H.R. 2343 would expand quality programs of early childhood home visitation that increase school readiness, child abuse and neglect prevention, and early identification of developmental and health delays, including potential mental health concerns.
Detailed Summary
Education Begins at Home Act of 2008 - (Sec. 4) Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to make grants to states, Indians, territories, and possessions to establish or expand quality early childhood home visitation programs for families that are expecting a child or have pre-kindergarten children.
Allots funds among state grantees on the basis of their share of children from birth through age five who are from impoverished families.
Directs the Secretary to approve grant applications on the basis of recommendations from a peer review panel that assesses the quality of applications by considering factors such as how the applicant: (1) promotes collaboration among a broad range of child and family services programs; and (2) plans to prioritize serving communities in high need of home visitation programs.
Requires each state grantee to: (1) provide voluntary early childhood home visitation at least once a month to as many of such families as is practicable; (2) reserve 10% of its grant for the provision of training and technical assistance to such programs; (3) include representatives from high quality early childhood home visitation programs in an existing state-level early childhood coordinating body that meets regularly to address policy and implementation issues; and (4) use no more than 5% of its grant on administration.
Requires states to raise nonfederal matching funds equal to 10% of their allotment for FY2011, 20% of their allotment for FY2012, and 30% of their allotment for FY2013.
Authorizes appropriations for such grant program for FY2009-FY2013.
(Sec. 5) Directs the Secretary to award competitive grants to local educational agencies (LEAs) and experienced public or private community-based entities to support and expand quality, local early childhood home visitation programs for families that have English language learners and are expecting a child or have pre-kindergarten children.
Directs the Secretary to approve grant applications on the basis of their quality and peer review panel recommendations.
Requires grantees to: (1) provide voluntary early childhood home visitation at least once a month to as many of such families as is practicable; (2) eliminate gaps in children's health and developmental services from birth to entry into kindergarten; (3) refer such families to additional community resources; (4) offer such families group meetings (at program discretion) at least once a month that allow parents to address their challenges in a supportive environment; (5) provide training and technical assistance to early childhood home visitation staff; and (6) coordinate existing early childhood home visitation programs.
Authorizes appropriations for such grant program for FY2009-FY2013.
(Sec. 6) Directs the Secretary of Defense to make competitive grants to LEAs, schools, and community-based organizations that serve military dependents to support and expand high quality early childhood home visitation programs for military families that are expecting a child or have pre-kindergarten children.
Directs the Secretary to approve grant applications on the basis of their quality and peer review panel recommendations.
Requires grantees to: (1) provide voluntary early childhood home visitation at least once a month to as many of such families as is practicable; (2) eliminate gaps in children's health and developmental services from birth to entry into kindergarten; (3) refer such families to additional community resources; (4) offer such families group meetings (at program discretion) at least once a month that allow parents to address their challenges in a supportive environment; (5) provide training and technical assistance to early childhood home visitation staff; and (6) coordinate existing early childhood home visitation programs.
Authorizes appropriations for such grant program for FY2009-FY2013.
(Sec. 7) Directs the Secretary to conduct an independent evaluation of the effectiveness of this Act's home visitation programs and submit interim and final reports to Congress on such evaluation.
(Sec. 8) Requires the Secretary to report annually to Congress on activities carried out pursuant to this Act.
(Sec. 9) Directs the Secretary to develop and implement a public information and educational campaign to inform the public and new parents about the importance of proper care for infants and children under five years of age.
Authorizes appropriations for such campaign for FY2009-FY2013.
Status of the Legislation
Latest Major Action: 9/19/2008: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 559.
Points in Favor
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Points Against
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Visitor Comments
OmegaWolf747
July 24, 2008, 5:53pm (report abuse)The last thing American families need is the federal government coming into their homes and telling them how to raise their children!
David G
July 24, 2008, 10:36pm (report abuse)Headstart is a volunteer program and is not a legal requirement. They are invited in.
Philpe F
July 25, 2008, 3:34pm (report abuse)Even though this is volunteer to begin with, such programs have a way of eventually becoming mandatory, especially if a family is receiving some sort of state or federal “assistance". This must be defeated!
Rick Dade
July 28, 2008, 8:04pm (report abuse)Why is this type of thing any of the Federal Governments concern? If they can't control family and kids their afraid they can't control. The government is meant to serve the people. Like protect our boarders fight wars. Make sure weights and measure are correct if problems with contracts are in question resolve the issue, punish real crimes murder rape. NOT TO POLICE THE THOUGHTS OF THE INECENT.
works with the public
August 7, 2008, 12:01pm (report abuse)there are always 2 sides, I don't trust the government much but having said that - I work in the low income housing industry and the statistics for education successare sad in that realm. If this program could be used to assist the success of those children it would be wonderful. We have computer labs for adult/school age residents and there is head start, but identifying issues earlier for infants/toddlers and unskilled parents could avert abuse and failure. It could be voluntary, that's all it needs to be is voluntary.
Richard
August 21, 2008, 12:01pm (report abuse)These state programs provide mothers with information on the health and well-being of their child, modeling, consulting and coaching in parenting practices and to recognize and seek help for issues related to health, developmental delays, and social, emotional, and behavioral skills.
While you and I neither want nor need parenting advice from an external agency (including but not limited to our mother-in-laws), trust me, these programs provide great benefit for poorer families. I don't know if you've experienced how poor people raise their children, but trust me, it isn't pretty.
The good news is that these programs are effective in helping the strength of the family and the health of the child--something liberals and conservatives can agree on. This according to a study published in the Official Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Jan Smith
September 13, 2008, 12:17am (report abuse)"these programs provide great benefit for poorer families"
You know, some of the biggest drunks and drug addicts I have ever seen (and I was a drug counselor) were people of financial means and politicians. It is hypocritical to target poor families when we need to clean up our government of poor parenting before they tell us what to do. This conveniently leaves people of power and wealth out of the equation. How about change it to be inclusive of all families and lets go into YOUR home and TAKE your children while you are at your high class club getting sauced and talking about how to "fix everyone else." They need to mind their own business. STOP PARENS PATRIAE NOW AND GIVE THE CONSTITUTION BACK TO THE PEOPLE