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

== Detailed Summary ==

<summary>
Improving Head Start Act of 2007 - (Sec. 1) Expresses<b>(This measure has not been amended since the support of Congress for the continued role of community and faith-based organizationsConference Report was filed in Head Start programs as providers of comprehensive services to children, families, and communities. Thanks such organizations and their employees and volunteers for their commitment to the education, health, and economic well-beingHouse on November 14, 2007. The summary of low-income children and families. that version is repeated here.)</b>

AmendsImproving Head Start for School Readiness Act of 2007 - Amends the Head Start Act (the Act) to revise and reauthorize Head Start programs.

(Sec. 2) Includes among the aims of Head Start programs children's growth in language, literacy, mathematics, science, social and emotional functioning, creative arts, physical skills, and approaches to learning.

(Sec. 3) Includes community-based organizations and financial literacy training within the definitions of Head Start delegate agencies and family literacy services, respectively. Adds definitions of Head Start agency deficiencies, homeless children, homeless families, inclusive classrooms,institutions of higher education, interrater reliability, limited English proficient (LEP),(LEP) children, principles of scientific research, professional development for teachers and staff, and scientifically based research relevant to education activities.valid research, and unresolved areas of noncompliance.

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

(Sec. 4) Authorizes appropriations forthe Secretary of Health and Human Services (the Secretary) to provide financial assistance to Head Start programsagencies for FY2008-FY2012, with specified amounts for research, demonstration, and evaluation activities, including longitudinal and impact studies.five-year periods.

(Sec. 5) Sets forth allotment requirements, as well as limitations on and authorized uses ofAuthorizes appropriations for Head Start funds.programs for FY2008-FY2012.

Reserves from such funds at least: (1) 5% for migrant(Sec. 6) Sets forth allotment requirements, as well as limitations on and seasonal Head Start programs; (2) 3.5% for Indian Head Start programs; and (3) 2% for training and technical assistance, 50%authorized uses of which is to be provided to local Head Start agencies for program improvements and 30% for early childhood education training and technical assistance.funds.

Provides fundingReserves from such funds: (1) amounts for state, Indian, migrant and seasonal, and territorial Head Start programs that are equal to the Republicbase amounts such programs received for the prior fiscal year; (2) amounts for collaborative grants at the FY2007 level; (3) at least 2.5% and no more than 3% for training and technical assistance, at least 20% of which is to be used to provide such assistance to Early Head Start programs; and (4) specified monetary amounts for research, demonstration, and evaluation activities and for discretionary payments. Requires the use of remaining funds for cost of living increases for each Head Start agency and the provision of Palau through FY2009.specified amounts to Indian and migrant and seasonal Head Start programs to increase enrollment.

Reserves, for eachRequires that after at least 20% of FY2008-FY2012, a minimum of 60% of the appropriations in excesstraining and technical assistance funds are reserved for Early Head Start programs: (1) at least 50% of the inflation adjusted prior year appropriation, tosuch remaining funds be usedavailable for quality improvement activities, which include: (1) improving the compensation and benefitsdirect use of Head Start providers;agencies; (2) improving teacher knowledge and skills so asat least 25% be available to improve instruction in early languagethe Secretary for state-based or national training and literacy, early mathematics, cognitive skills, approaches to learning, creative arts, science, physical healthtechnical assistance systems; and development, and social and emotional development; (3) ensuring that the physical environments ofremainder be available to the Secretary to assist local Early Head Start programs are conducive to the provision of effective servicesentities meet and accessible to the disabled; (4) increasing hours ofexceed program operation; and (5) providing safe child transportation services.performance standards.

Changes from discretionary to mandatory the authority of the Secretary of Health and Human Services (Secretary) to award, upon written request, collaboration grants to states and each national administrative office serving Indian Head Start programs and migrant and seasonal Head Start programs to: (1) facilitate collaboration between Head Start agencies and entities that carry out other activities benefiting poor families and children from birth to school entry; and (2) promote alignment of Head Start curricula and continuity of services with the Head Start Child Outcomes Framework and state early learning standards, as appropriate. Requires state granteesany additional remaining funds to appoint or designate a State Director ofbe used for specified Head Start Collaboration to improve the coordinationquality improvement and delivery of early education services. expansion activities.

IncreasesProvides funding for the percentageRepublic of funds reserved for Early Head Start programs from 12% in FY2008Palau through FY2009 and, if legislation approving a new agreement regarding assistance to 20% inPalau is not enacted by the end of FY2009, through FY2012.

Provides that, when Head Start appropriations are less thanDirects the prior fiscal year's inflation-adjusted appropriations,Secretary to establish policies and procedures assuring that: (1) by FY2009 at least 10% of the children enrolled by each Head Start grantees may negotiate a reduced funded enrollment leveland delegate agency will be disabled children eligible for special education or early intervention services; and (2) such agencies will collaborate with the Secretary without a reduction in their grant level, if they can show that a reduced enrollment level is necessary to maintain the quality ofstate and local agencies providing such services.

RequiresApplies service delivery guidelines to: (1) models that leverage the Secretarycapacity and capabilities of the delivery system of early childhood education and development services or programs; and (2) procedures to establish requirementsprovide for the safety features, and the safe operation,conversion of vehicles used by Head Start agenciespart-day programs to transport children.full-day programs or part-day slots to full-day slots and serve additional infants and toddlers.

RequiresProvides that, when Head Start appropriations are less than the Secretary to: (1) appoint a national migrant and seasonalprior fiscal year's appropriations or not sufficient to maintain services comparable to that prior year's services, Head Start collaboration director andgrantees may negotiate a national Indian Head Start collaboration director; (2) conduct annual consultationsreduced funded enrollment level with the Secretary without a reduction 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 procedures to remove barriersgrant level, if they can show that a reduced enrollment level is necessary to maintain the enrollment and participationquality of homeless children in Head Start programs. services.

(Sec. 6)Requires regulations to ensure appropriate supervision and background checks of individuals with whom Head Start agencies contract to transport children.

Requires the Secretary to: (1) appoint a national migrant and seasonal Head Start collaboration director and 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 procedures to remove barriers to the enrollment and participation of homeless children in Head Start programs.

(Sec. 7) Provides for the development of a new system for designating Head Start agencies and the consideration of additional criteria in evaluating applicants.

Includes community-based and faith-based organizations among the entities that may be designated Head Start agencies.

Maintains the current process of designating a Head Start agency until the Secretary develops and implements a transparent, reliable, and valid system for evaluating grantdesignation renewal applicationssystem that integrates the recommendations of an expert panel. Designates those grantees that the system finds to be successfully delivering a high quality and comprehensive early educationHead Start program as Head Start agencies for five years, but requires underperforming grantees to enter into open competition with other applicants.

Sets forth criteria to be considered in choosing between competing applicants, including each applicant's ability to: (1) attract and retain qualified staff; (2) maintain child-teacherchild-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 their programs with other early learning programs, local educational agencies (LEAs), and public andor private entities providing early childhood education and development programs and services for young children or willing to commit resources to suchHead Start programs; (5) provide family health, literacy, and parenting services; (6) extend outreach to fathers; and (7) meet the needs of limited English proficient,LEP, disabled, homeless, and foster care children and families and children experiencing toxic stress.children. Removes the priority currently given nonprofit applicants.

Directs the Secretary to continue to involve parents and affected area residents in selection of qualified applicants for such designation.

Prohibits a non-Indian Head Start agency from operating an Indian Head Start program, unless there is no Indian Head Start agency available in the community.

(Sec. 7)8) Revises Head Start quality standards and monitoring requirements.

Requires the Secretary to modify program performance standards, as necessary, so they are scientifically-based, developmentally appropriate, and based on the Head Start Child Outcomes Framework to ensure that children, at a minimum, progress in language, prereading,literacy, mathematics, science, cognitive abilities, approaches to learning, social and emotional development, approaches to learning, creative arts, physical development and the acquisition of the English language. Adds to theas new factors the Secretary must consider in developingmodifying such standards: (1) the recommendations of the reportstudy on Developmental Outcomes and Assessments for Young Children by the National Academy of Sciences (NAS), when it becomes available; and(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 scientifically based measures offacilities used by Head Start, Early Head Start, and delegate agencies for regularly scheduled center-based and combination program performanceoption classroom activities to meet or exceed state and local licensing requirements, and be reviewed at least every four years so they reflect advances in the science of early childhood development.accessible by state and local authorities to monitor and ensure compliance, unless state or local law prohibits such access.

Terminates further development and useRequires scientifically-based measures of program performance to be reviewed periodically so they reflect advances in the National Reporting System.science of early childhood development.

RequiresProhibits 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 from using any single assessment as the sole method for assessing program effectiveness or making agency funding determinations.

Requires the Secretary's reviews of Head Start agencies and programs to use a risk-based assessment system and include unannounced site inspections, as appropriate. Requires such reviewsthe full reviews, conducted at least once every three years for each agency, to include:include a risk-based assessment approach. Requires review teams to receive periodic training to ensure quality and consistency across reviews. Includes in such reviews: (1) an assessment of whether programs adequately address community needs; (2) an observational instrument that addresses classroom quality; and (3) an assessment of thewhether programs use of federal funds.funds appropriately and conform to Head Start eligibility and enrollment requirements.

Requires that Early Head Start program reviews be conducted by individuals knowledgeable about infant and toddler development.

Directs Head Start agencies to evaluate their delegate agencies and inform them of deficiencies which must be corrected. Prohibits Head Start agencies from terminating a delegate agency's contract or reducing its service area without showing cause or demonstrating the decision's cost-effectiveness.

Requires summaries of program reviews and the outcomes of quality improvement plans to be made available to all parents with children receiving Head Start assistance, in addition to the public.

DirectsRequires each Head Start and delegate agency toto: (1) conduct a comprehensive self-assessment at least once each program year; (2) develop goals and a year.plan for improving childrens' school readiness; and (3) implement ongoing monitoring of its programs.

Directs Head Start agencies to report their actual enrollment regularlymonthly to the Secretary and, if such enrollmentit is less than the funded enrollment, any apparent reason for the shortfall. RequiresDirects the Secretary to provide appropriate and timely trainingdevelop plans for programs to reduce or eliminate underenrollment, and provide such programs with technical assistance to agencies experiencingin implementing such shortfalls.plans.

Sets forth rules for the redistribution of base grants recaptured, withheld, or reduced.

(Sec. 8)9) Revises the power and functions of Head Start agencies.

Adds to the minimum services Head Start agencies provide by requiring them to: (1) seek the involvement of local business, in addition to parents and areacommunity residents, in the design and implementation of programs; (2) offer health services to parents of participating children mental and behavioral health services;children, including information on maternal depression; (3) provide parents of limited English proficientLEP children with outreach and servicesinformation in an understandable and uniform format, and to the extent practicable, in a language such parents can understand; (4) promote, as appropriate,promote the continued involvement of grandparentsparents and, as appropriate, foster parents, grandparents, and kinship caregivers in the education of participating children upon their transition to school; and (5) provide parents ofdisabled children suspected of having a disability with informationintervention and referral services.

Directs each Head Start agency to establish and maintain a formal structure for program governance, for the oversight of shared governance through which an independentquality services for Head Start children and families, and for making decisions related to program design and implementation. Requires such structure to include a governing body with legal and fiscal responsibility for administering and overseeing its programsthe Head Start agency and parenta policy councils ensures that such agency operates high quality programs.council, elected by Head Start parents, which is responsible for the direction of the Head Start program.

Requires that such governing bodies include at least one member with significant financial management or accounting experience, at least one with expertise in early childhood development, at least one attorney, and additional members selected for expertise in education, business administration, and community affairs. Allows exceptionsDirects the Secretary to such requirements when the governing body oversees a public entity and its members are selected by public election or political appointment. Prohibits certain conflict of interests. Includes among governing body responsibilities: (1) approving all majordevelop policies, all major expenditures, applications to receive federal funds,procedures, and guidance on the selection or dismissalresolution of internal disputes and the directorimplementation of the Head Start agency; (2) overseeingcollaborative decision-making in program planning of the agency; and (3) approving or disapproving all policies, applications, and decisions of the policy council.governance.

Requires that the majority of a policy council consist of parents or former parents of Head Start enrollees elected by parents of current enrollees, with the remaining members chosen from the community the agency serves. Requires policy councilsagencies to approveconduct outreach to schools, local educational agencies (LEAs), local businesses, community-based organizations, faith-based organizations, museums, and submitlibraries to the governing body decisions concerning the strategic direction of the program, selection of delegategenerate support and leverage community resources to improve school readiness. Requires Head Start agencies, recruitingin communities where both public prekindergarten programs and enrollment, funding applicationsHead Start programs operate, to collaborate and budget planning, personnel policies,coordinate activities with the public agency and parentproviders responsible for operating prekindergarten programs, including outreach 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 community outreach.ensure children's smooth transition to such schools.

Directs the SecretaryChanges from discretionary to issue guidance onmandatory the implementationauthority of shared decision-making, including a process for resolving impasses between governing bodiesHead Start agencies to coordinate activities with LEAs and policy councils. schools in which participating children will enroll. Includes in such collaboration, enhancing the efficiency of services while increasing the participation of underserved eligible children.

Requires each Head Start agenciesagency, within one year of this Act's enactment, to conduct outreach to schools, 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 activitiesenter into a memorandum of understanding with the public agency and providerslocal entity responsible for operating prekindergarten programs, including outreach activities to identify eligible children. Directs Head Start staff, with parental consent, to communicate regularly withmanaging publicly funded preschool programs in its service area for the elementarycoordination and secondary schools children will be attending to share information about them and ensure their smooth transition to such schools.

Changes from discretionary to mandatory the authority of Head Start agencies to coordinate activities with LEAs and schools in which participating children will enroll. Includes in such collaboration, enhancing the efficiency of services while increasing the participationreview of underserved eligible children.program services.

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 high-quality research-based developmental screening tools. Directs programs to develop training and technical assistance plans and professional development plans focused on teacher effectiveness.

Requires each Head Start agency to enroll 100% of its funded enrollment, maintain an active waiting list, and conduct community outreach.

Requires such agencies to use strong fiscal controls.

(Sec. 9)10) Adds to provisions requiringrequirements for Head Start program coordination with LEAs and schools to ensure the continuity of children'schildrens' K-12 education by requiring: (1) the needs of homeless and limited-English proficientLEP children, and those currently underserved by Head Start 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.

(Sec. 10) Provides for localDirects the Secretary to provide Head Start agencies with information on, and state integration of early childhood education.technical assistance in establishing, policies and activities that support childrens' successful transition to public schools.

Requires Head Start agencies to enter into, submit to the Secretary,(Sec. 11) Provides for local and annually review and revise, memoranda of understanding to coordinate activities with providersstate integration of publicly-funded prekindergarten programs in their service areas.early childhood education.

DirectsChanges from discretionary to mandatory the authority of the Secretary to award an early learning matching grantaward, upon written request, collaboration grants to states and each state that requests one to support a State Early Learning Council composed of representatives fromnational administrative office serving Indian Head Start, preschool, child care, localStart and state education, special education,migrant and child health programs. Makes such Council responsible for improving theseasonal Head Start programs to facilitate coordination among Head Start agencies and quality of early childhood services within the state.entities that carry out other activities designed to benefit low-income families and children from birth to school entry.

(Sec. 11) AddsRequires the use of collaboration grants to: (1) assist Head Start agencies 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 responsible state agency under the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990, and other specified entities; (3) promote alignment of Head Start curricula and 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 of the state Director of Head Start administrative requirements.Collaboration.

Directs each Head Start agencyRequires the state to makeappoint or designate a report available tostate Director of Head Start Collaboration (currently state liaison), and establish an Office of such Director. Requires the public at least once each fiscal year disclosing:state Director to: (1) its financesmake specified assessments and budget;strategic plans; (2) its enrollment, including the percentage of its enrollees receiving medical and dental exams;promote certain partnerships; (3) the results of the Secretary's most recent reviewenable state agencies to better coordinate professional development opportunities for Head Start staff; and the financial audit; (4) parental involvement activities;help Head Start agencies develop plans to provide full-working-day, full calendar year services, and align them with state early learning standards, as appropriate, and (5) the agency's efforts to prepare children for kindergarten. Head Start Child Outcomes Framework.

Prohibits an agency from using federal funds to purchase a facility unlessDirects the agency receivesGovernor of the Secretary's approvalstate to designate or establish a state advisory council on early childhood education and describes the facility's cost effectiveness and utility in providing servicescare for children from birth to school entry, on a collaborative basis with other community providers.which the state's Director of Head Start Collaboration shall serve.

(Sec. 12) Alters rules regarding eligibleExempts 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 program participants. programs or migrant or seasonal Head Start programs.<br>

Includes children referred by child welfare services and homeless children as program participants, even if their families do not meet low-income eligibility criteria. (Sec. 13) Adds to Head Start administrative requirements.

ExcludesDirects each Head Start agency to make a report available to the basic military housing allowance frompublic at least once each fiscal year disclosing: (1) its finances and budget; (2) its enrollment, including the income eligibility calculation.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.

Allows a Head Start Prohibits an agency to use programfrom using federal funds to serve infantspurchase a facility unless the agency receives the Secretary's approval and toddlers if it provides certain information toinforms the Secretary provingof its capacity and capabilityefforts to collaborate with other community providers in seeking assistance to carry out an effective Early Head Start program. Subjectspurchase such agency to the same rules applicable to Early Head Start programs.facility.

Allows a(Sec. 14) Alters rules regarding eligible Head Start agency to increase income eligibility to 130% of the poverty level if it provides certain information to the Secretary proving that services and outreach to currently eligible children are adequate, and explaining why it is not feasible to simply increase the number of poor infants and toddlers served.program participants.

Allows Indian Head Start agenciesRequires that also operate a Earlyhomeless children be deemed eligible for Head Start program to reallocate funds between both programs at any time.services

(Sec. 13) Adds to EarlyAllows Head Start program service, coordination, and training requirements. 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.

Includes parenting skills trainingExempts certain amounts of military pay and training in basic child development to services Earlyallowances from family income consideration for purposes of determining Head Start programs must provideeligibility, including: (1) special pay for duty subject to parents.hostile fire or imminent danger; and (2) a specified basic allowance, especially for housing.

Adds state home service providers, community programs for homeless infantsAuthorizes a Head Start agency, after it demonstrates a need through a communitywide strategic planning and toddlers, and child protective service agenciesneeds assessment, to apply to the entities and programs with which Early Head Start programs must coordinate.Secretary to convert part-day sessions, particularly consecutive part-day sessions, into full-day sessions.

Requires programsAllows a Head Start agency to establish channels of communication with,use program funds to serve infants and implement a systematic procedure for transitioning childrentoddlers if it provides certain information to the Secretary proving its capacity and parents to,capability to carry out an effective Early Head Start program. Subjects such agency to the same rules applicable to Early Head Start programs and other local early childhood education programs.

IncludesAllows Indian Head Start agencies as eligiblethat also operate a Early Head Start providers.program to reallocate funds between both programs at any time.

Directs the Secretary, in determining the percentage (between 5 and 10%) of(Sec. 15) Adds to Early Head Start funds to be reserved for trainingprogram service, coordination, and technical assistance, to consider the number of new programs serving pregnant women, infants, toddlers, and their families and the greater need those programs have for such assistance. Requires that from such reserved funds: (1) at least 50% be available for the training and technical assistance activities of local entities; (2) at least 30% be used by the Secretary to support a state-based system of early childhood education training and technical assistance to local Early Head Start entities that includes a national network of state-based infant-toddler specialists; and (3) the remainder be available to the Secretary to assist local Early Head Start entities meet and exceed program performance standards.requirements.

Directs the Secretary to ensure that, by September 30, 2009, all teachers providing direct servicesRequires Early Head Start programs to childreninclude: (1) parental training in parenting skills and families in basic child development; (2) coordination with home-based services, programs for homeless infants and toddlers, 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 centers haveprogram into a minimum of a child development associate credentialHead Start program or another local early childhood education and training indevelopment program; (5) communication channels to help coordinate such Early Head Start programs with other early childhood development.education and development programs; and (6) formal linkages with agencies responsible for administering the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act.

Directs the Secretary to establish standards for training, qualifications, and the conduct of home visits for home visitor staff inIncludes as eligible Early Head Start programs. Requires that such standards include content related to the roleservice providers: (1) entities operating Indian or migrant or seasonal Head Start programs; and (2) community-based and faith-based organizations capable of parents inproviding child development and in working with other health and developmentalfamily services providers to eliminate gaps in service. that meet Head Start standards and other appropriate requirements.

(Sec. 14) RequiresMakes homeless children eligible for Early Head Start agenciesservices. Applies the changes made to get parental consent before administering any nonemergency health care serviceHead Start income eligiblity requirements to a child.Early Head Start programs.

(Sec. 15) Clarifies the Secretary's authority to terminate, reduce, or suspend Makes available from Early Head Start training and technical assistance before the conclusion of an appeals process. Prohibitsfunds: (1) at least 50% for the direct use of Early Head Start agencies; (2) at least 25% for state-based or national training and technical assistance systems, including supportive infant and toddler specialists; and (3) the remainder to reimburse legal feesassist local Early Head Start entities meet and other costs incurred in pursuing such appeals. exceed program performance standards.

(Sec. 16) Requires Head Start agencies to submit toDirects the Secretary complete annual accountingsto ensure that all teachers providing direct services to children and families in Early Head Start centers have a minimum of their administrative expenses,a child development associate credential and training in early childhood development by September 30, 2010, and audit management letterstraining in early childhood development with a focus on infant and findings.toddler development by September 30, 2012.

(Sec. 17) Revises trainingDirects the Secretary to establish standards for training, qualifications, and technical assistance requirements. the conduct of home visits for home visitor staff in Early Head Start programs. Requires that such standards include content related to the role of parents in child development and in working with other health and developmental service providers to eliminate gaps in service.

Adds as targets of such assistance: (1) services and outreach to homeless children and their families, limited English proficient children and their families, children and families experiencing toxic stress, and additional disabled children; (2) the unique needs of programs located in rural communities; (3) training(Sec. 16) Revises requirements for personnel serving abused or neglected children and those referred by or receiving child welfare services; (4) training for personnel to recognize common child health problems for appropriate referral; and (5) training for personnel that addresses the unique needs of migrant and seasonal working families, families with disabled children, families with limited English proficiency, homeless families, and childrenappeals, notice, and families experiencing toxic stress.hearings.

Requires more than one-half of training and technicalProhibits Head Start agencies from using federal Head Start assistance fundingfor legal fees and other costs incurred in pursuing appeals; but permits the Secretary to be usedreimburse Head Start agencies for classroom-focused assistancefees deemed reasonable and training.customary.

Directs(Sec. 17) Requires Head Start agencies to submit to the Secretary to establishcomplete annual accountings of their administrative expenses as well as, within 30 days after completion of an outreach program to recruitaudit, a copy of the audit management letters and train minority men to become Head Start teachers.audit findings.

Prohibits the use of(Sec. 18) Revises training funds for long-distance travel to training that is available locally or regionally.and technical assistance requirements.

Lists activities for which program improvement funds may be used byAdds as targets of such assistance: (1) services and outreach to homeless children, LEP children and their families, and disabled children; (2) the unique needs of rural Head Start agencies, including activitiesprograms; (3) members of governing bodies and policy councils or committees; (4) ensuring that staff are qualified to improve parenting skills, job skills,promote child obesity prevention; (5) training for Indian Head Start agency staff; and adult(6) Head Start agency selection and family literacy.use of performance measures.

DirectsRequires the Secretary to conduct studiesprovide additional support for: (1) an organization to administer a centralized child development and report on Head Startnational assessment program participation by eligible Indian, Alaskan Native,leading to recognized credentials for early childhood education and development personnel; and (2) training personnel to better serve LEP children and their families, abused or neglected children, children coping with community violence, children with health problems, disabled children and their families, migrant and seasonal children.farmworker families, and homeless families.

Directs the Secretary to enter into contracts in each state with institutions of higher education or other experienced training entitiesestablish an outreach program to support state-based systems of delivering trainingrecruit and technical assistance. train professionals from diverse backgrounds to become Head Start teachers

Requires each Head Start agency to ensure that all of its teachers receive ongoing training in language and emergent literacy.

EncouragesProhibits the Secretary to contract with an institutionuse of higher educationtraining funds for long-distance travel to develop an on-line graduate-level professional development program.training that is available locally or regionally.

RequiresDirects the Secretary to consultenter into contracts in each state with experts regarding indoor air qualityone or more entities that have expertise in supporting the delivery of high-quality early childhood education and children's healthdevelopment programs for the development of state-based or national (for migrant, seasonal, or Indian programs) training and informtechnical assistance systems that improve the capacity of Head Start agencies of programs that improve indoor air.to meet or exceed Head Start performance standards.

PermitsRequires the Secretary to award demonstration grants to tribal collegesconsult appropriate federal agencies and universitiesother experts, as appropriate, regarding indoor air quality and Hispanic-serving institutions to establish career ladder programs forchildren's health and inform Head Start agency staff serving Indian children or limited English proficient children and parents.agencies of programs that improve indoor air.

DirectsEstablishes the Career Advancement Partnership program that allows the Secretary to collaborate with Historicallyaward demonstration grants to historically Black Collegescolleges and Universities to: (1)universities, Hispanic-serving institutions, and tribal colleges and universities to increase the number and expertise of associate, baccalaureate, and advanced degreesteachers in early childhood education andor related fields earned by the staff of, and parents served by, Head Start agencies; and (2) upgrade the skills and qualifications of noncertified Head Start educational personnel.fields. Requires individuals that receive collaborationprogram assistance to teach afterwards in a center-based Head Start program for a period equivalent to the period for which they received assistance, or repay such assistance.

(Sec. 18)19) Amends staff qualification and development requirements.

Directs the Secretary to ensure that by September 30, 2013, at least 50% of all Head Start classroom teachers and all Head Start education coordinators nationwide have at least:in center-based programs have: (1) a baccalaureate or advanced degree in early childhood education; or (2) a related field,baccalaureate or advanced degree and coursework equivalent to a major relating to early childhood education, with experience in teaching preschool children. Requires teachers in migrant and seasonalall Head Start classrooms that serve children under age threeteaching assistants nationwide in center-based programs to meet Early Head Start teacher qualifications.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.

Requires that, within two years of this Act's enactment, all newly hiredeach Head Start classroom teachersthat does not have a teacher that meets such qualifications to be assigned at least an associate's degree in early childhood education or a related field or be currently enrolled in a program leading to such aone teacher that meets certain alternative credentialing and degree within three years of their being hired.requirements.

Requires that individuals who receive educational assistance under the Act to meet teacher qualifications subsequently teach in aeach Head Start center for the same periodteacher to attend at least 15 clock hours of time for which such assistance was received, or else repay such amount. professional development per year.

Allows TeachRequires individuals who receive educational assistance for America program participants that have baccalaureates and meet certain testing andteacher training requirementsunder the Act to serveteach or work in a Head Start classrooms that lackcenter for a teacher who has a baccalaureate in early childhood educationminimum of three years thereafter, or a related field.repay the total or an amount prorated on the basis of service completed.

Directs the Secretary to review and, as necessary, revise or develop maximum caseload requirements for staff providing in-home and other services to Head Start families. family service workers and promote strategies that ensure their ability to meet the needs of special populations, including LEP children.

Requires each Head Start agency and program to create a professional development plan for all their employees who provide direct services to childrenchildren, and regularly evaluate the plan's effectiveness.

Prohibits Head Start agencies from employing individuals before interviewing them, verifying their personal and employment references, and obtaining criminal record background checks.

Authorizes the Secretary of Education to assume or cancel loans made under the Federal Family Education Loan or the Direct Loan programs of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to individuals who: (1) have a bachelor's degree related to early childhood education; and (2) commit to serve as Head Start or Early Head Start teachers for three consecutive complete program years.

(Sec. 19)(Sec. 20) Alters Head Start research, demonstration, and evaluation requirements.

Includes homeless children, abused and neglected children, and foster care children in the continuing program of Head Start research, demonstration, and evaluation activities, which are now to be scientifically-based.

Repeals the mandate for the required use and linkage of specified surveys in evaluating Head Start program participants.

Requires that research, demonstration, and evaluation activities: (1) contribute to understandingincreasing the impacteffective delivery of Head Start services deliveredto disabled and nondisabled children in inclusive classrooms (defined as containing both disableda mixture of such children; and nondisabled children) have(2) identify successful strategies that promote good oral and vision health for Early Head Start and Head Start participants.

Directs the Secretary to: (1) study and report to Congress on both disabledthe status of LEP children and nondisabled children;their families in Head Start and Early Head Start programs; and (2) result in practices that increaseaward 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.

Directs the availabilitySecretary to: (1) integrate into each Head Start program assessment the results of the National Academy of Sciences study on Developmental Outcomes and Assessments for Young Children, when they become available; and (2) use them to develop, inform, and revise Head Start quality standards and measures.

Terminates further development and use of the National 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 classrooms. 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.

DirectsProhibits the Secretary to study and report to Congress on the statususe of limited English proficient children and their families in participating Head Start and Early Head Start programs, and the extent to which quality improvement funds improve program servicesappropriations for such children and their families.voter registration activities.

Directs the Secretary to: (1) study and report(Sec. 25) Requires Head Start agencies to obtain written parental consent before administering to Congress ona child, or referring the status of children and families participatingchild for, a nonemergency intrusive physical examination, including one in Head Start and Early Head Start programs in areas affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, including information on coordinationconnection with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) inprogram. Declares that such areas;requirement shall not be construed to prohibit agencies from using established methods for handling cases of suspected or known child abuse and (2) prepare and submit Head Start disaster plan recommendations based upon such report to Congress.neglect in compliance with applicable federal, state, or tribal law.

(Sec. 20) Includes homeless children, foster care children, and limited English proficient children in26) Directs the biennial reports on the statusSecretary to: (1) designate up to 200 exemplary Head Start agencies as Centers of childrenExcellence in Head Start programs. Early Childhood; and (2) make them bonus grants.

DirectsRequires the SecretaryCenters to reportuse at least 15% of their grants to Congress: (1) annually ondisseminate best practices for achieving early academic success to other Head Start agencies in their states. Authorizes the use of the 13% ofremaining grant funds on Head Start funding set aside for special populations, territoriesaccess and freely associated states, trainingquality improvement efforts, and technical assistance, monitoring and terminations, and research; (2) annually on whether triennial reviews ofcoordinating Head Start agencies provide reasonable assurance that such agencies are complyingservices with applicable fiscal lawsother educational and regulations;social services for children and (3) within one year of this Act's enactment on Head Start agency use of Individualized Education Plans. their families.

RequiresDirects the Secretary also to evaluate, publish regulations for,award a grant or contract to an independent organization to research and report to Congress concerningon the issue of preventingCenters' ability to: (1) improve Head Start childrens' school readiness and reducing obesityperformance in the earliest grades; and (2) encourage delegate agencies, additional Head Start children.agencies, and other early childhood education and development providers to meet measurable improvement goals, particularly in school readiness.

(Sec. 21) Prohibits any Head Start employee from being compensated at a rate greater then the level II Executive Schedule pay rate.Authorizes appropriations for FY2008-FY2012.

(Sec. 22) Prohibits28) Directs the use of Head Start funds for:Secretary to report to Congress: (1) publicity or propaganda purposes; or (2) any prepackaged news story, unless the text or audio statescertifying that it was prepared or funded by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).(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.
</summary>

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== Status of the Legislation ==

<status>
Latest Major Action: 6/19/2007: Resolving differences -- Senate actions. Status: Senate insists on its amendment, asks11/14/2007: Cleared for a conference, appoints conferees Kennedy; Dodd; Harkin; Mikulski; Bingaman; Murray; Reed; Clinton; Obama; Sanders; Brown; Enzi; Gregg; Alexander; Burr; Isakson; Murkowski; Hatch; Roberts; Allard; Coburn.White House.
</status>

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== Points in Favor ==

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== Points Against ==

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