker families, and linguistically appropriate manner.homeless families.

(Sec. 18) Revises requirements forDirects the Secretary to establish an outreach program to recruit and train professionals from diverse backgrounds to become Head Start staff qualifications and development.teachers

Requires, by September 30, 2012, allRequires each Head Start teachers, curriculum specialists, education coordinators, and teaching assistants in center-based programsagency to meet specified associate degree or equivalent coursework requirements.ensure that all of its teachers receive ongoing training in language and emergent literacy.

Requires, by September 30, 2013, 50%Prohibits the use of all Head Start teachers in center-based programs in each state (or geographic regiontraining funds for Indian and migrant and seasonal Head Start programs)long-distance travel to have: (1) a baccalaureate degree relating to early childhoodtraining that is available locally or a related educational area; and (2) demonstrated teaching competencies, including, at a minimum, an appropriate level of literacy, a demonstrated capacity to be highly engaged with children, and a demonstrated ability to implement an early childhood curriculum effectively. regionally.

RequiresDirects the Secretary to enter into contracts in each state with one or more entities that have expertise in supporting the delivery of high-quality early childhood education and development programs for the development of state-based or national (for migrant, seasonal, or Indian programs) training and technical assistance systems that improve the capacity of Head Start teacherprograms to attend not less than 15 clock hours of professional development per year. meet or exceed Head Start performance standards.

Prescribes progress reporting requirements.Requires the Secretary to consult appropriate federal agencies and other experts, as appropriate, regarding indoor air quality and children's health and inform Head Start agencies of programs that improve indoor air.

DirectsEstablishes the Career Advancement Partnership program that allows the Secretary to establish service requirementsaward demonstration grants to ensurehistorically Black colleges and universities, Hispanic-serving institutions, and tribal colleges and universities to increase the number and expertise of teachers in early childhood education or related fields. Requires individuals that individuals who receive financialprogram assistance under the Act to pursue a degree or credential to qualify as Head Start staff shall: (1) teach or work in a center-based Head Start program for a minimum of three years after receivingperiod equivalent to the degree;period for which they received assistance, or (2) repay the total or a prorated amount of the financial assistance received based on the length of service completed after receiving the degree.such assistance.

Revises requirements for family service workers to direct the Secretary to promote the use of appropriate strategies to meet the needs of special populations, including LEP children. (Sec. 19) Amends staff qualification and development requirements.

Requires everyDirects the Secretary to ensure that by September 30, 2013, at least 50% of Head Start agencyteachers and centerall Head Start education coordinators nationwide in center-based programs have: (1) a baccalaureate or advanced degree in early childhood education; or (2) a baccalaureate or advanced degree and coursework equivalent to create a professional development plan for employees who provide direct servicesmajor relating to early childhood education, with experience in teaching preschool children. Requires all Head Start teaching assistants nationwide in center-based programs to have a child development associate credential or be working toward an associate or baccalaureate degree by such date. Requires Head Start agencies to issue progress reports regarding their teachers' attainment of credentials and degrees.

(Sec. 19) Establishes a Tribal Colleges and UniversitiesRequires each Head Start Partnership program.classroom that does not have a teacher that meets such qualifications to be assigned at least one teacher that meets certain alternative credentialing and degree requirements.

Authorizes the Secretary to award minimum five-year program grants to Tribal Colleges and Universities to: (1) implement education programs that include tribal culture and language and increase the number of associate, baccalaureate, and advanced degrees in early childhood education and related fields earned by IndianRequires each Head Start agency staff members, parentsteacher to attend at least 15 clock hours of children served by such an agency, and members of the tribal community; (2) develop and implement such programs in technology-mediated formats; and (3) provide technology literacy programs for Indian Head Start agency staff members and for children and families the agency serves. professional development per year.

DirectsRequires individuals who receive educational assistance for teacher training under the SecretaryAct to ensure that the American Indian Programs Branch of theteach or work in a Head Start Bureaucenter for a minimum of HHS has sufficient staffing to administer such programs and provide appropriate technical assistance to grantees.three years thereafter, or repay the total or an amount prorated on the basis of service completed.

Requires grant applications to certify thatDirects the Tribal CollegeSecretary to review and, as necessary, revise or University has established a partnership with one or more Indiandevelop maximum caseload requirements for Head Start agenciesfamily service workers and promote strategies that ensure their ability to conduct program activities. meet the needs of special populations, including LEP children.

Authorizes appropriationsRequires each Head Start agency and program to create a professional development plan for FY2008-FY2012.all their employees who provide direct services to children, and regularly evaluate the plan's effectiveness.

(Sec. 20) Revises requirements for research, demonstrations,Prohibits Head Start agencies from employing individuals before interviewing them, verifying their personal and evaluation to include addressing the needs of abused or neglected children, homeless children,employment references, and children in foster care.obtaining criminal record background checks.

Requires (Sec. 20) Alters Head Start research, demonstration, and evaluation activities to: (1) identify successful strategies that promote good oral and vision health and referrals for follow-up care for Early Head Start and Head Start participants; (2) assess the impact of services to disabled children in Head Start classrooms; and (3) increase the availability and quality of promising services.requirements.

DirectsIncludes homeless children, abused and neglected children, and foster care children in the Secretary to: (1) incorporate the resultscontinuing program of the National Academy of Sciences study on Developmental Outcomes and Assessments for Young Children, when they become available, into each Head Start program assessment;research, demonstration, and (2) use themevaluation activities, which are now to develop, inform, and revise Head Start quality standards and measures.be scientifically-based.

Terminates further development andRepeals the mandate for the required use and linkage of the National Reporting System. specified surveys in evaluating Head Start program participants.

Prohibits federal use of any assessmentRequires that research, demonstration, and evaluation activities: (1) contribute to rank, compare, reward, or sanction, individualincreasing the effective delivery of Head Start services to disabled and nondisabled children or teachers. Prohibits the Secretary from using any single assessment as the sole methodin classrooms containing a mixture of such children; and (2) identify successful strategies that promote good oral and vision health for assessing program effectiveness or making grantee funding determinations. Early Head Start and Head Start participants.

Directs the Secretary to: (1) study and report to Congress on the status of LEP children and their families in Head Start and Early Head Start programs; and (2) award competitive research and evaluation grants to organizations with a demonstrated capacity to serve and study such children and their families, migrant and seasonal farmworker families, and other families of diverse populations served by Head Start programs.

(Sec. 21) RequiresDirects the Secretary's reports to Congress to include information onSecretary to: (1) integrate into each Head Start program assessment the homelessnessresults of children, andthe National Academy of Sciences study on children in foster care, participating inDevelopmental Outcomes and Assessments for Young Children, when they become available; and (2) use them to develop, inform, and revise Head Start funded programs.quality standards and measures.

(Sec. 22) ProhibitsTerminates further development and use of the compensationNational Reporting System.

Directs the Secretary to conduct studies and report on Head Start program participation by eligible Indian, Alaskan Native, and migrant and seasonal children.

Directs the Secretary to study and make recommendations for improving federal, state, and local emergency preparedness and response capabilities as they relate to Head Start and Early Head Start programs.

(Sec. 21) Includes homeless children, foster care children, and children participating Indian Head Start or migrant or seasonal Head Start programs in the biennial reports on the status of children in Head Start programs. Requires such reports to include information on the number of children served, disaggregated by eligibility type.

Directs the Secretary to report to Congress annually on whether triennial reviews of Head Start agencies provide reasonable assurances that such agencies are complying with applicable fiscal laws and regulations.

Directs the Secretary to report to Congress on; (1) the provision of services to disabled Head Start children under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act; and (2) efforts to prevent and reduce obesity in Head Start children.

(Sec. 22) Prohibits any Head Start employee from being compensated at a rate greater than the level II Executive Schedule pay rate.

(Sec. 23) Extends the ban against aid to or assistance in any unlawful demonstration, rioting, or civil disturbance to any individual in any Head Start Agency or other agency assisted under the Head Start Act.

(Sec. 24) Extends certain political activity restrictions to any individual employed by or assigned to a program receiving assistance under the Head Start Act during the hours in which he or she is working on its behalf.

Prohibits the use of Head Start appropriations for voter registration activities.

(Sec. 25) Requires Head Start agencies to obtain written parental consent before administering to a child, or referring the child for, a nonemergency intrusive physical examination, including one in connection with the program. Declares that such requirement shall not be construed to prohibit agencies from using established methods for handling cases of suspected or known child abuse and neglect in compliance with applicable federal, state, or tribal law.

(Sec. 27)26) Directs the Secretary to: (1) designate up to 200 exemplary Head Start agencies as Centers of Excellence in Early Childhood; and (2) make them bonus grants.

Requires the Centers to use at least 15% of their grants to disseminate best practices for achieving early academic success to other Head Start agencies in their states. Authorizes the use of remaining grant funds on Head Start access and quality improvement efforts, and coordinating Head Start services with other educational and social services for children and their families.

Directs the Secretary to award a grant or contract to an independent organization to research and report on the Centers' ability to: (1) improve Head Start childrens' school readiness and performance in the earliest grades; and (2) encourage delegate agencies, additional Head Start agencies, and other early childhood education and development providers to meet measurable improvement goals, particularly in school readiness.

Authorizes appropriations for FY2008-FY2012.

(Sec. 28) Directs the Secretary to report to Congress: (1) certifying that HHSthe Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has, for each program and activity of the Administration for Children and Families, determined which bears a significant risk of making improper payments; and (2) describing the actions to be taken to reduce improper payments to such programs and activities.
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== Status of the Legislation ==

<status>
Latest Major Action: 11/6/2007: Resolving differences -- House actions. Status: The Speaker appointed conferees: Miller, George, Kildee, Woolsey, Davis (IL), Grijalva, Sanchez, Linda T., Sarbanes, Sestak, Loebsack, Hirono, Shea-Porter, McKeon, Castle, Fortuno, Bishop (UT), Keller, Wilson (SC), Boustany, and Heller.11/14/2007: Cleared for White House.
</status>

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== Points in Favor ==

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== Points Against ==

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