[20191205]IF11008_领先优势：概述和当前问题.pdf

https:/crsreports.congress.gov Updated December 5, 2019Head Start: Overview and Current IssuesIntroduction The Head Start program has provided comprehensive early childhood education and development services to low-income children since 1965. The program seeks to promote school readiness through the provision of educational, health, nutritional, social, and other services. Most Head Start participants are three or four years old, but since 1995 a growing number of infants, toddlers, and pregnant women have been served in Early Head Start (EHS) programs. Administration The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) administers the Head Start program. HHS awards funds directly to local grantees. Programs are run by about 1,600 public and private nonprofit and for-profit grantees. The grantees must comply with detailed federal performance standards. Programs operate in all 50 states (plus the District of Columbia), five territories, and Palau. Funds also go to American Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN) and Migrant and Seasonal Head Start (MSHS) programs. Eligibility In general, regulations specify that children must be ages 0-2 to be eligible for EHS (pregnant women are also el