[House Report 110-116]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
110th Congress Report
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
1st Session 110-116
======================================================================
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF THE BILL (H.R. 1429) TO REAUTHORIZE THE
HEAD START ACT, TO IMPROVE PROGRAM QUALITY, TO EXPAND ACCESS, AND FOR
OTHER PURPOSES
_______
May 1, 2007.--Referred to the House Calendar and ordered to be printed
_______
Ms. Castor, from the Committee on Rules, submitted the following
R E P O R T
[To accompany H. Res. 348]
The Committee on Rules, having had under consideration
House Resolution 348, by a non-record vote, report the same to
the House with the recommendation that the resolution be
adopted.
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS OF THE RESOLUTION
The resolution provides for consideration of the bill (H.R.
1429) to reauthorize the Head Start Act, to improve program
quality, to expand access, and for other purposes. The
resolution provides for one hour of general debate equally
divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority
member of the Committee on Education and Labor.
The resolution waives all points of order against
consideration of the bill except for those arising under
clauses 9 or 10 of rule XXI. The resolution provides that the
amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the
Committee on Education and Labor shall be considered as an
original bill for the purpose of amendment and shall be
considered as read. The resolution waives all points of order
against the committee amendment except those arising under
clauses 9 or 10 of rule XXI.
The resolution makes in order those amendments printed in
this report and waives all points of order against such
amendments except those arising under clauses 9 or 10 of rule
XXI. The resolution provides one motion to recommit with or
without instructions. Finally, the resolution permits the
Chair, during consideration of the bill in the House, to
postpone further consideration of the bill to a time designated
by the Speaker.
EXPLANATION OF WAIVERS
Although the rule waives all points of order against
consideration of the bill, against the committee amendment, and
against the amendments made in order (except for those arising
under clauses 9 or 10 of rule XXI), the Committee is not aware
of any points of order against consideration of the bill,
against the committee amendment, or against the amendments made
in order. The waivers of all points of order are prophylactic
in nature.
COMMITTEE VOTES
The results of each record vote on an amendment or motion
to report, together with the names of those voting for and
against, are printed below:
Rules Committee record vote No. 139
Date: May 1, 2007.
Measure: H.R. 1429.
Motion By: Mr. Dreier.
Summary of Motion: To grant an open rule.
Results: Defeated 4 to 9.
Vote by Member: McGovern--Nay; Hastings (FL)--Nay; Matsui--
Nay; Cardoza--Nay; Welch--Nay; Castor--Nay; Arcuri--Nay;
Sutton--Nay; Dreier--Yea; Diaz-Balart--Yea; Hastings (WA)--Yea;
Sessions--Yea; Slaughter--Nay.
Rules Committee record vote No. 140
Date: May 1, 2007.
Measure: H.R. 1429.
Motion By: Mr. Dreier.
Summary of Motion: To make in order and provide appropriate
waivers for an amendment by Rep. King (IA) to require Head
Start programs to teach English to children with Limited
English Proficiency (LEP), except in Puerto Rico, Guam,
American Samoa, the Virgin Islands of the United States, the
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and the Republic
of Palau.
Results: Defeated 4 to 9.
Vote by Member: McGovern--Nay; Hastings (FL)--Nay; Matsui--
Nay; Cardoza--Nay; Welch--Nay; Castor--Nay; Arcuri--Nay;
Sutton--Nay; Dreier--Yea; Diaz-Balart--Yea; Hastings (WA)--Yea;
Sessions--Yea; Slaughter--Nay.
Rules Committee record vote No. 141
Date: May 1, 2007.
Measure: H.R. 1429.
Motion By: Mr. Diaz-Balart.
Summary of Motion: To make in order and provide appropriate
waivers for an amendment by Rep. Putnam (FL) to specify that
monitoring visits may be conducted as needed and without
notice, rather than just monthly; establishes an additional
review to ensure corrective actions have been taken; and
further clarifies that if financial assistance is terminated or
reduced, that except in emergency situations, they will receive
written notice no later than 30 days before their funds are
suspended, terminated, or reduced.
Results: Defeated 4 to 9.
Vote by Member: McGovern--Nay; Hastings (FL)--Nay; Matsui--
Nay; Cardoza--Nay; Welch--Nay; Castor--Nay; Arcuri--Nay;
Sutton--Nay; Dreier--Yea; Diaz-Balart--Yea; Hastings (WA)--Yea;
Sessions--Yea; Slaughter--Nay.
Rules Committee record vote No. 142
Date: May 1, 2007.
Measure: H.R. 1429.
Motion By: Mr. Diaz-Balart.
Summary of Motion: To make in order and provide appropriate
waivers for an amendment by Resident Commissioner Fortuno (PR)
to ensure that (1) religious organizations that are
participating in the Head Start program are allowed to take
religion into account in their hiring practices and (2)
religious organizations that are participating in the Head
Start program are not discriminated against on the basis of
their religious character and are not required to alter their
form of governance or remove religious art, icons, or scripture
or other symbols.
Results: Defeated 4 to 9.
Vote by Member: McGovern--Nay; Hastings (FL)--Nay; Matsui--
Nay; Cardoza--Nay; Welch--Nay; Castor--Nay; Arcuri--Nay;
Sutton--Nay; Dreier--Yea; Diaz-Balart--Yea; Hastings (WA)--Yea;
Sessions--Yea; Slaughter--Nay.
Rules Committee record vote No. 143
Date: May 1, 2007.
Measure: H.R. 1429.
Motion By: Mr. Hastings (WA).
Summary of Motion: To make in order and provide appropriate
waivers for an amendment by Rep. Musgrave (CO) to allow a for-
profit agency that can demonstrate it can provide a higher
level of services for the same number of Head Start children at
a lower cost to keep a small portion of the administrative
savings as profit.
Results: Defeated 4 to 9.
Vote by Member: McGovern--Nay; Hastings (FL)--Nay; Matsui--
Nay; Cardoza--Nay; Welch--Nay; Castor--Nay; Arcuri--Nay;
Sutton--Nay; Dreier--Yea; Diaz-Balart--Yea; Hastings (WA)--Yea;
Sessions--Yea; Slaughter--Nay.
Rules Committee record vote No. 144
Date: May 1, 2007.
Measure: H.R. 1429.
Motion By: Mr. Hastings (WA).
Summary of Motion: To make in order and provide appropriate
waivers for an amendment by Rep. Musgrave (CO) to limit to 10
percent the enrollment of families who do not meet the low-
income criteria.
Results: Defeated 4 to 9.
Vote by Member: McGovern--Nay; Hastings (FL)--Nay; Matsui--
Nay; Cardoza--Nay; Welch--Nay; Castor--Nay; Arcuri--Nay;
Sutton--Nay; Dreier--Yea; Diaz-Balart--Yea; Hastings (WA)--Yea;
Sessions--Yea; Slaughter--Nay.
Rules Committee record vote No. 145
Date: May 1, 2007.
Measure: H.R. 1429.
Motion By: Mr. Sessions.
Summary of Motion: To make in order and provide appropriate
waivers for an amendment by Rep. Price (GA) to make regulations
for emergency rear door exits and safety belts on vehicles used
to transport children effective upon enactment.
Results: Defeated 4 to 9.
Vote by Member: McGovern--Nay; Hastings (FL)--Nay; Matsui--
Nay; Cardoza--Nay; Welch--Nay; Castor--Nay; Arcuri--Nay;
Sutton--Nay; Dreier--Yea; Diaz-Balart--Yea; Hastings (WA)--Yea;
Sessions--Yea; Slaughter--Nay.
SUMMARY OF AMENDMENTS MADE IN ORDER UNDER THE RULE
(Summaries derived from information provided by sponsors.)
1. Johnson, Eddie Bernice (TX): The amendment would
instruct the Secretary of HHS to create partnerships between
Head Start and the HBCUs. These partnerships would increase the
number of associate, baccalaureate, and advanced degrees in
early childhood education that are earned by Head Start staff
and parents of Head Start students. (10 minutes)
2. Price, Tom (GA): The amendment allows eight states to
coordinate Head Start with state-run early childhood
development programs through a demonstration program. (10
minutes)
3. Sestak (PA): The amendment authorizes the Education
Secretary to carry out a program to forgive student loans for
Head Start and Early Head Start teachers who have earned a
bachelor's degree in a field related to early childhood
education and who commit to teach in the program for a minimum
of 3 years. (10 minutes)
4. Hirono (HI): The amendment revises the training and
technical assistance program for Early Head Start by ensuring
that training and technical assistance are provided by entities
with specific expertise in infant and toddler development. The
amendment also directs 50 percent of training and technical
assistance funds directly to the grantees for the purposes of
program improvement. (10 minutes)
5. Mica (FL): The amendment amends Section 18 of the bill
to require that the Secretary certify that at least 50 percent
of all Head Start teachers nationwide meet certain degree
requirements by September 30, 2011, two years earlier than
required under the current legislation. (10 minutes)
6. Kennedy, Patrick (RI)/Hall, John (NY): The amendment
would define ``inclusive classrooms'' as Head Start classrooms
that include both children with disabilities and children
without disabilities. It would make certain funds in the bill
available to increase the understanding of the impact of Head
Start services delivered in inclusive classrooms on both
children with and without disabilities and to assist Head Start
programs in improving the quality of inclusive classrooms. (10
minutes)
7. Putnam (FL): The amendment strikes the development and
implementation of the application review system, including the
expert panel provision. In addition, the amendment strikes
designation when no entity has priority and instead designates
competition--calling for the automatic recompetition for agency
designation every five years, regardless of performance. (10
minutes)
8. Porter (NV): The amendment requires that Head Start
grantees, before hiring individuals, obtain (1) a state,
Federal, or tribal criminal record check in all jurisdictions
where the grantee provides services, (2) a state, Federal, or
tribal criminal record check as required by the jurisdictions
where they provide services, or (3) a criminal record check as
otherwise required by Federal law. (10 minutes)
9. Carnahan (MO): The amendment provides that, in the event
that the amounts appropriated to carry out the program do not
exceed the funds appropriated for the prior year, Head Start
grantees may negotiate with the Secretary a reduced funded
enrollment level if the grantee can demonstrate that such
reduction is necessary to maintain the quality of services. (10
minutes)
10. Cuellar (TX): The amendment would require the states or
agencies that administer the Head Start program to describe the
type of assessment used to determine the rate of progress made
by students with Limited English Proficiency. (10 minutes)
11. Shuler (NC)/Ellsworth (IN)/Loebsack (IA): The amendment
outlines the history and importance of allowing faith-based and
community-based organizations to participate in Head Start
programs. It inserts language into the Head Start
Reauthorization that explicitly states that faith-based and
community-based organizations will continue to be eligible to
participate in the Head Start program on the same basis as
other organizations. (10 minutes)
12. Space (OH)/Hare (IL)/Welch (VT): The amendment amends
the criteria for the allocation of resources for technical
assistance and training to include consideration of barriers in
rural areas to professional development, parent involvement,
home visits and health screening. The amendment also requires
the Secretary to consider the needs of rural and urban areas
when entering contracts with entities in each state for the
purposes of technical and training assistance.
TEXT OF AMENDMENTS MADE IN ORDER UNDER THE RULE
1. An Amendment To Be Offered by Representative Johnson of Texas, or
Her Designee, Debatable for 10 Minutes
Page 152, line 23, strike the close quotation and the period
at the end.
Page 152, after line 23, insert the following (and make such
technical and conforming changes as may be appropriate):
``(s) Historically Black Colleges and Universities Head Start
Partnerships.--In order to promote quality services and
instruction to children with diverse backgrounds, the Secretary
shall work in collaboration with Historically Black Colleges
and Universities to--
``(1) implement education programs that include
education to increase the number of associate,
baccalaureate, and advanced degrees in early childhood
education and related fields that are earned by Head
Start agency staff members, and parents of children
served by such an agency; and
``(2) carry out other activities to upgrade the
skills and qualifications of noncertified educational
personnel to meet the professional standards in section
648A(a).
Individuals who receive assistance under this paragraph shall
subsequently teach in a center-based Head Start program for a
period of time equivalent to the period for which they received
assistance or shall repay such assistance.''.
----------
2. An Amendment To Be Offered by Representative Price of Georgia, or
His Designee, Debatable for 10 Minutes
At the end, add the following (and make such technical and
conforming changes as may be appropriate):
TITLE II--STATE DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM
SEC. 201. STATE DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM.
The Head Start Act is amended by inserting after section 643
the following new section:
``SEC. 643A. STATE DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM.
``(a) Grants.--
``(1) In general.--
``(A) Eligible states.--In the case of each
eligible State that submits to the Secretary an
application that fulfills the requirements of
this section, the Secretary, from amounts
appropriated under section 639(a), shall make a
grant to the State to carry out a State
demonstration program under this section,
except that the Secretary shall not make such
grants to more than 8 eligible States.
``(B) Determination.--The Secretary shall
make awards to those States that demonstrate--
``(i) that the State standards
generally meet or exceed the standards
that ensure the quality and
effectiveness of programs operated by
Head Start agencies;
``(ii) the capacity to deliver high
quality early childhood education
services to prepare children, including
low-income children, for school; and
``(iii) success in improving the
school readiness of children.
``(2) State eligibility.--A State shall be eligible
to participate in the program under this section if it
meets each of the following criteria:
``(A) The State has an existing State
supported system providing public
prekindergarten to children prior to entry into
kindergarten.
``(B) The State has implemented standards as
of fiscal year 2007 for school readiness that
include standards for language, prereading and
premathematics development for prekindergarten
that are aligned with State kindergarten
through twelfth grade academic content
standards and which shall apply to all programs
receiving funds under this part or provides an
assurance that such standards will be aligned
by the end of the second fiscal year of
participation.
``(C) State and locally appropriated funds
for prekindergarten services and Head Start
services in the base year under this section
shall not be less than 50 percent of the
Federal funds that the grantees in the State
received under this Act in the base year for
services to Head Start eligible children,
excluding amounts for services provided under
section 645A.
``(D) The State has established a means for
inter-agency coordination and collaboration in
the development of the plan under subsection
(h).
``(b) Lead Agency.--A program under this section shall be
administered by a State governmental entity designated by the
Chief Executive Officer of the State as the lead State agency.
``(c) State Operation of Program.--The State may conduct all
or any part of the program under this section (including the
activities specified in subsection (g)) directly or by grant,
contract, or cooperative agreement.
``(d) Transition.--
``(1) In general.--For 60 months after the effective
date of this section, the State shall continue to
provide funds to each local grantee who--
``(A) was receiving funds under this
subchapter, as in effect prior to the date of
enactment of this section, and
``(B) is serving the geographic area covered
by the plan in section 643A(h).''
Such continuing grants shall be made in accordance
with the terms of the grant made to the local grantee
immediately prior to such date of enactment. This
paragraph shall not apply to a grant applicant who has
experienced substantial uncorrected deficiencies on
Department of Health and Human Services monitoring
reports during any year of the most recent 5-year
period, or to a grantee that, as determined by the
State, does not comply with the State plan described in
subsection 643A(h) submitted to the Secretary.
``(e) Federal Financial Assistance.--
``(1) Allocation of federal allotments to state
programs.--From each total amount described in
paragraph (2) allotted to a State for a fiscal year,
the Secretary shall pay to a State with a program
approved under this section for such fiscal year an
amount equal to--
``(A) if the State program is statewide, 100
percent of such total amount; and
``(B) if the State program is limited to a
geographic area or areas, the sum of--
``(i) an amount equal to the amount
received by grantees in such geographic
area or areas for the Federal fiscal
year preceding the first fiscal year of
the State program under this section;
plus
``(ii) an amount bearing the same
ratio to the excess (if any) above the
total amount for such preceding fiscal
year as the number of children less
than 5 years of age from families whose
income is below the poverty line in the
geographic area or areas included in
the program bears to the total number
of such children in the State (as
determined using the same data used
pursuant to section 640(a)(4)(B)).
``(2) Funds allocated.--For purposes of paragraph
(1), amounts described in this paragraph are:
``(A) Basic state allotments.--Amounts
allotted to States pursuant to section
640(a)(4), including amounts reserved pursuant
to section 640(a)(5), excluding amounts for
services provided under section 645A.
``(B) State allotments of expansion funds.--
Amounts allotted to States pursuant to section
640(a)(3)(D)(i)(I) for program expansion.
``(C) Quality improvement funds.--Quality
improvement funds (if any) reserved pursuant to
section 640(a)(3).
``(D) Training and technical assistance
funds.--An amount bearing the same ratio to the
amount set aside for training and technical
assistance activities pursuant to section
640(a)(2)(C)(i) and (ii) as the State's share
of amounts allotted under section 640(a)(4)(B)
bears to the total amount so allotted (and for
purposes of subparagraph (A), such amount shall
be considered an amount allotted to the State
for the fiscal year).
``(3) Non-federal match.--(A) In determining the
amount of Federal and non-Federal contributions for
purposes of this section, the amounts required to be
expended by the State under subsection (h)(14)(B)
(relating to maintenance of effort) shall be excluded.
``(B) Financial assistance made available to a State
under this subchapter shall be in an amount equal to 95
percent of the total amount expended for such programs.
The Secretary shall require non-Federal contributions
in an amount equal to 5 percent of the total amount
expended under this subchapter for such programs.
``(C) Non-Federal contributions may be made in cash
or in kind, fairly evaluated, including plant,
equipment, or services.
``(4) Combined operations with other early childhood
education programs.--A State may combine funds for a
program under this section with funds for other early
childhood programs serving children in the same age
group, as long as all applicable requirements of this
subchapter are met with respect to either--
``(A) the entire combined program; or
``(B) each child served in such combined
program for whom the services provided are
funded from appropriations under this
subchapter or non-Federal matching
contributions under this subchapter.
``(5) Use of funds without regard to allotment
purposes.--A State may use funds received pursuant to
this section for any program purpose set forth in
section 636, without regard to the purposes for such
funds specified in section 640.
``(6) Other funds.--Funds received under this section
shall not supplant any non-Federal, State or local
funds that would otherwise be used for activities
authorized under this section or similar activities
carried out in the State.
``(f) Coordination and Choice.--
``(1) In general.--A State demonstration Program
shall be coordinated with the education programs of
local educational agencies in the State to ensure that
the program is effectively designed to develop in
children in the program the knowledge and behaviors
necessary to transition successfully to kindergarten
and to succeed in school.
``(2) Programs concerned.--
``(A) Required programs.--Such coordination
shall occur regarding the implementation of the
following:
``(i) The Early Reading First and
Even Start programs under title I, part
B, subparts 2 and 3 of the Elementary
and Secondary Education Act of 1965,
and other preschool programs carried
out under title I of that Act.
``(ii) State prekindergarten
programs.
``(iii) The Ready-to-Learn Television
Program under subpart 3 of part D of
title II of the Elementary and
Secondary Education Act.
``(B) Optional programs.--Such coordination
may occur regarding the implementation of the
following:
``(i) Programs under the Child Care
and Development Block Grant Act.
``(ii) Other publicly funded early
childhood education programs.
``(3) Parental choice.--The program shall allow
parents to choose the preschool program for their
child.
``(g) Required Services.--With funds under this section, the
State shall provide services described in section 641A at least
as extensive as were provided, and to at least as many low-
income children and families in each fiscal year as were
provided such services, with such funds in the base year in the
State (or, if applicable, in the geographic area included in
the State program). A program under this section shall include
the following comprehensive activities designed to promote
school readiness and success in school:
``(1) Child development and education.--Activities
with enrolled children that promote--
``(A) cognitive development, language
development, prereading, and premathematics
knowledge and skills;
``(B) physical development, health, and
nutrition (including through coordination with,
and referral of children and families to local
health service entities; and
``(C) social development important for
environments constructive for child
development, early learning, and school
success.
``(2) Parent education and involvement.--Activities
with the parents of enrolled children directed at
enhancing and encouraging--
``(A) involvement in, and ability to support,
their children's educational development;
``(B) parenting skills and understanding of
child development; and
``(C) ability to participate effectively in
decisions relating to the education of their
children.
``(3) Social and family support services.--Activities
directed at securing appropriate social and family
support services for enrolled children and their
families, primarily through referral and coordination
with local, State, and Federal entities that provide
such services.
``(4) Head start services.--For purposes of paragraph
(1) Head Start services furnished in a State program
under this section shall include all Head Start
services, other than--
``(A) Indian Head Start programs and migrant
and seasonal Head Start programs supported with
funds reserved under section 640(a)(2)(A); and
``(B) Early Head Start services provided
under section 645A.
``(h) State Plan.--A State proposing to administer a program
under this section shall submit a State plan to the Secretary.
The State plan shall include the following:
``(1) Lead state agency.--The plan shall identify the
entity designated by the Chief Executive Officer of the
State as the lead State agency.
``(2) Geographic area.--The plan shall specify
whether the program is statewide, and, if it is not,
identify the geographic area or areas covered by the
plan. A geographic area may be a city, county, standard
metropolitan statistical area, or such other geographic
area in the State.
``(3) Program period.--A State program under this
section shall be in effect for 5 Federal fiscal years.
``(4) Program description.--The plan shall describe
the services under subsection (f) to be provided in the
program and arrangements the State proposes to use to
provide the services specified in subsection (g),
including how the State will leverage existing delivery
systems for such services.
``(5) Needs assessment.--The plan shall describe the
results of a State needs assessment and shall provide
an assurance that the State will use the results to
identify the needs for early childhood education
services within a State or geographic area to be served
and is targeting services to those areas of greatest
need and to expand and improve services to
disadvantaged children in the State.
``(6) Assurance of compliance.--The plan shall
provide an assurance that the State program will comply
with the requirements of this section, including each
of the following:
``(A) Priority for low-income children.--
Requirements established pursuant to section
645(a) concerning the eligibility and priority
of individuals for participation in Head Start
programs.
``(B) Continuation for existing providers.--
An applicant who received funds under this
subchapter in prior fiscal years and has not
corrected any substantial deficiencies
identified in the past 5 years shall not be
eligible to receive any grants, contract, or
cooperative agreements under this section.
``(C) Participation of children with
disabilities.--Requirements pursuant to section
640(d) concerning Head Start enrollment
opportunities and services for children with
disabilities.
``(D) Provisions concerning fees and
copayments.--The provisions of section 645(b)
concerning the charging of fees and the
circumstances under which copayments are
permissible.
``(E) Federal share; state and local
matching.--The provisions of section 640(b)
limiting Federal financial assistance for Head
Start programs, and providing for non-Federal
contributions.
``(F) Administrative costs.--The provisions
of section 644(b) limiting the share of program
funds that may be used for developing and
administering a program.
``(G) Federal property interest.--Applicable
provisions of this subchapter regarding the
Federal Government interest in property
(including real property) purchased, leased, or
renovated with Federal funds.
``(7) Identification of barriers.--The plan shall
identify barriers in the State to the effective use of
Federal, State, and local public funds, and private
funds, for early education and care that are available
to the State on the date on which the application is
submitted.
``(8) State guidelines for school readiness.--The
plan shall include--
``(A) a State definition of school readiness;
``(B) a description of the State's general
goals for school readiness, including how the
State intends to--
``(i) promote and maintain ongoing
communication and collaboration between
providers of early care and education
and local educational agencies in the
State;
``(ii) align early childhood and
kindergarten curricula to ensure
program continuity; and
``(iii) ensure that children
successfully transition to
kindergarten.
``(9) Teacher qualifications.--The plan shall assure
that the qualifications and credentials for early
childhood teachers meet or exceed the standards in
section 648A(a)(2)(A), (B), and (C).
``(10) Professional development.--The plan shall
provide a description of the State plan for assuring
the ongoing professional development of early childhood
educators and administrators including how the State
intends to--
``(A) improve the competencies of early
childhood educators in meeting the cognitive
and other developmental needs of young children
through effective instructional strategies,
methods, and skills;
``(B) develop and implement initiatives to
effectively recruit and promote the retention
of well-qualified early childhood educators;
``(C) encourage institutions of higher
education, providers of community-based
training, and other qualified providers to
develop high-quality programs to prepare
students to be early childhood education
professionals; and
``(D) improve the quality of professional
development available to meet the needs of
teachers that serve preschool children.
``(11) Quality standards.--The State shall describe
the State's standards, applicable to all agencies,
programs, and projects that receive funds under this
subchapter, including a description of--
``(A) standards with respect to services
required to be provided, including health,
parental involvement, nutritional, social,
transition activities described in section
642(d) of this subchapter, and other services;
``(B)(i) education standards to promote the
school readiness of children participating in a
State program under title II of this
subchapter; and
``(ii) additional education standards to
ensure that the children participating in the
program, at a minimum develop and demonstrate--
``(I) language skills;
``(II) prereading knowledge and
skills, including interest in and
appreciation of books, reading and
writing either alone or with others;
``(III) premathematics knowledge and
skills, including aspects of
classification, seriation, number,
spatial relations, and time;
``(IV) cognitive abilities related to
academic achievement;
``(V) social development important
for environments constructive for child
development, early learning, and school
success; and
``(VI) in the case of limited-English
proficient children, progress toward
acquisition of the English language;
``(C) the State's minimum standards for early
childhood teacher credentials and
qualifications;
``(D) the student-teacher ratio for each age-
group served;
``(E) administrative and financial management
standards;
``(F) standards relating to the condition and
location of facilities for such agencies,
programs, and projects; and
``(G) such other standards as the State finds
to be appropriate.
``(12) State accountability system.--
``(A) In general.--The State plan shall--
``(i) ensure that individual
providers are achieving results in
advancing the knowledge and behaviors
identified by the State as
prerequisites for kindergarten success;
and
``(ii) specify the measures the State
will use to evaluate the progress
toward achieving such results and the
effectiveness of the State program
under this section, and of individual
providers in such program.
``(B) Publication of results.--
``(i) In general.--Subject to clause
(ii), the results shall be made
publicly available in the communities
served by the program.
``(ii) Confidentiality safeguards.--
The system shall have in effect privacy
safeguards ensuring that information on
children included in data and results
made public in accordance with clause
(i) shall be in aggregated form, and
shall not include information allowing
identification of individual children.
``(13) Transition plan.--The initial State plan shall
make provision for transition from the direct Federal
program under section 640 to the demonstration program.
``(14) Cooperation with research studies.--The plan
shall provide assurances that the State will cooperate
with research activities described in section 649.
``(15) Maintenance of effort.--The State plan shall--
``(A) contain a commitment to provide data,
at such times and in such format as the
Secretary requires, concerning non-Federal
expenditures and numbers of children and
families served in preschool and Head Start
programs during the base year and each fiscal
year covered under the State plan, sufficient
to satisfy the Secretary that the State program
will meet its obligation with respect to the
maintenance of effort requirement under
subparagraph (B); and
``(B) assure that the resources (which may be
cash or in-kind) contributed by the State
government to child care for preschool-aged
children and other preschool programs,
including Head Start, in the State (or, if
applicable, in the geographic area included in
the State program) for each fiscal year in
which the program under this section is in
effect shall be in an amount at least equal to
the total amount of such State governmental
resources contributed to support such programs
in the State (or geographic area) for the base
year.
``(16) Training and technical assistance.--The State
plan shall describe the training and technical
assistance activities that shall provide high quality,
sustained, intensive, and classroom-focused training
and technical assistance in order to have a positive
and lasting impact on classroom instruction.
``(i) Records, Reports and Audits.--The State agency
administering the State program, and each entity participating
as a Head Start service provider, shall maintain such records,
make such reports, and cooperate with such audits as the
Secretary may require for oversight of program activities and
expenditures.
``(j) Inapplicability of Provisions Concerning Priority in
Agency Designation.--The provisions of subsections (c) and (d)
of section 641 (concerning priority in designation of Head
Start agencies, successor agencies, and delegate agencies)
shall not apply to a State program under this section.
``(k) Consultation.--A State proposing to administer a
program under this section shall submit, with the plan under
this section, assurances that the plan was developed through
timely and meaningful consultation with appropriate public and
private sector entities, including--
``(1) representatives of agencies responsible for
administering early education and care programs in the
State, including Head Start providers;
``(2) parents;
``(3) the State educational agency and local
educational agencies;
``(4) early childhood education professionals;
``(5) kindergarten teachers and teachers in grades 1
through 4;
``(6) child welfare agencies;
``(7) child care resource and referral agencies;
``(8) child care providers; and
``(9) a wide array of persons interested in and
involved with early care and early education issues in
the State, such as representatives of--
``(A) health care professionals;
``(B) the State agency with responsibility
for the special supplemental nutrition program
for women, infants, and children established by
section 17 of the Child Nutrition Act of 1966;
``(C) institutions of higher education;
``(D) community-based and faith-based
organizations;
``(E) the business community;
``(F) State legislators and local officials;
``(G) museums and libraries;
``(H) other relevant entities in the State;
and
``(I) other agencies that provide resources
for young children.
``(l) State Plan Submission.--An application shall be
submitted by a State pursuant to this section to the Secretary,
in consultation with the Secretary of Education, and shall be
deemed to be approved by the Secretary unless the Secretary
makes a written determination, prior to the expiration of a
reasonable time beginning on the date on which the Secretary
received the application, that the application is not in
compliance with this section.
``(m) Treatment of Funds.--If a State or local government
contributes its own funds to supplement activities carried out
under the applicable programs, the State or local government
has the option to separate out the Federal funds or commingle
them. If the funds are commingled, the provisions of this
subchapter shall apply to all of the commingled funds in the
same manner, and to the same extent, as the provisions apply to
the Federal funds.
``(n) Federal Oversight Authority; Corrective Action;
Withdrawal of Approval.--
``(1) Federal oversight.--The Secretary shall retain
the authority to oversee the operation of the State
program under this section, including through review of
records and reports, audits, and onsite inspection of
records and facilities and monitoring of program
activities and operations.
``(2) Correction of deficiencies.--If the Secretary
determines that a State program under this section
substantially fails to meet the requirements of this
section, the Secretary shall notify the State of the
deficiencies identified and require corrective action
as follows:
``(A) Deficiencies causing immediate
jeopardy.--The Secretary shall require
immediate corrective action to eliminate a
deficiency that the Secretary finds threatens
the health or safety of staff or program
participants or poses a threat to the integrity
of Federal funds.
``(B) Other deficiencies.--The Secretary,
taking into consideration the nature and
magnitude of a deficiency not described in
subparagraph (A), and the time reasonably
required for correction, may--
``(i) require the State to correct
the deficiency within 90 days after
notification under this paragraph; or
``(ii) require the State to implement
a quality improvement plan designed to
correct the deficiency within one year
from identification of the deficiency.
``(3) Withdrawal of approval.--If the deficiencies
identified under paragraph (2) are not corrected by the
deadlines established by the Secretary, the Secretary
shall initiate proceedings to withdraw approval of the
State program under this section.
``(4) Procedural rights.--A State subject to adverse
action under this subsection shall have the same
procedural rights as a Head Start agency subject to
adverse action under section 641A.
``(o) Independent Evaluation.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall contract with
an independent organization outside of the Department
to design and conduct a multi-year, rigorous,
scientifically valid, quantitative evaluation of the
State demonstration program.
``(2) Process.--The Secretary shall award a contract
within 180 days of the date of enactment of the
Improving Head Start Act of 2007, to an organization
that is capable of designing and carrying out an
independent evaluation described in this subsection.
``(3) Analysis.--The evaluation shall include an
analysis of each State participating in the State
demonstration program, including--
``(A) A quantitative description of the State
prekindergarten program and Head Start programs
within such State, as such programs existed
prior to participation in the State
demonstration program, including:
``(i) data on the characteristics of
the children served, including the
overall number and percentages of
children served disaggregated by
socioeconomic status, race and
ethnicity of those served;
``(ii) the quality and
characteristics of the services
provided to such children; and
``(iii) the education attainment of
instructional staff.
``(B) A quantitative and qualitative
description of the State program after each
year of participation in the State
demonstration, which shall include each of the
following:
``(i) A description of changes in the
administration of the State program,
including the Head Start program,
within such State.
``(ii) The rate of progress of the
State in improving the school readiness
of disadvantaged children in the key
domains of development.
``(iii) Data as described in
subparagraph (A), as updated annually.
``(iv) The extent to which each State
has met the goals established by such
State with respect to annual goals as
described under section 643(h)(10).
``(4) Report.--(A) The Secretary shall provide an
interim report on the progress of such evaluation and
of the progress of States participating in the State
demonstration in increasing the availability of high
quality prekindergarten services for low-income
children not later than October 1, 2010 to the
Committee on Education and the Workforce in the House
of Representatives and the Committee on Health,
Education, Labor, and Pensions in the Senate.
``(B) The Secretary shall provide a final report to
the Committee on Education and the Workforce in the
House of Representatives and the Committee on Health,
Education, Labor, and Pensions in the Senate, not later
than October 1, 2011, which shall include an overall
evaluation of the State demonstration program,
including an assessment of its success in increasing
the overall availability of high quality
prekindergarten services for low income children in
each of the participating States as compared to a
representative sample of non-participating States.
``(p) State Participation Agreement.--Following the
submission of an application fulfilling all requirements of
this section, a State that meets all eligibility requirements
set forth in section 643A(a)(2) and is selected by the
Secretary to participate in the demonstration program under
this section shall:
``(1) maintain or increase fiscal year 2007 State
funding levels for early childhood education;
``(2) provide an additional contribution of non-
federal funds equal to 5 percent of the State's Federal
Head Start allotment;
``(3) use Head Start funding only for the purposes of
Head Start as described in section 636;
``(4) provide all comprehensive social services
currently available to Head Start children, including
health and nutrition;
``(5) develop a strategy to maximize parental
involvement to enable parents to become full partners
in the education of their children;
``(6) demonstrate that the qualifications and
credentials for early childhood teachers meet or exceed
the standards in section 648A(a)(2)(A), (B), and (C);
``(7) enforce quality standards for school readiness
that are aligned with K-12 educational standards and
generally meet or exceed the Federal Head Start
performance standards;
``(8) continue funding, for a period of 60 months,
all current Head Start grantees as described in section
643A(d);
``(9) provide services described in section 641A that
are at least as extensive as were provided, and to at
least as many low-income children and families in the
State, in each fiscal year as were provided such
services in the base year;
``(10) establish a comprehensive collaboration effort
to integrate Head Start, state-funded pre-kindergarten
programs, Even Start, Title I preschool, and Early
Reading First;
``(11) participate in independent evaluations of the
demonstration program authorized under this subchapter;
and
``(12) submit to Federal oversight by the Secretary.
``(q) Definition.--For purposes of this section, the term
`base year' means the fiscal year 2007.''.
----------
3. An Amendment To Be Offered by Representative Sestak of Pennsylvania,
or His Designee, Debatable for 10 Minutes
Page 159, after line 12, insert the following (and make such
technical and conforming changes as may be appropriate):
``(g) Incentives for Head Start Teachers and Early Head Start
Teachers.--
``(1) Statement of purpose.--It is the purpose of
this subsection to encourage individuals to begin and
continue teaching in Head Start programs and Early Head
Start programs.
``(2) Program authorized.--
``(A) In general.--From the sums appropriated
pursuant to paragraph (9), the Secretary of
Education, in consultation with the Secretary
of Health and Human Services, is authorized
carry out a program to forgive, in accordance
with this subsection, the student loan debt of
any borrower who has one or more loans
described under subparagraph (B) made on or
after October 1, 1998, and who--
``(I) commits to working as a Head
Start teacher or an Early Head Start
teacher for at least 3 consecutive
complete program years;
``(ii) has a bachelor's degree in a
field related to early childhood
education; and
``(iii) is not in default on a loan
for which the borrower seeks
forgiveness.
``(B) Method of loan forgiveness.--To provide
the loan forgiveness authorized in subparagraph
(A), the Secretary of Education, in
consultation with the Secretary of Health and
Human Services, shall, subject to subparagraph
(C), carry out a program--
``(I) through the holder of the loan,
to assume the obligation to repay a
qualified loan amount for a loan made
under section 428 or 428H of the Higher
Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1078,
1078-8); and
``(ii) to cancel a qualified loan
amount for a Federal Direct Stafford
Loan or a Federal Direct Unsubsidized
Stafford Loan made under part D of
title IV of such Act (20 U.S.C. 1087a
et seq.).
``(C) Treatment of consolidation loans.--A
loan amount for a loan made under section 428C
or section 455(g) of such Act (20 U.S.C. 1078-
3, 1087e(g)) may be a qualified loan amount for
the purposes of subparagraph (B) only to the
extent that such loan amount was used to repay
a loan made under section 428 or 428H, a
Federal Direct Stafford Loan, or a Federal
Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan for a
borrower who meets the requirements of
subparagraph (A), as determined in accordance
with regulations prescribed by the Secretary of
Education, in consultation with the Secretary
of Health and Human Services.
``(3) Qualified loan amount.--After the beginning of
the qualifying employment described in paragraph
(2)(A)(I) and upon approval of a borrower's application
under paragraph (5), the Secretary of Education, in
consultation with the Secretary of Health and Human
Services, shall forgive under this subsection not more
than $10,000 of the student loan obligation of a
borrower that is outstanding at the beginning of such
employment.
``(4) Award basis.--Loan forgiveness under this
subsection shall be on a first-come, first-served basis
and subject to the availability of appropriations.
``(5) Application for forgiveness.--
``(A) In general.--Each borrower desiring
loan forgiveness under this subsection shall
submit a complete and accurate application to
the Secretary of Education at such time, in
such manner, and containing such information as
the Secretary of Education, in consultation
with the Secretary of Health and Human
Services, may require.
``(B) Service agreement.--Each such
application shall contain an agreement by the
borrower--
``(I) to complete the commitment
described in paragraph (2)(A)(I) within
6 years after receiving loan
forgiveness under this subsection; or
``(ii) to repay the portion required
by the regulations under paragraph
(6)(A) if the borrower does not
complete such commitment.
``(6) Repayment for failure to complete service.--
``(A) In general.--In the event that any
recipient of loan forgiveness under this
subsection fails or refuses to complete a
portion of the recipient's service obligation
under the agreement required by paragraph
(5)(B), the same portion of the amounts of
loans forgiven under this subsection for such
recipient shall be subject to repayment in
accordance with terms and conditions, and in
the amounts, specified by the Secretary of
Education, in consultation with the Secretary
of Health and Human Services, in regulations
under this subsection.
``(B) Forgiveness if deceased or disabled.--
Such regulations shall provide that, subject to
the availability of appropriations, an
individual shall be excused from repayment of
any amount required under paragraph (1) if the
individual dies or becomes permanently and
totally disabled (as determined in accordance
with such regulations).
``(7) Regulations.--The Secretary of Education, in
consultation with the Secretary of Health and Human
Services, is authorized to issue such regulations as
may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this
subsection.
``(8) Construction.--Nothing in this subsection shall
be construed to authorize any refunding of any
repayment of a loan.
``(9) Authorization of appropriations.--There are
authorized to be appropriated to carry out this
subsection such sums as may be necessary for fiscal
year 2008 and each of the 4 succeeding fiscal years.
``(10) Definitions.--In this subsection:
``(A) Head start teacher.--The term `Head
Start teacher' means an individual who--
``(I) is employed by a Head Start
agency or an entity that carries out an
Early Head Start program, to provide
for the education and care of children
who have not reached the age of
compulsory school attendance who are
enrolled in a Head Start program or an
Early Head Start program receiving
funds under the Head Start Act (42
U.S.C. 9831 et. seq.); and
``(ii) who has, at a minimum, an
associate's degree in early childhood
education or a related field.
``(B) Program year.--The term `program year',
where applied to service as a Head Start
teacher or an Early Head Start teacher, means a
program year as defined by the Secretary of
Health and Human Services.''.
----------
4. An Amendment To Be Offered by Representative Hirono of Hawaii, or
Her Designee, Debatable for 10 Minutes
Beginning on page 124, strike line 8 and all that follows
through line 9 on page 126, and insert the following:
``(g) Monitoring, Training, Technical Assistance, and
Evaluation.--
``(1) Requirement.--To ensure the successful
operation of programs assisted under this section, the
Secretary shall use funds from the portion specified in
section 640(a)(6) to monitor the operation of such
programs, evaluate their effectiveness, and provide
training and technical assistance tailored to the
particular needs of such programs.
``(2) Training and technical assistance account.--
``(A) In general.--Of the amount made
available to carry out this section for any
fiscal year, not less than 5 percent, and not
more than 10 percent, shall be reserved to fund
a training and technical assistance account. In
determining the amount so reserved, the
Secretary shall consider the number of new
programs serving pregnant women, infants,
toddlers, and their families, recognizing their
need for more intensive training and technical
assistance services during program expansion.
``(B) Activities.--Of the funds in the
account described in subparagraph (A)
``(I) not less than 50 percent shall
be available to local entities that
carry out Early Head Start programs for
training and technical assistance
activities in order to make program
improvements identified by such
entities;
``(ii) not less than 30 percent shall
be available to the Secretary to
support a State-based system of early
childhood education training and
technical assistance to local entities
that carry out Early Head Start
programs that shall meet the
requirements of subparagraph (C),
including the creation, management, and
support of a national network of the
State-based infant-toddler specialists
specified in such subparagraph; and
``(iii) the remainder of such amount
shall be available to the Secretary to
assist local entities that carry out
Early Head Start programs in meeting
and exceeding the standards described
in section 641A(a)(1), including--
``(I) making grants to, and
entering into contracts with,
organizations with specialized
expertise relating to infants,
toddlers, and families and the
capacity needed to provide
direction and support to a
national training and technical
assistance system, in order to
provide such direction and
support;
``(II) providing ongoing
training and technical
assistance on Early Head Start
program development and
improvement for regional staff
charged with monitoring and
overseeing the administration
of the program carried out
under this section;
``(III) developing training
and technical assistance
materials and resources to
support program development and
improvement and best practices
in providing services to
children and families served by
Early Head Start programs;
``(IV) creating special
training and technical
assistance initiatives targeted
to serving high risk
populations, such as children
in the child welfare system and
homeless children;
``(V) providing ongoing
training and technical
assistance to Early Head Start
grantees, and support and
program planning and
implementation assistance for
new recipients of such grants,
including the conversion of
Head Start grants to Early Head
Start grants; and
``(VI) providing professional
development designed to
increase program participation
for underserved populations of
eligible children.
``(C) Contracts.--For the purposes of
delivering a State-based training and technical
assistance system, as described in subparagraph
(B)(ii), that will meet the needs of local
grantees and provide high quality, sustained,
and intensive training and technical assistance
on programming for infants and toddlers to
Early Head Start programs and in order to help
such programs meet or exceed the program
performance standards described in section
641A(a)(1), the Secretary shall--
``(i) enter into contracts in each
State with 1 or more entities that have
a demonstrated expertise in supporting
the delivery of high quality programs
for pregnant women and children less
that 3 years of age, except that bi-
State or multi-State contracts may be
entered into if the demographics of
proximal States make such a system more
appropriate;
``(ii) ensure that contracts awarded
under clause (I) are in an amount
sufficient to provide for each state a
minimum of one full-time specialist
with expertise in the development of
children under age three and
programming for pregnant women and such
children;
``(iii) to the maximum extent
practicable, ensure that the contracts
awarded Under clause (I) and the
services provided therein are
integrated with and augment the
contract or contracts awarded and
services provided under section 648
(n); and
``(iv) ensure that the entities
described in clause (I) determine the
types of services to be provided
through consultation with--
``(I) local entities that
carry out Early Head Start
programs;
``(II) the State Head Start
collaboration office; and
``(III) the State Head Start
Association.''.
----------
5. An Amendment To Be Offered by Representative Mica of Florida, or His
Designee, Debatable for 10 Minutes
Page 154, line 9, strike ``2013'' and insert ``2011''.
----------
6. An Amendment To Be Offered by Representative Kennedy of Rhode
Island, or His Designee, Debatable for 10 Minutes
Page 3, line 2, strike ``(22) and (23)'' and insert ``(23)
and (24)''.
Page 3, line 4, strike ``(20)'' and insert ``(21)''.
Page 3, line 6, strike ``(15) through (18)'' and insert
``(16) through (19)''.
Page 3, line 8, strike``(13)'' and insert ``(14)''.
Page 4, line 20, strike the close quotation and the comma at
the end.
Page 4, after line 20, insert the following:
``(13) The term `inclusive classroom' means a Head
Start classroom that contains both children with
disabilities and children without disabilities.'',
Page 136, line 20, strike ``and'' at the end
Page 136, line 25, strike the period at the end and insert
``; and''.
Page 136 after line 25, insert the following:
``(17) assist Head Start agencies and programs to
increase the capacity of classroom staff to meet the
needs of eligible children in inclusive classrooms.''.
Page 160, strike lines 6 through 12, and insert the
following:
(A) in paragraph (8) by adding ``and'' at the
end,
(B) by striking paragraphs (9) and (10) and
insert the following:
``(9) contribute to understanding the impact of Head
Start services delivered in inclusive classrooms on
both children with disabilities and children without
disabilities, and develop practices for increasing the
availability and quality of inclusive classrooms.''.
----------
7. An Amendment To Be Offered by Representative Putnam of Florida, or
His Designee, Debatable for 10 Minutes
Page 37, beginning on line 10, strike ``subsections (a), (b),
and (c) of''.
Beginning on page 39, line 21, strike ``, except'' and all
that follows through line 3 on page 40, and insert as period.
Beginning on page 40, strike line 7 and all that follows
through line 10 on page 45, insert the following:.
``(c) Designation on Competitive Basis.--
``(1) Selection.--From among entities that submit
plans under subsection (b), the Secretary shall,
after''.
Beginning on page 52, strike line 20 and all that follows
through line 2 on page 53.
Page 53, line 3, strike ``(g)'' and insert ``(d)''.
Page 53, line 7, strike ``(h)'' and insert ``(e)''.
----------
8. An Amendment To Be Offered by Representative Porter of Nevada, or
His Designee, Debatable for 10 Minutes
Page 159, line 12, strike the close quotation and the period
at the end.
Page 159, after line 12, insert the following:
``(g) Staff Recruitment and Selection Procedures.--Before a
Head Start agency employs an individual, such agency shall--
``(1) conduct an interview of such individual;
``(2) verify the personal and employment references
provided by such individual; and
``(3) obtain--
``(A) a State, tribal, or Federal criminal
record check covering all jurisdictions where
the grantee provides Head Start services to
children;
``(B) a State, tribal, or Federal criminal
record check as required by the law of the
jurisdiction where the grantee provides Head
Start services; or
``(C) a criminal record check as otherwise
required by Federal law.''.
----------
9. An Amendment To Be Offered by Representative Carnahan of Missouri,
or His Designee, Debatable for 10 Minutes
Page 35, after line 10, insert the following (and make such
technical and conforming changes as may be appropriate):
(d) Enrollment.--Section 640(g) of the Head Start Act (42
U.S.C. 9835(g)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(5) In the event that the amounts appropriated to carry out
the program under this subchapter do not exceed the amount
appropriated in the prior fiscal year, or exceed the amount
appropriated in the prior fiscal year by an amount equal to
less than the percentage change in the Consumer Price Index For
All Urban Consumers, as published by the Bureau of Labor
Statistics, Head Start grantees may negotiate with the
Secretary a reduced funded enrollment level without a reduction
in the grant amount if such grantee can demonstrate that such
reduction is necessary to maintain the quality of services.
``(A) In accordance with this paragraph, the
Secretary shall set up a process for grantees to
negotiate the above-mentioned reduced funded enrollment
level.
``(B) Under the conditions detailed in this
paragraph, the Secretary shall be required to notify
grantees of their right to negotiate a reduced funded
enrollment level if such grantee can demonstrate that
such reduction is necessary to maintain the quality of
services.''.
----------
10. An Amendment To Be Offered by Representative Cuellar of Texas, or
His Designee, Debatable for 10 Minutes
Page 163, after line 3, insert the following (and make such
technical and conforming changes as may be appropriate):
``(ii) a description of the type of
assessment or assessments used to determine the
rate of progress made by limited English
proficient children;''.
----------
11. An Amendment To Be Offered by Representative Shuler of North
Carolina, or His Designee, Debatable for 10 Minutes
Page 2, line 4, insert ``(a) Short Title._''.
Page 2, after line 5, insert the following:
(b) Sense of the Congress.--The Congress--
(1) finds that--
(A) while the steady economic growth and low
inflation in the United States has yielded
unprecedented prosperity, many children and
families in this country have not benefited
from this prosperity and continue to be
socioeconomically disadvantaged,
(B) many community- and faith-based
organizations have expertise in moving
individuals and families from dependency to
self-sufficiency by providing families with the
tools and skills they need to participate in
the community and contribute to our economy,
(C) the Head Start Act was established to
help prepare low-income young children to
succeed in school and in life by addressing the
needs of the whole child and providing
comprehensive services such as health and
nutrition,
(D) research confirms that children who
attend Head Start programs enter school better
prepared than low-income children who do not
attend the program, are less likely to need
special education services, to repeat a grade,
or commit crimes in adolescence, and are more
likely to graduate from high school,
(E) community- and faith-based organizations
have participated in Head Start programs since
the enactment of the Head Start Act in 1965 and
continue to serve more than 90,000 children and
their families,
(F) parents have an integral role in the
development and implementation of Head Start
programs, community- and faith-based providers
of Head Start services employ parents and
encourage parents to volunteer in the programs
because parents are children's most important
and influential teachers,
(G) community- and faith-based providers of
Head Start services not only serve the needs of
low-income children and their families but
enrich, strengthen and reflect the diversity of
the communities wherein they reside, and
(H) the Head Start Act is a critical
component of America's civil rights platform,
and community and faith-based organizations
have been leaders in the civil rights movement
in the United States,
(2) supports the continued role of community and
faith-based organizations in Head Start programs as
providers of comprehensive services to children,
families, and communities, and
(3) extends its gratitude to community- and faith-
based organizations that provide Head Start services,
and to the employees and volunteers for their
commitment to the education, health, and economic well-
being of low-income children and families.
Page 52, after line 19, insert the following:
``(3) Continued eligibility.--Faith-based and
community-based organizations continue to be eligible,
on the same basis as other organizations, to
participate in any program under this subchapter for
which they are otherwise eligible.''.
Page 120, at the end of line 15, add the following:
Faith-based and community-based organizations continue to be
eligible, on the same basis as other organizations, to
participate in any program under this section for which they
are otherwise eligible.
----------
12. An Amendment To Be Offered by Representative Space of Ohio, or His
Designee, Debatable for 10 Minutes
Page 136, strike lines 21 through 25, and insert the
following (and make such technical and conforming changes as
may be appropriate):
``(16) provide assistance to address the unique needs
of programs located in rural communities, including--
``(A) removing barriers related to the
recruitment and retention of Head Start
teachers in rural communities;
``(B) developing innovative and effective
models of professional development for
improving staff qualifications and skills for
staff living in rural communities;
``(C) removing barriers related to outreach
efforts to eligible families in rural
communities;
``(D) removing barriers to parent involvement
in Head Start programs in rural communities;
``(E) removing barriers to providing home
visiting services in rural communities; and
``(F) removing barriers to obtaining health
screenings for Head Start participants in rural
communities.''.
Page 148, after line 25, insert the following (and make such
technical and conforming changes as may be appropriate):
``(5) ensure that in entering into such contracts as
described in paragraph (1), such entities will address
the needs of grantees in both urban and rural
communities.''.