HEAD START
WHEREAS, the Head Start program has a long tradition of delivering comprehensive and high
quality services designed to foster healthy development in low-income children; and
WHEREAS, Head Start grantee and delegate agencies provide a range of individualized services
in the areas of education and early childhood development; medical, dental, and mental health;
nutrition; and parent involvement; and
WHEREAS, one third more at-risk children who attended a quality early childhood program
graduated from high school than those who did not attend; and
WHEREAS, current Head Start funds are delivered directly to local grantees in thousands of
communities across the country with more than 150 programs being managed and operated by
local city or county governments; and
WHEREAS, the Head Start program is a comprehensive program that works to address the
social, cognitive, and physical needs of children and the coordinated involvement of parents in the
program so they are committed to their child's education; and
WHEREAS, Head Start targets the nation's poorest children, those living in families at or below
the poverty line, as well as children with disabilities or other special needs; and
WHEREAS, the President is asking Congress to include in the reauthorization of the Head Start
Act an option that would allow interested states to include Head Start as part of their preschool
programs;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that The U.S. Conference of Mayors supports the
concept of greater cooperation among Head Start and other early learning programs; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that The U.S. Conference of Mayors strongly opposes any
attempt to dismantle or move Head Start to the states;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that The U.S. Conference of Mayors urges Congress to fully
fund the Head Start Program.
©2003 U.S. Conference of Mayors 
