Order Code RL33968
Head Start Reauthorization: A Side-by-Side
Comparison of H.R. 1429, S. 556, and Current Law
April 18, 2007
Melinda Gish
Specialist in Social Legislation
Domestic Social Policy Division

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Summary
Head Start, a federal program that has provided comprehensive early childhood
development services to low-income children since 1965, was last reauthorized in
1998 for fiscal years 1999-2003. The program has remained funded in subsequent
years through the annual appropriations process. After unsuccessful efforts by the
past two Congresses to complete the reauthorization process, the 110th Congress has
begun its efforts in the House and Senate. In both chambers, bills to amend and
reauthorize the Head Start Act through FY2012 have been introduced, amended, and
reported by the respective committees of jurisdiction.
The Improving Head Start Act of 2007 (H.R. 1429) was introduced by
Representative Kildee on March 9, 2007. The following week, the House Committee
on Education and Labor debated, amended, and approved the bill (42-1), and the
committee’s written report accompanying the legislation (H.Rept. 110-67) was filed
on March 23, 2007.
The Head Start for School Readiness Act (S. 556) was introduced by Senator
Kennedy on February 12, 2007, and approved via voice vote by the Senate
Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) on February 14. The
Chairman’s amended version of the bill was subsequently reported on March 29,
2007, with a written report (S.Rept. 110-49) filed April 10, 2007.
Both reauthorization bills propose to amend Head Start with the purpose of
improving the program’s ability to promote low-income children’s school readiness
by supporting their cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development. The
means for doing so encompass a wide range of provisions, covering issues of
program funding, administration, eligibility, accountability, quality, governance, and
coordination.
Authorization levels for funding would be increased above current funding
amounts by both bills, and eligibility would be expanded to allow for serving
children up to 130% of the poverty line. Both bills include provisions that would
increase competition for Head Start grants, by limiting the period for which a grantee
may receive grant funds to five years, before recompetition may be required.
Other similarities include increasing the percentage of the appropriation to be
reserved for Early Head Start; emphasizing coordination and collaboration with other
state and local early childhood programs; increasing staff qualifications; specifying
requirements of shared governance principles in statute; and suspending use of the
National Reporting System.
Although the overall areas addressed by the two reauthorization bills are similar,
a side-by-side comparison of provisions, alongside current law, reveals notable
differences in detail.

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Contents
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Overview of Provisions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Funding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Accountability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Program Governance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Quality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Coordination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Eligibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Detailed Comparison of Provisions Included in
Committee-Reported Head Start Reauthorization Bills with
Current Law . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
SEC. 635. SHORT TITLE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
SEC. 636. STATEMENT OF PURPOSE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Purpose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
SEC. 638. FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR
HEAD START PROGRAMS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Time period for providing assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
SEC. 639. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Authorization of funds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
SEC. 640. ALLOTMENT OF FUNDS; LIMITATION ON
ASSISTANCE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Allotments within the 13% set-aside . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Hold Harmless provision for Indian, Migrant and
Seasonal Head Start programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Designated percentage of funding for Migrant and
Seasonal Head Start programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Designated percentage of funding for
Indian Head Start programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Funding for Palau . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Set-aside for Training and Technical Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Limitation on Expansion or Creation of “slots or services” in
non-Indian and non-migrant/seasonal programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Excess funding for Quality Improvement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Quality Improvement Fund: Goals and Activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Allotments to States . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Hold harmless for states . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Distribution of funds remaining after the hold harmless . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Collaboration grants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Collaboration Authority . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

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Requirements of Collaboration Authority . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Responsibilities of State Director of Head Start Collaboration . . . . . . . . . . 20
Early Head Start allotments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Factors for allocating funds to grantee applicants within a state . . . . . . . . . 21
Service Delivery Models . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Transportation safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Meeting needs of children of Migrant and Seasonal farmworkers and
Indian children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Annual consultation between Secretary and
Tribal governments operating Head Start/EHS programs . . . . . . . . . . 24
Enrollment of Homeless Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Head Start Materials and Curricula . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
SEC. 641 DESIGNATION OF HEAD START AGENCIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Eligible Designees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Designation of Head Start Agencies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Application review system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Composition of Expert Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Report from Expert Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Public Comment on Proposed Review System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Considerations in Designation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Designation when no entity has priority . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Priority to non-profit agencies in cases of
equal quality applicants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
SEC. 641A. QUALITY STANDARDS; MONITORING OF
HEAD START AGENCIES AND PROGRAMS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Education Performance Standards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Standards for condition and location of Head Start facilities . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Considerations in developing standards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Measures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Characteristics of Measures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Use of Measures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Evaluations and Corrective Actions for Delegate Agencies . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Use of National Reporting System (NRS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Monitoring of Local Agencies and Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Procedures for monitoring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Conduct of Reviews . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Content of Reviews . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Use of Review Findings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Training for Reviewers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Quality and Consistency of Reviews . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Agency Responsibility with Respect to Approving
a Program’s Quality Improvement Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Self-Assessments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Use of “enrollment” terms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Enrollment Reporting Requirement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Reduction of grants (and redistribution of funds) in
cases of under-enrollment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Secretarial Action for continued under-enrollment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Redistribution of Recaptured Funds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Contract with Nonprofit intermediary organization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

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NEWLY PROPOSED: SEC. 641B CENTERS OF
EXCELLENCE IN EARLY CHILDHOOD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
SEC. 642. POWERS AND FUNCTIONS OF
HEAD START AGENCIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Program Governance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Composition of Governing Body . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Responsibilities of Governing Body . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Composition of Policy Council . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Responsibilities of Policy Council . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Impasse Policy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Parental Involvement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Evaluating effectiveness of transition projects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Implementing Research-based early childhood curricula . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Use of Research-based Assessment methods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Funded Enrollment and Waiting List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Technical Assistance and Training Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Financial Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
SEC. 642A. HEAD START TRANSITION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Steps for Coordinating Head Start with LEA and
Elementary Schools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
NEWLY PROPOSED SEC. 642B. LOCAL AND
STATE INTEGRATION OF EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION . . . . 55
Local Integration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Memoranda of Understanding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Reasons for Failing to Enter into MOU . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Consequences for Failing to Enter into MOU . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Statewide Integration through Early Learning Collaboration Grants . . . . . . 57
State Early Learning Council (SELC)/State Advisory Council (SAC) . . . . 57
Purpose of SELC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Funding for SELC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
SEC. 643. SUBMISSION OF PLANS TO GOVERNORS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Time period for State Governors’ approval of plans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Applicability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
SEC. 644. ADMINISTRATIVE REQUIREMENTS AND
STANDARDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Annual Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Purchase of Facilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
SEC. 645. PARTICIPATION IN HEAD START PROGRAMS . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Income Eligibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Eligibility of Homeless Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Expansion of services for infants and toddlers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Military Pay and Allowances Not Counted as Income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Part-day session participation versus Full-day . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

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SEC. 645A. EARLY HEAD START PROGRAMS FOR
FAMILIES WITH INFANTS AND TODDLERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Scope and Design of Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Professional Development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
EHS Staff Qualifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
NEWLY PROPOSED SEC. 645B (and 657A)
PARENTAL CONSENT REQUIREMENT FOR
HEALTH CARE SERVICES, INCLUDING
NON-EMERGENCY INTRUSIVE PHYSICAL EXAMINATIONS . . . . . 65
SEC. 646. APPEALS, NOTICE, AND HEARING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Right to full and fair hearing in cases of
funding termination and reduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Coverage of legal fees in cases of appeal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Suspension of funds for more than 30 days . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
SEC. 647. RECORDS AND AUDITS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Record Keeping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
SEC. 648. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AND TRAINING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Regional or State System of
Early Childhood Education Training and Technical Assistance . . . . . 68
Purpose of training and technical assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Classroom-focused training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Centralized child development program for training personnel . . . . . . . . . 69
Training for addressing unique needs of
select Head Start children and families . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Limitation on use of funds for travel and training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
Outreach program to train and
recruit minority men as Head Start teachers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
Use of funds for pre-literacy training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
Assessing the Migrant and Seasonal and
American Indian Population’s Needs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Report of Findings on Migrant and
Seasonal as well as American Indian Population . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Establishing Contracts for delivering
a state-based training and technical assistance system . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
On-line graduate-level professional development program . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
SEC. 648A. STAFF QUALIFICATIONS AND DEVELOPMENT . . . . . . . . . 73
Degree Requirements for Teachers (Nationwide) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Degree Requirements for Teachers (Statewide) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Alternative Credentialing Requirement — Teach for America . . . . . . . . . . 74
Degree Requirements for Head Start Curriculum Specialists and
Education Coordinators
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Degree Requirements for Teaching Assistants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Teacher In-service Requirement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Progress Report to Congress . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Requirement for New Head Start Teachers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

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Service Requirement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Professional Development Plans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
NEWLY PROPOSED SEC. 648B. TRIBAL COLLEGES AND
UNIVERSITIES HEAD START PARTNERSHIP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
SEC. 649. RESEARCH, DEMONSTRATIONS, AND
EVALUATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Use of Survey of Income and Program Participation (SIPP),
the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth (NLSY),
and the Survey of Program Dynamics (SPD) for analysis . . . . . . . . . . 77
Study and Report on Services to LEP Children and Families . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Study of Status of Head Start Participants in
Hurricane-Affected Areas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
SEC. 650 REPORTS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Expenditure Report on Set-asides . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Fiscal Protocol Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Report Tracking Use of Individual Education Plans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
SEC. 653. WAGES AND COMPENSATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Federal Rate Limitation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
NEWLY PROPOSED SEC. 656A. LIMITATION ON
CERTAIN USES OF FUNDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
SEC. 656. POLITICAL ACTIVITIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
List of Tables
Table 1. Comparison of Current Law (and Regulations, if Applicable)
with H.R. 1429 (as Reported by the Education and Labor Committee)
and S. 556 (as Reported by the Health, Education, Labor, and
Pensions Committee) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

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Head Start Reauthorization:
A Side-by-Side Comparison of
H.R. 1429, S. 556, and Current Law
Introduction
Head Start, a federal program that has provided comprehensive early childhood
development services to low-income children since 1965, was last reauthorized in
1998 for fiscal years 1999-2003. The program has remained alive in subsequent
years through the annual appropriations process. After unsuccessful efforts by the
108th and 109th Congresses to complete the reauthorization process, the 110th
Congress has undertaken the task.1 In both chambers, bills to amend and reauthorize
the Head Start Act through FY2012 have been introduced, amended, and reported by
the respective committees of jurisdiction. Currently awaiting floor action in the
House is H.R. 1429, the Improving Head Start Act of 2007, and in the Senate, S. 556,
the Head Start for School Readiness Act.
The Improving Head Start Act of 2007 (H.R. 1429) was introduced by
Representative Kildee on March 9, 2007. The following week, the House Committee
on Education and Labor debated, amended, and approved the bill (42-1), and the
committee’s written report accompanying the legislation (H.Rept. 110-67) was filed
on March 23, 2007.
The Head Start for School Readiness Act (S. 556) was introduced by Senator
Kennedy on February 12, 2007, and approved via voice vote by the Senate
Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) on February 14. The
Chairman’s amended version of the bill was subsequently reported on March 29,
2007; a written report (S.Rept. 110-49) was filed April 10, 2007.
Overview of Provisions
Both reauthorization bills propose to amend Head Start with the purpose of
improving the program’s ability to promote low-income children’s school readiness
by supporting their cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development. The
means for doing so encompass a wide range of provisions, covering issues of
program funding, administration, eligibility, accountability, quality, governance, and
coordination. Below is an overview of broad areas addressed in the proposed
legislation, followed by Table 1, a detailed side-by-side comparison of each bill’s
1 For additional background information on the Head Start program and reauthorization
activity, see CRS Report RL30952 Head Start: Background and Issues, by Melinda Gish.

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CRS-2
provisions with current law (and, where relevant, current regulations). The areas
listed below are not intended to encompass every provision included in each of the
respective bills, but rather major areas addressed.
Funding
Despite the expiration of authorizing language, the Head Start program has
continued to receive its funding through the annual appropriations process, most
recently (FY2007) at a level of almost $6.9 billion. From FY1995-2003, the Head
Start Act authorized funding Head Start at an unspecified dollar amount — “such
sums as may be necessary.” The reauthorization bills propose to increase funding for
Head Start, with both bills designating a dollar amount ($7.350 billion) for FY2008.
After FY2008, H.R. 1429 would authorize “such sums as may be necessary” for each
of the remaining four years covered by the legislation, whereas S. 556 includes
specific increases for FY2009 and FY2010, before once again mirroring H.R. 1429
with unspecified amounts for FY2011 and FY2012.
Both bills propose changes with respect to the allocation of appropriated funds.
Within the 13% currently reserved from the total appropriation for a variety of
purposes, both bills introduce a greater level of specificity, assigning designated
percentages (of the total appropriation) for allotments to Indian and Migrant Head
Start programs. In the case of both bills, the percentages proposed reflect increases
above the portion currently received (and not set in statute).2
The allocation formula for determining state allotments is changed in both bills
to update the “hold harmless,” or base amounts assured for the states. Appropriated
funds available to states after allotting the hold harmless amounts would be
distributed differently by the two bills. H.R. 1429 would continue to allot remaining
funds based on states’ relative shares of poor children under age 5, while S. 556
introduces a new provision in which a portion of the remaining funds would be
allocated based on the percentage of eligible children served by grantees within the
state.
Program quality is also addressed by the funding allocation provisions. The
proposed legislation would maintain current law’s practice of reserving a designated
percentage of the aforementioned remainder funds for “quality improvement,” with
both bills proposing greater percentages for this purpose than under current law.
Both bills elaborate on the uses of quality improvement funds.
Both bills would increase the percentage of the total appropriation reserved for
funding Early Head Start programs, with a caveat that these percentages may only be
reached provided appropriation levels suffice. To compare the specifics of these and
other funding-related provisions, see the portions of Table 1 that refer to Sections 639
and 640 of current law.
2 In S. 556, the extent to which meeting proposed target percentages for Indian and Migrant
Head Start programs could restrict funding for other Head Start programs and activities is
not entirely clear.

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Accountability
Provisions designed to address issues of accountability take several forms. Both
bills target accountability with respect to fiscal and program management, as well as
accountability with respect to Head Start children’s outcomes. Under both H.R. 1429
and S. 556, agencies would be designated as a grantee for no more than five years at
a time, after which recompetition may be required. (Under current law, grantees do
not have to recompete for funds.) Only one bill (H.R. 1429) would establish an
application review system to be used during this process; however, both bills
establish means for determining what constitutes a “high-performing” grantee, and
those agencies not meeting the standard would be faced with recompetition.
In order to be considered a high performing grantee under either bill, Head Start
agencies would need to demonstrate competent financial management, as well as the
ability to deliver a program high in quality, developmentally appropriate, and based
on scientifically-based research and measures. Both bills add new language to
current law, requiring programs’ governing bodies to include individuals with
expertise in fiscal matters. Both bills would introduce detailed definitions of
“deficiency” into statute, along with provisions to help ensure that funding for any
grantees or delegates unable or unwilling to correct deficiencies be suspended or
terminated as necessary. As reflected in Table 1, particularly within Sec. 641A, the
two proposals often expand on current regulations with respect to corrective actions.

Both bills emphasize the use of scientifically-based early childhood research as
a basis for formulating educational measures for children and developing appropriate
curricula that will lead to positive outcomes. Likewise, both would suspend use of
the National Reporting System (NRS) in its current form, pending further review and
recommendations from a National Academy of Sciences panel. The importance of
effective and reliable screening and assessments in the Head Start program is stressed
by both bills, accompanied by an emphasis on the value of ensuring that the tools
used for screening and assessment be scientifically sound, based on the most up-to-
date research in the field.

Program Governance
Current law emphasizes shared governance and parent involvement within Head
Start programs in general terms, leaving the details to regulation. Both H.R. 1429
and S. 556 would introduce into statute more detailed provisions regarding program
governance, clearly outlining the composition and responsibilities of both the
governing bodies and the policy councils. The reports accompanying the legislation
emphasize the committees’ intent that a commitment be made to maintaining the
structure of shared governance (between governing bodies and policy councils), with
clear language that the governing bodies hold legal and fiscal accountability. The
responsibilities of policy councils are stated in both bills, but using different
language; both bills are more specific than current regulations. As in current
regulations, both bills make reference to the need for an impasse policy or means for
dealing with internal disputes, in the event that a governing body disagrees with
recommendations from the policy council.

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As noted in Table 1, within the two bills, the provisions related to program
governance do not amend the same section of current law. Section 8 of H.R. 1429
includes the provisions stating the required composition, role and responsibilities of
the governing bodies and councils as part of amendments to Sec. 642, whereas S. 556
includes its program governance requirements (including composition, roles, and
responsibilities) in Section 7, the portion of the bill that amends Sec. 641 of current
law.
Quality
Provisions that aim to improve the quality of Head Start programs (through a
variety of means) permeate both reauthorization bills. Some of these provisions,
already alluded to, relate to allocation of funds for quality and technical assistance
and training, designating agencies, and developing standards and measures. In
addition, both proposed bills would amend Sec. 648A of current law to increase staff
qualifications for Head Start teachers (but with different requirements).
Accompanying report language makes clear both committees’ view that teacher
quality is essential to early childhood program quality. Professional development is
promoted in both bills, as are efforts to enhance services for children with limited
English proficiency.
Included in S. 556 is a newly proposed section (641B) to the Head Start Act,
which would provide for the establishment of a program under which the Secretary
of Health and Human Services (HHS) would designate up to 200 exemplary Head
Start agencies as “Centers of Excellence in Early Childhood.” These agencies would
receive (pending appropriation of funds) bonus grants of at least $200,000 per year.
Like regularly designated grantees, the Centers of Excellence bonus grants would be
designated for up to five years at a time.
Coordination
In addition to provisions aimed at improving the quality and accountability of
Head Start programs, both bills would amend current law to foster even greater
program coordination between Head Start and other early childhood programs,
including state prekindergartens. Program coordination includes providing for
alignment of Head Start goals and expectations with those schools into which Head
Start children will later enroll. Coordination is also to be enhanced by bolstering
state and local relationships with Head Start. H.R. 1429 proposes a new section,
642B, specifically outlining the partnerships that Head Start agencies are to enter into
with local education agencies, including a description of the memorandum of
understanding that each Head Start agency would negotiate with the local entities.
Under both bills, collaboration grants are described in greater detail, and the state’s
role in collaboration is bolstered through involvement of an Early Learning Council
(under H.R. 1429) or a State Advisory Council (under S. 556).

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Eligibility
Under current law, all children from families with income under 100% of the
poverty line are eligible for Head Start. Regulations state that at least 90% of
children enrolled in each program must fit this criterion, allowing for 10% to be over-
income. Both bills would allow for expansion of eligibility up to 130% of the
poverty line, with H.R. 1429 specifying that no more than 20% of children served by
a Head Start program be above the poverty line. In the case of both bills, the intent
is that programs seek to serve children under 100% of poverty before serving those
from families with higher incomes. Homeless children would also be deemed
categorically eligible under both bills. Both bills address the issue of how to confront
situations of under-enrollment in Head Start programs, recognizing that the cause of
these situations may differ from program to program, sometimes reflecting a program
weakness while in other cases demographic changes in the community.
Another provision reflecting both committees’ desire for greater flexibility with
respect to participation and serving the needs of communities is one that allows for
regular funds to be used for serving Early Head Start infants and toddlers. Doing so
requires approval of a written application under both bills, but the possibility for this
expansion of services would be written into law.
Detailed Comparison of Provisions Included in
Committee-Reported Head Start
Reauthorization Bills with Current Law
Table 1 provides a detailed comparison of H.R. 1429, S. 556, and current law.
Where applicable, current regulations are included to show whether changes
proposed in the reauthorization bills would reflect practical changes to the program.
The table is structured in the order of current law’s sections. In cases where bills
address the same or similar provisions by amending different sections of current law,
that has been noted in the table.

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CRS-6
Table 1. Comparison of Current Law (and Regulations, if Applicable) with H.R. 1429
(as Reported by the Education and Labor Committee) and S. 556
(as Reported by the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee)
Current law
Current regulations
H.R. 1429
S. 556
(when applicable)
(committee-reported)
(committee-reported)
SEC. 635. SHORT TITLE
Head Start Act
Improving Head Start Act
Head Start for School
of 2007
Readiness Act
SEC. 636. STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
Purpose
To promote school readiness
(Sec. 2)
(Sec. 2)
by enhancing the social and
Elaborates on purpose,
Makes changes comparable to
cognitive development of
adding “emotional
House bill.
low-income children by
development” as an area to
providing health,
be promoted. Also
educational, nutritional,
specifies that the Head Start
social, and other services
learning environment
determined to be necessary,
should support growth in
based on family needs
language, literacy, math,
assessments.
science, social and
emotional functioning, and
physical skills.
Definitions
“Deficiency”
No definition.
1304.3(a)(6) “Deficiency”
(Sec. 3)
(Sec. 3)
is defined in regulation to
A systemic or significant
A systemic or substantial
mean an area in which a
material failure of a Head
material failure of a Head Start
grantee agency is not in
Start agency in an area of
agency in an area of
compliance with state or
performance that the
performance that the Secretary
federal requirements, and
Secretary determines
determines involves:
which involves:
involves:

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CRS-7
Current law
Current regulations
H.R. 1429
S. 556
(when applicable)
(committee-reported)
(committee-reported)
- A threat to the health,
- Same as in regulation.
- Same as in regulation.
safety, or civil rights of
children or staff;
- A denial to parents of the
- Same as in regulation.
- A denial to parents of the
exercise of their full roles
exercise of their full roles and
and responsibilities related
responsibilities related to
to program governance;
program operations;
- A failure to perform
- A failure to perform the
- A failure to comply with
substantially the
requirements of section
standards related to early
requirements related to
641A(a) (quality standards),
childhood development and
early childhood
as determined by the
health services, family and
development and health
Secretary;
community partnerships, or
services, family and
program design and
community partnerships, or
management;
program design and
management;
- The misuse of Head Start
- Same as regulation.
- Same as regulation.
grant funds;
- The loss of legal status or
- The loss of legal status (as
- Same as House bill.
financial viability, loss of
determined by the
permits, debarment from
Secretary) or financial
receiving federal grants or
viability, loss of permits,
contracts or the improper
debarment from receiving
use of federal funds;
federal grants or contracts
or the improper use of
federal funds;

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CRS-8
Current law
Current regulations
H.R. 1429
S. 556
(when applicable)
(committee-reported)
(committee-reported)
- Any other violation of
- Failure to meet any other
- Same as regulation.
federal or state
federal or state requirement.
requirements, for which the
(House bill does not include
grantee has shown an
language regarding a
unwillingness or inability
grantee’s unwillingness or
to correct within the period
inability to correct a
specified by the
violation.)
responsible HHS official
(in writing).
-Failure of the board of
- Systemic failure of the board
directors of a Head Start
of directors of an agency to
agency to meet its legal and
fully exercise its legal and
fiduciary responsibilities.
fiduciary responsibilities.
- Substantial failure to meet the
administrative requirements.
- Failure of an agency to
demonstrate that the agency
attempted to meet the
coordination and collaboration
requirements with entities
described in section
640(a)(5)(iii)(I); or
- Having an unresolved area of
noncompliance.
“Homeless children”
No definition.
“Homeless children” has
Same as House bill.
the meaning given in the
McKinney-Vento Homeless
Assistance Act

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CRS-9
Current law
Current regulations
H.R. 1429
S. 556
(when applicable)
(committee-reported)
(committee-reported)
“Limited English
No definition.
Provides a definition for
Same as House bill, except the
proficiency”
“limited English
definition is specifically with
proficiency” with respect to
respect to children.
individuals.
“Professional
No definition.
Defines “professional
No provision.
development”
development” as activities
that can improve the
knowledge and skills of
Head Start staff.
“Unresolved area of
No definition.
No definition.
“Unresolved area of
noncompliance”
noncompliance” means a
failure to correct a
noncompliance item within 120
days after receiving notice
from the Secretary, or within
such additional time (if any)
authorized by the Secretary.
“Institution of higher
No definition.
No definition
“Institution of higher
education”
education” has the meaning
given the term in Sec. 101(a) of
the Higher Education Act.
“Interrater reliability”
No definition.
No definition.
Defines “interrater reliability”
to mean the extent to which
two or more different raters or
observers consistently obtain
the same result when using the
same assessment tool.

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CRS-10
Current law
Current regulations
H.R. 1429
S. 556
(when applicable)
(committee-reported)
(committee-reported)
“Scientifically based
No definition.
Defines “scientifically
No definition.
research”
based research” as research
that involves the application
of rigorous, systematic and
objective procedures to
obtain reliable and valid
knowledge relevant to
education activities and
programs.
“Delegate agency”
“Delegate agency” means a
No change to current law
“Delegate agency” definition is
public, private non-profit, or
definition.
modified to specifically
for-profit organization or
include private nonprofits that
agency to which a grantee
are “community-based
has delegated all or part of
organizations.”
its responsibility for
operating a Head Start
program.
SEC. 638. FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR HEAD START PROGRAMS
Time period for providing
Under current law, there is
(Sec. 6)
(Sec. 4)
assistance (before
no specified time period
House bill amends Sec.
Like the House bill, S. 556
recompetition)
mentioned for providing
641(not Sec. 638) to state
limits the period for which a
financial assistance to a
that grantees who are
grantee may receive grant
grantee.
determined (using the
funds to five years, before
newly proposed application
recompetition may be required,
review system) to be
however, S. 556 does not
successfully delivering a
propose the review system
high quality program shall
described in H.R. 1429.
be designated as a Head
Start agency for a period of
five years.

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CRS-11
Current law
Current regulations
H.R. 1429
S. 556
(when applicable)
(committee-reported)
(committee-reported)
SEC. 639. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS
Authorization of funds
The Head Start authorization
(Sec. 4)
(Sec. 5)
expired at the end of
$7.350 billion for FY2008;
$7.350 billion for FY2008;
FY2003. Authorization had
and such sums as may be
$7.650 billion for FY2009;
been set at such sums as
necessary for FY2009-
$7.995 billion for FY2010; and
necessary. Of that amount,
FY2012. Of those amounts,
such sums as may be necessary
in each year, not more than
not more than $20 million is
for FY2011 and FY2012. (Set-
$35 million was to be for
to be made available in
asides for research,
transition projects, not more
FY2008 for research,
demonstration, evaluation
than $5 million for impact
demonstration, and
activities and impact studies
studies, and not more than
evaluation activities; such
are same as in House bill.)
$12 million for research,
sums as necessary in
demonstration, and
FY2009-FY2012. Not
evaluation. (Actual FY2007
more than $7 million is to
appropriation is $6.889
be used in each of FY2008-
billion.)
FY2012 to carry out the
impact studies described
under Section 649(g).

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CRS-12
Current law
Current regulations
H.R. 1429
S. 556
(when applicable)
(committee-reported)
(committee-reported)
SEC. 640. ALLOTMENT OF FUNDS; LIMITATION ON ASSISTANCE
Allotments within the 13%
set-aside
Hold Harmless
Under current law, Indian,
(Sec. 5)
(Sec. 6)
provision for Indian,
Migrant and Seasonal Head
Revises the hold harmless
Notwithstanding the designated
Migrant and Seasonal
Start programs receive
provision to FY2007 for
set-aside percentages described
Head Start programs
funding reserved as part of a
Indians, Migrant and
below for Indian Head Start
larger 13% set-aside from
Seasonal Head Start (and
and Seasonal and Migrant
total Head Start funds. They
designates specific
programs, the Secretary is to
do not receive a designated
percentages, discussed
reserve for them not less than
percentage, but do operate
below).
the amount obligated the
under a “hold harmless”
previous year for these
provision which states that
programs (on a national basis).
they must receive at least the
level of funding received in
FY1998.
Designated percentage
No designated percentage
(Sec. 5)
(Sec. 6)
of funding for Migrant
(see above). [Note: in
Migrant and Seasonal Head
Migrant and Seasonal Head
and Seasonal Head Start
FY2006, the amount allotted
Start programs are to
Start programs are to receive at
programs
for Migrant and Seasonal
receive at least 5% of the
least 5% of the total
Head Start totaled
total amount appropriated
appropriation (or as close to
approximately 4.2% of the
(until the Secretary is able
that as possible without
total appropriation.]
to make other funding
reducing the number of
decisions based on data
children served by the Head
collected on children
Start program as a whole).
eligible for migrant and
seasonal Head Start
programs. Any future
funding reduction is not to
result in cutting services to
eligible children age 3 or
older who are already
participating in the
program. To the extent
possible participating
children under 3 should also
maintain services.)

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CRS-13
Current law
Current regulations
H.R. 1429
S. 556
(when applicable)
(committee-reported)
(committee-reported)
Designated percentage
No designated percentage
(Sec. 5)
(Sec. 6)
of funding for Indian
(see above). [Note: in
Indian Head Start programs
Indian Head Start programs are
Head Start programs
FY2006, the amount allotted
shall receive at least 3.5%
to receive at least 4% of the
for Indian Head Start totaled
of total appropriation (until
total appropriation (or as close
approximately 2.7% of the
the Secretary is able to
to that as possible without
total appropriation.]
make other funding
reducing the number of
decisions to ensure access
children served by the Head
for eligible Indian children
Start program as a whole).
is comparable to access for
other eligible children,
except that any future
funding reduction is not to
result in cutting services to
eligible children age 3 or
older who are already
participating in the
program. To the extent
possible participating
children under 3 should also
maintain services.)
Funding for Palau
No Freely Associated state
(Sec.5)
No change to current law.
(i.e. Micronesia, Marshall
Strikes current law
Islands, Palau) may receive
language and permits
financial assistance under
funding to Palau through
this subchapter after
FY2009.
FY2002.
Set-aside for Training
Current law reserves “not
(Sec. 5)
(Sec. 6)
and Technical
less than 2%” of total Head
Maintains the set-aside for
Same as House bill regarding
Assistance (and
Start funding for training
training and technical
maintaining at least 2%, but
requirements for use
and technical assistance, of
assistance at “not less than
differences in sub-requirements
within the overall set-
which:
2%” of which:
(described below).
aside)

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CRS-14
Current law
Current regulations
H.R. 1429
S. 556
(when applicable)
(committee-reported)
(committee-reported)
No provision.
- not less than 50% is to be
- 50% to be made available to
made available for local
Head Start agencies to use
Head Start agencies to make
directly, or by establishing
program improvements
local or regional agreements
using training and technical
with community experts,
assistance activities listed in
institutions of higher learning,
section 648(j); [refer to Sec.
or private consultants, for a
648 portion of this table]
range of training and technical
assistance activities (a more
extensive list than the list
included in House bill under
Sec. 648(j)). Head Start
agencies are to be required to
report annually as to how these
funds were used.
No provision.
- not less than 30% shall be
- 50% to be made available to
made available to the
Secretary to support a state
Secretary to support a state
system of early childhood
system of early childhood
education training and
education training and
technical assistance and to
technical assistance;
comply with quality standards.

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CRS-15
Current law
Current regulations
H.R. 1429
S. 556
(when applicable)
(committee-reported)
(committee-reported)
No provision.
- the remainder to address
No provision.
program weaknesses
identified by monitoring
activities, except:
- Not less than $3 million of
- Not less than $3 million of
Same as current law.
the amount appropriated for
the amount appropriated for
a fiscal year is to be made
a fiscal year is to be made
available to carry out literacy
available to carry out
training.
literacy training. (Same as
current law.)
- No more than $5 million
No provision.
is reserved for State Early
Learning Councils.
Limitation on Expansion or
No provision
No provision.
(Sec. 6)
Creation of “slots or
The bill states that in no case
services” in non-Indian and
may the Secretary use any of
non-migrant/seasonal
the total Head Start
programs
appropriation to expand or
create additional “slots or
services” in non-Indian and
non-migrant and seasonal Head
Start programs until the
specified percentages (4% and
5%) are met.

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CRS-16
Current law
Current regulations
H.R. 1429
S. 556
(when applicable)
(committee-reported)
(committee-reported)
Excess funding for Quality
Under current law, a
(Sec. 5)
(Sec. 6)
Improvement
percentage of the amount by
In each of FY2008-
In FY2008, 30% of the amount
which the total Head Start
FY2012, 60% of the
by which the funds
appropriation exceeds the
amount by which the funds
appropriated for Head Start
prior year’s adjusted
appropriated for Head Start
exceed the prior year’s
appropriation is to be
exceed the prior year’s
adjusted appropriation will be
reserved for funding quality
adjusted appropriation will
used to fund quality
improvement activities. The
be used to fund quality
improvement activities. In
respective percentages for
improvement activities.
each of FY2009-FY2012, the
the years covered by current
(The Secretary may provide
amount will be 40%.
law were:
additional amounts at his
FY1999 = 60%
discretion.)
FY2000 = 50%
FY2001 = 47.5%
FY2002 = 35%
FY2003 = 25%
Quality Improvement Fund:
Lists 8 goals that quality
(Sec. 5)
(Sec. 6)
Goals and Activities
improvement funds should
Elaborates on the activities
Elaborates on the goals listed
aim to accomplish.
that quality funds may
in current law, as well as the
support, and amends the
list of activities for which
Funds are used to meet these
percentage reserved for
quality funds may be used.
goals by carrying out any or
improving compensation.
Comparable to House bill,
all of the following listed
although S. 556 retains current
activities:
-At least 25% of the quality
law’s provision that at least
-At least one-half of the
funds to be used to improve
one-half of the quality funds be
appropriation reserved as
the compensation, salary
used to improve compensation.
“quality funds” is to be used
scales, and benefit standards
to improve the compensation
of educational staff, family
(including benefits) of Head
service workers and child
Start teachers and staff;
counselors, to ensure that
-to train classroom teachers
salary levels and benefits
and other staff to meet the
are adequate to attract and
education performance
retain qualified staff.
standards;
-to employ additional Head
Start staff, including staff
necessary to reduce the
child-staff ratio ;
-to pay costs of purchasing
insurance (other than
employee benefits);
-to support staff training and
child counseling.

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CRS-17
Current law
Current regulations
H.R. 1429
S. 556
(when applicable)
(committee-reported)
(committee-reported)
Allotments to States
(Sec. 5)
(Sec. 6)
Hold harmless for states
First each state receives an
Changes the hold harmless
Same as House bill.
amount equal to the amount
so that each state first
it received in FY1998.
receives an amount equal to
the amount it received in
FY2007.
Distribution of funds
Any amount available after
No change to current law.
Any remaining funds (after the
remaining after the hold
above allotments are made
FY2007 hold harmless) will be
harmless
are distributed
distributed so that each state
proportionately among states
will receive an amount
based on each state’s number
sufficient to serve the same
of children under age 5 from
number of Head Start children
families with income below
as were served at the time of
the poverty line.
this bill’s enactment, taking
into consideration an inflation
adjustment.
If there are funds remaining
after the step described above,
65% of this balance will be
distributed among the states
serving less than 60% (as
determined by the Secretary) of
poor children who are 3 or 4
years of age. Funds will be
allotted based on the qualifying
states’ share of poor children
under age 5. The 35%
remaining will be distributed to
all states based on their relative
share of poor children under 5.

---

CRS-18
Current law
Current regulations
H.R. 1429
S. 556
(when applicable)
(committee-reported)
(committee-reported)
Collaboration grants
From the state allotments
From the state allotments,
From the state allotments the
described above, the
the Secretary shall award a
Secretary shall award a
Secretary may award a
collaboration grant to any
collaboration grant to each
collaboration grant to each
state that submits a written
state. Adds language
state to facilitate
request.
comparable to House bill,
collaboration among Head
describing the purposes of
Start agencies and entities
Expands current law to
collaboration grants in greater
involved in state and local
specify that the grants be
detail than current law.
planning processes.
used to:
- promote alignment of
Head Start curricula and
continuity of services with
the Head Start Child
Outcomes Framework and
state early learning
standards, as appropriate;
- promote better linkages
between Head Start
agencies, including those
providing health, mental
health or family services, or
other child or family
supportive services; and
- carry out the activities of
the state Director of Head
Start Collaboration.

---

CRS-19
Current law
Current regulations
H.R. 1429
S. 556
(when applicable)
(committee-reported)
(committee-reported)
Collaboration Authority
In order to receive a
(Sec. 5)
(Sec. 6)
collaboration grant, the state
Replaces “State liaison”
Comparable to House bill.
appoints an individual to
with “State Director of
serve as the state liaison
Collaboration” and provides
between the Administration
a more detailed list (than in
for Children and Families
current law) of the entities
(ACF) regional office and
to be involved in
agencies carrying out Head
collaborative efforts with
Start programs in the state;
Head Start agencies.
and agencies and other
entities carrying out early
childhood programs that
serve low-income children
and families. The state is to
involve the state Head Start
Association in the selection
of the individual.
Requirements of
The State liaison works to
(Sec. 5)
(Sec. 6)
Collaboration Authority
ensure that collaboration
Expands current law,
Comparable to House bill.
involves coordination of
stating that collaborating
Head Start services with a
entities are to develop a
variety of services including
strategic plan for outreach,
health care, welfare, child
based on a needs
care, education, and
assessment conducted by
community service activities,
the Office of the State
family literacy services,
Director of Collaboration.
disability services, and
(Assessment to be
services for homeless
completed within one year
children.
after bill’s enactment, and
updated annually.)

---

CRS-20
Current law
Current regulations
H.R. 1429
S. 556
(when applicable)
(committee-reported)
(committee-reported)
Responsibilities of State
(Sec. 5)
(Sec. 6)
Director of Head Start
The State Director of Head
Comparable requirements to
Collaboration
Start Collaboration shall
House bill, although in S. 556,
also:
the “State Advisory Council”
- promote partnerships
appears to serve the function of
between Head Start
the House bill’s “State Early
agencies, state and local
Learning Council.”
governments, and the
private sector;
- consult with the chief state
school officer, local
educational agencies, and
early childhood care and
education providers;
- promote partnerships
between Head Start
agencies, schools, law
enforcement, relevant
community-based
organizations, and
substance abuse and mental
health treatment agencies;
- promote partnerships
between Head Start
agencies and other
organizations to enhance
program quality (and
increase the number of
books in Head Start
classrooms);
- work with the State Early
Learning Council.

---

CRS-21
Current law
Current regulations
H.R. 1429
S. 556
(when applicable)
(committee-reported)
(committee-reported)
Early Head Start allotments
Current law requires that a
(Sec. 5)
(Sec. 6)
designated portion of Head
Requires that the percentage
Same as House bill.
Start’s total appropriation be
of the Head Start
set aside to fund the Early
appropriation to be set-aside
Head Start (EHS) program.
for EHS be at least:
Set-asides established in law
12% for FY2008
were: 7.5% in FY1999; 8%
14% for FY2009
in FY2000; 9% in FY2001;
16% for FY2010
and 10% in each of FY2002
18% for FY2011
and FY2003. (If there is not
20% for FY2012
a large enough total
(With the same caveat as
appropriation to reserve the
current law concerning the
designated percentages
Secretary’s ability to reduce
without reducing Head Start
the percentage if total
slots in number or quality,
appropriation levels do not
the Secretary may reduce the
suffice.)
EHS percentage, but not
below the previous year’s
level. (Although without
authorization, allotments
since FY2003 have been
maintained at 10%.)
Factors for allocating funds
In allocating funds to grantee
(Sec. 5)
(Sec. 6)
to grantee applicants within
applicants in states, the
Adds language stating that
Similar language to House bill.
a state
Secretary takes into account
in allocating funds to
the quality of the applicants’
applicants within a state, the
programs, their capacity to
Secretary will take into
expand services, the extent
consideration the amount of
to which they have
funds used by an agency to
undertaken community-wide
pay administrative expenses
strategic planning, the
and the amount of funds
concentration of low-income
received to serve each
families in the community,
enrolled child.
and other factors.

---

CRS-22
Current law
Current regulations
H.R. 1429
S. 556
(when applicable)
(committee-reported)
(committee-reported)
Service Delivery Models
The Secretary shall establish
(Sec. 5)
(Sec. 6)
procedures to enable Head
Adds language specifying
Same as House bill.
Start agencies to develop
that within one year after
locally designed or
the date of this act’s
specialized service delivery
enactment, the Secretary
models to address local
must establish the
community needs.
procedures to develop the
models outlined in current
law, including models that
leverage the existing
capacity and capabilities of
the early childhood
education and child care
delivery system.
The Secretary is to establish
procedures to provide for
the conversion of part-day
programs to full-day
programs or part-day slots
to full-day, and for serving
additional infants and
toddlers.

---

CRS-23
Current law
Current regulations
H.R. 1429
S. 556
(when applicable)
(committee-reported)
(committee-reported)
Transportation safety
The Secretary has issued
(Sec. 5)
(Sec. 6)
regulations establishing
Adds language giving the
Adds language requiring that
requirements for the safety
Secretary the authority to
the Secretary:
features, and the safe
waive transportation
-establish requirements to
operation, of vehicles used
regulatory requirements for
ensure the appropriate
by Head Start agencies to
up to one year, with
supervision and background
transport Head Start
possibility for renewal, in
checks of individuals with
children. Regulations
the event that the Head Start
whom the agencies contract for
provide waiver authority in
agency can demonstrate that
transportation services; and
cases of “good cause.”
the requirements will result
-revise allowable alternate
Regulations do not
in significant disruption of
vehicle standards pertaining to
establish a time period for
services or are otherwise
Head Start vehicles.
waivers.
not in the best interest of
The bill also provides that
the child/ren.
Head Start vehicles in use as of
January 1, 2007 are not to be
subject to a requirement
regarding exit doors for two
years after date of enactment.
Meeting needs of children of
The Secretary is to continue
(Sec. 5)
(Sec. 6)
Migrant and Seasonal
the administrative
In addition to providing
Same as House bill, with
farmworkers and Indian
arrangement responsible for
funding, the Secretary
clarification that the training
children
meeting the needs of the
would ensure training and
and technical assistance be
children of migrant and
technical assistance and the
provided by staff with
seasonal farmworkers and
appointment of a national
experience working with these
Indian children and shall
migrant and seasonal Head
populations.
ensure that appropriate
Start and Indian Head Start
funding is provided to meet
collaborator.
such needs.

---

CRS-24
Current law
Current regulations
H.R. 1429
S. 556
(when applicable)
(committee-reported)
(committee-reported)
Annual consultation between
No provision.
(Sec. 5)
(Sec. 6)
Secretary and Tribal
Adds language requiring the
Same as House bill, except that
governments operating Head
Secretary of HHS to
the detailed report is to be
Start/EHS programs
conduct annual
made available “on a timely
consultations with tribal
basis.”
governments operating
Head Start and Early Head
Start programs. A detailed
report of the consultation
will be made available to
the tribes (within 90 days)
receiving Head Start funds.
Enrollment of Homeless
Current law does not
(Sec. 5)
(Sec. 6)
Children
preclude enrolling homeless
Requires the Secretary to
Same as House bill.
children, but also does not
issue regulations that
specifically address this
prescribe policies and
population.
procedures that remove
barriers to the participation
of homeless children in
Head Start.
Head Start Materials and
Current law does not
Regulations require Head
(Sec. 5)
(Sec. 6)
Curricula
prescribe Head Start
Start curricula to be
Adds language to current
Same as House bill.
materials or curricula. (See
consistent with the Head
law, stating that all
regulations.)
Start Performance
curricula and instructional
Standards and based on
materials funded with Head
sound child development
Start dollars must be
principles about how
scientifically-based and age
children grow and learn.
and developmentally
Grantees and delegate
appropriate, and parents
agencies are to implement
have the right to inspect
curricula in collaboration
them.
with parents.

---

CRS-25
Current law
Current regulations
H.R. 1429
S. 556
(when applicable)
(committee-reported)
(committee-reported)
SEC. 641 DESIGNATION OF HEAD START AGENCIES
Eligible Designees
The Secretary may designate
(Sec. 6)
(Sec. 7)
“local public or private
Clarifies that public or
Clarifies that public or private
nonprofit or for-profit
private nonprofit or for-
nonprofit or for-profit agencies
agencies” as a Head Start
profit agencies includes
includes community-based
agency.
community-based or faith-
organizations.
based organizations.
Designation of Head Start
The Secretary is authorized
Under 45 CFR 1302.10,
(Sec. 6)
(Sec.7)
Agencies
to designate as a Head Start
the basis for selection of
The House bill amends Sec.
The Senate bill amends Sec.
agency any agency that he
applicants proposing to
641 by requiring the
641 by elaborating on current
determines to be capable of
operate a Head Start
Secretary to develop (using
law in terms of the
planning, conducting,
program is the extent to
recommendations of an
requirements for being
administering, and
which the applicants
appointed expert panel) an
designated as a Head Start
evaluating a Head Start
demonstrate in their
application review system
agency. Unlike the House bill,
program.
application the most
to be used when making
S. 556 does not establish an
effective Head Start
decisions regarding Head
application review system. In
program. Other criteria for
Start agency designations.
amending Sec. 641 of current
selection include cost
law, S. 556 lays out the
effectiveness of the
Once finalized, the
requirements for establishing a
proposed program; the
Secretary will use the
governing body, both its
qualifications and
system to determine which
composition and
experience of the applicant
grantees are successfully
responsibilities, and likewise
in planning, organizing,
delivering a high quality
for policy councils.
and providing
comprehensive early
(For a comparison of the
comprehensive services at
education program.
governing bodies and functions
the community level;
included in H.R. 1429 and S.
administrative and fiscal
Grantees determined to be
556, refer to the “Sec. 642"
capabilities; intent and
successful under the new
portion of this table.
capability to adhere to
review system shall be
performance standards;
designated Head Start
appropriate facilities; and
agencies for a period of five
the need for Head Start
years; under-performing
services in the community.
grantees may enter into an
open competition.

---

CRS-26
Current law
Current regulations
H.R. 1429
S. 556
(when applicable)
(committee-reported)
(committee-reported)
Application review system
(Sec. 6)
No provision.
The Secretary shall develop
a system that integrates the
recommendations of the
expert panel (see below), to
determine if a Head Start
agency is providing a
quality comprehensive early
learning program that meets
the educational, health, and
nutritional needs of the
children and families it
serves, and meets program
and financial management
requirements and
performance standards
(based on annual budget
data, program reviews,
annual audits, classroom
quality, and the Program
Information report).
Composition of Expert Panel
(Sec. 6)
No provision.
The expert panel, convened
and appointed by the
Secretary, is to include 5
members. The group is to
reflect competency in early
childhood program
accreditation or quality
assessment; research on
early childhood
development; governance
and finance of non-profit
organizations; delivery of
services to children and
families with limited
English proficiency, and to
children with disabilities.

---

CRS-27
Current law
Current regulations
H.R. 1429
S. 556
(when applicable)
(committee-reported)
(committee-reported)
Report from Expert Panel
(Sec. 6)
No provision.
Within 12 months of being
convened, the expert panel
is to issue a report to the
Secretary, providing
recommendations on a
proposed system of
application review for
evaluating whether a Head
Start grantee is providing a
high quality comprehensive
early education program,
including adequately
meeting its governance and
financial management
requirements.
Public Comment on
(Sec. 6)
No provision.
Proposed Review System
No later than six months
after receiving the report,
the Secretary shall publish a
proposed system of
application review in the
Federal Register, allowing
at least 90 days for public
comment. The Secretary
shall also provide a report
to Congress that includes a
detailed description of the
system, including
explanation of any
differences between the
system proposed and the
recommendations that
emerged from the expert
panel.

---

CRS-28
Current law
Current regulations
H.R. 1429
S. 556
(when applicable)
(committee-reported)
(committee-reported)
Considerations in
Under current law, priority is
45 CFR 1302.12, gives
(Sec. 6)
(Sec. 7)
Designation (and
given to any agency already
priority to previously
In selecting from among
Similar to the House bill, it
Redesignation)
receiving Head Start funds,
selected Head Start
qualified applicants for
gives priority to any Head Start
unless the Secretary
agencies (in consideration
designation, the bill adds to
or delegate agency that is “high
determines that there are any
with designation
currents law’s list of things
performing,” defined as
Head Start requirements or
requirements discussed
to consider, including:
meeting a list of criteria
standards that are not being
earlier).
- the applicant’s plan to
provided in the bill (5 elements
met. (Grantees do not have
attract and retain qualified
— less specific than those in
to recompete for funds.)
staff capable of delivering a
the House bill, but comparable
high quality comprehensive
in content).
early education program;
- the applicant’s ability to
maintain child-teacher
ratios and family service
worker caseloads that
reflect best practices and are
tied to high quality service
delivery;
- the applicant’s capacity to
serve eligible children with
curriculum and teaching
practices that are based on
scientifically-based
research, are
developmentally
appropriate, and that
promote school readiness.

---

CRS-29
Current law
Current regulations
H.R. 1429
S. 556
(when applicable)
(committee-reported)
(committee-reported)
Designation when no entity
If no entity has priority, the
See discussion of 45 CFR
(Sec. 6)
(Sec. 7)
has priority
Secretary may designate a
1302.10 above.
Adds language clarifying
Like the House bill, the
Head Start agency from
that the Secretary’s
Secretary’s designation must
among qualified applicants,
designation must follow an
be preceded by an open
giving priority to any
open competition, and the
competition.
qualified agency that
designation may apply for a
functioned as a Head Start
five-year period. (The open
delegate agency in the
competition follows the
community and carried out a
same factors considered for
Head Start program deemed
any designation.)
by the Secretary to have met
or exceeded performance
standards. In selecting from
among qualified applicants,
the Secretary takes into
consideration a variety of
factors, outlined in the law.
Priority to non-profit
Nonprofit agencies may be
(Sec. 6)
(Sec. 7)
agencies in cases of equal
given priority over for-profit
Strikes current law; non-
Strikes current law making any
quality applicants
agencies in cases where the
profits would no longer be
distinction between nonprofit
Secretary determines the
granted priority in equal
and for-profit agencies, and
applicants to be of
cases.
replaces with language giving
equivalent quality.
priority to applicants “that have
demonstrated capacity in
providing effective,
comprehensive, and well-
coordinated early childhood
services to children and their
families.”

---

CRS-30
Current law
Current regulations
H.R. 1429
S. 556
(when applicable)
(committee-reported)
(committee-reported)
SEC. 641A. QUALITY STANDARDS; MONITORING OF HEAD START AGENCIES AND PROGRAMS
Education Performance
Under current law, the
Education and Early
(Sec. 7)
(Sec. 8)
Standards
Secretary is required to
Childhood Development
Replaces current law, listing
Replaces current law with
establish, by regulation,
Standards are found in 45
requirements that the
almost identical list of
education performance
CFR 1304.21.
scientifically-based
education standards as House
standards that are to ensure
education standards (based
bill, but with the condition that
that children in Head Start
on the Head Start Child
the standards be based on
programs at a minimum:
Outcomes Framework) at a
recommendations of the
minimum develop and
National Academy of Sciences
demonstrate:
(NAS) panel.
Develop phonemic, print,
Knowledge and skills in
Comparable to House bill.
and numeracy awareness;
language, pre-reading, pre-
understand and use language
mathematics, science;
to communicate for various
creative arts; cognitive
purposes; understand and
abilities related to academic
use increasingly complex
achievement; social and
and varied vocabulary;
emotional development
develop and demonstrate an
related to early learning and
appreciation of books; and in
school success, and
the case of non-English
sustained academic gains;
background children,
and for limited English
progress toward English
proficient children ,
language acquisition.
progress toward learning
English while making
meaningful progress in the
other listed knowledge and
skill areas.

---

CRS-31
Current law
Current regulations
H.R. 1429
S. 556
(when applicable)
(committee-reported)
(committee-reported)
Standards for condition and
The Secretary is to establish
Detailed regulations
No change to current law
(Sec. 8)
location of Head Start
by regulation standards
regarding Head Start
Expands on current law
facilities
relating to the condition and
facilities, materials, and
language to state that the
location of facilities for
equipment are found in 45
standards require Head Start
Head Start agencies,
CFR 1304.53.
(and Early Head Start) facilities
programs and projects.
be in compliance with state and
local licensing requirements
and be accessible by state and
local authorities for monitoring
and ensuring compliance.
Considerations in developing
In developing the standards,
(Sec. 7)
(Sec. 8)
standards
one of the things the
Same as current law, with
Amends current law in similar
Secretary is to take into
additional consideration to
ways as House bill, but rather
consideration is “past
be paid to:
than taking into consideration
experience with use of the
- the unique challenges
the past experience with
standards in effect” on
faced by individual
standards in effect on the date
October 27, 1998.
programs, including those
of the act’s last reauthorization
programs that are seasonal
(October 27, 1998), this bill
or short term and those
would take into consideration
programs that serve rural
those experiences with
populations;
standards in effect on the date
- the recommendations from
of S. 556's enactment.
the report on
Developmental Outcomes
and Assessments for Young
Children by the National
Academy of Sciences
(when available); and
- mechanisms to ensure that
Head Start children make a
successful transition to the
schools they will be
attending.

---

CRS-32
Current law
Current regulations
H.R. 1429
S. 556
(when applicable)
(committee-reported)
(committee-reported)
Also, adds requirement that in
developing regulations
regarding standards, the
Secretary would consult with
Indian tribes, American Indian
and Alaska Native experts in
early childhood development,
linguists and the National
Indian Head Start Directors
Association.
Measures
The Secretary, in
(Sec. 7)
(Sec. 8)
consultation with
The Secretary, in
No change to this specific
representatives of Head Start
consultation with
provision of law, however, the
agencies and with experts in
representatives of Head
“characteristics of measures”
the fields of early childhood
Start agencies and with
section (see below) conveys
education and development,
experts in the fields of early
similar emphasis to House bill
family services, and program
childhood education and
regarding scientifically-based
management, shall develop
development, shall use the
measures.
methods and procedures for
study on Developmental
measuring, annually and
Outcomes and Assessments
over longer periods, the
for Young Children by the
quality and effectiveness of
National Academy of
programs operated by Head
Sciences to provide
Start agencies, and the
guidance to Head Start
impact of the services
agencies for utilizing
provided through the
scientifically-based
programs to children and
measures that support
their families.
classroom instructional
practices, identification of
special needs, and program
evaluation.

---

CRS-33
Current law
Current regulations
H.R. 1429
S. 556
(when applicable)
(committee-reported)
(committee-reported)
Characteristics of Measures
The performance measures
(Sec. 7)
(Sec. 8)
shall:
Expands on current law,
Like the House bill, adds that
- be used to assess the
listing seven characteristics.
the performance measures:
impact of the various Head
The measures shall:
-be appropriate for the
Start services
- be developmentally,
population served;
- be adaptable for use in self-
linguistically, and culturally
-be reviewed at least every four
assessment, peer review, and
appropriate for the
years, based on advances in the
program evaluation, and
population served;
science of early childhood
be developed for other
- be reviewed at least every
development.
program purposes as
four years, based on
determined by the Secretary.
advances in the science of
The bill also calls for the
(The performance measures
early childhood
performance measures to
are to include the
development;
measure characteristics that are
educational performance
- be consistent with relevant
strongly predictive (as
standards.)
professional and technical
determined on a scientific
standards related to the
basis) of a child’s school
assessment of children;
readiness and later
- be valid and reliable (in all
performance in school.
languages used);
- be administered by staff
with appropriate training for
such administration;
- provide appropriate
accommodations for
children with disabilities
and children with limited
English proficiency; and
- be high-quality research-
based measures that have
been demonstrated to assist
with the purposes for which
they were devised.

---

CRS-34
Current law
Current regulations
H.R. 1429
S. 556
(when applicable)
(committee-reported)
(committee-reported)
Use of Measures
The Secretary shall use the
(Sec. 7)
(Sec. 8)
performance measures to
Elaborates on current law,
Elaborates on current law to
identify strengths and
adding that measures are to
state that performance
weaknesses in programs and
be used to promote the
measures be used to enable
to identify problem areas
skills, knowledge, and
Head Start agencies to
that may require additional
competencies of Head Start
individualize programs of
training and technical
children; to improve
instruction to better meet the
assistance resources.
classroom practices; and to
needs of the child involved.
identify special needs.
Evaluations and Corrective
Actions for Delegate
Agencies
(Sec. 7)
(Sec. 8)
Procedures
No provision.
45 CFR 1303.20 specifies
The Head Start agency is to
Same as House bill.
procedures for appeals by
establish procedures for
current or prospective
evaluating and defunding
delegate agencies to
delegate agencies and for
grantees regarding
appealing a defunding
rejection of an application,
decision related to a
failure to act on an
delegate.
application or termination
of a grant or contract.
Evaluations
No provision.
45 CFR 1304.51(i)(2)
Each Head Start agency is
Same as House bill.
states that grantees must
to evaluate its delegate
establish and implement
agencies using the
procedures for the ongoing
established procedures
monitoring of their own
(referred to above), and is
Early Head Start and Head
to inform the delegates of
Start operations, as well as
any deficiencies identified
those of each of their
that shall be corrected.
delegate agencies, to
ensure that these operations
effectively implement
federal regulations.

---

CRS-35
Current law
Current regulations
H.R. 1429
S. 556
(when applicable)
(committee-reported)
(committee-reported)
Remedies to Ensure
No provision.
45 CFR 1304.51(i)(3)
If the evaluation reveals a
Similar to House bill, with
Corrective Action
states that grantees must
deficiency for a delegate
additional provision allowing
inform delegate agency
agency, the Head Start
Head Start agency to release
governing bodies of any
agency may initiate
funds to the delegate only as
deficiencies in delegate
procedures for the
reimbursements until either
agency operations
delegate’s termination;
corrections are made or
identified in the monitoring
conduct monthly
defunding occurs.
review and must help them
monitoring visits until
develop plans, including
corrections are made or the
timetables, for addressing
delegate is defunded.
identified problems.
Termination
No provision. (See
45 CFR 1303.20(c) states
No comparable language to
The Head Start agency may not
regulations.)
that a grantee must notify a
Senate bill.
terminate a delegate’s contract
delegate agency in writing
or reduce a delegate’s service
of its decision to terminate
area without showing cause or
its agreement with the
demonstrating the cost-
delegate agency,
effectiveness of such a
explaining the reasons for
decision.
its decision and that the
delegate agency has the
right to appeal the decision
to the grantee within 10
work days after receipt of
the notice.

---

CRS-36
Current law
Current regulations
H.R. 1429
S. 556
(when applicable)
(committee-reported)
(committee-reported)
Use of National Reporting
The Secretary shall use the
(Sec. 7)
(Sec. 20)
System (NRS)
performance measures
The Secretary shall suspend
Same as House bill.
developed in accordance
implementation and
with the act to identify
terminate further
programs’ strengths and
development and use of the
weaknesses and to identify
NRS, and incorporate, as
problem areas that may
appropriate,
require additional training
recommendations from the
and technical assistance
National Academy of
resources. (There is no
Sciences into any
specific reference to the
assessment used in the Head
“National Reporting
Start programs.
System” in current law.)
[The National Reporting
The Secretary is not to use
System was implemented for
assessment results either as
the first time in fall 2003,
the primary method for
and is designed to assess
either assessing program
Head Start 4- and 5-year
effectiveness or making
olds twice a year on
grantee funding
educational performance
determinations.
measures — using indicators
that were included in
legislation as part of the
1998 reauthorization of
Head Start (P.L. 105-285,
Section 108(b)(5).)]
Monitoring of Local
Current law requires the
(Sec. 7)
No change to current law.
Agencies and Programs
Secretary to conduct reviews
Would require the Secretary
of designated Head Start
to “develop and utilize a
agencies and programs.
risk-based assessment
system” for conducting the
reviews already required in
law.

---

CRS-37
Current law
Current regulations
H.R. 1429
S. 556
(when applicable)
(committee-reported)
(committee-reported)
Procedures for monitoring
Current law calls for a full
(Sec. 7)
(Sec. 8)
review of each Head Start
Retains call for full review
Makes changes similar to
agency at least once every
at least every three years,
House bill, although allows
three years, with newly
with newly designated
only six months for follow-up
designated agencies being
agencies being reviewed
visits.
reviewed immediately after
after first year of operation.
first year, and follow-up
Amends current law to call
reviews including prompt
for unannounced follow-up
return visits to agencies and
reviews of programs with
programs that fail to meet
one or more findings of
the standards. Other reviews
deficiencies, not later than
may be conducted as
12 months after the date of
appropriate.
the finding(s). The bill also
would allow for
unannounced site
inspections of Head Start
centers, as appropriate.
Conduct of Reviews
The Secretary is to ensure
(Sec. 7)
(Sec. 8)
that reviews are performed,
Eliminates current law
Strikes current law requirement
to the maximum extent
language requiring reviews
that reviews be supervised by
practicable, by HHS
to be performed by and
an HHS employee, but retains
employees who are
supervised by HHS
current law requirement that
knowledgeable about Head
employees. Requires
the reviews be performed, to
Start programs, and are
review teams to be
the maximum extent
supervised by such an
knowledgeable about the
practicable, by HHS
employee at the review site.
program areas they are
employees. And, like the
reviewing, and, to the
House bill, this bill elaborates
maximum extent
on the backgrounds of review
practicable, to include
team members, calling for
current or former HHS
them, to the extent
employees. To the
practicable,to be
maximum extent
knowledgeable about needs of
practicable, teams are also
children who are homeless, in
to include individuals
foster care, or of limited
knowledgeable about the
English proficiency. It also
needs of LEP children and
calls for them to be
families.
knowledgeable in areas of
personnel management,
financial accountability, and
systems development and
monitoring.

---

CRS-38
Current law
Current regulations
H.R. 1429
S. 556
(when applicable)
(committee-reported)
(committee-reported)
Content of Reviews
Under current law, a portion
(Sec. 7)
(Sec. 8)
of the review includes
Lists additional elements to
Comparable to House bill, with
seeking information from the
be included as part of a
additional provisions calling
communities and states
review and specifies in
for reviews to include data
involved about the
greater detail how the
from the results of periodic
performance of the programs
review is to be conducted.
child assessments, and a review
and efforts of Head Start
and assessment of child
agencies to collaborate with
outcomes and performance as
other entities carrying out
they relate to state, local, and
early childhood education
agency-determined school
and care programs.
readiness goals. It also calls
for a review and assessment of
whether programs have
adequately addressed the needs
of children with disabilities.
Use of Review Findings
No provision
(Sec. 7)
No provision.
The findings of the review
are to, at a minimum,
- be presented to an agency
in a timely, transparent, and
uniform manner that
conveys information of
program strengths and
weaknesses and assists with
program improvement; and
- be used by the Head Start
agencies to inform the
development and
implementation of their
plan for training and
technical assistance.
Training for Reviewers
No provision.
No provision.
(Sec. 8)
Using quality improvement
funds, the Secretary shall
provide periodic training for
supervisors and members of
review teams in areas such as
program management and
financial audit performance.

---

CRS-39
Current law
Current regulations
H.R. 1429
S. 556
(when applicable)
(committee-reported)
(committee-reported)
Quality and Consistency of
No provision.
(Sec. 7)
(Sec. 8)
Reviews
The Secretary shall ensure
Comparable to House bill, but
that reviews are conducted
making specific reference to
in a manner that evaluates
the use of “periodic inter-rater
program performance,
reliability checks” for ensuring
quality and overall
the quality and consistency
operations with consistency
(across and within regions) of
and objectivity, and based
the Program Review
on a transparent and reliable
Instrument for Systems
system of review.
Monitoring (PRISM) reviews,
and of noncompliance and
deficiency determinations.
Agency Responsibility with
Current law deals only with
(Sec. 7)
Retains current law. No
Respect to Approving a
agencies submitting quality
A sponsoring Head Start
provision pertaining to role of
Program’s Quality
improvement plans to the
agency would have 30 days
the sponsoring agency in
Improvement Plan
Secretary, not Head Start
after receiving a quality
approving a program’s quality
programs submitting plans to
improvement plan from a
improvement plan.
their sponsoring agencies.
Head Start program to
either approve the plan or
specify reasons why the
plan cannot be approved.
Self-Assessments
No provision.
45 CFR 1304.51 states that
(Sec. 7)
(Sec. 8)
at least once each program
At least once each program
Same as House bill.
year, with the consultation
year, with the consultation
and participation of the
and participation of policy
policy groups and, as
councils (and others as
appropriate, other
applicable), each Head Start
community members,
agency and each delegate
grantee and delegate
agency shall conduct a
agencies must conduct a
comprehensive self-
self-assessment of their
assessment of its
effectiveness and progress
effectiveness and progress
in meeting program goals
in meeting program goals
and objectives and in
and objectives and in
implementing federal
implementing and
regulations.
complying with
performance standards.

---

CRS-40
Current law
Current regulations
H.R. 1429
S. 556
(when applicable)
(committee-reported)
(committee-reported)
Use of “enrollment” terms
No provision.
Defines “funded
Defines “actual enrollment”
(Sec. 8)
enrollment” as the number
as the number of children
Same as House bill.
of children which the Head
enrolled in a Head Start
Start grantee is to serve, as
program in a given month.
indicated on the grant
“Funded enrollment” is the
award.
number of children an
agency is funded to serve,
as indicated in their grant
agreement.
Enrollment Reporting
No provision.
Program enrollment reports
(Sec. 7)
(Sec. 8)
Requirement
are examples of official
Head Start agencies are to
Same as House bill with
reports required by
report (to the Secretary) on
respect to reporting of actual
regulation to be generated
a regular basis:
enrollment, although S. 556
for federal, state, and local
- the actual enrollment, and,
specifies that the report is to be
authorities.
if the actual enrollment is
submitted on a monthly basis.
less than the funded
enrollment, any apparent
There is no comparable
reason for the shortfall.
language with respect to
providing appropriate and
The Secretary shall provide
timely training and technical
appropriate and timely
assistance.
training and technical
assistance to increase actual
enrollment, as appropriate.
Reduction of grants (and
No provision.
There is no discussion in
(Sec. 7)
(Sec. 8)
redistribution of funds) in
the regulations of penalties
No specific provision
The Secretary is to determine
cases of under-enrollment
for under-enrollment, only
regarding reduction of
(on a semi-annual basis) which
the statement (45 CFR
grants in case of under-
Head Start agencies are
1305.7) that “A Head Start
enrollment.
operating with an actual
grantee must maintain its
enrollment less than the funded
funded enrollment level.
enrollment (based on at least
When a program
the average of four consecutive
determines that a vacancy
months of data). If actual
exists, no more than 30
enrollment is less than 95% of
calendar days may elapse
funded enrollment, a plan and
before the vacancy is filled.
timetable for reducing or
A program may elect not to
eliminating under-enrollment is
fill a vacancy when 60
to be developed and
days or less remain in the
implemented.
program’s enrollment
year.”

---

CRS-41
Current law
Current regulations
H.R. 1429
S. 556
(when applicable)
(committee-reported)
(committee-reported)
Secretarial Action for
No provision.
No provision
(Sec. 8)
continued under-enrollment
If, after receiving technical
assistance and implementing an
improvement plan for nine
months, a Head Start agency’s
enrollment is still less than
95% of its funded enrollment,
the Secretary may designate the
agency as chronically under-
enrolled; and recapture,
withhold, or reduce the based
grant for the program by a
percentage equal to the
percentage difference between
funded enrollment and actual
enrollment of the program for
the most recent year.
Redistribution of Recaptured
No provision.
(Sec. 7)
(Sec. 8)
Funds
Funds recaptured, withheld,
Comparable to House bill,
or reduced from grantees
without the prioritized
are to be redistributed to
designated percentages.
other grantees. Any funds
taken from Indian Head
Start programs are to be
redistributed to one or more
Indian Head Start programs
to increase enrollment. The
same holds true for Migrant
and Seasonal Head Start. In
cases of all other Head Start
programs, funds are
redistributed to one or more
other grantees within the
state, and not less than 50%
of the funds shall be
prioritized to increase the
program participation of
children and families served
in Early Head Start. Not
less than 25% shall be
prioritized to increase
program participation of
underserved populations of
eligible children.

---

CRS-42
Current law
Current regulations
H.R. 1429
S. 556
(when applicable)
(committee-reported)
(committee-reported)
Contract with Nonprofit
No provision.
No provision.
(Sec. 8)
intermediary organization
The Secretary or a Head Start
agency may use technical
assistance funds to contract
with a nonprofit intermediary
organization that provides
evaluations and technical
assistance to improve overall
performance management.
NEWLY PROPOSED: SEC. 641B CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE IN EARLY CHILDHOOD
Establishing Centers of
No provision.
No provision.
(Sec. 9)
Excellence (CoE) in Early
Introduces new section to law
Childhood Program
— Sec. 641B. Subject to
availability of funds, the
Secretary will establish a
program under which he
designates up to 200 exemplary
Head Start agencies (with at
least one from each of the 50
states, DC, and Puerto Rico, as
well as one Indian, Migrant,
and Seasonal Head Start
program), which (pending
appropriation of funds) will
receive bonus grants of at least
$200,000 per year.
Application for and
To be eligible for designation
Designation of CoEs
as a CoE, a Head Start agency
must be nominated by the
Governor of its state, at which
point the agency submits an
application to the Secretary
(except for Indian, Migrant, or
Seasonal Head Start programs,
which are nominated by a
regional HHS official).

---

CRS-43
Current law
Current regulations
H.R. 1429
S. 556
(when applicable)
(committee-reported)
(committee-reported)
Content of Application
The application requirements
are outlined in the bill. The
required items include (but are
not limited to): evidence that
the applying agency’s Head
Start program has significantly
improved the school readiness
of and academic outcomes for
participating children; evidence
of no program deficiencies;
and demonstration of
collaborative partnerships with
the state and other early care
and education providers.
Designation period
The Secretary shall designate
CoEs for five year terms (but
retains the authority to revoke
the designation if an agency is
found deficient during the
period).
Use of funds
Bonus grant funds may be used
for a variety of purposes,
aimed at expanding quality
services to additional eligible
children, modeling and
disseminating best practices,
furthering coordination with
other early childhood care and
education providers, expanding
staff training, and developing
partnerships with institutions of
higher education, and nonprofit
and community organizations.

---

CRS-44
Current law
Current regulations
H.R. 1429
S. 556
(when applicable)
(committee-reported)
(committee-reported)
Research and Reports
Subject to availability of funds,
on CoEs
the Secretary will make a grant
to an independent organization
to conduct research on CoEs,
resulting in a report to be
submitted to Congress no later
than four years after enactment
of this bill.
Authorization of funds
For each of FY2008-FY2012,
for CoE program
the bill authorizes
$90 million for bonus grants to
Centers of Excellence;
$500,000 for Secretary’s
administrative costs, including
cost of a conference of CoEs;
and $2 million for the research
and report activity described
above.

---

CRS-45
Current law
Current regulations
H.R. 1429
S. 556
(when applicable)
(committee-reported)
(committee-reported)
SEC. 642. POWERS AND FUNCTIONS OF HEAD START AGENCIES
Program Governance
Current law emphasizes
Regulations found in 45
(Sec.8)
(Sec. 7)
shared governance and
CFR 1304.50 relate to all
[amends Sec. 642]
[amends Sec. 641]
parent involvement, but does
program governance,
The Head Start agency must
As a condition of being
not include the specifics that
including how shared
establish and maintain a
designated as a Head Start
are found in regulations.
governance is to operate.
formal structure of shared
agency, the entity must have a
The governing body is
governance through which
governing body with legal and
defined as the group with
an independent governing
fiscal responsibility, and that
legal and fiscal
body with legal and fiscal
fully participates in the
responsibility for
responsibility for
development, planning,
administering a Head Start
administering and
implementation, and evaluation
program.
overseeing programs, and a
of the programs, to ensure high
parent policy council and
quality. The bill outlines the
parent policy committee, as
required composition of the
appropriate, ensure that the
governing body, guards against
agency operates a high
any conflict of interest in its
quality Head Start program.
composition, and outlines the
responsibilities of the body.
The governing body is to
receive regular information
about program planning,
policies, and operations,
including monthly financial
statements. It is to consult with
the policy council. (See below)

---

CRS-46
Current law
Current regulations
H.R. 1429
S. 556
(when applicable)
(committee-reported)
(committee-reported)
Composition of Governing
No provision.
Regulations do not specify
(Sec. 8)
(Sec. 7)
Body
the composition of the
The governing body is to
Comparable provisions to
governing body in detail as
include:
House bill. Same composition
proposed in the House and
-At least one member with
requirements as in H.R. 1429,
Senate bills. Regulations
significant financial
although S. 556 states that the
do state that the governing
management or accounting
additional members (after the
body and the Policy
experience;
first three categories) shall
Council or Policy
-At least one member with
reflect the community to be
Committee must not have
background and expertise in
served, and include parents of
identical memberships and
early childhood
children who are currently or
functions. (Policy
development;
were formerly enrolled in Head
Councils are established at
- At least one licensed
Start programs.
the grantee level, and
attorney familiar with issues
Policy Committees are
that come before the
established for programs
governing body;
administered in whole or in
-Additional members
part by delegate agencies.)
selected for their expertise
(1304.50(a)(5))
in education, business
administration, and
community affairs. (The
governing body may make
use of consultants if
necessary.)
The bill contains provisions
to guard against conflict of
interest in the body’s
composition.

---

CRS-47
Current law
Current regulations
H.R. 1429
S. 556
(when applicable)
(committee-reported)
(committee-reported)
Responsibilities of
No specific provision. See
Grantee and delegate
(Sec. 8)
(Sec. 7)
Governing Body
regulations.
agencies must have written
The governing body is
Similar to House bill, with
policies that define the
responsible for:
differing levels of detail within
roles and responsibilities of
-adopting practices that
categories of responsibility.
the governing body
assure active, independent
The governing body is
members and that inform
and informed governance;
responsible for:
them of the management
-oversight to ensure
-the selection of delegate
procedures and functions
compliance with applicable
agencies and such agencies’
necessary to implement a
standards;
service areas;
high quality program.
-establishing an audit and
-establishing procedures and
Regulations include
finance committee that
criteria for recruitment,
1304.50 appendix A, a
would take primary
selection, and enrollment;
detailed chart of
responsibility for approving
- all funding applications and
governance responsibilities
the annual budget, and
amendments to funding
for governing bodies,
making recommendations
applications;
policy councils, and policy
to the governing body
-establishing procedures and
committees.
regarding audit-related
guidelines to access and collect
issues;
required information from
- approving all major
programs;
policies and financial
-review and approval of annual
expenditures of the agency,
self-assessment, financial audit,
-approving the selection or
monitoring reviews of agency
dismissal of the Head Start
or delegates;
Director;
-developing procedures for
- approving or disapproving
how members of the Policy
all policies, applications,
Council are selected;
and decisions of the Policy
-financial audits, accounting,
Council;
and reporting;
- overseeing the program
-personnel policies and
planning (long- and short-
procedures regarding hiring,
term) of the Head Start
termination, salary scales and
agency and its applications
salaries of the Executive
to receive Head Start funds;
Director, Head Start Director,
and
Director of Human Resources,
- establishing written
the Chief Financial Officer and
standards and procedures
any equivalent position;
for disclosing, addressing
-review and approval of the
and resolving conflicts of
community assessment and its
interest.
updates.

---

CRS-48
Current law
Current regulations
H.R. 1429
S. 556
(when applicable)
(committee-reported)
(committee-reported)
Composition of Policy
The composition and duties
Policy Councils must be
(Sec. 8)
(Sec. 7)
Council
of Head Start Policy
established as part of the
The composition of the
Similar to House bill, except
Councils are specified in
Head Start’s shared
Policy Councils would
does not contain any term
regulations, not current law.
governance model, and
resemble those under
limitations.
each council is to be made
current regulations, i.e. a
up of at least 51 percent
majority of the council’s
Head Start parents
representatives are to be
(1304.50(a) and (b)).
parents of current Head
Start children, or children
Policy Councils and Policy
who were enrolled in the
Committees must limit the
previous year.
number of one-year terms
The term of a Policy
any individual may serve
Council member shall be no
on either body to a
more than two years and no
combined total of 3 terms.
Policy Council member
(1304.50(b)(5))
shall serve longer than six
years.

---

CRS-49
Current law
Current regulations
H.R. 1429
S. 556
(when applicable)
(committee-reported)
(committee-reported)
Responsibilities of Policy
No specific provision. See
Policy Councils must work
(Sec. 8)
(Sec. 7)
Council
regulations.
in partnership with key
The Policy Council is to
The Policy Council shall be
management staff and the
approve and submit to the
responsible for:
governing body to develop,
governing body decisions
-program planning (short- and
review, and approve or
regarding:
long-term);
disapprove the following
- The strategic direction of
-program recruitment,
policies and procedures,
the program (short- and
selection, and enrollment
including:
long-term);
priorities;
- all funding applications to
- Selection of delegate
-budget planning for program
HHS;
agencies and their service
expenditures;
-procedures describing
areas;
-program operations, including
how the governing body
- Recruitment, selection and
implementation of standards of
and the appropriate policy
enrollment priorities;
conduct for program staff,
group will implement
- Funding applications and
contractors, and volunteers and
shared decision-making;
amendments to funding
criteria for the employment and
-the program’s philosophy
applications prior to
dismissal of program staff; and
and goals;
submission;
-activities to support the active
-the selection of delegate
- Budget planning for
involvement of parents in
agencies;
program expenditures;
supporting program operations.
-program personnel
- Bylaws for the operation
policies;
of the Policy Council,
-decision to hire or
including procedures by
terminate the director or
which Policy Council
any person who works
members are chosen;
primarily for the Head
- Program personnel
Start program.
policies;
(1304.50(d))
- Decisions regarding
employment of Head Start
staff other than the director
and executive director;
- Activities to support the
involvement of parents; and
- Program responsiveness to
community and parent
needs.

---

CRS-50
Current law
Current regulations
H.R. 1429
S. 556
(when applicable)
(committee-reported)
(committee-reported)
Impasse Policy
No specific provision. See
Each grantee and delegate
(Sec. 8)
(Sec. 7)
regulations.
agency and Policy Council
The Secretary is to develop
The governing body and the
or Policy Committee
policies and procedures
Policy Council shall share with
jointly must establish
describing how Head Start
each other regular and accurate
written procedures for
agencies will implement
information for use by both
resolving internal disputes,
shared decision-making,
entities about program
including impasse
including a process for
planning, policies, and
procedures, between the
resolving any impasse
operations. The Policy
governing body and policy
between the governing
Council, with the governing
group.
body and Policy Council.
body, shall establish processes
(1304.50(h))
to resolve internal disputes.
Parental Involvement
Current law calls for Head
Regulations address parent
(Sec. 8)
(Sec. 7)
Start plans to:
involvement in Head Start.
Adds language to promote
Same as House bill, but
-seek the involvement of
In addition to involving
the continued involvement
without specific reference to
parents of participating
parents in program policy-
of Head Start parents
grandparents and kinship
children in activities
making and operations,
(including grandparents
caregivers.
designed to help them
grantee and delegate
and kinship caregivers, as
become full partners in the
agencies must provide
appropriate) in the
education of their children;
parent involvement and
education of their children
and
education activities that are
upon transition to school,
-to afford such parents the
responsive to the ongoing
by working with the Local
opportunity to participate in
and expressed needs of the
Education Agency.
the development, conduct,
parents.
and overall performance of
(1304.40)
the program at the local
level.

---

CRS-51
Current law
Current regulations
H.R. 1429
S. 556
(when applicable)
(committee-reported)
(committee-reported)
Evaluating effectiveness of
The Secretary, in
No change to current law.
(Sec. 10)
transition projects
cooperation with the
Strikes current law.
Secretary of Education, shall
evaluate the effectiveness of
Head Start transition
projects; disseminate to
Head Start agencies
information on effective
policies and activities
relating to transition from
Head Start to public schools;
and provide technical
assistance to help agencies
adopt and implement such
policies.
Implementing Research-
No provision.
(Sec. 8)
Earlier in bill (Sec. 6), adds
based early childhood
Adds language to current
related language to current law,
curricula
law, requiring Head Start
stating that all curricula and
agencies to implement
instructional materials funded
research-based early
with Head Start dollars must be
childhood curricula that
scientifically-based and age
promote young children’s
appropriate.
school readiness in the areas
of language and cognitive
development, early reading
and premathematics skills,
socio-emotional and
physical development, and
approaches to learning.

---

CRS-52
Current law
Current regulations
H.R. 1429
S. 556
(when applicable)
(committee-reported)
(committee-reported)
Use of Research-based
No provision.
(Sec. 8)
No comparable amendment to
Assessment methods
Adds language to current
the law; however, in provision
law, requiring Head Start
pertaining to the proposed
agencies to use ongoing,
National Academy of Sciences
research-based assessment
panel, one of the areas in which
methods that are
the panel of experts is tasked
developmentally
with providing
appropriate, culturally and
recommendations is
linguistically responsive,
“appropriate assessments of
and tied to children’s daily
young children.”
activities. Furthermore, for
the purpose of meeting the
performance standards,
Head Start agencies are to
use high quality research-
based developmental
screening tools,
demonstrated to be
standardized, reliable, valid
and accurate for children
from a range of racial,
ethnic, linguistic, and
cultural backgrounds.

---

CRS-53
Current law
Current regulations
H.R. 1429
S. 556
(when applicable)
(committee-reported)
(committee-reported)
Funded Enrollment and
No provision.
Regulations address funded
(Sec. 8)
(Sec. 10)
Waiting List
enrollment, but not waiting
Adds language calling for
Same as House bill.
lists.
each Head Start agency to
As mentioned above: (45
enroll 100% of its funded
CFR 1305.7) “A Head
enrollment and to maintain
Start grantee must maintain
an active waiting list at all
its funded enrollment level.
times.
When a program
determines that a vacancy
exists, no more than 30
calendar days may elapse
before the vacancy is filled.
A program may elect not to
fill a vacancy when 60
days or less remain in the
program’s enrollment
year.”
Technical Assistance and
No provision.
(Sec. 8)
(Sec. 10)
Training Plan
Adds a requirement that in
Same as House bill.
order to receive Head Start
funds, an agency must
develop an annual technical
assistance and training plan.
The plan is to be based on
the self-assessment, the
community needs
assessment, the needs of
parents and children to be
served, and the results of
reviews.
Financial Management
No specific provision.
Grantee and delegate
(Sec. 8)
S. 556 does not include this
agencies must ensure that
Requires Head Start
specific provision, but does
appropriate internal
agencies to document
place added focus on fiscal
controls are established and
strong fiscal controls,
accountability (e.g., emphasis
implemented to safeguard
including the employment
on members of governing body
federal funds.
of well-qualified fiscal staff
having knowledge and
(1304.50(g)(2))
with a history of successful
expertise in fiscal matters).
management of a public or
private organization.

---

CRS-54
Current law
Current regulations
H.R. 1429
S. 556
(when applicable)
(committee-reported)
(committee-reported)
SEC. 642A. HEAD START TRANSITION
Both bills propose to expand heading to “Head Start Transition
and Alignment with K-12 Education”
Steps for Coordinating Head
Current law states that each
(Sec. 9)
(Sec. 11)
Start with LEA and
Head Start agency shall take
Adds five additional steps
Same as House bill.
Elementary Schools
steps to coordinate with the
that Head Start agencies are
LEA serving the community
to take:
and with schools in which
- developing continuity of
Head Start children will later
developmentally
enroll. The law lists seven
appropriate curricula
steps.
between Head Start
programs and LEAs;
- helping parents to
understand the importance
of their involvement in
children’s academic success
as they transition to
elementary school;
- implementing a system to
increase program
participation of underserved
populations of eligible
children;
- coordinating and
collaborating to ensure that
Head Start curricula are
aligned with the Head Start
Child Outcomes Framework
and state early learning
standards with regard to
cognitive, social, emotional,
and physical competencies
expected of children
entering kindergarten; and
- helping parents of children
with limited English
proficiency understand the
method of instruction.

---

CRS-55
Current law
Current regulations
H.R. 1429
S. 556
(when applicable)
(committee-reported)
(committee-reported)
NEWLY PROPOSED SEC. 642B. LOCAL AND STATE INTEGRATION OF EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION
Local Integration
(Sec. 10)
S. 556 does not propose a
This newly proposed
comparable section, however
section of law calls for
the purposes outlined in the
Head Start agencies to enter
House bill’s newly proposed
into partnerships with local
section resemble many
educational agencies
discussed earlier (in both
(LEAs), state-funded
House and Senate bills) in the
preschool programs.
context of collaboration grants.
Memoranda of
(Sec. 10)
No provision.
Understanding (MOU)
Each Head Start agency is
to enter into a memorandum
of understanding (MOU)
with local entities, the
purpose of which is to map
out plans to coordinate the
following: educational
activities; curricula; public
information dissemination;
selection priorities for
children to be served by
programs; service delivery
areas; staff training;
technical assistance;
provision of additional
services to meet needs of
working parents; parent
education for smooth
transitions to kindergarten;
and use of facilities and
transportation. MOUs are
to be submitted to, and
reviewed by the Secretary.

---

CRS-56
Current law
Current regulations
H.R. 1429
S. 556
(when applicable)
(committee-reported)
(committee-reported)
Reasons for Failing to Enter
(Sec. 10)
No provision.
into MOU
If a Head Start agency fails
to enter into a MOU, the
Secretary (in cooperation
with the State Early
Learning Council (SELC)
and state Director of Head
Start Collaboration) will
determine the reason as one
of the following: (1) the
LEA, local council, or other
entity is unable or unwilling
to enter into a MOU despite
reasonable efforts by the
Head Start agency; (2) the
absence of publicly funded
pre-K in the Head Start
service area; or (3) the Head
Start agency has not
engaged in reasonable
efforts to establish a MOU.
Consequences for Failing to
(Sec. 10)
No provision.
Enter into MOU
If the Secretary determines
that failure is due to (3), the
Head Start agency will be
found to have a deficiency.
In cases of (1) or (2), the
Secretary and CEO of the
state are to work with the
State Early Learning
Council and the State
Director of Head Start
Collaboration to improve
coordination in the service
area.

---

CRS-57
Current law
Current regulations
H.R. 1429
S. 556
(when applicable)
(committee-reported)
(committee-reported)
Statewide Integration
(Sec. 10)
(See earlier discussion of
through Early Learning
From training and technical
collaboration grants, under Sec.
Collaboration Grants
assistance funding
640.)
(included in the 13% set-
aside), the Secretary will
award an early learning
collaboration grant to each
state, for supporting a State
Early Learning Council
(SELC).
State Early Learning Council
(Sec. 10)
(Sec. 6)
(SELC)/State Advisory
The SELC shall include the
S. 556 does not establish a
Council (SAC)
State Director of Head Start
SELC but does provide for a
Collaboration,
comparable “State Advisory
representatives from state
Council “(SAC), which
preschool programs,
appears to serve a similar
representatives of LEAs,
function, and requires
state officials overseeing
representation by comparable
child care programs, IDEA,
groups.
and the education agency,
representatives from Head
Start agencies in the state,
representatives of local
child care programs or
organizations, and a
representative of the state
agency responsible for
health and mental health
care.

---

CRS-58
Current law
Current regulations
H.R. 1429
S. 556
(when applicable)
(committee-reported)
(committee-reported)
Purpose of SELC
(Sec. 10)
(Sec. 6)
SELC will be responsible
The SAC appears to hold
for advancing the
similar purposes to the SELC
development of coordinated
described in H.R. 1429.
early childhood services
The Governor of a state shall
delivery system in the state.
establish a council to serve as
The SELC is to work with
the State Advisory Council on
state child care and early
collaboration on early care and
education agencies to
education activities for children
provide leadership and
from birth to school entry.
assistance to local Head
Start programs, school
The SAC’s responsibilities
districts, and state- and
include (but are not limited to)
locally funded preschool
conducting statewide needs
and child care programs,
assessments; fostering
through adoption of local
collaboration and coordination
MOUs (referred to above).
among early childhood care
To aid coordination efforts,
and education entities;
the SELC is to conduct
developing statewide
periodic statewide needs
professional development for
assessments concerning
early care and education in the
early care and education
state; assessing the availability
programs.
of high quality prekindergarten
services for low-income
children in the state.
Funding for SELC
(Sec. 10)
(Sec. 6)
Allotted funds distributed to
The Secretary shall use
a state are to cover no more
collaboration funding to award,
than 50% of the cost of
on a competitive basis, one-
carrying out the SELC
time startup grants of at least
activities.
$500,000 to eligible states to
enable them to pay for the
Federal funds made
federal share (30%) of the cost
available for this purpose
of further developing and
are to supplement, and not
implementing the plans for
supplant other federal, state,
which the State Advisory
and local funds that would
Council is responsible.
otherwise be spent.

---

CRS-59
Current law
Current regulations
H.R. 1429
S. 556
(when applicable)
(committee-reported)
(committee-reported)
SEC. 643. SUBMISSION OF PLANS TO GOVERNORS
Time period for State
Under current law, any
No change to current law.
(Sec. 12)
Governors’ approval of
contract, agreement, grant or
The time period for approving
plans
other assistance made for the
or disapproving a plan would
purpose of carrying out a
be reduced from 45 days to 30
Head Start program within a
days.
state cannot be made without
a plan setting forth the
proposed contract,
agreement, grant, or other
assistance having been
submitted to and approved
by the Governor. The
Governor currently has 45
days to approve or
disapprove a plan.
Applicability
This section of law currently
No change to current law.
(Sec. 12)
does not apply to contracts,
Amends current law to likewise
agreements, grants, loans, or
not apply this section to Indian,
other assistance to any
Migrant, and Seasonal Head
institution of higher
Start programs.
education in existence on the
date of the act’s enactment.

---

CRS-60
Current law
Current regulations
H.R. 1429
S. 556
(when applicable)
(committee-reported)
(committee-reported)
SEC. 644. ADMINISTRATIVE REQUIREMENTS AND STANDARDS
Annual Report
No provision.
(Sec. 11)
No provision.
Adds provision to current
law, requiring that each
Head Start agency make
available to the public an
annual report that includes
the total amount of public
and private funds received
and the amount from each
source; an explanation of
prior year’s budgetary
expenditures and proposed
budget for the following
year; the total number of
children and families served
and the percent of eligible
children served; the results
of most recent review and
financial audit; the
percentage of enrolled
children that received
medical and dental exams;
information about parent
involvement activities; and
the agency’s efforts to
prepare children for
kindergarten.

---

CRS-61
Current law
Current regulations
H.R. 1429
S. 556
(when applicable)
(committee-reported)
(committee-reported)
Purchase of Facilities
Under current law, Head
Detailed regulations
(Sec. 11)
No provision.
Start funds may not be used
regarding Head Start
Adds to the list a
by a Head Start agency to
Facilities purchase are
requirement that the Head
purchase a facility unless a
found in 45 CFR 1309.
Start agency provide the
list of conditions (listed in
Secretary with a description
law) are found to be met (by
of the consultation
the Secretary).
conducted by the Head Start
agency with other capable
providers in the community,
assessing the cost
effectiveness of
collaborating with those
other providers as opposed
to the cost effectiveness of
purchasing a facility.
SEC. 645. PARTICIPATION IN HEAD START PROGRAMS
Income Eligibility
Current law states that all
45 CFR 1305.4 states that
(Sec. 12)
(Sec. 14)
children from families with
at least 90% of the children
Allows for expansion of
Expands eligibility from the
income below the poverty
who are enrolled in each
eligibility up to 130% of the
poverty line to 130% of the
line are eligible for Head
Head Start program must
poverty guidelines, if
poverty line.
Start.
be from low income
application requirements for
families (i.e. below
doing so are met. No more
poverty), with exception in
than 20% of children served
the case of tribal programs,
by a Head Start agency are
where at least 51% of the
to be above the poverty
children served are to be
line.
from families below the
poverty line.
Eligibility of Homeless
No specific provision
(Sec. 12)
(Sec. 14)
Children
applying to homeless
Homeless children shall be
Same as House bill.
children.
deemed eligible for Head
Start services.

---

CRS-62
Current law
Current regulations
H.R. 1429
S. 556
(when applicable)
(committee-reported)
(committee-reported)
Expansion of services for
(Sec. 12)
(Sec. 14)
infants and toddlers
If an agency submits (to the
Comparable provision
Secretary) a written request
requiring written application to
and application, it may be
expand services to infants and
approved to use regular
toddlers.
Head Start funds (as
opposed to Early Head Start
funds) to serve infants and
toddlers.
Military Pay and Allowances
No provision.
45 CFR 1305.2 defines
(Sec. 12)
(Sec. 14)
Not Counted as Income
income as “gross cash
The amount of a basic
Same as House bill, with
income and includes
allowance provided on
additional provision that any
earned income, military
behalf of an individual who
special pay relating to duty
income (including pay and
is a member of the
subject to hostile fire or
allowances), veterans
uniformed services for
imminent danger shall also not
benefits, Social Security
housing shall not be
be countable as income for
benefits, unemployment
considered to be income for
eligibility determination
compensation, and public
purposes of Head Start
purposes.
assistance benefits.”
income eligibility for
his/her child.
Part-day session
No provision.
No provision.
(Sec. 14)
participation versus Full-day
After demonstrating a need
through a community needs
assessment, a Head Start
agency may apply to the
Secretary to convert part-day
sessions, particularly
consecutive part-day sessions,
into full-day session.

---

CRS-63
Current law
Current regulations
H.R. 1429
S. 556
(when applicable)
(committee-reported)
(committee-reported)
SEC. 645A. EARLY HEAD START PROGRAMS FOR FAMILIES WITH INFANTS AND TODDLERS
Scope and Design of
Current law outlines the
(Sec. 13)
(Sec. 15)
Programs
scope of Early Head Start
Expands Early Head Start
Comparable language to House
Programs with a list of nine
(EHS) program’s scope to
bill.
functions they are to serve.
include:
-ensuring formal linkages
with the agency responsible
for administering the Child
Abuse Prevention and
Treatment Act;
-developing and
implementing a systematic
procedure for transitioning
children and parents from
an EHS program into a
Head Start program or
another local early
childhood education
program; and
-establishing channels of
communication between
staff of EHS programs and
staff of Head Start
programs or other local
early childhood education
programs.
Professional Development
Training and technical
(Sec. 13)
(Sec. 15)
assistance funds may be used
Same as current law, adding
Similar to House bill, with
for (among other things)
that funds may be used for
amended language stating that
providing professional
providing professional
professional development
development and personnel
development designed to
activities should include
enhancement activities for
increase program
teaching methods of
the recruitment and retention
participation for
conducting parent education,
of qualified staff with an
underserved populations of
home visiting, and promoting
appropriate level of
eligible children.
quality early childhood
education and experience.
development.

---

CRS-64
Current law
Current regulations
H.R. 1429
S. 556
(when applicable)
(committee-reported)
(committee-reported)
EHS Staff Qualifications
(Sec. 13)
(Sec. 15)
Center-based staff
No specific provision.
45 CFR 130.52 states,
By September 30, 2009, all
By September 30, 2012, all
“Early Head Start and
teachers providing direct
teachers providing direct
Head Start staff working as
services to children and
services in EHS centers are to
teachers with infants and
families participating in
have a minimum of a CDA or
toddlers must obtain a
EHS center programs are to
an associate degree, and have
Child Development
have a minimum of a CDA
been trained (or have
Associate (CDA) credential
credential, and have been
equivalent course work) in
for Infant and Toddler
trained (or have equivalent
early childhood development.
Caregivers or an equivalent
course work) in early
credential that addresses
childhood development.
comparable competencies
within one year of the
effective date of the final
rule or, thereafter, within
one year of hire as a
teacher of infants and
toddlers.
Home visitor staff
No specific provision.
45 CFR 1304.52 states,
No provision.
The Secretary shall establish
“Home visitors must have
standards for training,
knowledge and experience
qualifications, and conduct of
in child development and
home visitor staff in EHS (the
early childhood education;
content of which are outlined
the principles of child
in the bill).
health, safety, and
nutrition; adult learning
principles; and family
dynamics...”

---

CRS-65
Current law
Current regulations
H.R. 1429
S. 556
(when applicable)
(committee-reported)
(committee-reported)
NEWLY PROPOSED SEC. 645B (and 657A) PARENTAL CONSENT REQUIREMENT FOR HEALTH CARE SERVICES, INCLUDING NON-
EMERGENCY INTRUSIVE PHYSICAL EXAMINATIONS
(Sec. 14)
(Sec. 25)
Requires a Head Start
Similar to House bill, although
agency to obtain written
S. 556 does not use the broad
consent of a child’s parent
term of “health care services,”
before administering (or
and instead applies the consent
submitting referrals for) any
requirement to any
health care service (defined
“nonemergency intrusive
in the bill to include any
physical examination” (as
nonemergency intrusive
identically defined in the
physical examination and
House bill). The difference is
any medical, dental,
also reflected in the Sec. 657A
developmental, mental
heading.
health, social or behavioral
screening).
SEC. 646. APPEALS, NOTICE, AND HEARING
Right to full and fair hearing
Under current law, the
Appeal procedures are
(Sec. 15)
(Sec. 16)
in cases of funding
Secretary is to prescribe
detailed in 45 CFR 1303.
Changes current law to say
Amends current law to state
termination and reduction
procedures to assure that
that if financial assistance is
that financial assistance may be
financial assistance under the
terminated or reduced, an
terminated or reduced, and an
Head Start program shall not
application for a
application for refunding may
be terminated or reduced, an
noncompeting continuation
be denied, after the recipient
application for refunding
award is denied based on a
has been afforded reasonable
shall not be denied, and a
previous failure to comply
notice and opportunity for a
suspension of financial
with terms of the assistance,
full and fair hearing, including
assistance shall not be
or suspension of financial
a right to file a notice of appeal
continued for longer than 30
assistance is continued for
of a decision within 30 days of
days, unless the recipient has
more than 30 days, there
notice of the Secretary’s
been afforded reasonable
shall be the opportunity to
decision, and access to a fair
notice and opportunity for a
appeal the action.
hearing of the appeal, not later
full and fair hearing.
than 120 days from receipt by
the Secretary of the notice of
appeal.

---

CRS-66
Current law
Current regulations
H.R. 1429
S. 556
(when applicable)
(committee-reported)
(committee-reported)
Coverage of legal fees in
No provision.
45 CFR 1303.3 allows
(Sec. 15)
(Sec. 16)
cases of appeal
attorney fees to be charged
No funds made available
Calls for Secretary to develop
to the program grant
may be used to reimburse
and publish procedures to be
(within limits). In the
any appellant for legal fees
used in order to prohibit a
event that use of program
and other costs incurred in
Head Start agency from
funds would result in
pursuing the appeal.
spending Head Start funds for
curtailment of operations
the purpose of paying legal
or inability to liquidate
fees pursuant to an appeal,
prior obligations, the party
except that such fees shall be
so affected may apply to
reimbursed by the Secretary if
HHS for payment of these
the agency prevails in the
expenses.
appeal decision.
Suspension of funds for
No provision.
45 CFR 1303.11
No provision.
(Sec. 16)
more than 30 days
Suspension shall not
The Secretary may not suspend
exceed 30 days unless HHS
funds to a grantee for more
and the grantee agree to a
than 30 days except in the case
continuation of the
of a grantee that has multiple
suspension for an
and recurring deficiencies for a
additional period of time.
period of 180 days or more and
has not made substantial and
significant progress towards
meeting the goals of the quality
improvement plan for
eliminating all deficiencies
identified by the Secretary
during an appeal. In these
cases, funds may be suspended
for any amount of time,
including permanently.

---

CRS-67
Current law
Current regulations
H.R. 1429
S. 556
(when applicable)
(committee-reported)
(committee-reported)
SEC. 647. RECORDS AND AUDITS
Record Keeping
Current law requires
45 CFR 1304.51(g)
(Sec. 16)
(Sec. 16)
grantees to keep records as
requires that grantee and
Strikes current law
Adds to current law that each
prescribed by the Secretary,
delegate agencies must
language and replaces with
Head Start agency, Head Start
and gives the Secretary and
establish and maintain
requirements that each
center, or Early Head Start
U.S. Comptroller General
efficient and effective
recipient of federal Head
center shall maintain, and
the authority to have access
record-keeping systems to
Start funds:
annually submit to the
to all records pertinent to
provide accurate and
- maintain, and annually
Secretary a complete
Head Start financial
timely information
submit to the Secretary, a
accounting of its administrative
assistance, for the purpose of
regarding children,
complete accounting of its
expenses, including expenses
audit and examination.
families, and staff and must
administrative expenses
for salaries and compensation
ensure appropriate
(including a detailed
funded by federal Head Start
confidentiality of this
statement identifying the
funds, and provide such
information.
amount of funding used to
additional documentation as
pay expenses for salaries
the Secretary may require.
and compensation);
- submit to the Secretary,
within 30 after completion
of an audit conducted to the
extent provided in the
Single Audit Act, a copy of
the audit management letter
and of any audit findings as
they relate to the Head Start
program; in addition to any
additional documentation as
the Secretary may require.

---

CRS-68
Current law
Current regulations
H.R. 1429
S. 556
(when applicable)
(committee-reported)
(committee-reported)
SEC. 648. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AND TRAINING
Regional or State System of
No specific provision.
(Sec. 17)
(Sec. 17)
Early Childhood Education
At least 30% of the training
The Secretary shall make
Training and Technical
and technical assistance set-
training and technical
Assistance
aside (discussed under Sec.
assistance funds (see Sec. 640)
640) is to be made available
available to support a state
to support a state system of
system of early childhood
early childhood education
education training and
training and technical
technical assistance.
assistance.
Purpose of training and
Current law includes a list of
(Sec. 17)
(Sec. 17)
technical assistance
11 purposes for which
Expands current law’s list
Similar to House bill, with
technical assistance and
to include the following
additional purposes: to provide
training funds may be
purposes: to assist Head
training and technical
allocated.
Start agencies and programs
assistance to members of
in increasing program
governing bodies to ensure that
participation of homeless
they can fulfill their functions;
children; to assist Head
to provide training and
Start agencies and programs
technical assistance to Head
in improving outreach to,
Start agencies to assist in
and the quality of services
conducting self-assessments; to
available to, limited English
provide activities that help
proficient children and their
ensure that Head Start
families; to assist Head
programs have qualified staff
Start agencies in developing
who can promote prevention of
methods and approaches for
childhood obesity; to assist
identifying and working
Indian Head Start agencies to
with children and families
provide on-site and off-site
experiencing toxic stress;
training to staff.
and assisting programs in
improving outreach to
disabled children if fewer
than 10% of a program’s
children fall into that
category.

---

CRS-69
Current law
Current regulations
H.R. 1429
S. 556
(when applicable)
(committee-reported)
(committee-reported)
Classroom-focused training
No provision specifying
(Sec. 17)
(Sec. 17)
amounts to be spent for
More than 50% of training
Similar to House bill, except
classroom-focused training
and technical assistance
without a specified percentage
and technical assistance.
funds spent under this
regarding the amount to be
section is to be used for
spent for this purpose.
classroom-focused training.
Centralized child
No provision.
(Sec. 17)
No provision.
development program for
The Secretary shall provide,
training personnel
either directly or through
grants or other
arrangements, funds to
support an organization to
administer a centralized
child development and
national assessment
program leading to
recognized credentials and
training for personnel
working in a range of early
childhood care and
education positions.
Training for addressing
No specific provision.
(Sec. 17)
(Sec. 17)
unique needs of select Head
The Secretary shall provide,
Same as House bill.
Start children and families
either directly or through
grants or other
arrangements, funds for
training Head Start
personnel in addressing
unique needs of migrant
and seasonal working
families, families of
children with disabilities,
LEP families and homeless
families.

---

CRS-70
Current law
Current regulations
H.R. 1429
S. 556
(when applicable)
(committee-reported)
(committee-reported)
Limitation on use of funds
No provision.
(Sec. 17)
(Sec. 17)
for travel and training
Funds shall be used for
Same as House bill.
needs identified annually by
a grant applicant or delegate
agency in their program
improvement plan, except
that funds may not be used
for long-distance travel
expenses for training
activities available locally
or for similar activities
available locally or
regionally.
Outreach program to train
No provision.
(Sec. 17)
No provision.
and recruit minority men as
The Secretary is to develop
Head Start teachers
and implement an outreach
program to train and recruit
minority men to become
Head Start teachers in order
to increase the provision of
quality services and
instruction to children with
diverse backgrounds.
Use of funds for pre-literacy
Current law allows training
(Sec. 17)
(Sec. 17)
training
funds to be used for the
Adds language detailing use
Same as House bill.
purpose of pre-literacy
of training funds to support
training.
enhanced early language
and preliteracy
development of children in
Head Start programs.

---

CRS-71
Current law
Current regulations
H.R. 1429
S. 556
(when applicable)
(committee-reported)
(committee-reported)
Assessing the Migrant and
No provision.
(Sec. 17)
No comparable provision.
Seasonal and American
The Secretary shall work in
Indian Population’s Needs
collaboration with Migrant
and seasonal Head Start
agencies, Indian Head Start
programs, collaboration
directors, the Secretary of
Education, and others to
determine the number of
children eligible for and
served by these programs,
and to ensure as comparable
access as possible. Plans
for carrying out the above
are to be published in the
Federal Register, and after a
public comment period, a
report will be submitted to
Congress describing HHS’
plan.
Report of Findings on
No provision.
(Sec. 17)
No provision.
Migrant and Seasonal as
The Secretary shall
well as American Indian
annually submit a report to
Population
Congress detailing the
number of children of
migrant and seasonal
farmworkers and American
Indian and Native Alaskan
children who are eligible
for Head Start and the
number enrolled.

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CRS-72
Current law
Current regulations
H.R. 1429
S. 556
(when applicable)
(committee-reported)
(committee-reported)
Establishing Contracts for
No provision.
(Sec. 17)
No provision.
delivering a state-based
The Secretary shall enter
training and technical
into contracts in each state
assistance system
with 1 or more entities with
demonstrated expertise in
supporting the delivery of
high quality early education
programs. The Secretary
will provide a report to
Congress within 90 days of
the end of the fiscal year,
summarizing the funding
for such contracts, and the
activities conducted under
them.
On-line graduate-level
No provision.
(Sec. 17)
No provision.
professional development
The Secretary is encouraged
program
to contract, on a
competitive basis, with an
institution of higher
education to develop an on-
line graduate-level
professional development
program with the goal of
improving the leadership of
those working in Head Start
programs and improving
quality and capacity of
effective Head Start
teachers.

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CRS-73
Current law
Current regulations
H.R. 1429
S. 556
(when applicable)
(committee-reported)
(committee-reported)
SEC. 648A. STAFF QUALIFICATIONS AND DEVELOPMENT
Degree Requirements for
By September 30, 2003, at
(Sec. 18)
(Sec. 18)
Teachers (Nationwide)
least 50% of all Head Start
Requires that at least 50%
Requires all Head Start
teachers nationwide in
of all Head Start teachers in
teachers nationwide in center-
center-based programs were
center-based Head Starts
based programs, by September
to have an associate, BA, or
nationwide have at a
30, 2012, to have at least an
advanced degree in early
minimum, a BA in early
associates degree (or
childhood education or, a
childhood education by
equivalent course work)
degree (AA, BA, or
September 30, 2013.
relating to early childhood
advanced) in a related field,
education and have
combined with experience in
demonstrated teaching
teaching preschool children.
competencies as determined by
the program director.
Degree Requirements for
No provision.
No provision.
(Sec. 18)
Teachers (Statewide)
By September 30, 2013, 50%
of all Head Start teachers in
center-based programs in each
state (and geographic region
for Indian Head Start programs
and for migrant and seasonal
programs) are to have a BA
relating to early childhood (or
related area) and demonstrated
teaching competencies, as
determined by the program
director.

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CRS-74
Current law
Current regulations
H.R. 1429
S. 556
(when applicable)
(committee-reported)
(committee-reported)
Alternative Credentialing
For each Head Start
(Sec. 18)
No provision.
Requirement — Teach for
classroom in a center-based
Adds another category of
America
program that does not have a
individuals eligible for
teacher meeting the
meeting alternative
requirements listed above,
credentialing requirement:
that classroom is to be
- individuals with a B.A.
assigned one teacher who
degree, in the Teach for
has
America program, who, as
- a child development
part of that progam, have
associate credential (CDA);
passed a rigorous early
- a state-awarded certificate
childhood content exam,
for preschool teachers that
and participated in a Teach
meets or exceeds the
for America summer
requirements for a CDA; or
training institute that
-a degree in a field related to
includes teaching preschool
early childhood education
children.
with experience in teaching
preschool children and a
state-awarded certificate to
teach in a preschool program
Sec. 648A(a)(3)
Degree Requirements for
Teacher requirements apply.
45 CFR 1304.52(d)
No provision.
(Sec. 18)
Head Start Curriculum
establishes qualifications of
By September 30, 2010, all
Specialists and Education
content area experts. In
Head Start curriculum
Coordinators
addition to meeting the
specialists and education
degree requirements of
coordinators nationwide in
classroom teachers,
center-based programs are to
education and child
have a BA or advanced degree
development services must
relating to early childhood, or a
be supported by staff or
BA or advanced degree and
consultants with training
coursework equivalent to a
and experience in areas
major relating to early
that include the theories
childhood.
and principles of child
growth and development,
early childhood education,
and family support.

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CRS-75
Current law
Current regulations
H.R. 1429
S. 556
(when applicable)
(committee-reported)
(committee-reported)
Degree Requirements for
No specific provision.
No provision.
(Sec. 18)
Teaching Assistants
By September 30, 2010, all
Head Start teaching assistants
nationwide in center-based
programs are to: have at least a
CDA credential; be enrolled in
a program leading to an AA or
BA degree; or be enrolled in a
CDA credential program to be
completed within two years.
Teacher In-service
No provision.
No provision.
(Sec. 18)
Requirement
Each Head Start teacher shall
attend not less than 15 hours of
professional development per
year.
Progress Report to Congress
Current law requires Head
(Sec. 18)
(Sec. 18)
Start agencies to demonstrate
Head Start agencies are
Same as House bill.
to the Secretary continuing
required to submit a report
progress each year with
to the Secretary indicating
regard to degree
the number and percentage
requirements. No provision
of classroom teachers in
requires a report from HHS
center-based programs with
to Congress.
respective degrees. The
Secretary is then required to
compile the information and
submit to Congressional
committees of jurisdiction.

---

CRS-76
Current law
Current regulations
H.R. 1429
S. 556
(when applicable)
(committee-reported)
(committee-reported)
Requirement for New Head
No provision.
(Sec. 18)
No provision.
Start Teachers
Within two years after date
of enactment, all Head Start
teachers hired in center-
based programs following
the effective date are to
have an AA, BA, or
advanced degree in early
childhood related field, or
be enrolled in a program of
study leading to an AA in
early childhood education
and agree to complete the
degree requirements within
three years from their date
of hire.
Service Requirement
No provision.
(Sec. 18)
(Sec. 18)
Individuals who receive
Individuals who receive
financial assistance under
financial assistance under the
the Head Start program to
Head Start program to pursue a
comply with degree
degree are to teach or work in a
requirements are to teach in
Head Start program for at least
a Head Start center for a
three years after receiving the
least the same length of
degree, or repay the total or a
time that they received
prorated amount of the
assistance or repay the
financial assistance.
amount of the funds.
Professional Development
No provision.
(Sec. 18)
(Sec. 18)
Plans
Each Head Start agency and
Same as House (with specific
program shall consult with
reference to classroom
an employee to create a
teachers, curriculum
professional development
specialists, and education
plan for all full-time
coordinators).
employees who provide
direct services to children.

---

CRS-77
Current law
Current regulations
H.R. 1429
S. 556
(when applicable)
(committee-reported)
(committee-reported)
NEWLY PROPOSED SEC. 648B. TRIBAL COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES HEAD START PARTNERSHIP
Creation of Grant Program
No provision.
No provision.
(Sec. 19)
to partner Head Start
Authorizes grants of at least
agencies with Tribal
five years to Tribal Colleges
Colleges and Universities
and Universities to implement
education programs that
include tribal culture and
language and increase the
number of AA, BA, and
graduate degrees in early
childhood education that are
earned by Indian Head Start
agency staff, parents of
children served in Indian Head
Start programs, and members
of the tribal community.
Authorized funding
No provision.
No provision.
(Sec. 18)
Authorizes $10 million for
FY2008, and such sums as may
be necessary for FY2009-
FY2012.
SEC. 649. RESEARCH, DEMONSTRATIONS, AND EVALUATION
Use of Survey of Income
Current law provides for use
(Sec. 19)
(Sec. 20)
and Program Participation
of SIPP, NLSY, and SPD for
Strikes current law
Retains provision in current
(SIPP), the National
gathering data and
provision for use of SIPP,
law.
Longitudinal Survey of
conducting analysis on Head
NLSY, and SPD for
Youth (NLSY), and the
Start.
conducting analysis on
Survey of Program
Head Start.
Dynamics (SPD) for analysis

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CRS-78
Current law
Current regulations
H.R. 1429
S. 556
(when applicable)
(committee-reported)
(committee-reported)
Study and Report on
No provision.
(Sec. 19)
(Sec. 20)
Services to LEP Children
Calls for a study to be
Comparable to House bill with
and Families
conducted within one year
regard to the study’s content,
of the enactment of this act
however the report is not
on the status of limited
required to be submitted to
English proficient children
Congress until September of
and families in Head Start
2011.
and Early Head Start
programs. The Secretary
shall prepare and submit a
report, containing results of
the study (the criteria of
which are outlined in the
bill).
Study of Status of Head Start
No provision.
(Sec. 19)
No provision.
Participants in Hurricane-
The Secretary shall conduct
Affected Areas
a study on the status of
children and families
participating in Head Start
and Early Head Start
programs in areas affected
by Hurricanes Katrina and
Rita, to be submitted to
Congress within one year of
enactment of this act. On
the basis of this report, the
Secretary is to also submit
disaster plan
recommendations.

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CRS-79
Current law
Current regulations
H.R. 1429
S. 556
(when applicable)
(committee-reported)
(committee-reported)
SEC. 650 REPORTS.
Expenditure Report on Set-
No provision.
(Sec. 20)
No provision.
asides
Not later than 60 days after
the end of each fiscal year,
the Secretary is to submit to
the House Education and
Labor and Senate HELP
Committees a report
detailing the different
amounts of expenditures
from the 13% set-asides and
the activities funded.
Fiscal Protocol Report
No provision.
(Sec. 20)
No provision.
The Secretary shall conduct
an annual review to assess
whether the design and
implementation of the
triennial PRISM reviews
include compliance
procedures that provide
reasonable assurance that
Head Start agencies are
complying with fiscal laws
and regulations. Findings
are to be provided to the
House Education and Labor
and Senate HELP
Committees within 30 days
of completing the annual
review.

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CRS-80
Current law
Current regulations
H.R. 1429
S. 556
(when applicable)
(committee-reported)
(committee-reported)
Report Tracking Use of
No provision.
(Sec. 20)
No provision.
Individual Education Plans
The Secretary shall track
(IEPs)
the use of Head Start
Individualized Education
Plans by Head Start
agencies, and report to
Congressional committees
one year after enactment of
this act.
SEC. 653. WAGES AND COMPENSATION
Federal Rate Limitation
No provision in the Head
(Sec. 20)
(Sec. 22)
Start Act. However, the
Notwithstanding any other
Same as House bill.
FY2005 appropriations act
provision of law, no federal
(P.L. 108-447) stated in Sec.
funds shall be used to pay
205 that none of the funds
all or any part of the
appropriated for Head Start
compensation of an
could be used to pay the
individual employed by a
compensation of an
Head Start agency, either as
individual, either as direct
direct or indirect costs or
costs or any proration as an
any proration thereof, at a
indirect cost at a rate in
rate in excess of the rate
excess of Executive Level II.
then payable for level II of
the Executive Schedule.
NEWLY PROPOSED SEC. 656A. LIMITATION ON CERTAIN USES OF FUNDS
Limitations on use of funds
No provision comparable to
(Sec. 22)
No provision.
House bill.
No funds under this act may
be used for publicity or
propaganda purposes, or to
produce any prepackaged
news story intended for
broadcast or distribution
(unless clearly identified as
prepared or funded by
HHS).

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CRS-81
Current law
Current regulations
H.R. 1429
S. 556
(when applicable)
(committee-reported)
(committee-reported)
SEC. 656. POLITICAL ACTIVITIES
Current law states that Head
Regulations not issued.
No change to current law.
(Sec. 24)
Start programs shall not be
Amends current law’s
carried on in a manner
provision to state that Head
involving use of program
Start programs and any
funds, the provision of
individual employed by, or
services, or the employment
assigned to such programs,
or assignment of personnel
during the hours such
in a manner supporting or
individual is working on behalf
resulting in the identification
of the program, shall not
of such programs with (1)
engage in (1) any partisan or
any partisan or nonpartisan
nonpartisan political activity or
political activity or any other
any other political activity
political activity associated
associated with a candidate, or
with a candidate, or
contending faction or group, in
contending faction or group,
an election for public or party
in an election for public or
office; or (2) any activity to
party office; (2) any activity
provide voters or prospective
to provide voters or
voters with transportation to
prospective voters with
the polls or similar assistance
transportation to the polls or
in connection with any such
similar assistance in
election.
connection with any such
election; or (3) any voter
The Senate bill drops any
registration activity. The
reference to a prohibition on
Secretary, after consultation
voter registration activity.
with the Office of Personnel
Management, shall issue
The bill retains current law’s
rules and regulations to
provision regarding the
provide for the enforcement
Secretary consulting with OPM
of this section which shall
and issuing rules and
include provisions for
regulations, except changes
summary suspension of
“shall” to “may.”
assistance or other action
necessary to permit
enforcement on an
emergency basis.

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