v Continue to support and advocate for reauthorization of Head Start/Early Head Start. Specifically,
- Maintain federal-to-local structure
- Re-compete only the lowest performing Head Start grantees
- Increase degree requirements of Head Start teachers and staff only if new federal funds are appropriated
- Maintain the current Policy Council-Shared Governance Structure
- Increase income eligibility to 130 percent of poverty level
v Plan, promote, and fund support services for children aged 0-5 to:
- Ensure the physical health, safety, social-emotional and cognitive development of children so that they are ready to succeed in school and life;
- By legislative mandate, provide that children’s basic nutritional needs are met and addressed through the Child and Adult Care Food Program and National School Lunch Program;
- Allow state and federal programs and funds to be combined to provide full-day early childhood care and other programs for children and families; and
- Continue to raise awareness and recognize the importance of male involvement in children’s education, healthcare, and support.
v Maintain Parent Involvement in MSRP and increase per pupil funding.
v Increase childcare reimbursement and allow eligibility for parents enrolled in college courses.
v Work with Michigan legislature to allow Head Start programs to be eligible for E-Rate.
v Promote Head Start involvement in planning and implementation of Universal Pre-K programs.
v Continued monitoring and raising awareness of child day care licensing.
v Provide for nuclear and kinship family supports and benefits, such as basic health insurance coverage, that allow low-income working families and their children to thrive and be productive, contributing individuals in their communities.
v Provide support and advocacy for other initiatives, programs, legislation, etc. that promote children and families succeeding in school and in life.
