Head Start Act (1965)

1) Link to the Text of the Act
Read the statute (42 U.S.C. § 9831 et seq.)

2) Why It Was Done
Created during President Lyndon B. Johnson’s War on Poverty, the Head Start Act established the Head Start program to promote school readiness for children from low-income families through early education, nutrition, health, and parental involvement.

3) Pre-existing Law or Constitutional Rights
Before this, federal involvement in early childhood education was minimal. Head Start represented a new model of comprehensive family services, not just classroom instruction.

4) Overreach or Proper Role?
Supporters argue it helps break cycles of poverty by preparing children for school. Critics say results are mixed and that it expands federal power into local family and education matters.

5) Who or What It Controls

• Community organizations and schools (administer Head Start programs via grants)
• Families in poverty (eligible for services)
• Children ages 0–5 (primary beneficiaries)

6) Key Sections / Citations

• 42 U.S.C. § 9831: Statement of purpose
• 42 U.S.C. § 9835: Program performance standards
• 42 U.S.C. § 9840a: Early Head Start (established in 1994)

7) Recent Changes or Live Controversies

• Expanded through Early Head Start for infants/toddlers
• Ongoing debates over program effectiveness and funding levels
• Remains a central pillar of federal early childhood policy

8) Official Sources

• Congress.gov – Head Start Act
• Office of Head Start (HHS)
• GAO – Head Start Oversight

• Education
• Children
• Poverty
• Early Childhood
• Families