[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 161 (2015), Part 5]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 7199]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




            COMMEMORATING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF HEAD START

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                           HON. FILEMON VELA

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 18, 2015

  Mr. VELA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 50th 
Anniversary of Head Start, which provides children from low-income 
families access to comprehensive preschool programs and prepares 
children for success in kindergarten and beyond.
  On May 18, 1965, President Lyndon B. Johnson launched Project Head 
Start as an eight-week summer demonstration project to teach low-income 
students needed skills before they started kindergarten. Over the past 
50 years, Head Start has served 30 million children and families across 
the country who earn less than 100 percent of the federal poverty line 
or who have a disability.
  Head Start is administered by the Department of Health and Human 
Services (HHS) and directly supports local agencies delivering 
services. The services Head Start children and their families receive 
include education, nutrition, dental, health, mental health transition, 
parental involvement and complete social service support. This strong 
support network provides the tools families need for their children to 
succeed upon entering primary school.
  Continued access to the Early Head Start and Head Start programs 
helps ensure that children develop the academic and life skills they 
need to succeed in their academic careers. Head Start alumni are more 
likely to finish high school, go to college, and be in good health, and 
are less likely to commit a crime. In 2012, HHS conducted a study that 
by the end of the 3rd grade, children who participated in the program 
were more likely to have favorable social emotional developmental 
outcomes and favorable cognitive impacts.
  For 50 years, this program has given children the tools to succeed by 
ensuring a high quality education and access to healthcare and social 
services. The Head Start program represents a critical investment in 
the education of our nation's children.
  In 2014, local affiliates like Neighbors in Need of Services Inc. 
(NINOS) and Community Action Corporation of South Texas (CACOST) served 
over 8,000 children in the 34th District of Texas. These organizations 
help improve the lives of children and their families in South Texas. 
Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Head Start on its 50th Anniversary today, 
and I wish continued success to all the Head Start staff and volunteers 
who are helping people, changing lives, and building communities.

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