Version	Word Count	Changes From Previous Version	Percent Change
Introduced in House	26,755	n/a	n/a
Reported in House	29,929	147	17%
Engrossed in House	32,349	102	12%
Placed on Calendar Senate	33,550	8	1%
Engrossed Amendment Senate	27,663	1,293	89%
Enrolled Bill	38,853	1,302 Show Changes Hide Changes	86%

Display Version Introduced in House Reported in House Engrossed in House Placed on Calendar Senate Engrossed Amendment Senate Enrolled Bill

HR 1429 EAS

In the Senate of the United States,June 19, 2007.Resolved,That the bill from the House of Representatives (H.R.1429CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

) entitled `An Act t One Hundred Tenth Congress CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

To reauthorize the Head Start Act, to improve program quality, to expand access, and for other purposes.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

', do pass with the followingAMENDMENT:Strike out all after the enacting clause and insert: Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

(a) Short Title- This Act may be cited as the `Improving Head Start for School Readiness Act of 2007'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Table of Contents- The table of contents of this Act is as follows:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 1. Short title.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 2. Statement of purpose.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 3. Definitions.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 4. Financial assistance for Head Start programs.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 5. Authorization of appropriations.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 6. Allotment of funds; limitations on assistance.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 7. Designation of Head Start agencies.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 8. Standards; monitoring of Head Start agencies and programs.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 9. Powers and functions of Head Start agencies.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 10. Head start transition and alignment with K-12 education.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 11. Early childhood education, coordination, and improvement.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 12. Submission of plans.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 13. Administrative requirements and standards.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 14. Participation in Head Start programs.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 15. Early Head Start programs.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 16. Appeals, notice, and hearing.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 17. Records and audits.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 18. Technical assistance and training.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 19. Staff qualifications and development.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 20. Research, demonstrations, and evaluation.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 21. Reports.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 22. Comparability of wages.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 23. Limitation with respect to certain unlawful activities.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 24. Political activities.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 25. Parental consent requirement for health services.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 26. Centers of Excellence in Early Childhood.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 27. General provisions.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 28. Compliance with Improper Payments Information Act of 2002.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 29. References in other Acts.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 2. STATEMENT OF PURPOSE.

Section 636 of the Head Start Act (42 U.S.C. 9831) is amended to read as follows:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

`SEC. 636. STATEMENT OF PURPOSE.

`It is the purpose of this subchapter to promote the school readiness of low-income children by enhancing their cognitive and social development--`(1) with, social, and emotional development--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(1) in a learning environment that supports cognitive development (including the growth ofhildren's growth in language, pre-literacy, and premathematics skills) and the growth of social, emotional, andliteracy, mathematics, science, social and emotional functioning, creative arts, physical skills, and approaches to learning; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(2) through the provision to low-income children and their families of health, educational, nutritional, social, and other services that are determined, based on family needs assessments, to be necessary.'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS.

(a) In General- Section 637 of the Head Start Act (42 U.S.C. 9832) is amended--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) in paragraph (2), by inserting `(including a community-based organization, as defined in section 9101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801))' after `nonprofit';CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) in paragraph (3)(C), by inserting `, including financial literacy,' after `Parent literaand financial literacy.' after `self-sufficiency';CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) in paragraph (17), by striking `Mariana Islands,' and all that follows and inserting `2), by striking `migrant and seasonal Head Start program' and inserting `migrant or seasonal Head Start program';CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(4) by striking paragraph (17) and inserting the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(17) The term `State' means a State, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the District of Columbia, Guam, American Samoa, the Virgin Islands of the United States, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. The term includes the Republic of Palau for fiscal years 2008 and 2009, and (if the legislation described in section 640(a)(2)(B)(v) has not been enacted by September 30, 2009) for fiscal years 2010 through 2012.'; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(45) by adding at the end the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(18) The term `deficiency' means--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) a systemic or substantial material failure of an agency in an area of performance that the Secretary determines involves--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(i) a threat to the health, safety, or civil rights of children or staff;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(ii) a denial to parents of the exercise of their full roles and responsibilities related to program operations;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(iii) a failure to comply with standards related to early childhood development and health services, family and community partnerships, or program design and management;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(iv) the misuse of funds under thisreceived under this subchapter;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(v) loss of legal status (as determined by the Secretary) or financial viability, loss of permits, debarment from receiving Federal grants or contracts, or the improper use of Federal funds; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(vi) failure to meet any other Federal or State requirement that the agency has shown an unwillingness or inability to correct, after notice from the Secretary, within the period specified;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) systemic or material failure of the board of directors of an agency togoverning body of an agency to fully exercise its legal and fiduciary responsibilities;`(C) substantial failure of an agency to meet the administrative requirements of section 644(b);`(D) failure of an agency to demonstrate that the agency attempted to meet the coordination and collaboration requirements with entities described in section 640(a)(5)(D)(ii)(I); or`(E) having orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(C) an unresolved area of noncompliance.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(19) The term `homeless child' means a child describedren' has the meaning given the term `homeless children and youths' in section 725(2) of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 11434a(2)).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(20) The term `institution of higher education' has the meaning given the term in section 101(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001(a)).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(21) The term `interrater reliability' means the extent to which 2 or more independent raters or observers consistently obtain the same result when using the same assessment tool.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(22) The term `limited English proficient', used with respect to a child, means a child--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) who is enrolled or preparing to enroll in a Head Start program (which may include an Early Head Start program), or other early care and education program;`(B)(i) who was not born in the United States or whose native language is a language other than English;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(ii)(I) who is a Native American, Alaska Native, or a native resident of an outlying area (as defined in section 9101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801)), an Alaska Native, or a native resident of an outlying area (as defined in such section 9101); andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(II) who comes from an environment where a language other than English has had a significant impact on the child's level of English language proficiency; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(iii) who is migratory, whose native language is a language other than English, and who comes from an environment where a language other than English is dominant; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(CB) whose difficulties in speaking or understanding the English language may be sufficient to deny such child--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(i) the ability to successfully achieve in a classroom in which the language of instruction is English; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(ii) the opportunity to participate fully in society.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(23) The term `principles of scientific research' means principles of research that--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) applies rigorous, systematic, and objective methodology to obtain reliable and valid knowledge relevant to education activities and programs;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) presents findings and makes claims that are appropriate to and supported by methods that have been employed; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(C) includes, as appropriate to the research being conducted--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(i) use of systematic, empirical methods that draw on observation or experiment;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(ii) use of data analyses that are adequate to support the general findings;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(iii) reliance on measurements or observational methods that provide reliable and generalizable findings;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(iv) strong claims of causal relationships, only with research designs that eliminate plausible competing explanations for observed results, such as, but not limited to, random assignment experiments;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(v) presentation of studies and methods in sufficient detail and clarity to allow for replication or, at a minimum, to offer the opportunity to build systematically on the findings of the research;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(vi) acceptance by a peer-reviewed journal or critique by a panel of independent experts through a comparably rigorous, objective, and scientific review; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(vii) consistency of findings across multiple studies or sites to support the generality of results and conclusions.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(24) The term `professional development' means high-quality activities that will improve the knowledge and skills of Head Start teachers and staff, as relevant to their roles and functions, in program administration and the provision of services and instruction, as appropriate, in a manner that improves service delivery to enrolled children and their families, including activities that--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) are part of a sustained effort to improve overall program quality and outcomes for enrolled children and their families;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) are developed or selected with extensive participation of administrators and teachers from Head Start programs;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(C) are developmentally appropriate for the children being served;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(D) include instruction in ways that Head Start teachers and staff may work more effectively with parents, as appropriate;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(E) are designed to give Head Start teachers and staff the knowledge and skills to provide instruction and appropriate support services to children of diverse backgrounds, as appropriate;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(F) may include a 1-day or short-term workshop or conference, if the workshop or conference is consistent with the goals in the professional development plan described in section 648A(f) and will be delivered by an institution of higher education or other entity, with expertise in delivering training in early childhood development, training in family support, and other assistance designed to improve the delivery of Head Start services; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(G) in the case of teachers, assist teachers with--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(i) the acquisition of the content knowledge and teaching strategies needed to provide effective instruction and other school readiness services regarding early language and literacy, early mathematics, early science, cognitive skills, approaches to learning, creative arts, physical health and development, and social and emotional development linked to school readiness;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(ii) meeting the requirements in paragraphs (1) and (2) of section 648A(a), as appropriate;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(iii) improving classroom management skills, as appropriate;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(iv) advancing their understanding of effective instructional strategies that are--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(I) based on scientifically valid research; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(II) aligned with--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

`(v) acquiring the knowledge and skills to provide instruction and appropriate language and support services to increase the English language skills of limited English proficient children, as appropriate; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(vi) methods of teaching children with disabilities, as appropriate.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(25) The term `scientifically valid research' includes applied research, basic research, and field-initiated research in which the rationale, design, and interpretation are soundly developed in accordance with principles of scientific research.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(26) The term `unresolved area of noncompliance' means failure to correct a noncompliance item within 120 days, or within such additional time (if any) as is authorized by the Secretary, after receiving from the Secretary notice of such noncompliance item, pursuant to section 641A(d).'c).'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Redesignation and Reordering of Definitions- Section 637 of such Act is amended--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) by redesignating paragraphs (1) through (23) as paragraphs (1), (3), (4), (5), (6), (7), (8), (9), (10), (12), (16), (17), (18), (19), (22), (24), (25), (2), (11), (13), (14), (15), (20), (21), (23), and (26), respectively; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) so that paragraphs (1) through (26), as so redesignated in paragraph (1), appear in numerical order.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 4. FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR HEAD START PROGRAMS.

Section 638 of the Head Start Act (42 U.S.C. 9833) is amended by inserting `for a period of 5 years' after `provide financial assistance to such agency'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 5. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

Section 639 of the Head Start Act (42 U.S.C. 9834) is amended to read as follows:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

`SEC. 639. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

`(a) In General- There are authorized to be appropriated for carrying out the provisions of this subchapterto carry out this subchapter (other than section 657B) $7,350,000,000 for fiscal year 2008, $7,650,000,000 for fiscal year 2009, $7,995,000,000 for fiscal year 2010, and such sums as may be necessary for each of fiscal years 2011 and 2012.`(b) Specific Programs- From the amount appropriated under subsection (a), the Secretary shall make available to carry out research, demonstration, and evaluation activities, including longitudinal studies under section 649, not more than $20,000,000 for fiscal year 2008, and such sums as may be necessary for each of fiscal years 2009 through 2012, of which not more than $7,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2012 shall be available to carry out impact studies under section 649(g).'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 6. ALLOTMENT OF FUNDS

; LIMITATIONS ON ASSISTANCE

.

(a) Allotment of Funds- Section 640(a) of the Head Start Act (42 U.S.C. 9835(a)) is amended--(1) in paragraph (2)--(A) by striking subparagraph (A) and inserting the following:`(A) Indian Head Start programs, services for children with disabilities, and migrant and seasonal Head Start programs, except that t to read as follows:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(a)(1) Using the sums appropriated pursuant to section 639 for a fiscal year, the Secretary shall allocate such sums in accordance with paragraphs (2) through (5).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(2)(A) The Secretary shall determine an amount for each fiscal year for each State that is equal to the amount received through base grants for the prior fiscal year by the Head Start agencies (including Early Head Start agencies) in the State that are not described in clause (ii) or (iii) of subparagraph (B).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) The Secretary shall reserve for each fiscal year for use by Indian Head Start and migrant and seasonal Head Start programs (referred to in this paragraph as `covered programs'), on a nationwide basis, a sum that is the total of a percentage specified by the Secretary that is not less than 4 percent of the amount appropriated under section 639 for that fiscal year (for Indian Head Start programs) and a percentage specified by the Secretary that is not less than 5 percent of that appropriated amount (for migrant and seasonal Head Start programs) (referred to in this paragraph as the `specified percentages'), except that--`(i) if reserving the specified percentages would reduce the number of children served by Head Start programs, relative to the number of children served on the date of enactment of the Head Startsuch sums as are necessary--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(i) to provide each amount determined for a State under subparagraph (A) to the Head Start agencies (including Early Head Start agencies) in the State that are not described in clause (ii) or (iii), by allotting to each agency described in this clause an amount equal to that agency's base grant for the prior fiscal year;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(ii) to provide an amount for the Indian Head Start programs that is equal to the amount provided for School Readiness Act, taking into consideration an appropriate adjustment for inflation, the Secretary shall reserve percentages that approach, as closely as practicable, the specified percentages and that do not cause such a reduction; and`(ii) notwithstanding any other provision of this subparagraph, the Secretary shall reserve for each fiscal year for use by Indian Head Start programs and bybase grants for such programs under this subchapter for the prior fiscal year, by allotting to each Head Start agency (including each Early Head Start agency) administering an Indian Head Start program an amount equal to that agency's base grant for the prior fiscal year;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(iii) to provide an amount for the migrant and seasonal Head Start programs, on a nationwide basis, not less than the amount that was obligated for use by Indian Head Start programs and by migrant and seasonal Head Start programs for the previous fiscal year;';(B) by striking subparagraph (C) and inserting the following:`(C) training and technical assistance activities that are sufficient to meet the needs associated with program expansion and to foster program and management improvement activities as described in any of paragraphs (1) through (18) of section 648(d), in an amount for each fiscal year that is not less than 2 percent of the amount appropriated under section 639 for such fiscal year, of which--`(i) 50 percent shall be made available to Head Start agencies to use directly, or by establishing local or that is equal to the amount provided nationwide for base grants for such programs under this subchapter for the prior fiscal year, by allotting to each Head Start agency administering a migrant or seasonal Head Start program an amount equal to that agency's base grant for the prior fiscal year;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(iv) to provide an amount for each of Guam, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and the Virgin Islands of the United States (for Head Start agencies (including Early Head Start agencies) in the jurisdiction) that is equal to the amount provided for base grants for such jurisdiction under this subchapter for the prior fiscal year, by allotting to each agency described in this clause an amount equal to that agency's base grant for the prior fiscal year;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(v) to provide an amount for the Republic of Palau (for Head Start agencies (including Early Head Start agencies) in the jurisdiction) for each of fiscal years 2008 and 2009, and (if legislation approving a new agreement regarding United States assistance for the Republic of Palau has not been enacted by September 30, 2009) for each of fiscal years 2010 through 2012, that is equal to the amount provided for base grants for such jurisdiction under this subchapter for the prior fiscal year, by allotting to each agency described in this clause an amount equal to that agency's base grant for the prior fiscal year; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(vi) to provide an amount for a collaboration grant under section 642B(a) for each State, for the Indian Head Start programs, and for the migrant and seasonal Head Start programs, in the same amount as the corresponding collaboration grant provided under this subchapter for fiscal year 2007.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(C)(i) The Secretary shall reserve for each fiscal year an amount that is not less than 2.5 percent and not more than 3 percent of the sums appropriated pursuant to section 639 for that fiscal year, to fund training and technical assistance activities, from which reserved amount--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(I) the Secretary shall set aside a portion, but not less than 20 percent, to be used to fund training and technical assistance activities for Early Head Start programs, in accordance with section 645A(g)(2); andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(II) the Secretary shall set aside a portion, equal to the rest of the reserved amount, to fund training and technical assistance activities for other Head Start programs, in accordance with section 648, of which portion--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(aa) not less than 50 percent shall be made available to Head Start agencies to use directly, which may include at their discretion the establishment of local or regional agreements with community experts, institutions of higher education, or private consultants, for any of the followingto make program improvements identified by such agencies, by carrying out the training and technical assistance activities described in section 648(d);CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(bb) not less than 25 percent shall be available to the Secretary to support a State-based training and technical assistance activities, including--`(I) activities that ensure that Head Start programs meet or exceed the performance standardssystem, or a national system, described in section 648(e) for supporting program quality; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(cc) the remainder of the portion set aside under this subclause shall be available to the Secretary to assist Head Start agencies in meeting and exceeding the standards described in section 641A(a)(1) by carrying out activities described in subsections (a), (b), (c), (f), and (g) of section 648, including helping Head Start programs address weaknesses identified by monitoring activities conducted by the Secretary under section 641A(c), except that not less than $3,000,000 of the remainder shall be made available to carry out activities described in section 641A(a)(1);`(II) activities that ensure that Head Start programs have adequate numbers of trained, qualified staff who have skills in working with children and families, including children who are limited English proficient and their families and children with disabilities;`(III) activities to pay expenses, including direct training for expert consultants working with any staff, to improve the management and implementation of Head Start services and systems;`(IV) activities that help ensure that Head Start programs have qualified staff who can promote language skills and literacy growth of children and who can provide children with a variety of skills that have been identified as predictive of later reading achievement, school success, and the skills, knowledge, abilities, development, and progress described in section 641A(a)(1)(B)(ii);`(V) activities to improve staff qualifications and to assist with the implementation of career development programs and to encourage the staff to continually improve their skills and expertise, including developing partnerships with programs that recruit, train, place, and support college students in Head Start centers to deliver an innovative early childhood development program to preschool children;`(VI) activities that help local programs ensure that the arrangement, condition, and implementation of the learning environments in Head Start programs are conducive to providing effective program services to children and families;`(VII) activities to provide training necessary to improve the qualifications of Head Start staff and to support staff training, child counseling, health services, and other services necessary to address the needs of children enrolled in Head Start programs, including children from families in crises, children who experience chronic violence or homelessness, children who experience substance abuse in their families, and children under 3 years of age, where applicable;`(VIII) activities to provide classes or in-service-type programs to improve or enhance parenting skills, job skills, adult and family literacy, including financial literacy, or training to become a classroom aide or bus driver in a Head Start program;`(IX) additional activities determined appropriate for the improvement of Head Start agencies' programs, as determined in the agencies' technical assistance and training plans; or`(X) any other activities regarding the use of funds as determined by the Secretary;`(ii) 50 percent shall be made available to the Secretary8(a)(3)(B)(ii).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(ii) In determining the portion set aside under clause (i)(I) and the amount reserved under this subparagraph, the Secretary shall consider the number of Early Head Start programs newly funded for that fiscal year.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(D) The Secretary shall reserve not more than $20,000,000 to fund research, demonstration, and evaluation activities under section 649, of which not more than $7,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2012 shall be available to carry out impact studies under section 649(g).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(E) The Secretary shall reserve not more than $42,000,000 for discretionary payments by the Secretary, including payments for all costs (other than compensation of Federal employees) for activities carried out under subsection (c) or (e) of section 641A.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(F) If the sums appropriated under section 639 are not sufficient to provide the amounts required to be reserved under subparagraphs (B) through (E), the amounts shall be reduced proportionately.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(G) Nothing in this section shall be construed to deny the Secretary the authority, consistent with sections 641, 641A, and 646 to terminate, suspend, or reduce funding to a Head Start agency.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(3)(A) From any amount remaining for a fiscal year after the Secretary carries out paragraph (2) (referred to in this paragraph as the `remaining amount'), the Secretary shall--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(i) subject to clause (ii)--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(I) to provide directly training and technical assistance on early childhood education and care or to support, through grants or other arrangements, a State system of training and technical assistance (which may include such a system for a consortium of States within a region); and`(II) to assist local programs (including Indian Head Start programs and migrant and seasonalprovide a cost of living increase for each Head Start agency (including each Early Head Start programs) in meeting the performance standards described in section 641A(a)(1); and`(iii) not less than $3,000,000 of the amount in clause (ii) appropriated for such fiscal year shall be made available to carry out activities described in section 648(d)(4);';(C) in subparagraph (D), by striking `agencies;' and inserting `agencies);'; and(D) by adding at the end of the flush matter at the end the following: `In no case shall the Secretary use funds appropriated under this subchapteragency) funded under this subchapter for that fiscal year, to maintain the level of services provided during the prior year; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(II) subject to subparagraph (B), provide $10,000,000 for Indian Head Start programs (including Early Head Start programs), and $10,000,000 for migrant and seasonal Head Start programs, to expand or create additional slots or services in non-Indian and non-migrant and seasonal Head Start programs until the amounts based on the specified percentages for Indian Head Start programs and migrant and seasonal Head Start increase enrollment in the programs pursuant to subparagraph (A) are reached. The Secretary shall require each Head Start agency to report at the end of each budget year on how funds provided to carry out subparagraph (C)(i) were used.';(2) in paragraph (3)--(A) in subparagraph (A)(i)(I)--(i) by striking `60 percent of such excess amount for fiscal year 1999' and all that follows through `2003;'; and(ii) by inserting the following: `30 percent of such excess amount for fiscal year 2008, and 40 percent of such excess amountinvolved;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(ii) subject to clause (iii), if the remaining amount is not sufficient to carry out clause (i)--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(I) for each of fiscal years 2009 through 2012;';(B) in subparagraph (B)--(i) in clause (i), by striking `performance standards' and all that follows and inserting `performance standards pursuant to section 641A(a)(1).';(ii) by striking clause (ii) and inserting the following:`(ii) Ensuring that such programs have adequate numbers of qualified staff, and that such staff is furnished adequate training, including training8, 2009, and 2010--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(aa) subject to subparagraph (B), provide 5 percent of that amount for Indian Head Start programs (including Early Head Start programs), and 5 percent of that amount for migrant and seasonal Head Start programs, to increase enrollment in the programs involved; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(bb) use 90 percent of that amount to promote the development of language, premathematics, and pre-literacy skills in young children and in working with limited English proficient children, children in foster care, children referred by child welfare services, and children with disabilities, when appropriate.';(iii) by striking clause (iii) and inserting the following:`(iii) Developing and financing the salary scales and benefits standards under section 644(a) and section 653, in order to ensure that salary levels and benefits are adequate to attract and retain qualified staff for such programs.';(iv) by striking clause (iv) and inserting the following:`(iv) Using salary increases to--`(I) assist with the implementation of quality programs and improve staff qualifications;`(II) ensure that staff can promote the language skills and literacy growth of children and can provide children with a variety of skills that have been identified, through scientifically based early reading research, as predictive of later reading achievement, as well as the skills, knowledge, abilities, development, and progress described in section 641A(a)(1)(B)(ii); and`(III) encourage the staff to continually improve their skills and expertise--`(aa) through the implementation of career development programs; and`(bb) through the completion of postsecondary coursework in early childhood education.';(v) in clause (v)--(I) by striking `community-wide' and inserting `communitywide'; and(II) by inserting `, including collaborations to increase program participation by underserved populations of eligible children' before the period; and(vi) by striking clauses (vii) and (viii) and inserting the following:`(vii) Providing assistance to complete postsecondary coursework, to enable Head Start teachers to improve competencies and the resulting child outcomes, including informing the teachers of the availability of Federal and State incentive and loan forgiveness programs.`(viii) Promoting the regular attendance and stability of all Head Start children with particular attention to highly mobile children, including children of migrant or seasonal farmworkers (where appropriate), homeless children, and children in foster care.`(ix) Making such other improvements in the quality of such programs as the Secretary may designate.';(C) in subparagraph (C)--(i)vide, for each Head Start agency (including each Early Head Start agency) funded as described in clause (i)(I), by striking the last sentence and inserting `Salary increases, in excess of cost-of-the same percentage (but not less than 50 percent) of the cost of living allowances, provided with such funds shall be subject to the specific standards governing salaries and salary increases established pursuant to section 644(a).';(ii) in clause (ii)--(I) in the matter preceding subclause (I), by striking `education performance' and all that follows through `641A(a)(1)(B)'and inserting `standards and measures described in section 641A';(II) in subclause (I), by inserting `, pre-literacy,' after `language';(III) by striking subclause (II) and inserting the following:`(II)increase described in clause (i); andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(II) for fiscal year 2011 and each subsequent fiscal year--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(aa) provide, for each Head Start agency (including each Early Head Start agency) funded as described in clause (i)(I), the cost of living increase described in clause (i); andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(bb) subject to subparagraph (B), with any portion of the remaining amount that is not used under item (aa), provide equal amounts for Indian Head Start programs (including Early Head Start programs), and for migrant and seasonal Head Start programs, to increase enrollment in the programs involved; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(iii) if the remaining amount is not sufficient to carry out clause (ii) for the fiscal year involved, use that amount to help limited English proficient children attain the knowledge, skills, abilities, and development specified in section 641A(a)(1)(B)(ii) and to promote the acquisition of the English language by such children and their families;'; and(IV) by striking subclause (IV) and inserting the following:`(IV) to provide education and training necessary to improve the qualifications of Head Start staff, particularly assistance to enable more instructors to be fully competent and to meet the degree requirements under section 648A(a)(2)(A), and to support staff training, child counseling, and other services necessary to address the challenges of children participating in Head Start programs, including children from immigrant, refugee, and asylee families, children from families in crisis, homeless children, children in foster care, children referred to Head Start programs by child welfare agencies, and children who are exposed to chronic violence or substance abuse.';(iii) in clause (iii), by inserting `, educational staff who have the qualifications described in section 648A(a),' after `ratio';(iv) in clause (v), by striking `programs, including' and all that follows and inserting `programs.';(v) by redesignating clause (vi) as clause (x); and(vi) by inserting after clause (v) the following:`(vi) To conduct outreach to homeless families in an effort to increase the program participation of homeless children.`(vii) To conduct outreach to migrant and seasonal farmworker families and families with limited English proficient children.`(viii) To partner with institutions of higher education and nonprofit organizations, including community-based organizations, that recruit, train, place, and support college students, to serve as mentors and reading partners to preschool children in Head Start programs.`(ix) To upgrade the qualifications and skills of educational personnel to meet the professional standards described in section 648A(a)(1), including certification and licensure as bilingual education teachers, as teachers of English as a second language, and for other educational personnel who serve limited English proficient children.';(3) in paragraph (4), in the first sentence--(A) in subparagraph (A), by striking `1998' and inserting `2007'; and(B) by striking subparagraph (B) and inserting the following:`(B) any amount available after all allotments are made under subparagraph (A) for such fiscal year shall be distributed as follows:`(i) Each State shall receive an amount sufficient to serveprovide, for each Head Start agency (including each Early Head Start agency) funded as described in clause (i)(I), the same number of children in Head Start programs in each State as were served on the date of enactment of the Head Start for School Readiness Act, taking into consideration an appropriate adjustment for inflation.percentage of the cost of living increase described in clause (i).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B)(i) Notwithstanding any other provision of this paragraph, the Indian Head Start programs shall not receive more than a total cumulative amount of $50,000,000 for all fiscal years, and the migrant and seasonal Head Start programs shall not receive more than a total cumulative amount of $50,000,000 for all fiscal years, under clause (i)(II), and subclauses (I)(aa) and (II)(bb) of clause (ii), of subparagraph (A) (referred to in this subsection as the `special expansion provisions'), to increase enrollment in the programs involved.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(ii)(I) Funds that are appropriated under section 639 for a fiscal year, and made available to Indian Head Start programs or migrant or seasonal Head Start programs under the special expansion provisions, shall remain available until the end of the following fiscal year.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(II) For purposes of subclause (I)--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(aa) if no portion is reallocated under clause (iii), those funds shall remain available to the programs involved; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(bb) if a portion is reallocated under clause (iii), the portion shall remain available to the recipients of the portion.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(iii) Of the funds made available as described in clause (ii), the Secretary shall reallocate the portion that the Secretary determines is unobligated 18 months after the funds are made available. The Secretary shall add that portion to the balance described in paragraph (4), and reallocate the portion in accordance with paragraph (4), for the following fiscal year referred to in clause (ii).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(4)(A) Except as provided in subparagraph (B), from any amount remaining for a fiscal year after the Secretary carries out paragraphs (2) and (3) (referred to in this paragraph as the `balance'), the Secretary shall--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(i) reserve 40 percent to carry out subparagraph (C) and paragraph (5);CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(ii) After ensuring that each State has received the amount described in clause (i), the Secretary shall distribute the remaining balance, by--`(I) distributing 65 percent of the balancereserve 45 percent to carry out subparagraph (D); andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(iii) reserve 15 percent (which shall remain available through the end of fiscal year 2012) to provide funds for carrying out section 642B(b)(2).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B)(i) Under the circumstances described in clause (ii), from the balance, the Secretary shall--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(I) reserve 45 percent to carry out subparagraph (C) and paragraph (5); andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(II) reserve 55 percent to carry out subparagraph (D).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(ii) The Secretary shall make the reservations described in clause (i) for a fiscal year if--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(I) the total cumulative amount reserved under subparagraph (A)(iii) for all preceding fiscal years equals $100,000,000; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(II) in the 2-year period preceding such fiscal year, funds were reserved under subparagraph (A)(iii) in an amount that totals not less than $15,000,000 and the Secretary received no approvable applications for such funds.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(iii) The total cumulative amount reserved under subparagraph (A)(iii) for all fiscal years may not be greater than $100,000,000.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(C) The Secretary shall fund the quality improvement activities described in paragraph (5) using the amount reserved under subparagraph (A)(i) or subparagraph (B)(i)(I), as appropriate, of which--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(i) a portion that is less than 10 percent may be reserved by the Secretary to provide funding to Head Start agencies (including Early Head Start agencies) that demonstrate the greatest need for additional funding for such activities, as determined by the Secretary; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(ii) a portion that is not less than 90 percent shall be reserved by the Secretary to allot, to each Head Start agency (including each Early Head Start agency), an amount that bears the same ratio to such portion as the number of enrolled children served by the agency involved bears to the number of enrolled children served by all the Head Start agencies (including Early Head Start agencies), except that the Secretary shall account for the additional costs of serving children in Early Head Start programs and may consider whether an agency is providing a full-day program or whether an agency is providing a full-year program.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(D) The Secretary shall fund expansion of Head Start programs (including Early Head Start programs) using the amount reserved under subparagraph (A)(ii) or subparagraph (B)(i)(II), as appropriate, of which the Secretary shall--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(i) use 0.2 percent for Head Start programs funded under clause (iv) or (v) of paragraph (2)(B) (other than Early Head Start programs);CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(ii) for any fiscal year after the last fiscal year for which Indian Head Start programs receive funds under the special expansion provisions, use 3 percent for Head Start programs funded under paragraph (2)(B)(ii) (other than Early Head Start programs), except that the Secretary may increase that percentage if the Secretary determines that the results of the study conducted under section 649(k) indicate that the percentage should be increased;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(iii) for any fiscal year after the last fiscal year for which migrant or seasonal Head Start programs receive funds under the special expansion provisions, use 4.5 percent for Head Start programs funded under paragraph (2)(B)(iii) (other than Early Head Start programs), except that the Secretary may increase that percentage if the Secretary determines that the results of the study conducted under section 649(l) indicate that the percentage should be increased; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(iv) from the remainder of the reserved amount--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(I) use 50 percent for Head Start programs funded under paragraph (2)(B)(i) (other than Early Head Start programs), of which--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(aa) the covered percentage shall be allocated among the States serving less than 60 percent (as determined by the Secretary) of children who are 3 or 4 years of age from families whose income is below the poverty line, by allotcating to each of those States an amount that bears the same relationship to that 65 percentcovered percentage as the number of children who are less than 5 years of age from families whose income is below the poverty line (referred to in this subclause as `young low-income children') in that State bears to the number of young low-income children in all those States; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(II) distributing 35 percent of the balancebb) the remainder shall be allocated proportionately among the States, by allotting to each State an amount that bears the same relationship to that 35 percent as the number of young low-income children in that State bears to on the basis of the number of young low-income children in all the States.';(4) in paragraph (5)--(A) in subparagraph (A), by inserting after `; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(II) use 50 percent for Early Head Start programs.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(E) In this paragraph, the term `covered percentage' means--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(i) for fiscal year 2008, 30 percent;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(ii) for fiscal year 2009, 40 percent;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(iii) for fiscal year 2010, 50 percent;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(iv) for fiscal year 2011, 55 percent; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(v) for fiscal year 2012, 55 percent.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(5)(A) Not less than 50 percent of the amount reserved under subparagraph (A)(i) or subparagraph (B)(i)(I), as appropriate, of paragraph (4) to carry out quality improvement activities under paragraph (4)' the following: `(and amounts reserved, before such allotments, for national administrative offices)';(B) by redesignating subparagraphs (E) and (F) as subparagraphs (G) and (H), respectively;(C) by striking subparagraphs (B), (C), and (D) and inserting the following:`(B)(i) From the reserved sums, the Secretary shall award a collaboration grant to each State and to each national administrative office serving Indian Head Start programs and migrant and seasonal Head Start programs to facilitate collaboration between Head Start agencies and entities (including the State or national administrative office) that carry out other activities designed to benefit low-income families and children from birth to school entry. The national administrative offices shall use the funds made available through the grants to carry out the authorities and responsibilities described(C) and this paragraph shall be used to improve the compensation (including benefits) of educational personnel, family service workers, and child counselors, as described in subparagraphs (B) and (C).`(ii) Grants described in clause (i) shall be used to--`(I) assist Head Start agencies to collaborate with entities involved in State and local planning processes to better meet the needs of low-income families and children from birth to school entry;`(II) assist Head Start agenciesections 644(a) and 653, in the manner determined by the Head Start agencies (including Early Head Start agencies) involved, to--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(i) ensure that compensation is adequate to attract and retain qualified staff for the programs involved in order to enhance program quality;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(ii) improve staff qualifications and assist with the implementation of career development programs for staff that support ongoing improvement of their skills and expertise; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(iii) provide education and professional development to coordinate activities with the State agency responsible for administering the State program carried out under the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 9858 et seq.) and entities providing resource and referral services in the State, to make full-working-day and full calendar year services availableenable teachers to be fully competent to meet the professional standards established under section 648A(a)(1), including--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(I) providing assistance to children;omplete postsecondary course work;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(II) improving the qualifications and skills of educational personnel to become certified and licensed as bilingual education teachers, or as teachers of English as a second language; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(III) promote alignment of Head Start services with the Head Start Child Outcomes Framework and, as appropriate, State early learning standards;`(IV) promote better linkages between Head Start agencies and other child and family agencies, including agencies that provide health, mental health, or family services, or other child or family supportive services, such as services provided under section 619 or part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. 1419, 1431 et seq.); and`(V) carry out the activities of the State Director of Head Start Collaboration authorized in subparagraph (D).`(C) In order to improve coordination and delivery of early childhood education and care to children in the State, a State that receives a collaboration grant under subparagraph (B) shall--improving the qualifications and skills of educational personnel to teach and provide services to children with disabilities.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) Any remaining funds from the reserved amount described in subparagraph (A) shall be used to carry out any of the following activities:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(i) appoint or designate an individual to serve as, or carry out the responsibilities of, the State Director of Head Start Collaboration;`(ii) ensure that the State Director of Head Start Collaboration holds a position with sufficient authority and access to ensure that the collaboration described in subparagraph (B) is effective and involves a range of State agencies; and`(iii) involve the State Head Start Association in the selection of the Director and involve the Association in determinations relating to the ongoing direction of the collaboration office involved.`(D) The State Director of Head Start Collaboration, shall--`(i) not later than 1 year after the State receives a collaboration grant under subparagraph (B), conduct an assessment that--`(I) addresses the needs of Head Start agencies in the State with respect to collaboration, coordination of services, and alignment of services with the Head Start Child Outcomes Framework and, as appropriate, State early learning standards;`(II) shall be updated on an annual basis; and`(III) shall be made available to the general public within the State;`(ii) develop a strategic plan that is based on the assessment described in clause (i) that will--`(I) enhance collaboration and coordination of Head Start services with other entities providing early childhood education and care (such as child care or services offered by museums), health care, mental health care, welfare, child protective services, education and community service activities, family literacy services, reading readiness programs (including such programs offered by public and school libraries), services relating to children with disabilities, other early childhood education and care for limited English proficient children and homeless children, and services provided for children in foster care andSupporting staff training, child counseling, and other services, necessary to address the challenges of children from immigrant, refugee, and asylee families, homeless children, children in foster care, limited English proficient children, children of migrant or seasonal farmworker families, children from families in crisis, children referred to Head Start programs (including Early Head Start programs) by child welfare agencies, including agencies and State officials responsible for such services;`(II) assist Head Start agencies to develop a plan for the provision of full-working-day, full calendar year services for children enrolled in Head Start programs who need such care;`(III) assist Head Start agencies to align services with the Head Start Child Outcomes Framework and, as appropriate, State early learning standards; and`(IV) enable Head Start agencies in the State to better access professional development opportunities for Head Start staff, such as by--`(aa) working with local Head Start agencies to meet the degree requirements described in section 648A(a)(2)(A), including providing distance learning opportunities for Head Start staff, where needed to make higher education more accessible to Head Start staff; and`(bb) enabling the State Head Start agencies to better conduct outreach to eligible families;and children who are exposed to chronic violence or substance abuse.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(ii) Ensuring that the physical environments of Head Start programs are conducive to providing effective program services to children and families, and are accessible to children with disabilities and other individuals with disabilities.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(iii) promote partnerships between Head Start agencies, State and local governments, and the private sector to help ensure that children from low-income families, who are in Head Start programs or are preschool age, are receiving comprehensive services to prepare the children to enter school ready to learn;Employing additional qualified classroom staff to reduce the child-to-teacher ratio in the classroom and additional qualified family service workers to reduce the family-to-staff ratio for those workers.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(iv) consult with the chief State school officer, local educational agencies, and providers of early childhood education and care, regarding early childhood education and care at both the State and local levels;Ensuring that Head Start programs have qualified staff that promote the language skills and literacy growth of children and that provide children with a variety of skills that have been identified, through scientifically based reading research, as predictive of later reading achievement.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(v) promote partnerships (such as the partnerships involved with the Free to Grow initiative) between Head Start agencies, schools, law enforcement, relevant community-based organizations, and substance abuse and mental health treatment agencies to strengthen family and community environments and to reduce the impact on child development of substance abuse, child abuse, domestic violence, and other high risk behaviors that compromise healthy development;`(vi) promote partnerships between Head Start agencies and other organizations in order to enhance the Head Start curriculum, including partnerships to promote inclusion of more books in Head Start classrooms and partnerships to promote coordination of activities with the Ready-to-Learn Television program carried out under subpart 3 of part D of title II of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6775 et seq.); and`(vii) identify other resources and organizations (both public and private) for the provision of in-kind services to Head Start agencies in the State.`(E)(i) The Governor of the State shall--`(I) designate or establish a council to serve as the State Advisory Council on Early Childhood Education and Care, for children from birth to school entry (in this subchapter referred to as the `State Advisory Council'); and`(II) designate an individual to coordinate activities of the State Advisory Council, as described in clause (iv)(I).`(ii) The Governor may designate an existing entity to serve as the State Advisory Council, if the entity includes representatives consistent with clause (iii).`(iii) Members of the State Advisory Council shall include, to the maximum extent possible--`(I) the State Director of Head Start Collaboration;`(II) a representative of the State educational agency and local educational agencies;`(III) a representative of institutions of higher education;`(IV) a representative (or representatives) of the State agency (or agencies) responsible for health or mental health care;`(V) a representative of the State agency responsible for professional standards, certification, and licensing for early childhood educators;`(VI) a representative of the State agency responsible for child care;`(VII) early childhood educators, including professionals with expertise in second language acquisition and instructional strategies in teaching limited English proficient children;`(VIII) kindergarten teachers and teachers in grades 1 through 3;`(IX) health care professionals;`(X) child development specialists, including specialists in prenatal, infant, and toddler development;`(XI) a representative of the State agency responsible for assisting children with developmental disabilities;`(XII) a representative of the State agency responsible for programs under section 619 or part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. 1419, 1431 et seq.);`(XIII) a representative of the State interagency coordinating councils established under section 641 of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. 1441);`(XIV) a representative of the State Head Start Association (where appropriate), and other representatives of Head Start programs in the State;`(XV) a representative of the State network of child care resource and referral agencies;`(XVI) a representative of community-based organizations;`(XVII) a representative of State and local providers of early childhood education and care;`(XVIII) a representative of Indian Head Start programs (where appropriate) and a representative of migrant and seasonal Head Start programs (where appropriate);`(XIX) parents;`(XX) religious and business leaders;`(XXI) the head of the State library administrative agency;`(XXII) representatives of State and local organizations and other entities providing professional development to early childhood educators and child care providers;`(XXIII) a representative from the Office of Coordinator for Education of Homeless Children and Youths in the State;`(XXIV) a State legislator; and`(XXV) a representative of other entities determined to be relevant by the Governor of the State.`(iv)(I) The State Advisory Council shall be responsible for, in addition to responsibilities assigned to the council by the Governor of the State--`(aa) conducting a periodic statewide needs assessment concerning early childhood education and care for children from birth to school entry and assessing the availability of high quality prekindergarten services for low-income children in the State;`(bb) identifying barriers to, and opportunities for, collaboration and coordination among entities carrying out federally-funded and State-funded child development, child care, and early childhood education programs;`(cc) developing recommendations regarding means of establishing a unified data collection system for early childhood education and care throughout the State;`(dd) developing a statewide professional development and career ladder plan for early childhood education and care in the State;`(ee) assisting 2-year and 4-year public and private institutions of higher education, which may include assisting the institutions with development of articulation agreements or model programs of early childhood education and care, including practica or internships for students to spend time in a Head Start or prekindergarten program; and`(ff) undertaking collaborative efforts to develop, and make recommendations for improvements in, State early learning standards.`(II) The State Advisory Council shall hold public hearings and provide an opportunity for public comment on the activities described in subclause (I). The State Advisory Council shall submit a statewide strategic report addressing the activities described in subclause (I) to the State Director of Head Start Collaboration and the Governor of the State.`(III) After submission of a statewide strategic report under subclause (II), the State Advisory Council shall meet periodically to review any implementation of the recommendations in such report and any changes in State and local needs.`(F)(i)(I) Prior to carrying out paragraph (4), the Secretary shall reserve a portion to carry out this subparagraph for a fiscal year. The Secretary shall reserve the portion from the amount (if any) by which the funds appropriated under section 639(a) for the fiscal year exceed the adjusted prior year appropriation (as defined in paragraph (3)(A)(ii)), without reducing the share available for quality improvement funds described in paragraph (3)(B).`(II) To the extent consistent with subclause (I), the Secretary shall reserve $100,000,000 for fiscal year 2008. Funds reserved under this subclause shall remain available for obligation through fiscal year 2012.`(ii) The Secretary shall use the portion reserved under clause (i) to award, on a competitive basis, one-time startup grants of not less than $500,000 to eligible States to enable such States to pay for the Federal share of the cost of further developing and implementing the recommendations and plans for which the State's State Advisory Council is responsible under subparagraph (E)(iv)(I). Such grants shallIncreasing hours of program operation, including--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(I) facilitate the development of high-quality systems of early childhood education and care designed to improve school preparedness;conversion of part-day programs to full-working-day programs; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(II) increase and make effective use of existing and new delivery systems and funds for early childhood education and care; and`(III) enhance existing early childhood education and care (in existence on the date on which the grant involved is awarded).`(iii) To be eligible to receive a grant under this subparagraph, a State shall prepare and submit to the Secretary an application, for a 3-year period, at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary shall require, including--`(I) a description of the State's State Advisory Council's responsibilities under subparagraph (E)(iv)(I);`(II) a description, for each fiscal year, of how the State will make effective use of funds available under this subparagraph, with funds described in clause (iv), to create an early childhood education and care system, by developing or enhancing programs and activities described in subparagraph (E)(iv)(I);`(III) a description of the State early learning standards and the State's goals for increasing the number of children entering kindergarten ready to learn;`(IV) information identifying the agency or joint interagency office and individual designated to carry out the activities under this subparagraph, which may be the individual designated under subparagraph (E)(i)(II); and`(V) a description of how the State plans to sustain activities under this subparagraph beyond the grant period.`(iv) The Federal share of the cost described in clause (ii) shall be 30 percent, and the State shall provide the non-Federal share.`(v) Funds made available under this subparagraph shall be used to supplement, and not supplant, other Federal, State, and local funds expended to carry out activities related to early childhood education and care in the Stateweeks of operation in a calendar year.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(vi) Not later than 18 months after the date a State receives a grant under this subparagraph, the State shall submit an interim report to the Secretary. A State that receives a grant under this subparagraph shall submit a final report to the Secretary at the end of the grant period.'; and(D) in subparagraph (G), as redesignated by subparagraph (B) of this paragraph--(i) in clause (i)(I), by striking `child care and early childhood education programs and resources' and inserting `early childhood education and care programs and resources'; and(ii) in clause (ii), by striking `Federal child care or early childhood education' and inserting `Federal early childhood education or child care'; and(5) in paragraph (6)--(A) in subparagraph (A), by striking `7.5 percent' and all that follows and inserting `not less than 12 percent for fiscal year 2008, not less than 14 percent for fiscal year 2009, not less than 16 percent for fiscal year 2010, not less than 18 percent for fiscal year 2011, and not less than 20 percent for fiscal year 2012, of the amount appropriated pursuant to section 639(a).';(B) by striking subparagraph (B);(C) in subparagraph (C)(i), by striking `required to be' each place it appears; and(D) by redesignating subparagraph (C) as subparagraph (B).(b)Improving communitywide strategic planning and needs assessments for Head Start programs and collaboration efforts for such programs, including outreach to children described in clause (i).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(vii) Transporting children in Head Start programs safely, except that not more than 10 percent of funds made available to carry out this paragraph may be used for such purposes.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(viii) Improving the compensation and benefits of staff of Head Start agencies, in order to improve the quality of Head Start programs.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(6) No sums appropriated under this subchapter may be combined with funds appropriated under any provision other than this subchapter if the purpose of combining funds is to make a single discretionary grant or a single discretionary payment, unless such sums appropriated under this subchapter are separately identified in such grant or payment and are used for the purposes of this subchapter.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(7) In this subsection:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) The term `base grant', used with respect to a fiscal year, means the amount of permanent ongoing funding (other than funding described in sections 645A(g)(2)(A)(i) and paragraph (2)(C)(i)(II)(aa)) provided to a Head Start agency (including an Early Head Start agency) under this subchapter for that fiscal year.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) The term `cost-of-living increase', used with respect to an agency for a fiscal year, means an increase in the funding for that agency, based on the percentage change in the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (issued by the Bureau of Labor Statistics) for the prior fiscal year, calculated on the amount of the base grant for that agency for the prior fiscal year.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(C) For the purposes of this subsection, the term `State' does not include Guam, American Samoa, the Virgin Islands of the United States, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau.'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Minimum Enrollment Requirement for Children With Disabilities- The first sentence of sSection 640(d) of the Head Start Act (42 U.S.C. 9835(d)) is amended to read as follows:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`The Secretary shall establish policies and procedures to `(d)(1) The Secretary shall establish policies and procedures to assure that, for fiscal year 20089 and thereafter, not less than 10 percent of the total number of children actually enrolled by each Head Start agency and each delegate agency will be children with disabilities who are eligible for special education or early intervention services, as determined to be eligible for special education and related services, or early intervention services, as appropriate, as determined under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. 1400 et seq.), and that the Head Start agency or delegate agency involved will collaborate withby the State or local agency providing services under section 619 or part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. 1419, 1431 et seq.) to ensure the provision of services.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(2) Such policies and procedures shall ensure the provision of early intervening services, such as educational and behavioral services and supports, to meet the needs of children with disabilities, prior to an eligibility determination under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(3) Such policies and procedures shall require Head Start agencies to provide timely referral to and collaborate with the State or local agency providing services under section 619 or part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act to ensure the provision of special education and related services and early intervention services, and the coordination of programmatic efforts, to meet the special needs of such children.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





'.(c) `(4) The Secretary shall establish policies and procedures to provide Head Start agencies with waivers of the requirements of paragraph (1) for not more than 3 years. Such policies and procedures shall require Head Start agencies, in order to receive such waivers, to provide evidence demonstrating that the Head Start agencies are making reasonable efforts on an annual basis to comply with the requirements of that paragraph. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(5) Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to limit or create a right to a free appropriate public education under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(c) Service Delivery Models- Section 640(f) of the Head Start Act (42 U.S.C. 9835(f)) is amended--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) by striking `(f) The' and inserting `(f)(1) Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of the Improving Head Start for School Readiness Act of 2007, the';CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) by striking `needs.' and inserting `needs, including models that leverage the capacity and capabilities of the delivery system of early childhood education and caredevelopment services or programs.'; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) by adding at the end the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(2) In establishing the procedures the Secretary shall establish procedures to provide for--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) the conversion of part-day programs to full-working-day programs or part-day slots to full-working-day slots; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) serving additional infants and toddlers pursuant to section 645(a)(5).'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(d) Additional Funds- Section 640(g)(2) of the Head Start of the Head Start Act (42 U.S.C. 9835(g)(2)) is amended--(1) is amended--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) by striking paragraphs (1), (3), and (4);CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) in paragraph (2)--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking `, in allocating funds to an applicant within a State, from amounts allotted to a State pursuant to subsection (a)(4),';CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) in subparagraph (A), by striking `performance standards' and inserting `standards described in section 641A(a)(1)';CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(C) by striking subparagraph (C) and inserting the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(C) the extent to which the applicant has undertaken a communitywide strategic planning and needs assessments involving other community organizations and Federal, State, and local public agencies serving children and families (including organizations and agencies providing family support services and protective services to children and families and organizations serving families in whose homes English is not the language customarily spoken), and individuals, involving other entities, including community organizations, and public entities serving children with disabilities, children in foster care, and homeless children including the local educational agencyFederal, State, and local public agencies (including the local educational agency liaison designated under section 722(g)(1)(J)(ii) of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 11432(g)(1)(J)(ii));';(2) in subparagraph (D)--(A) by striking `community' the first place it appears and inserting `communitywide), that provide services to children and families, such as--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(i) family support services;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(ii) child abuse prevention services;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(iii) protective services;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(iv) foster care;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(v) services for families in whose homes English is not the language customarily spoken;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(vi) services for children with disabilities; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(vii) services for homeless children;';CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(D) in subparagraph (D)--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(i) by striking `family and community needs assessment' and inserting `family needs assessment and communitywide strategic planning and needs assessment';CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(ii) by striking `reflects' and inserting `reflect'; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(Biii) by striking `other local' and inserting `the State and local';CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) in subparagraph (E)--(A) by inserting `would like to participate but' after `community who'; and(B) by striking `early childhood program' and inserting `early childhood education and care program';(4) in subparagraph (G), by inserting `E) by striking subparagraph (E) and inserting the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(E) the number of eligible children, as described in clause (i) or (ii) of section 645(a)(1)(B), in each community who are not participating in a Head Start program or any other publicly funded early childhood education and development program;';CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(F) by striking subparagraphs (G) and (H) and inserting the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(G) the extent to which the applicant proposes to foster partnerships with other service providers in a manner that will leverage the existing delivery systems of such services (existing as of the date of the allocation decision) and' after `manner that will'; and(5) in subparagraph (H), by inserting `, and enhance the resource capacity of the applicant; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(H) the extent to which the applicant, in providing services, successfully coordinated activities with the local educational agency serving the community involved (including the local educational agency liaison designated under section 722(g)(1)(J)(ii) of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 11432(g)(1)(J)(ii)),' after `community involved'.(e) ), and with schools in which children participating in such applicant's program will enroll following such program, with respect to such services and the education services provided by such local educational agency.';CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (1); andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(4) by adding at the end the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(2) Notwithstanding paragraph (1), in using funds made available for expansion under subsection (a)(4)(D), the Secretary shall first allocate the funds to qualified applicants proposing to use such funds to serve children from families with incomes below the poverty line. Agencies that receive such funds are subject to the eligibility and enrollment requirements under section 645(a)(1).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(3)(A) In the event that the amount appropriated to carry out the program under this subchapter for a fiscal year does not exceed the amount appropriated for the prior fiscal year, or is not sufficient to maintain services comparable to the services provided under this subchapter during the prior fiscal year, a Head Start agency may negotiate with the Secretary a reduced funded enrollment level without a reduction in the amount of the grant received by the agency under this subchapter, if such agency can reasonably demonstrate that such reduced funded enrollment level is necessary to maintain the quality of services.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) In accordance with this paragraph, the Secretary shall set up a process for Head Start agencies to negotiate the reduced funded enrollment levels referred to in subparagraph (A) for the fiscal year involved.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(C) In the event described in subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall be required to notify Head Start agencies of their ability to negotiate the reduced funded enrollment levels if such an agency can reasonably demonstrate that such reduced funded enrollment level is necessary to maintain the quality of services.'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(e) Vehicle Safety Requirements- Section 640(i) of the Head Start Act (42 U.S.C. 9835(i)) is amended--(1) by striking `(i)' and inserting `(i)(1)';(2) in paragraph (1), as so designated, by adding at the end the following: `The regulations shall also establish requirements to ensure the appropriate supervision of, and appropriate background checks for, individuals with whom the agencies contract to transport those children.'; and(3) by adding at the end the following:`(2)(A) Section 1310.12(a) of title 45, Code of Federal Regulations, shall take effect 30 days after the date of enactment of this Act.`(B)(i) Not later than 60 days after the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration of the Department of Transportation submits its study on occupant protection on Head Start transit vehicles (related to Government Accountability Office report GAO-06-767R), the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall review and shall revise as necessary the allowable alternate vehicle standards described in part 1310 of that title (or any corresponding similar regulation or ruling) relating to allowable alternate vehicles used to transport children for a Head Start program. In making any such revision, the Secretary shall revise the standards to be consistent with the findings contained in such study, including making a determination on the exemption of such a vehicle from Federal seat spacing requirements, and Federal supporting seating requirements related to compartmentalization, if such vehicle meets all other applicable Federal motor vehicle safety standards, including standards for seating systems, occupant crash protection, seat belt assemblies, and child restraint anchorage systems consistent with that part 1310 (or any corresponding similar regulation or ruling).`(ii) Notwithstanding subparagraph (A), until such date as the Secretary of Health and Human Services completes the review and any necessary revision specified in clause (i), the provisions of section 1310.12(a) of that title relating to Federal seat spacing requirements, and Federal supporting seating requirements related to compartmentalization, for allowable alternate vehicles used to transport children for a Head Start program, shall not apply to such a vehicle if such vehicle meets all other applicable Federal motor vehicle safety standards, as described in clause (i).'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(f) Migrant and Seasonal Head Start Programs- Section 640(l) of the Head Start Act (42 U.S.C. 9835(l)) is amended--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) in paragraph (1), by striking `and seasonal --CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) by striking `With funds' and all that follows through `programs,' and inserting `With funds made available under this subchapter to expand migrant and seasonal Head Start programs,'; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) by striking `children of migrant and seasonal farmworker families' and inserting `or seasonal farmworkerchildren of migrant or seasonal farmworker families';CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) in paragraph (2)--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) by striking `For' and all that follows through `in determining' and inserting `In determining';CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) by striking `children of migrant farmworkers' and inserting `children of migrant farmworker families';CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(C) by striking `under such subsection' and inserting `under this subchapter';CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(D) by striking `children of seasonal farmworkers' each place it appears and inserting `children of seasonal farmworker families'; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2E) by striking `children of such farmworkers' and inserting `children of such farmworker families'; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) by striking paragraph (3) and inserting the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(3) In carrying out this subchapter, the Secretary shall continue the administrative arrangement at the national level for meeting the needs of Indian children and children of migrant or seasonal farmworkers and shall ensure--`(A) that appropriate funding is provided to meet such needs, including training and technical assistance providedand seasonal farmworker families and shall ensure--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) the provision of training and technical assistance by staff with knowledge of and experience in working with such populations; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) the appointment of a national Indian Head Start collaboration director and a national migrant and seasonal Head Start program collaboration director.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(4)(A) For the purposes of paragraph (3), the Secretary shall conduct an annual consultation in each affected Head Start region, with tribal governments operating Head Start (including Early Head Start) programs.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) The consultations shall be for the purpose of better meeting the needs of American Indian andIndian, including Alaska Native children and families pertinent to subsection (a)(2)(A), children and their families, in accordance with this subchapter, taking into consideration funding allocations, distribution formulas, and other issues affecting the delivery of Head Start services within tribal communitiein their geographic locations.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(C) The Secretary shall publish a notification of the consultations in the Federal Register prior tobefore conducting the consultations.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(D) AThe Secretary shall ensure that a detailed report of each consultation shall be prepared and made available, on a timely basiswithin 90 days after the consultation, to all tribal governments receiving funds under this subchapter.`(5)(A) In order to increase access to Head Start services for children of migrant or seasonal farmworkers, the Secretary shall work in collaboration with providers of migrant and seasonal Head Start programs, the Secretary of Agriculture, the Secretary of Labor, and the Secretary of Education to--`(i) collect, report, and share data on farmworkers and their families in order to adequately account for the number of children of migrant or seasonal farmworkers who are eligible for Head Start services and determine how many of such children receive the services; and`(ii) identify barriers that prevent children of migrant or seasonal farmworkers who are eligible for Head Start services from accessing Head Start services, and develop a plan for eliminating such barriers, including certain requirements relating to tracking, health records, and educational documents.`(B) Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of the Head Start for School Readiness Act, the Secretary shall publish in the Federal Register a notice about how the Secretary plans to carry out the activities identified in subparagraph (A) and shall provide a period for public comment. To the extent practicable, the Secretary shall consider comments received before implementing any of the activities identified in subparagraph (A).`(C) Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of the Head Start for School Readiness Act, the Secretary shall submit a report to the Committee on Education and Labor of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate detailing how the Secretary plans to carry out the activities identified in subparagraph (A).`(D) The Secretary shall take appropriate caution to ensure the protection of the confidentiality of any personally identifiable data, information, and records collected or maintained regarding children and families served by migrant and seasonal Head Start programs.`(E) Nothing in this paragraph shall be construed to authorize the development of a nationwide database of personally identifiable data, information, or records on individuals involved in studies or other collections of data under this paragraph.'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(g) Enrollment of Homeless Children; Rule of Construction; Materials- Section 640 of the Head Start Act (42 U.S.C. 9835) is amended by adding at the end the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(m) Enrollment of Homeless Children- The Secretary shallThe Secretary shall issue regulations to ules to establish policies and procedures to remove barriers to the enrollment and participation of homeless children in Head Start programs. Such regulationules shall require Head Start agencies to--`(1)--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(1) to implement policies and procedures to ensure that homeless children are identified and receive priorityprioritized for enrollment;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(2) allowto allow families of homeless children to apply to, enroll in, and attend Head Start programs while required documents, such as proof of residency, proof of immunization,immunization and other medical records, birth certificates, and other documents, are obtained within a reasonable timeframe; and`(3) frame; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(3) to coordinate individual Head Start programs with efforts to implement subtitle B of title VII of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 11431 et seq.).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(n) Rule of Construction- Nothing in this subchapter shall be construed to require a State to establish a program of early childhood education and care for children in the State,ublicly funded program of early childhood education and development, or to require any child to participate in a program in order to attend preschoolsuch a publicly funded program, including a State-funded preschool program, or to participate in any initial screening prior to participation in a programbefore participating in a publicly funded program of early childhood education and caredevelopment, except as provided under section 612(a)(3s 612(a)(3) and 635(a)(5) of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. 1412(a)(3)) and consistent with section 635(a)(5) of such Act (20 U.S.C., 1435(a)(5)).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(o) Curricula- All curricula funded under this subchapter shall be based on scientifically based, developmentally and linguistically based (to the extent practicable), and agevalid research, and be age and developmentally appropriate. The curricula shall reflect all areas of child development and learning and be aligned with the Head Start Child Outcomes Framework. Parents shall have the opportunity to examine any such curricula or instructional materials funded under this subchapter.'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 7. DESIGNATION OF HEAD START AGENCIES.

Section 641 of the Head Start Act (42 U.S.C. 9836) is amended to read as follows:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

`SEC. 641. DESIGNATION OF HEAD START AGENCIES.

`(a) DesignationAuthority To Designate-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(1) IN GENERAL- The Secretary is authorized to designate as a Head Start agency any local public or private nonprofit or for-profit agency, within a community, including a community-based organization that--`(A) has power and authority to carry out the purpose of this subchapter and perform the functions set forth in section 642agency, including community-based and faith-based organizations, or for-profit agency, within a community; and`(B) is determined to have the capacity to plan, conduct, administer, and evaluate, either directly or by other arrangements, a Head Start program, pursuant to the requirements of this section.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(2) REQUIRED GOALS FOR DESIGNATION- In order to be designated as a Head Start agency, an entity described in paragraph (1) shall--`(A) establish program goals for improving the school readiness of children participating in a program under this subchapter, including goals for meeting the performance standards described in section 641A(a)(1) and shall establish results-based school readiness goals that are aligned with the Head Start Child Outcomes Framework, State early learning standards (as appropriate), and requirements and expectations for local public schools; and`(B) have a governing body--`(i) with legal and fiscal responsibility for administering and overseeing programs under this subchapter;`(ii) that fully participates in the development, planning, and evaluation of the programs to ensure the operation of programs of high quality;`(iii) that is responsible for ensuring compliance with Federal laws and regulations, including the performance standards described in section 641A(a)(1), as well as applicable State, tribal, and local laws and regulations, including laws defining the nature and operations of the governing body; and`(iv) that has procedures to facilitate meaningful consultation and collaboration about decisions of the governing body and the policy council established under paragraph (3).`(3) ESTABLISHMENT OF POLICY COUNCIL UPON DESIGNATION- Upon receiving designation as a Head Start agency, the agency shall establish a policy council that--`(A) in accordance with paragraph (5)(C), shall make decisions that influence the character of programs consistent with paragraph (5)(F); and`(B) with the governing body, shall establish processes to resolve internal disputes.`(4) ELIGIBILITY FOR SUBSEQUENT GRANTS- In order to receive a grant under this subchapter subsequent to the initial grant provided following the date of enactment of theINTERIM POLICY- Notwithstanding paragraph (1), until such time as the Secretary develops and implements the system for designation renewal under this section, the Secretary is authorized to designate as a Head Start agency, any local public or private nonprofit agency, including community-based and faith-based organizations, or for-profit agency, within a community, in the manner and process utilized by the Secretary prior to the enactment of the Improving Head Start for School Readiness Act, an entity described in paragraph of 2007.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(b) Application for Designation Renewal- To be considered for designation renewal, an entity shall submit an application to the Secretary, at such time and in such manner as the Secretary may require.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(c) System for Designation Renewal-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(1) shall demonstrate that the entity has met or is making progress toward meeting the goals described in paragraph (2)(A).`(5) GOVERNING BODY AND POLICY COUNCIL-`(A) ESTABLISHMENT OF GOVERNING BODY- Each Head Start agency shall establish a governing body in accordance with paragraph (2)(B).`(B) COMPOSITION OF GOVERNING BODY-`(i) IN GENERAL- The governing body shall be composed as follows:`(I) Not less than 1 member of the governing body shall have a background in fiscal management.`(II) Not less than 1 member of the governing body shall have a background in early childhood education and care.`(III) Not less than 1 member of the governing body shall be a licensed attorney familiar with issues that come before the governing body.`(IV) Additional members shall reflect the community to be served, and include parents of children who are currently, or were formerly, enrolled in Head Start programs.`(V) In the case in which the governing body is a part of a Head Start agency that is a public agency, members of the governing body shall include elected or appointed public officials.`(ii) CONSULTANTS- In the case that persons described in clause (i) are not available to serve as members of the governing body, the governing body shall make use of consultants in the areas described in clause (i) to work directly with the governing body.`(iii) CONFLICT OF INTEREST- Members of the governing body shall--`(I) not have a conflict of interest with the Head Start agency (including any delegate agency); and`(II) not receive compensation for the purposes of serving on the governing body or for providing services to the Head Start agency.`(C) RESPONSIBILITIES OF GOVERNING BODY-`(i) IN GENERAL- The governing body shall be responsible for--`(I) the selection of delegate agencies and such agencies' service areas;`(II) establishing procedures and criteria for recruitment, selection, and enrollment;`(III) all funding applications and amendments to funding applications for programs under this subchapter;`(IV) establishing procedures and guidelines to access and collect the information described in paragraph (6);`(V) review and approval of--`(aa) theSecretary shall develop a system for designation renewal that integrates the recommendations of the expert panel convened under paragraph (2) to determine if a Head Start agency is delivering a high-quality and comprehensive Head Start program that meets the educational, health, nutritional, and social needs of the children and families it serves, and meets program and financial management requirements and standards described in section 641A(a)(1), based on--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) annual self-assessment, financial audit, and findings from the Federal monitoring review, of the Head Start agency (including any delegate agency); and`(bb) such agency's progress in carrying out the programmatic and fiscal intent of such agency's grant application;`(VI) developing procedures for how members of the policy council of the Head Start agency are selected, consistent with subparagraph (E)(ii);`(VII) financial audits, accounting, and reporting;`(VIII) personnel policies and procedures regarding hiring, termination, salary scales (and changes made to the scale), and salaries of the Executive Director, Head Start Director, the Director of Human Resources, the Chief Fiscal Officer, and any equivalent position; and`(IX) review and approval of the community assessment, including any updates to such assessment.`(ii) CONDUCT OF RESPONSIBILITIES- The governing body shall ensure the development and approval of an internal control structure to facilitate those responsibilities in order to--`(I) safeguard Federal funds;`(II) comply with laws and regulations that have an impact on financial statements;`(III) detect or prevent noncompliance with this subchapter; and`(IV) receive financial audit reports and direct and monitor staff implementation of corrective actions.`(iii) COMMITTEES- The governing body shall, to the extent practicable and appropriate, establish--`(I) advisory committees to oversee responsibilities related to financial auditing and finances of the Head Start agency, as well as compliance with Federal, State, and local laws and regulations; and`(II) at the discretion of the governing body, additional advisory committees to study and make recommendations on areas related to the improvement of the Head Start program.budget and fiscal management data;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) program reviews conducted under section 641A(c);CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(C) annual audits required under section 647;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(D) ESTABLISHMENT OF POLICY COUNCIL- Each Head Start agency shall establish a policy council in accordance with paragraphclassroom quality as measured under section 641A(c)(2)(F); andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(E) Program Information Reports.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(2) EXPERT PANEL- Not later than 3 months after the date of enactment of the Improving Head Start for School Readiness Act of 2007, the Secretary shall convene an expert panel of 7 members to make recommendations to the Secretary on the development of a transparent, reliable, and valid system for designation renewal.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(3) .`(E)COMPOSITION OF POLICY COUNCIL-`(i) IN GENERAL- The policy council shall consist of--`(I) parents of children currently enrolled in the programs of the Head Start agency (including any delegate agency), which shall constitute a majority of the membership of the policy council; and`(II) members at large of the community served by the Head Start agency, which may include parents of children previously enrolled in the programs of the Head Start agency (including any delegate agency)EXPERT PANEL- The Secretary, in convening such panel, shall appoint the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A)(i) One member, who has demonstrated competency, as evidenced by training, expertise, and experience, in early childhood program accreditation.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(ii) SELECTION- Parents serving on the policy council shall be elected by parents of children currently enrolled in the programs of the Head Start agency (including any delegate agency) and shall represent, proportionately, all program options and settings operated by the Head Start agency (including any delegate agency).`(iii) CONFLICT OF INTEREST- Members of the policy council shall--`(I) not have a conflict of interest with the Head Start agency (including any delegate agency); and`(II) not receive compensation for serving on the policy council or for providing services to the Head Start agency.`(F) RESPONSIBILITIES OF POLICY COUNCIL- The policy council shall be responsible for--`(i) program planning, including--`(I) program design, including long and short term program goals, all funding applications and amendments to funding applications, and objectives based on the annual communitywideOne member, who has demonstrated competency (as so evidenced) in research on early childhood development.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(iii) One member, who has demonstrated competency (as so evidenced) in governance and finance of nonprofit organizations.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(iv) One member, who has demonstrated competency (as so evidenced) in delivery of services to populations of children with special needs and their families.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(v) One member, who has demonstrated competency (as so evidenced) in assessment and self-assessment;`(II) program recruitment, selection, and enrollment priorities; and`(III) budget planning for program expenditures consistent with subparagraph (C)(i)(VII), including polices for reimbursement and participation in policy council activities;`(ii) program operation consistent with subparagraph (C)(i)(VIII), including implementation of standards of conduct for program staff, contractors, and volunteers and criteria for the employment and dismissal of program staff; and`(iii) activities to support the active involvement of parents in supporting program operations, including policies to ensure that the Head Start program is responsive to community and parent needs.`(6) INFORMATION SHARING- The governing body and the policy council shall share with each other regular and accurate information for use by both entities about program planning, policies, and Head Start agency operations, including--`(A) monthly financial statements (including detailed credit card account expenditures for any employee with a Head Start agency credit card or who seeks reimbursement for charged expenses);evaluation of programs serving young children.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) monthly program information summaries;`(C) program enrollment reports, including attendance reports for children whose care is partially subsidized by another public agency;`(D) monthly reports of meals and snacks provided through programs of the Department of Agriculture;`(E) the financial audit;`(F) the annual self-assessment, including any findings related to the annual self-assessment;`(G) the community assessment of the Head Start agency's service area and any applicable updates;`(H) communication and guidance from the Secretary; and`(I) the program information reports.`(7) TRAINING AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE- Appropriate training and technical assistance shall be provided to the members of the governing body and the policy council to ensure that the members understand the information the members receive and can effectively oversee and participate in the programs of the Head Start agency.`(b) Communities- For purposes of this subchapter, a community may be a city, county, or multicity or multicounty unit within a State, an Indian reservation (including Indians in any off-reservation area designated by an appropriate tribal government in consultation with the Secretary), or a neighborhood or other area (irrespective of boundaries or political subdivisions) that provides a suitable organizational base and possesses the commonality of interest needed to operate a Head Start program.`(c) Redesignation-`(1) IN GENERAL- In administering the provisions of this section, the Secretary shall, in consultation with the Governor of the State involved, redesignate as a Head Start agency any Head Start agency (including any delegate agency) that is high performing, as determined by meeting each of the following criteria:An employee from the Office of Head Start.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(C) An executive director of a Head Start agency.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(4) EXPERT PANEL REPORT- Within 9 months after being convened by the Secretary, the expert panel shall issue a report to the Secretary that provides recommendations on a proposed system for designation renewal that takes into account the criteria in subparagraphs (A) through (E) of paragraph (1) to evaluate whether a Head Start agency is fulfilling its mission to deliver a high-quality and comprehensive Head Start program, including adequately meeting its governance, legal, and financial management requirements.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(5) PUBLIC COMMENT AND CONSIDERATION- Not later than 3 months after receiving the report described in paragraph (4), the Secretary shall publish a notice describing a proposed system for designation renewal in the Federal Register, including a proposal for the transition to such system, providing at least 90 days for public comment. The Secretary shall review and consider public comments prior to finalizing the system for designation renewal described in this subsection.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(6) DESIGNATION RENEWAL SYSTEM- Not later than 12 months after publishing a notice describing the proposed system under paragraph (5), the Secretary shall implement the system for designation renewal and use that system to determine--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) Is receiving assistance under this subchapter.whether a Head Start grantee is successfully delivering a high-quality and comprehensive Head Start program; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) Meets or exceeds standards described in section 641A(a)(1) (including program and financial management requirements).`(C) Has nowhether the grantee has any unresolved deficiencies, including having resolved any deficiencies found during the last triennial review under section 641A(c).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(D) Can demonstrate, through agreements such as memoranda of understanding, active collaboration with the State or local community in the provision of services for children (such as the provision of extended day services, education, professional development and training for staff, and other types of cooperative endeavors).`(E) Completes and submits the appropriate reapplication forms as required by the Secretary.`(27) IMPLEMENTATION OF THE DESIGNATION RENEWAL SYSTEM-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) IN GENERAL- A grantee who is determined under such system--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(i) to be delivering a high-quality and comprehensive Head Start program shall be designated (consistent with section 643) as a Head Start agency for the period of 5 years described in section 638;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(ii) to not be delivering a high-quality and comprehensive Head Start program shall be subject to an open competition as described in subsection (d); andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(iii) in the case of an Indian Head Start agency, to not be delivering a high-quality and comprehensive Head Start program shall (notwithstanding clause (ii)) be subject to the requirements of subparagraph (B).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) TRIBAL GOVERNMENT CONSULTATION AND REEVALUATION- On making a determination described in subparagraph (A)(iii), the Secretary shall engage in government-to-government consultation with the appropriate tribal government or governments for the purpose of establishing a plan to improve the quality of Head Start programs operated by the Indian Head Start agency. Such plan shall be established and implemented within 6 months after the Secretary's determination. Not more than 6 months after the implementation of that plan, the Secretary shall reevaluate the performance of the Indian Head Start agency. If the Indian Head Start agency is still not delivering a high-quality and comprehensive Head Start program, the Secretary shall conduct an open competition as described in subsection (d), subject to the limitations described in subsection (e).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(8) TRANSPARENCY, RELIABILITY, AND VALIDITY- The Secretary shall ensure the system for designation renewal is fair, consistent, and transparent and is applied in a manner that renews designations, in a timely manner, grantees as Head Start agencies for periods of 5 years if such grantees are delivering high-quality and comprehensive Head Start programs. The Secretary shall periodically evaluate whether the criteria of the system are being applied in a manner that is transparent, reliable, and valid.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(9) TRANSITION-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) IN GENERAL- Each Head Start agency shall be reviewed under the system for designation renewal described in paragraph (6), not later than 3 years after the implementation of such system.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) LIMITATION- A Head Start agency with a triennial review under section 641A(c) scheduled not later thanshall not be subject to the requirements of the system for designation renewal prior to 18 months after the date of enactment of the Improving Head Start for School Readiness Act shall not be subject to the criteria described in paragraph (1) for that review in order to be redesignated. The Head Start agency shall be subject to the criteria for any subsequent triennial review.`(d) of 2007.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(C) SCHEDULE- The Secretary shall establish and implement a schedule for reviewing each Head Start agency under the system for designation renewal described in paragraph (6), consistent with subparagraphs (A) and (B).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(10) REPORTS TO CONGRESS- The Secretary shall--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) make available to the Committee on Education and Labor of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate the report described in paragraph (4);CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) concurrently with publishing a notice in the Federal Register as described in paragraph (5), provide a report to the Committee on Education and Labor of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate that provides a detailed description of the proposed system described in paragraph (5), including a clear rationale for any differences between the proposed system and the recommendations of the expert panel, if any such differences exist; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(C) prior to implementing the system for designation renewal, provide a report to the Committee on Education and Labor of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(i) summarizing the public comment on the proposed system and the Secretary's response to such comment; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(ii) describing the final system for designation renewal and the plans for implementation of such system.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(d) Designation When No Entity Is Redesignatednewed-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(1) IN GENERAL- If no entity in a community is redesignated according todetermined to be successfully delivering a high-quality and comprehensive Head Start program, as specified in subsection (c), the Secretary shall, after conducting an open competition, designate for a 5-year period a Head Start agency from among qualified applicants in such community.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(e) Effectiveness2) CONSIDERATIONS FOR DESIGNATION- In selecting from among qualified applicants for designation as a Head Start agency, the Secretary shall consider the effectiveness of each such applicant to provide Head Start services, based on--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(1A) any past performance of such applicant in providing services comparable to Head Start services, including how effectively such applicant provided such comparable services;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(2B) the plan of such applicant to provide comprehensive health, educational, nutritional, social, and other services needed to aid participating children in attaining their full potential, and to prepare children to succeed in school;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(3) the capacityC) the plan of such applicant to serve eligible children with programs that use scientifically based research that promote school readiness of children participating in the program;`(4) the planattract and retain qualified staff capable of delivering, including implementing, a high-quality and comprehensive program, including the ability to carry out a research based curriculum aligned with the Head Start Child Outcomes Framework and, as appropriate, State early learning standards;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(D) the ability of such applicant to meet standards set forthaintain child-to-teacher ratios and family service worker caseloads that reflect best practices and are tied to high-quality service delivery;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(E) the capacity of such applicant to serve eligible children with--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(i) curricula that are based on scientifically valid research, that are developmentally appropriate, and that promote the school readiness of children participating in the program involved; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(ii) teaching practices that are based, as appropriate, on scientifically valid research, that are developmentally appropriate, and that promote the school readiness of children participating in the program involved;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(F) the plan of such applicant to meet standards described in section 641A(a)(1), with particular attention to the standards set forthdescribed in subparagraphs (A) and (B) of such section;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(5) the plan of such G) the proposed budget of the applicant and plan of such applicant to coordinate the Head Start program the applicant proposes to carry out with other preschool programs, including--`(A) the Early maintain strong fiscal controls and cost-effective fiscal management;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(H) the plan of such applicant to coordinate and collaborate with other public or private entities providing early childhood education and development programs and services for young children in the community involved, including--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(i) programs implementing grant agreements under the Early Reading First and Even Start programs under subparts 2 and 3 of part B of title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6371 et seq., 6381 et seq.);CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) other preschool programii) other preschool programs under title I of that Act (20 U.S.C. 6301 et seq.);CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(Ciii) programs under section 619 and part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. 1419, 1431 et seq.);CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(D) State prekindergarten programs;`(E) child care programs;`(Fiv) State prekindergarten programs;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(v) child care programs;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(vi) the educational programs that the children in the Head Start program involved will enter at the age of compulsory school attendance; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(G)vii) local entities, such as a public or school library, for--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(I) conducting reading readiness programs such as those conducted by public and school libraries;`(6;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(II) developing innovative programs to excite children about the world of books, including providing fresh books in the Head Start classroom;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(III) assisting in literacy training for Head Start teachers; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(IV) supporting parents and other caregivers in literacy efforts;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(I) the plan of such applicant to coordinate the Head Start program that the applicant proposes to carry out, with public and private entities whothat are willing to commit resources to assist the Head Start program in meeting its program needs;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(7) the plan of such applicant to collaborate with a local library, where available, that is interested in that collaboration, to--`(A) develop innovative programs to excite children about the world of books, such as programs that involve--`(i) taking children to the library for a story hour;`(ii) promoting the use of library cards;`(iii) developing a lending library or using a mobile library van; and`(iv) providing fresh books in the Head Start classroom on a regular basis;`(B) assist in literacy training for Head Start teachers; and`(C) support parents and other caregivers in literacy efforts;`(8J) the plan of such applicant--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(Ai) to facilitate the involvement of parents of participating children(including grandparents and kinship caregivers, as appropriate) of children participating in the proposed Head Start program, in activities (at home and in the center involved where practicable) , if practicable, at the location of the Head Start program) designed to help such parents become full partners in the education of their children;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(Bii) to afford such parents the opportunity to participate in the development and overall conduct of the program at the local level, including through providing transportation costs;`(Cassistance, as appropriate;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(iii) to offer (directly or through referral to local entities, such as entities carrying out Even Start programs under subpart 3 of part B of title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6381 et seq.), public and school libraries, and entities carrying out family support programs) to such parents--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(iI) family literacy services; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(iiII) parenting skills training;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(Div) to offer to parents of participating children substance abuse counseling (either directly or through referral to local entities), if needed, including information on the effect of drug exposure on infants and fetal alcohol syndrome;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(Ev) at the option of such applicant, to offer (directly or through referral to local entities) to such parents--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(iI) training in basic child development (including cognitive, social, and emotional development);CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(iiII) assistance in developing literacy and communication skills;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(iiiIII) opportunities to share experiences with other parents (including parent -mentor relationships);CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(ivIV) regular in-home visitation;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





or`(v `(V) health services, including information on maternal depression; or CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(VI) any other activity designed to help such parents become full partners in the education of their children;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(Fvi) to provide, with respect to each participating family, a family needs assessment that includes consultation with such parents (including foster parents and grandparent, grandparents, and kinship caregivers, where applicable), in a manner and language that such parents can understand, to the extent practicable, about the benefits of parent involvement and about the activities described in subparagraphs (C), (D), and (E)this subparagraph in which such parents may choose to become involved (taking into consideration their specific family needs, work schedules, and other responsibilities); andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(Gvii) to extend outreach to fathers (including father figures), in appropriate cases, in order to strengthen the role of those fathers in families, in the education of their young children, and in the Head Start program, by working directly with fathers and father figurethe fathers through activities such as--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(i) in appropriate cases, includingI) in appropriate cases, including the fathers in home visits and providing opportunities for direct father-child interactions; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(iiII) targeting increased male participation in the conduct of the program;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(9) the ability of such applicant to carry out the plans described in paragraphs (2), (4), and (5);`(10) other factors related to the requirements of this subchapter;`(11K) the plan of such applicant to meet the needs of limited English proficient children and their families, including procedures to identify such children, plans to provide trained personnel, and plans to provide services to assist the children in making progress toward the acquisition of the English language;`(12, while making meaningful progress in attaining the knowledge, skills, abilities, and development described in section 641A(a)(1)(B);CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(L) the plan of such applicant to meet the diverse needs of the population served;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(M) the plan of such applicant who chooses to assist younger siblings of children who will participate in the Head Start program to obtain health services from other sources;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(N) the plan of such applicant to meet the needs of children with disabilities, including procedures to identify such children, procedures for referral of such children for evaluation to State andor local agencies providing services under section 619 or part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. 1419, 1431 et seq.), and plans for collaboration with those State andor local agencies;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(13) the plan of such applicant who chooses to assist younger siblings of children who will participate in the Head Start program, to obtain health services from other sources;`(14) the plan of such applicant to collaborate with other entities providing early childhood education and care in the community;`(15) the plan of such applicant to meet the needs of homeless children andO) the plan of such applicant to meet the needs of homeless children, including transportation needs, and the needs of children in foster care, including the transportation needs of such children; and`(16) the plan of such applicant to recruit and retain qualified staff.`(f) Involvement of Parents and Area Residents- The Secretary shall continue the practice of involving parents and area residents who are affected by programs under this subchapter in the selection of qualified applicants for designation as Head Start agencies.`(g) Priority; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(P) other factors related to the requirements of this subchapter.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(3) PRIORITY- In selecting from among qualified applicants for designation as a Head Start agency, the Secretary shall give priority to applicants that have demonstrated capacity in providing effective, comprehensive, and well-coordinated early childhood education and care to children and their families.`(h) Interim Basis- If there is not a qualified applicant in a community for designation as a Head Start agency, the Secretary shall designate a qualified agency to carry out the Head Start program in the community on an interim basis until a qualified applicant from the community is so designated.`(i) development services and programs to children and their families.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(e) Prohibition Against Non-Indian Head Start Agency Receiving a Grant for an Indian Head Start Program-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(1) IN GENERAL- Notwithstanding any other provision of law, except as provided in paragraph (2), under no condition may a non-Indian Head Start agency receive a grant to carry out an Indian Head Start program.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(2) EXCEPTION- In a community in which there is no Indian Head Start agency available for designation to carry out an Indian Head Start program, a non-Indian Head Start agency may receive a grant to carry out an Indian Head Start program but only until such time as an Indian Head Start agency in such community becomes available and is designated pursuant to this section.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(f) Interim Provider- If no agency in a community is designated under subsection (d), and there is no qualified applicant in the community, the Secretary shall designate a qualified agency to carry out the Head Start program in the community on an interim basis until a qualified applicant from the community is designated under subsection (d).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(g) Parent and Community Participation- The Secretary shall require that the practice of significantly involving parents and community residents in the area affected by the program involved, in the selection of Head Start agencies, be continued.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(h) Community- For purposes of this subchapter, a community may be a city, county, or multicity or multicounty unit within a State, an Indian reservation (including Indians in any off-reservation area designated by an appropriate tribal government in consultation with the Secretary), or a neighborhood or other area (irrespective of boundaries or political subdivisions) that provides a suitable organizational base and possesses the commonality of interest needed to operate a Head Start program.'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 8.

QUALITY

STANDARDS; MONITORING OF HEAD START AGENCIES AND PROGRAMS.

Section 641A of the Head Start Act (42 U.S.C. 9836a) is amended--(1) in subsection (a)--(A) in paragraph (1)(A), by striking `642(d)' and inserting `642(c)';(B) in paragraph (1)(B)--(i) in clause (i), by striking `education performance standards' and inserting `educational performance standards'; and(ii) by striking clause (ii) and inserting the following:`(ii) additional educational standards based on the recommendations of the National Academy of Sciences panel described in section 649(h) and other experts in the field, to ensure that the curriculum involved addresses, and that the children participating in the program show appropriate progress toward developing and applying, the recommended educational outcomes, after the panel considers the appropriateness of additional educational standards relating to--`(I) language skills related to listening, understanding, speaking, and communicating;`(II) pre-literacy to read as follows:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

`(a) Standards-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(1) CONTENT OF STANDARDS- The Secretary shall modify, as necessary, program performance standards by regulation applicable to Head Start agencies and programs under this subchapter, including--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) performance standards with respect to services required to be provided, including health, parental involvement, nutritional, and social services, transition activities described in section 642A, and other services;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) scientifically based and developmentally appropriate education performance standards related to school readiness that are based on the Head Start Child Outcomes Framework to ensure that the children participating in the program, at a minimum, develop and demonstrate--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(i) language knowledge and skills, including oral language and listening comprehension;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(ii) literacy knowledge and skills, including phonological awareness, print awareness and skills, and alphabetic knowledge;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(iii) mathematics knowledge and skills;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(III) premathematicsiv) science knowledge and skills;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(IV) scientific abilities;`(V) generalv) cognitive abilities related to academic achievement and child development;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(VIvi) approaches to learning related to child development and early learning;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(vii) social and emotional development related to early learning and school success;`(VII, school success, and social problemsolving;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(viii) abilities in creative arts;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(ix) physical development; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(VIIIx) in the case of limited English proficient children, progress toward acquisition of the English language (which may include progress made with linguistically appropriate instructional services) while making meaningful progress in attaining the knowledge, skills, abilities, and development described in subclauses (Iclauses (i) through (VII);';(C) in paragraph (1)(D), by striking `projects; and' and inserting `projects, including ix), including progress made through the use of culturally and linguistically appropriate instructional services;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(C) administrative and financial management standards;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(D) standards relating to the condition and location of facilities (including indoor air quality assessment standards, where appropriate) for such agencies, and programs, including regulations that require that the facilities used by Head Start agencies (including Early Head Start agencies and including any delegate agencies) for regularly scheduled center-based and combination program option classroom activities--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(i) shall be in compliance with State and local requirements meet or exceed State and local requirements concerning licensing for such facilities; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(ii) shall be accessible by State and local authorities for purposes of monitoring and ensuring compliance; and';(D) in paragraph (2)--(i) in subparagraph (B)--(I) in clause (i), by striking `the date of enactment of this section' and inserting `the date of enactment of the Head Start for School Readiness Act';(II) in clause (ii), by striking `the date of enactment of this Act' and inserting `, unless State or local laws prohibit such access; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(E) such other standards as the Secretary finds to be appropriate.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(2) CONSIDERATIONS REGARDING STANDARDS- In developing any modifications to standards required under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) consult with experts in the fields of child development, early childhood education, child health care, family services (including linguistically and culturally appropriate services to non-English speaking children and their families), administration, and financial management, and with persons with experience in the operation of Head Start programs;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) take into consideration--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(i) past experience with use of the standards in effect under this subchapter on the date of enactment of the Improving Head Start for School Readiness Act';(III) in clause (iii)--(aa) by striking `early childhood education and development' and inserting `early childhood education and care'; and(bb) by inserting ` of 2007;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(ii) changes over the period since October 27, 1998, in the circumstances and problems typically facing children and families served by Head Start agencies;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(iii) recommendations from the study on Developmental Outcomes and Assessments for Young Children by the National Academy of Sciences, consistent with section 649(j);CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(iv) developments concerning research-based practices with respect to early childhood education and development, children with disabilities, homeless children, children in foster care,' after `children with disabilities,';(IV) in clause (vi), by striking `including the language' and all that follows and inserting `and the language background and family services, and best practices with respect to program administration and financial management;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(v) projected needs of an expanding Head Start program;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(vi) guidelines and standards that promote child health services and physical development, including participation in outdoor activity that supports children's motor development and overall health and nutrition;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(vii) changes in the characteristics of the population of children who are eligible to participate in Head Start programs, including country of origin, language background, and family structure of such children, and changes in the population and number of such children who are in foster care or are homeless children';(V) by striking clause (vii) and inserting the following:`(vii;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(viii) mechanisms to ensure that children participating in Head Start programs make a successful transition to the schools that the children will be attending;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(ix) the need for Head Start agencies to maintain close and frequentregular communications with parents, including conducting periodic meetings to discuss the progress of individual children in Head Start programs; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(viiix) the unique challenges faced by individual programs, including those programs that are seasonal or short term and those programs that serve rural populations;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





';(ii) in subparagraph (C)(ii), by striking ` `(C)(i) review and revise as necessary the standards in effect under this subsection; and CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(ii) ensure that any such revisions in the standards will not result in the elimination of or any reduction in quality, scope, or types of health, educational, parental involvement, nutritional, social, or other services required to be provided under such standards as in effect on the date of enactment of the Coats Human Services Reauthorization Act of 1998.' and inserting `the date of enactment of theImproving Head Start for School Readiness Act; and'; and(iii) by adding at the end the following: of 2007; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(D) consult with Indian tribes, American Indian andincluding Alaska Native experts in early childhood education and cares, experts in Indian, including Alaska Native, early childhood education and development, linguists, and the National Indian Head Start Directors Association on the review and promulgation of standards under this subchapterparagraph (1) (including standards for language acquisition and school readiness).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





';(E) by adding at the end the following:`(4) EVALUATIONS AND CORRECTIVE ACTIONS FOR`(3) STANDARDS RELATING TO OBLIGATIONS TO DELEGATE AGENCIES-`(A) PROCEDURES-`(i In developing any modifications to standards under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall describe the obligations of a Head Start agency to a delegate agency to which the Head Start agency has delegated responsibility for providing services under this subchapter.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(b) Measures-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(1) IN GENERAL- Subject to clause (ii), the Head Start agency shall establish procedures relating to its delegate agencies, including--`(I) procedures for evaluating delegate agencies;`(II) procedures for defunding delegate agencies; and`(III) procedures for appealing a defunding decision relating to a delegate agency.`(ii) TERMINATION- The Head Start agency may not terminate a delegate agency's contract or reduce a delegate agency's service area without showing cause or demonstrating the cost-effectiveness of such a decision.The Secretary, in consultation with representatives of Head Start agencies and with experts in the fields of early childhood education and development, family services, and program management, shall use the study on Developmental Outcomes and Assessments for Young Children by the National Academy of Sciences and other relevant research to inform, revise, and provide guidance to Head Start agencies for utilizing, scientifically based measures that support, as appropriate--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) classroom instructional practices;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) EVALUATIONS- Each Head Start agency--`(i) shall evaluate its delegate agencies using the procedures established pursuant to this section, including subparagraph (A); and`(ii) shall inform the delegate agencies of the deficiencies identified through the evaluation that shall be corrected.`(C) REMEDIES TO ENSURE CORRECTIVE ACTIONS- In the event that the Head Start agency identifies a deficiency for a delegate agency through the evaluation, the Head Start agency shall take action, which may include--`(i) initiating procedures to terminate the designation of the agency unless the agency corrects the deficiency;`(ii) conducting monthly monitoring visits to such delegate agency until all deficiencies are corrected or the Head Start agency decides to defund such delegate agency; and`(iii) releasing funds to such delegate agency--`(I) only as reimbursements, until all deficiencies are corrected or the Head Start agency decides to defund such delegate agency; and`(II) only if there is continuity of services for children and families.`(D) RULE OF CONSTRUCTION- Nothing in this paragraph shall be construed to impact or obviate the responsibilities of the Secretaryidentification of children with respect to Head Start agencies (including any delegate agencies) receiving funding under this subchapter.';(2) in subsection (b)--(A) in paragraph (2)--(i) by striking the paragraph heading and inserting the following:special needs;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(C) program evaluation; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(D) administrative and financial management practices.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(2) CHARACTERISTICS AND USE OF MEASURES- ';(ii) in subparagraph (B), by striking `, not later than July 1, 1999; and' and inserting a semicolon;(iii) in subparagraph (C), by striking the period and inserting a semicolon;(iv) by strikingOF MEASURES- The measures under this subsection shall--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) be developmentally, linguistically, and culturally appropriate for the flush matter following subparagraph (C); and(v) by adding at the end the following:`(D) measure characteristics that are strongly predictive (as determined on a scientific basis) of a child's school readiness and later performance in school;`(E) be appropriate for thepopulation served;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





and`(F) be reviewed not less than every 4 years`(B) be reviewed periodically, based on advances in the science of early childhood development.The performanc;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(C) be consistent with relevant, nationally recognized professional and technical standards related to the assessment of young children;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(D) be valid and reliable in the language in which they are administered;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(E) be administered by staff with appropriate training for such administration;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(F) provide for appropriate accommodations for children with disabilities and children who are limited English proficient;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(G) be high-quality research-based measures that have been demonstrated to assist with the purposes for which they were devised; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(H) be adaptable, as appropriate, for use in the self-assessment of Head Start agencies, including in the evaluation of administrative and financial management practices.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(3) USE OF MEASURES; LIMITATIONS ON USE-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) USE- The measures shall be issued by regulation and shall include the performance standards and additional educational standards described in subparagraphs (A) and (B) of subsection (a)(1).';(B) in paragraph (3)--(i) in subparagraph (A), by striking `; and' and inserting a semicolon;(ii) in subparagraph (B), by striking the period and inserting `; and'; and(iii) by adding at the end the following:`(C) to enable Head Start agencies to individualize programs ofdesigned, as appropriate, for the purpose of--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(i) helping to develop the skills, knowledge, abilities, and development described in subsection (a)(1)(B) of children participating in Head Start programs, with an emphasis on measuring skills that scientifically valid research has demonstrated are related to children's school readiness and later success in school;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(ii) improving classroom practices, including reviewing children's strengths and weaknesses and individualizing instruction to better meet the needs of the child involved.';(C) by striking paragraph (4);(D) by redesignating paragraph (5) as paragraph (4); and(E) by adding at the end the following:`(5) RULE OF CONSTRUCTION- Nothing in this subchapterren involved;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(iii) identifying the special needs of children; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(iv) improving overall program performance in order to help programs identify problem areas that may require additional training and technical assistance resources.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) LIMITATIONS- Such measures shall not be used to exclude children from Head Start programs.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(4) CONFIDENTIALITY-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) IN GENERAL- The Secretary, through regulation, shall ensure the confidentiality of any personally identifiable data, information, and records collected or maintained under this subchapter by the Secretary and any Head Start agency. Such regulations shall provide the policies, protections, and rights equivalent to those provided to a parent, student, or educational agency or institution under section 444 of the General Education Provisions Act (20 U.S.C. 1232g).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) PROHIBITION ON NATIONWIDE DATABASE- Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to authorize or permit the Secretary or any employee or contractor of the Department of Health and Human Services to mandate, direct, control, or suggest the selection of a curriculum, a program of instruction, or instructional materials, for a Head Start program.';(3) in subsection (c)--(A) in paragraph (1)--(i) by striking subparagraphthe development of a nationwide database of personally identifiable data, information, or records on children resulting from the use of measures under this subsection.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(5) SPECIAL RULE-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) PROHIBITION- The use of assessment items and data on any assessment authorized under this subchapter by any agent of the Federal Government is prohibited for the purposes of--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(i) ranking, comparing, or otherwise evaluating individual children for purposes other than research, training, or technical assistance; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(ii) providing rewards or sanctions for individual children or teachers.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) RESULTS- The Secretary shall not use the results of a single assessment as the sole method for assessing program effectiveness or making agency funding determinations at the national, regional, or local level under this subchapter.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(c) Monitoring of Local Agencies and Programs-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(1) IN GENERAL- To determine whether Head Start agencies meet standards described in subsection (a)(1) established under this subchapter with respect to program, administrative, financial management, and other requirements, and in order to help the programs identify areas for improvement and areas of strength as part of their ongoing self-assessment process, the Secretary shall conduct the following reviews of Head Start agencies, including the Head Start programs operated by such agencies:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) A full review, including the use of a risk-based assessment approach, of each such agency at least once during each 3-year period.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) A review of each newly designated Head Start agency immediately after the completion of the first year such agency carries out a Head Start program.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(C) and inserting the following:`(C) Unannounced site inspections for health and safety reasons, as appropriate.';(ii) by redesignating subparagraph (D) as subparagraph (E); and(iii) by inserting after subparagraph (C) the following:`(D) Followup reviews, including--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(i) prompt return visits as necessary for failure to meet 1 or more of the performance measures developed by the Secretary under subsection (b);`(ii) a review of agencies and programs with citations that includto Head Start agencies with 1 or more findings of deficiencies not later than , not later than 6 months after the date of such citation; and`(iii) followup reviews that incorporate a monitoring visit without prior notice of the visit to the agency or program involved or with such limited prior notice as is necessary to ensure the participation of parents and key staff members.'; and(B) by striking paragraphSecretary provides notification of such findings, or not later than 12 months after such notification if the Secretary determines that additional time is necessary for an agency to address such a deficiency prior to the review; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(ii) a review of Head Start agencies with significant areas of noncompliance.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(D) Other reviews, including unannounced site inspections of Head Start centers, as appropriate.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(2) and inserting the following:`(2)CONDUCT OF REVIEWS-`(A) IN GENERAL- The Secretary shall ensure that reviews described in paragraph (1)--`(isubparagraphs (A) through (C) of paragraph (1)--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) are performed, to the maximum extent practicable, by employees of the Department of Health and Human Services who are knowledgeable about Head Start programs;`(ii) are conducted by review teams that shall--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(i) include individuals who are knowledgeable about Head Start programs and other early childhood education and care and, to the maximum extent practicable, individuals who are knowledgeable about--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(I) other early childhood education and development programs, personnel management, financial accountability, and systems development and monitoring; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(II) the diverse (including linguistic and cultural) needs of eligible children (including children with disabilities, homeless children, and children inchildren in foster care) and limited English proficient children and their families, and personnel management, financial accountability, and systems development and monitoring;`(iii) include as part of the reviews of the program, and limited English proficient children) and their families;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(ii) include, to the maximum extent practicable, current or former employees of the Department of Health and Human Services who are knowledgeable about Head Start programs; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(iii) shall receive periodic training to ensure quality and consistency across reviews;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) include as part of the reviews, a review and assessment of program effectiveness, including strengths and weaknesses, as measured in accordance with the results-based performance measures developed by the Secretary pursuant to subsection (b) and with the performance standards established pursuant to subsection (a)(1);`(iv) seek information from the communities and States where Head Start programs exist about innovative orareas in need of improvement;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(C) include as part of the reviews, a review and assessment of whether programs have adequately addressed population and community needs (including those of limited English proficient children and children of migrant or seasonal farmworker families);CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(D) include as part of the reviews, an assessment of the extent to which the programs address the communitywide strategic planning and needs assessment described in section 640(g)(1)(C);CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(E) include information on the innovative and effective collaborative efforts, barriers to collaboration, and the efforts of the Head Start agencies to collaborate with the entities providing early childhood education and care in the community;`(vand development services or programs in the community and any barriers to such collaboration that the agencies encounter;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(F) include as part of the reviews, a valid and reliable research-based observational instrument, implemented by qualified individuals with demonstrated reliability, that assesses classroom quality, including assessing multiple dimensions of teacher-child interactions that are linked to positive child development and later achievement;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(G) are conducted in a manner that evaluates program performance, quality, and overall operations with consistency and objectivity, are based on a transparent and reliable system of review, and are conducted in a manner that includes periodic interrater reliability checks, to ensure quality and consistency, across and within regions, of the reviews and of noncompliance and deficiency determinations;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(H) in the case of reviews of Early Head Start agencies and programs, are conducted by a review team that includes individuals who are knowledgeable about the development of infants and toddlers;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(I) include as part of the reviews a protocol for fiscal management that shall be used to assess compliance with program requirements for--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(i) using Federal funds appropriately;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(ii) using Federal funds specifically to purchase property (consistent with section 644(f)) and to compensate personnel;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(iii) securing and using qualified financial officer support; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(iv) reporting financial information and implementing appropriate internal controls to safeguard Federal funds;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(J) include as part of the reviews of the programs, a review and assessment of whether the programs are in conformity with the income eligibility requirements under section 645 andeligibility requirements under section 645(a)(1), including regulations promulgated under such section;`(vi) include as part of the reviews of the programs, a review and assessment of whether programs have adequately addressed population and community needs (including needs of populations of limited English proficient children and children of migrant or seasonal farmworkers);`(vii) include as part of and whether the programs have met the requirements for the reviews of the programoutreach and enrollment policies and procedures, and selection criteria, in such section, for the participation of children in programs assisted under this subchapter;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(K) include as part of the reviews, a review and assessment of whether programagencies have adequately addressed the needs of children with disabilities, including whether the agencies involved have met the 10 percent minimum enrollment requirement specified in section 640(d) and whether the agencies have made sufficient efforts to collaborate with State and local agencies providing services under section 619 or part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. 1419, 1431 et seq.);`(viii) include as part of the reviews of the programs, data from the results of periodic child assessments, and andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(L) include as part of the reviews, a review and assessment of child outcomes and performance as they relate to agency-determined school readiness goals described in section 641(a)(2)(A); and`(ix) in the case of Early Head Start agencies and programs, are conducted by a review team that includes individuals who are knowledgeable about the development of infants and toddlers.ubsection (g)(2), consistent with subsection (b)(5).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(3) STANDARDS RELATING TO OBLIGATIONS TO DELEGATE AGENCIES- In conducting a review described in paragraph (1)(A) of a Head Start agency, the Secretary shall determine whether the agency complies with the obligations described in subsection (a)(3). The Secretary shall consider such compliance in determining whether to renew financial assistance to the Head Start agency under this subchapter.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(4) USE OF REVIEW FINDINGS- The findings of a review described in paragraph (1) of a Head Start agency shall, at a minimum--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) be presented to the agency in a timely, transparent, and uniform manner that conveys information of program strengths and weaknesses and assists with program improvement; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) be used by the agency to inform the development and implementation of its plan for training and technical assistance.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(d) Evaluations and Corrective Action for Delegate Agencies-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(1) PROCEDURES- Each Head Start agency shall establish, subject to paragraph (4), procedures relating to its delegate agencies, including--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) procedures for evaluating delegate agencies;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) procedures for defunding delegate agencies; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(C) procedures for a delegate agency to appeal a defunding decision.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(2) EVALUATION- Each Head Start agency--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) shall evaluate its delegate agencies using the procedures established under this subsection; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) shall inform the delegate agencies of the deficiencies identified through the evaluation that are required to be corrected.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(3) REMEDIES TO ENSURE CORRECTIVE ACTIONS- In the event that the Head Start agency identifies a deficiency for a delegate agency through the evaluation, the Head Start agency shall take action, which may include--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) initiating procedures to terminate the designation of the agency unless the agency corrects the deficiency;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) TRAINING; QUALITY AND CONSISTENCY- The Secretary, from funds available under section 640(a)(2)(D), shall provide periodic training for supervisors and members of review teams in such topics as program management and financial audit performance. The Secretary shall ensure the quality and consistency across and within regions of reviews and non-compliance and deficiency determinations by conducting periodic interrater reliability checks.';(4) in subsection (d)(1)--(A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by inserting `monthly monitoring visits to such delegate agency until all deficiencies are corrected or the Head Start agency decides to defund such delegate agency; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(C) releasing funds to such delegate agency--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(i) only as reimbursements except that, upon receiving a request from the delegate agency accompanied by assurances satisfactory to the Head Start agency that the funds will be appropriately safeguarded, the Head Start agency shall provide to the delegate agency a working capital advance in an amount sufficient to cover the estimated expenses involved during an agreed upon disbursing cycle; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(ii) only if there is continuity of services.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(4) TERMINATION- The Head Start agency may not terminate a delegate agency's contract or reduce a delegate agency's service area without showing cause or demonstrating the cost-effectiveness of such a decision.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(5) RULE OF CONSTRUCTION- Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to limit the powers, duties, or functions of the Secretary with respect to Head Start agencies or delegate agencies that receive financial assistance under this subchapter.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(e) Corrective Action for Head Start Agencies-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(1) DETERMINATION- If the Secretary determines, on the basis of a review pursuant to subsection (c), that a Head Start agency designated pursuant to this subchapter fails to meet the standards described in subsection (a)(1) or fails to address the communitywide strategic plan and needs assessment identified in section 640(g)(2)(C),' after `subsection (b),'; and(B) in subparagraph (A), by inserting `ning and needs assessment, the Secretary shall--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) inform the agency of the deficiencies that shall be corrected and identify the assistance to be provided consistent with paragraph (3);CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) with respect to each identified deficiency, require the agency--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(i) to correct the deficiency immediately, if the Secretary finds that the deficiency threatens the health or safety of staff or program participants or poses a threat to the integrity of Federal funds;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(ii) to correct the deficiency not later than 90 days after the identification of the deficiency if the Secretary finds, in the discretion of the Secretary, that such a 90-day period is reasonable, in light of the nature and magnitude of the deficiency; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(iii) in the discretion of the Secretary (taking into consideration the seriousness of the deficiency and the time reasonably required to correct the deficiency), to comply with the requirements of paragraph (2) concerning a quality improvement plan; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(C) initiate proceedings to terminate the designation of the agency unless the agency corrects the deficiency.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(2) QUALITY IMPROVEMENT PLAN-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) AGENCY AND PROGRAM RESPONSIBILITIES- To retain a designation as a Head Start agency under this subchapter, or in the case of a Head Start program to continue to receive funds from such agency, a Head Start agency that is the subject of a determination described in paragraph (1), or a Head Start program that is determined to have a deficiency under subsection (d)(2) (excluding an agency required to correct a deficiency immediately or during a 90-day period under clause (i) or (ii) of paragraph (1)(B)) shall--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(i) develop in a timely manner, a quality improvement plan that shall be subject to the approval of the Secretary, or in the case of a program, the sponsoring agency, and that shall specify--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(I) the deficiencies to be corrected;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(II) the actions to be taken to correct such deficiencies; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(III) the timetable for accomplishment of the corrective actions specified; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(ii) correct each deficiency identified, not later than the date for correction of such deficiency specified in such plan (which shall not be later than 1 year after the date the agency or Head Start program that is determined to have a deficiency received notice of the determination and of the specific deficiency to be corrected).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) SECRETARIAL RESPONSIBILITY- Not later than 30 days after receiving from a Head Start agency a proposed quality improvement plan pursuant to subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall either approve such proposed plan or specify the reasons why the proposed plan cannot be approved.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(C) AGENCY RESPONSIBILITY- Not later than 30 days after receiving from a Head Start program a proposed quality improvement plan pursuant to subparagraph (A), the Head Start agency involved shall either approve such proposed plan or specify the reasons why the proposed plan cannot be approved.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(3) ' after `corrected';(5) in subsection (e), by striking the last sentence and inserting `The information contained in such report shall be made available to parents with children TRAINING AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE- The Secretary shall provide training and technical assistance to Head Start agencies and programs with respect to the development or implementation of such quality improvement plans to the extent the Secretary finds such provision to be feasible and appropriate given available funding and other statutory responsibilities.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(f) Summaries of Monitoring Outcomes-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(1) IN GENERAL- Not later than 120 days after the end of each fiscal year, the Secretary shall publish a summary report on the findings of reviews conducted under subsection (c) and on the outcomes of quality improvement plans implemented under subsection (e), during such fiscal year.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(2) REPORT AVAILABILITY- Such report shall be made widely available to--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) parents with children receiving assistance under this subchapter--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(i) in an understandable and uniform format, and; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(ii) to the extent practicable, in a language that the parents can understand. Such information shall be made widely available through public means such as distribution through public agencies, and, at a minimum, by posting such information on the Internet immediately upon publication.'; and(6) by adding at the end the following:`(funderstand; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) the public through means such as--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(i) distribution through public agencies; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(ii) posting such information on the Internet.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(3) REPORT INFORMATION- Such report shall contain detailed data--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) on compliance with specific standards and measures; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) sufficient to allow Head Start agencies to use such data to improve the quality of their programs.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(g) Self-Assessments-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(1) IN GENERAL- Not less frequently than once each program year, with the consultation and participation of policy councils, and, as applicable, policy committees, and, as appropriate, other community members, each agency receiving funds under this subchapter shall and, as appropriate, other community members, each Head Start agency, and each delegate agency, that receives financial assistance under this subchapter shall conduct a comprehensive self-assessment of the agency'its effectiveness and progress in meeting program goals and objectives and in implementing and complying with performance standards described in subsection (a)(1).`(2) REPORTstandards described in subsection (a)(1).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(2) GOALS, REPORTS, AND IMPROVEMENT PLANS-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) REPORTGOALS- An agency conducting a self-assessment shall report the findings of the self-assessment to the relevant policy council, policy committee, governing body, and regional office of the Administration for Children and Families of the Department of Health and Human Services. Each self-assessment shall identify areas of strength and weaknessestablish agency-determined program goals for improving the school readiness of children participating in a program under this subchapter, including school readiness goals that are aligned with the Head Start Child Outcomes Framework, State early learning standards as appropriate, and requirements and expectations of the schools the children will be attending.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) IMPROVEMENT PLAN- The agency shall develop, and submit to the Secretary a report containing, an improvement plan approved by the governing body of the agency to strengthen any areas identified in the self-assessment as weaknesses or in need of improvement.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





The agency shall report the areas to the appropriate regional office of the Administration for Children and Families.`(3) ONGOING MONITORING- Each Head Start agency (including each Early Head Start agency and including any delegate agency)) and each delegate agency shall establish and implement procedures for the ongoing monitoring of their Head Start (including Early Head Start)respective programs, to ensure that the operations of the programs work toward meeting program goals and objectives and Head Start performance standards.`(4) TRAINING AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE- Funds may be made available, through section 648(d), for training and technical assistance to assist agencies in conducting self-assessments.`(gstandards described in subsection (a)(1).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(h) Reduction of Grants and Redistribution of Funds in Cases of Under-Eenrollment-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(1) DEFINITIONS- In this subsection:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) ACTUAL ENROLLMENT- The term `actual enrollment' means, with respect to the program of a Head Start agency, the actual number of children enrolled in such program and reported by the agency (as required in paragraph (2)) in a given month.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) BASE GRANT- The term `base grant' means, with respect to a Head Start agency for a fiscal year, that portion of the grant derived--`(i) from amounts reserved for use in accordance with section 640(a)(2)(A), for a Head Start agency administering an Indian Head Start program or migrant or seasonal Head Start program;`(ii) from amounts reserved for payments under section 640(a)(2)(B); or`(iii) from amounts available under section 640(a)(2)(D) or allotted among States under section 640(a)(4).`(C) has the meaning given the term in section 640(a)(7).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(C) FUNDED ENROLLMENT- The term `funded enrollment' means, with respect to the program of a Head Start agency in a fiscal year, the number of children that the agency is funded to serve through a grant for the program during such fiscal year, as indicated in the grant awardgreement.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(2) ENROLLMENT REPORTING REQUIREMENT FOR CURRENT FISCAL YEAR- Each entity carrying out a Head Start program shall report on a monthly basis to the Secretary and the relevant Head Start agency--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) the actual enrollment in such program; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) if such actual enrollment is less than the funded enrollment, any apparent reason for such enrollment shortfall.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(3) SECRETARIAL REVIEW AND PLAN- The Secretary shall--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) on a semiannual basis, determine which Head Start agencies are operating with an actual enrollment that is less than the funded enrollment based on not less than 4 consecutive months of data;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) for each such Head Start agency operating a program with an actual enrollment that is less than 95 percent of its funded enrollment, as determined under subparagraph (A), develop, in collaboration with such agency, a plan and timetable for reducing or eliminating under-enrollment taking into consideration--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(i) the quality and extent of the outreach, recruitment, and communitywide strategic planning and needs assessment conducted by such agency;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(ii) changing demographics, mobility of populations, and the identification of new underserved low-income populations;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(iii) facilities-related issues that may impact enrollment;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(iv) the ability to provide full-working-day programs, where needed, through funds made available under this subchapter or through collaboration with entities carrying out other preschool or child careearly childhood education and development programs, or programs with other funding sources (where available);CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(v) the availability and use by families of other preschool and child care options (including parental care) in the community early childhood education and development options in the community served; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(vi) agency management procedures that may impact enrollment; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(C) provide timely and ongoing technical assistance to each agency described in subparagraph (B) for the purpose of implementingassisting the Head Start agency to implement the plan described in such subparagraph.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(4) IMPLEMENTATION- Upon receipt of the technical assistance described in paragraph (3)(C), a Head Start agency shall immediately implement the plan described in paragraph (3)(B).`(5) SECRETARIAL ACTION FOR CONTINUED UNDER-ENROLLMENT- If, 1 year after the date of implementation of the plan described in paragraph (3)(B), the Head Start agency continues to operate a program at less than funded enrollment, the Secretary The Secretary shall, where determined appropriate, continue to provide technical assistance to such agency.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(65) SECRETARIAL REVIEW AND ADJUSTMENT FOR CHRONIC UNDER-ENROLLMENT-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) IN GENERAL- If, after receiving technical assistance and developing and implementing a plan to the extent described in paragraphs (3), (4), and (5) for 9the plan as described in paragraphs (3) and (4) for 12 months, a Head Start agency is still operating a program with an actual enrollment that is less than 957 percent of its funded enrollment, the Secretary may--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(i) designate such agency as chronically under-enrolled; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(ii) recapture, withhold, or reduce the base grant for the program by a percentage equal to the percentage difference between funded enrollment and actual enrollment for the program for the most recent year in which the for which the agency is determined to be under-enrolled under paragraph (3)(A).`(B) enrolled under paragraph (3)(A).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) WAIVER OR LIMITATION OF REDUCTIONS- If the SecretaryThe Secretary may, as appropriate, waive or reduce the percentage recapturing, withholding, or reduction otherwise required by subparagraph (A), if, after the implementation of the plan described in paragraph (3)(B), the Secretary finds that--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(i) the causes of the enrollment shortfall, or a portion of the shortfall, are beyond the agency's control (such arelated to the agency's serving significant numbers of children of migrant or seasonal farmworkers, homeless children, children in foster care, or other highly mobile children), or are other significant causes as determined by the Secretary;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(ii) the shortfall can reasonably be expected to be temporary; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(iii) the number of slots allotted to the agency is small enough that under-enrollment does not constitureate a significant shortfall, the Secretary may, as appropriate, waive or reduce the percentage recapturing, withholding, or reduction otherwise required by subparagraph (A).`(C) PROCEDURAL REQUIREMENTS; EFFECTIVE DATE- The actions taken by the Secretary under this paragraph with respect to a Head Start agency shall take effect 1 day after the date on which--`(i) the time allowed for appeal under section 646(a) expires without an appeal by the agency; or`(ii) the action is upheld in an administrative hearing under section 646.`(7.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(6) REDISTRIBUTION OF FUNDS-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) IN GENERAL- The Secretary shall use amounts recovered from a Head Start agency throughFunds held by the Secretary as a result of recapturing, withholding, or reduction under paragraph (6) in a fiscal year--`(i) in the case of a Head Start agency administering an Indian Head Start program or a migrant or seasonal Head Start program, whose base grant is derived from amounts specified in paragraph (1)(B)(i), to redirect funds to 1 or more agencies that--`(I) are administering Head Start programs serving the same special population; and`(II) demonstrate that the agencies will use such redirected funds to increase enrollment in their Head Start programs in such fiscal year; or`(ii) in the case of a Head Start agencying a base grant in a fiscal year shall be redistributed by the end of the following fiscal year as follows:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(i) INDIAN HEAD START PROGRAMS- If such funds are derived from an Indian Head Start program, then such funds shall be redistributed to increase enrollment by the end of the following fiscal year in 1 or more Indian Head Start programs.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(ii) MIGRANT AND SEASONAL HEAD START PROGRAMS- If such funds are derived from a migrant or seasonal Head Start program, then such funds shall be redistributed to increase enrollment by the end of the following fiscal year in 1 or more programs of the type from which such funds are derived.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(iii) EARLY HEAD START PROGRAMS- If such funds are derived from an Early Head Start program in a State, whose base grant is derived from amounts specified in clause (ii) or (iii) of paragraph (1)(B), to redirect funds to 1 or more agencies that--`(I) are administering Head Start programs in the same State; and`(II) make the demonstration described in clause (i)(II).`(B) SPECIAL RULE- If there is no agency located in a State that meets the requirements of subclauses (I) and (II) of subparagraph (A)(ii), in the case of a Head Start agency described in subparagraph (A)(ii), the Secretary shall use amounts described in subparagraph (A) to redirect funds to Head Start agencies located in other States that make the demonstration described in subparagraph (A)(i)(II).`(C) then such funds shall be redistributed to increase enrollment by the end of the following fiscal year in 1 or more Early Head Start programs in that State. If such funds are derived from an Indian Early Head Start program, then such funds shall be redistributed to increase enrollment by the end of the following fiscal year in 1 or more Indian Early Head Start programs.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(iv) OTHER HEAD START PROGRAMS- If such funds are derived from a Head Start program in a State (excluding programs described in clauses (i) through (iii)), then such funds shall be redistributed to increase enrollment by the end of the following fiscal year in 1 or more Head Start programs (excluding programs described in clauses (i) through (iii)) that are carried out in such State.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) ADJUSTMENT TO FUNDED ENROLLMENT- The Secretary shall adjust as necessary the requirements relating to funded enrollment indicated in the grant agreement of a Head Start agency receiving redistributed amounts under this paragraph.`(h) Contract With Nonprofit Intermediary Organization- From funds reserved under clause (i) or (ii) of section 640(a)(2)(C) or from whatever other resources the Secretary determines appropriate, in carrying out the provisions of this section, the Secretary or a Head Start agency may contract with a nonprofit intermediary organization that--`(1) provides evaluations and technical assistance to improve overall performance management; and`(2) has an exclusive focus of improving the performance management and the use of technology in assessing performance and meeting Head Start regulations and can provide on-site, hands-on guidance with the implementation of Head Start programsfunds under this paragraph.'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 9.

CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE IN EARLY CHILDHOOD.

The Head Start Act is amended by inserting after section 641A (42 U.S.C. 9836a) the following:

`SEC. 641B. CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE IN EARLY CHILDHOOD.

`(a) Definition- In this section, the term `center of excellence' means a Center of Excellence in Early Childhood designated under subsection (b).

`(b) Designation and Bonus Grants- The Secretary shall, subject to the availability of funds under this subchapter, including under subsection (f), establish a program under which the Secretary shall--

`(1) designate not more than 200 exemplary Head Start agencies (including Early Head Start agencies, Indian Head Start agencies, and migrant and seasonal Head Start agencies) as Centers of Excellence in Early Childhood; and

`(2) make bonus grants to the centers of excellence to carry out the activities described in subsection (d).

`(c) Application and Designation-

`(1) APPLICATION-

`(A) NOMINATION AND SUBMISSION-

`(i) IN GENERAL- To be eligible to receive a designation as a center of excellence under subsection (b), except as provided in clause (ii), a Head Start agency in a State shall be nominated by the Governor of the State and shall submit an application to the Secretary at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require.

`(ii) INDIAN AND MIGRANT AND SEASONAL HEAD START PROGRAMS- In the case of an Indian Head Start agency or a migrant or seasonal Head Start agency, to be eligible to receive a designation as a center of excellence under subsection (b), such an agency shall be nominated by the head of the appropriate regional office of the Department of Health and Human Services and shall submit an application to the Secretary in accordance with clause (i).

`(B) CONTENTS- At a minimum, the application shall include--

`(i) evidence that the Head Start program carried out by the agency has significantly improved the school readiness of, and enhanced academic outcomes for, children who have participated in the program;

`(ii) evidence that the program meets or exceeds performance standards described in section 641A(a)(1), as evidenced by successful completion of programmatic and monitoring reviews, and has no findings of deficiencies with respect to such standards;

`(iii) evidence that the program is making progress toward meeting the requirements described in section 648A;

`(iv) evidence demonstrating the existence of a collaborative partnership among the Head Start agency, the State (or a State agency), and other providers of early childhood education and care in the local community involved;

`(v) a nomination letter from the Governor, or appropriate regional office, demonstrating the agency's ability to provide the coordination, transition, and training services of the program to be carried out under the bonus grant involved, including coordination of activities with State and local agencies that provide early childhood education and care to children and families in the community served by the agency;

`(vi) information demonstrating the existence of a local council for excellence in early childhood, which shall include representatives of all the institutions, agencies, and groups involved in the work of the center for, and the local provision of services to, eligible children and other at-risk children, and their families; and

`(vii) a description of how the Center, in order to expand accessibility and continuity of quality early childhood education and care, will coordinate activities assisted under this section with--

`(I) programs carried out under the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 9858 et seq.);

`(II) other programs carried out under this subchapter, including the Early Head Start programs carried out under section 645A;

`(III)(aa) Early Reading First and Even Start programs carried out under subparts 2 and 3 of part B of title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6371 et seq., 6381 et seq.);

`(bb) other preschool programs carried out under title I of that Act (20 U.S.C. 6301 et seq.); and

`(cc) the Ready-to-Learn Television program carried out under subpart 3 of part D of title II of that Act (20 U.S.C. 6775 et seq.);

`(IV) programs carried out under section 619 and part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. 1419, 1431 et seq.);

`(V) State prekindergarten programs; and

`(VI) other programs of early childhood education and care.

`(2) SELECTION- In selecting agencies to designate as centers of excellence under subsection (b), the Secretary shall designate not less than 1 from each of the 50 States, the District of Columbia, an Indian Head Start program, a migrant or seasonal Head Start program, and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.

`(3) PRIORITY- In making bonus grant determinations under this section, the Secretary shall give priority to programs that, through their applications, demonstrate that they are of exceptional quality and would serve as exemplary models for programs in the same geographic region. The Secretary may also consider the populations served by the applicants, such as programs that serve large proportions of families of limited English proficient children or other underserved populations, and may make bonus grants to programs that do an exceptional job meeting the needs of children in such populations.

`(4) TERM OF DESIGNATION-

`(A) IN GENERAL- Subject to subparagraph (B), the Secretary shall designate a Head Start agency as a center of excellence for a 5-year term. During the period of that designation, subject to the availability of appropriations, the agency shall be eligible to receive a bonus grant under subsection (b).

`(B) REVOCATION- The Secretary may revoke an agency's designation under subsection (b) if the Secretary determines that the agency is not demonstrating adequate performance or has had findings of deficiencies described in paragraph (1)(B)(ii).

`(5) AMOUNT OF BONUS GRANT- The Secretary shall base the amount of funding provided through a bonus grant made under subsection (b) to a center of excellence on the number of children eligible for Head Start services in the community involved. The Secretary shall, subject to the availability of funding, make such a bonus grant in an amount of not less than $200,000 per year.

`(d) Use of Funds-

`(1) ACTIVITIES- A center of excellence that receives a bonus grant under subsection (b)--

`(A) shall use the funds made available through the bonus grant to model and disseminate, to other Head Start centers in the State involved, best practices for achieving early academic success, including--

`(i) best practices for achieving school readiness and developing pre-literacy and premathematics skills for at-risk children and achieving the acquisition of the English language for limited English proficient children; and

`(ii) best practices for providing seamless service delivery for eligible children and their families;

`(B) may use the funds made available through the bonus grant--

`(i) to provide Head Start services to additional eligible children;

`(ii) to better meet the needs of working families in the community served by the center by serving more children in existing Early Head Start programs (existing as of the date the center is designated under this section) or in full-working-day, full calendar year Head Start programs;

`(iii) to further coordinate early childhood education and care and social services available in the community served by the center for at-risk children (birth through age 8), their families, and pregnant women;

`(iv) to provide training and cross training for Head Start teachers and staff, child care providers, public and private preschool and elementary school teachers, and other providers of early childhood education and care, and training and cross training to develop agency leaders;

`(v) to provide effective transitions between Head Start programs and elementary school, to facilitate ongoing communication between Head Start and elementary school teachers concerning children receiving Head Start services, and to provide training and technical assistance to providers who are public elementary school teachers and other staff of local educational agencies, child care providers, family service providers, and other providers of early childhood education and care, to help the providers described in this clause increase their ability to work with low-income, at-risk children and their families;

`(vi) to develop or maintain partnerships with institutions of higher education and nonprofit organizations, including community-based organizations, that recruit, train, place, and support college students to serve as mentors and reading partners to preschool children in Head Start programs; and

`(vii) to carry out other activities determined by the center to improve the overall quality of the Head Start program carried out by the agency and the program carried out under the bonus grant involved.

`(2) INVOLVEMENT OF OTHER HEAD START AGENCIES AND PROVIDERS- A center that receives a bonus grant under subsection (b), in carrying out activities under this subsection, shall work with the center's delegate agencies and several additional Head Start agencies (especially agencies that are low-performing on the performance standards described in section 641A(a)(1)), and other providers of early childhood education and care in the community involved, to encourage the agencies and providers described in this paragraph to carry out model programs.

`(e) Research and Reports-

`(1) RESEARCH- The Secretary shall, subject to the availability of funds to carry out this subsection, award a grant or contract to an independent organization to conduct research on the ability of the centers of excellence to improve the school readiness of children receiving Head Start services, and to positively impact school results in the earliest grades. The organization shall also conduct research to measure the success of the centers of excellence at encouraging the center's delegate agencies, additional Head Start agencies, and other providers of early childhood education and care in the communities involved to meet measurable improvement goals, particularly in the area of school readiness.

`(2) REPORT- Not later than 48 months after the date of enactment of the Head Start for School Readiness Act, the organization shall prepare and submit to the Secretary and Congress a report containing the results of the research described in paragraph (1).

`(f) Authorization of Appropriations- There are authorized to be appropriated for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2012--

`(1) $90,000,000 to make bonus grants to centers of excellence under subsection (b) to carry out activities described in subsection (d);

`(2) $500,000 to pay for the administrative costs of the Secretary in carrying out this section; and

`(3) $2,000,000 for research activities described in subsection (e).'.

SEC. 10.

POWERS AND FUNCTIONS OF HEAD START AGENCIES.

Section 642 of the Head Start Act (42 U.S.C. 9837) is amended--(1) by striking all that precedes `In order' the first place it appears and inserting the following to read as follows:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

`SEC. 642. POWERS AND FUNCTIONS OF HEAD START AGENCIES.

`(a) In General- '; and(2) by striking subsections (b) through (e) and inserting the following:`(b) Additional Requirements- In order tAuthority- To be designated as a Head Start agency under this subchapter, a Head Start agency shall also--`(1) establish a program with all standards set forth in section 641A(a)(1), with particular attention to the standards set forth in subparagraphs (A) and (B) of such section;`(2) demonstrate the capacity to serve eligible children with scientifically based curricula and other interventions and support services that help promote the school readiness of children participating in the program;`(3) establish effective procedures and provide for the regular assessment of Head Start children, including observational and direct formal assessment, where appropriate;`(4) establish effective procedures, for determining the needs of children, that include high quality research based developmental screening tools that have been demonstrated to be valid, reliable, and accurate for children from a range of backgrounds;`(5) establish effective procedures for timely referral of children with disabilities to State and local agencies providing services under section 619 and part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. 1419, 1431 et seq.), and collaboration with those agencies;`(6) establish effective procedures for providing necessary services to children with disabilities prior to an eligibility determination by the State or local agency responsible for providing services under section 619 or part C of such Act;`(7) require each delegate agency to create a policy committee, which shall--`(A) be comprised of members of the community to be served, including parents of children who are currently enrolled in the Head Start programs of the Head Start agency; and`(B) serve in an advisory capacity to the delegate agency,n agency shall have authority under its charter or applicable law to receive and administer funds under this subchapter, funds and contributions from private or local public sources that may be used in support of a Head Start program, and funds under any Federal or State assistance program pursuant to which a public or private nonprofit or for-profit agency (as the case may be) organized in accordance with this subchapter, could act as grantee, contractor, or sponsor of projects appropriate for inclusion in a Head Start program. Such an agency shall also be empowered to transfer funds so received, and to delegate powers to other agencies, subject to the powers of its governing board and its overall program responsibilities. The power to transfer funds and delegate powers shall include the power to make decisions and recommendations regarding program planning and operation and parental involvement.`(8) stransfers and delegations covering component projects in all cases where this will contribute to efficiency and effectiveness or otherwise further program objectives.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(b) Family and Community Involvement; Family Services- To be so designated, a Head Start agency shall, at a minimum, do all the following to involve and serve families and communities:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(1) Provide for the regular and direct participation of parents and community residents in the implementation of the Head Start program, including decisions that influence the character of such program, consistent with paragraphs (2)(D) and (3)(C) of subsection (c).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(2) Seek the involvement of parents, areacommunity residents, and local business in the design and implementation of the program;`(9) provide for the regular participation of parents .CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(3) Establish effective procedures--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) to facilitate and seek the involvement of parents of participating children in activities designed to help such parents become full partners in the education of their children; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) to afford such parents the opportunity to participate in the development and area residents in the implementation of the program;`(10) provide technical and other support needed to enable such parents and area residents to secure, on their own behalf, available assistance from public and private sources;`(11) establish effective procedures to carry out subparagraphs (A) and (B) of section 641(f)(8);`(12) conduct outreach to schools in which Head Startoverall conduct of the program at the local level, including transportation assistance as appropriate.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(4) Offer (directly or through referral to local entities, such as entities carrying out Even Start programs under subpart 3 of part B of title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6381 et seq.), public and school libraries, and entities carrying out family support programs) to such parents--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) family literacy services; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) parenting skills training.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(5) Offer to parents of participating children will enroll, local educational agencies, the local business community, community-based organizations, faith-based organizations, museums, and libraries to generate support and leverage the resources of the entire local community in order to improve school readiness;`(13) establish effective procedures to carry out section 641(f)(8)(C);`(14) establish effective procedures to carry out section 641(f)(8)(D);`(15) establish effective procedures to carry out section 641(f)(8)(E);`(16) establish effective procedures to carry out section 641(f)(8)(F);`(17) csubstance abuse counseling (either directly or through referral to local entities), if needed, including information on the effect of drug exposure on infants and fetal alcohol syndrome.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(6) At the option of such agency, offer (directly or through referral to local entities) to such parents--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) training in basic child development (including cognitive, social, and emotional development);CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) assistance in developing literacy and communication skills;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(C) opportunities to share experiences with other parents (including parent-mentor relationships);CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(D) health services, including information on maternal depression;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(E) regular in-home visitation; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(F) any other activity designed to help such parents become full partners in the education of their children.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(7) Provide, with respect to each participating family, a family needs assessment that includes consultation with such parents (including foster parents, grandparents, and kinship caregivers, where applicable), in a manner and language that such parents can understand (to the extent practicable), about the benefits of parent involvement and about the activities described in this subsection in which such parents may choose to be involved (taking into consideration their specific family needs, work schedules, and other responsibilities).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(8) Consider providing services to assist younger siblings of children participating in its Head Start program, to obtain health services from other sources;`(18) p to obtain health services from other sources.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(9) Perform community outreach to encourage individuals previously unaffiliated with Head Start programs to participate in its Head Start program as volunteers;`(19)(A) i.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(10)(A) Inform custodial parents in single-parent families that participate in programs, activities, or services carried out or provided under this subchapter about the availability of child support services for purposes of establishing paternity and acquiring child support; and.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) rRefer eligible parents to the child support offices of State and local governments;`(20) provide.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(11) Provide to parents of limited English proficient children outreach and information, in an understandable and uniform format and, to the extent practicable, in a language that the parents can understand; and`(21) at the option of such.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(12) Provide technical and other support needed to enable parents and community residents to secure, on their own behalf, available assistance from public and private sources.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(13) Promote the continued involvement of the parents (including foster parents, grandparents, and kinship caregivers, as appropriate) of children that participate in Head Start programs in the education of their children upon transition of their children to school, by working with the local educational agency--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) to provide training to the parents--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(i) to inform the parents about their rights and responsibilities concerning the education of their children; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(ii) to enable the parents--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(I) to understand and work with schools in order to communicate with teachers and other school personnel;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(II) to support the schoolwork of their children; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(III) to participate as appropriate in decisions relating to the education of their children; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) to take other actions, as appropriate and feasible, to support the active involvement of the parents with schools, school personnel, and school-related organizations.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(14) Establish effective procedures for timely referral of children with disabilities to the State or local agency providing services under section 619 or part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. 1419, 1431 et seq.), and collaboration with that agency, consistent with section 640(d)(3).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(15) Establish effective procedures for providing necessary early intervening services to children with disabilities prior to an eligibility determination by the State or local agency responsible for providing services under section 619 or part C of such Act, consistent with section 640(d)(2).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(16) At the option of the Head Start agency, partner with an institution of higher education and a nonprofit organization to provide college students with the opportunity to serve as mentors or reading partners tofor Head Start participants.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(c) Transition Activities To Facilitate Continued Progress-Program Governance- Upon receiving designation as a Head Start agency, the agency shall establish and maintain a formal structure for program governance, for the oversight of quality services for Head Start children and families and for making decisions related to program design and implementation. Such structure shall include the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(1) GOVERNING BODY-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) IN GENERAL- The governing body shall have legal and fiscal responsibility for the Head Start agency.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) COMPOSITION- The governing body shall be composed as follows:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(i) Not less than 1 member shall have a background and expertise in fiscal management or accounting.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(ii) Not less than 1 member shall have a background and expertise in early childhood education and development.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(iii) Not less than 1 member shall be a licensed attorney familiar with issues that come before the governing body.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(iv) Additional members shall--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(I) reflect the community to be served and include parents of children who are currently, or were formerly, enrolled in Head Start programs; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(II) are selected for their expertise in education, business administration, or community affairs.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(v) Exceptions shall be made to the requirements of clauses (i) through (iv) for members of a governing body when those members oversee a public entity and are selected to their positions with the public entity by public election or political appointment.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(vi) If a person described in clause (i), (ii), or (iii) is not available to serve as a member of the governing body, the governing body shall use a consultant, or an other individual with relevant expertise, with the qualifications described in that clause, who shall work directly with the governing body.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(C) CONFLICT OF INTEREST- Members of the governing body shall--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(i) not have a financial conflict of interest with the Head Start agency (including any delegate agency);CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(ii) not receive compensation for serving on the governing body or for providing services to the Head Start agency;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(iii) not be employed, nor shall members of their immediate family be employed, by the Head Start agency (including any delegate agency); andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(iv) operate as an entity independent of staff employed by the Head Start agency.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(D) EXCEPTION- If an individual holds a position as a result of public election or political appointment, and such position carries with it a concurrent appointment to serve as a member of a Head Start agency governing body, and such individual has any conflict of interest described in clause (ii) or (iii) of subparagraph (C)--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(i) such individual shall not be prohibited from serving on such body and the Head Start agency shall report such conflict to the Secretary; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(ii) if the position held as a result of public election or political appointment provides compensation, such individual shall not be prohibited from receiving such compensation.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(E) RESPONSIBILITIES- The governing body shall--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(i) have legal and fiscal responsibility for administering and overseeing programs under this subchapter, including the safeguarding of Federal funds;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(ii) adopt practices that assure active, independent, and informed governance of the Head Start agency, including practices consistent with subsection (d)(1), and fully participate in the development, planning, and evaluation of the Head Start programs involved;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(iii) be responsible for ensuring compliance with Federal laws (including regulations) and applicable State, tribal, and local laws (including regulations); andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(iv) be responsible for other activities, including--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(I) selecting delegate agencies and the service areas for such agencies;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(II) establishing procedures and criteria for recruitment, selection, and enrollment of children;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(III) reviewing all applications for funding and amendments to applications for funding for programs under this subchapter;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(IV) establishing procedures and guidelines for accessing and collecting information described in subsection (d)(2);CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(V) reviewing and approving all major policies of the agency, including--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

`(XI) to the extent practicable and appropriate, at the discretion of the governing body, establishing advisory committees to oversee key responsibilities related to program governance and improvement of the Head Start program involved.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(2) POLICY COUNCIL-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) IN GENERAL- Each Head Start agency shall collaborate with the entities listed in this subsection, to the maximum extent possible, to ensure the successful transition of Head Start children to school, so that such children are able to build upon the developmental and educational gains achieved in Head Start programs in further schoolingConsistent with paragraph (1)(E), each Head Start agency shall have a policy council responsible for the direction of the Head Start program, including program design and operation, and long- and short-term planning goals and objectives, taking into account the annual communitywide strategic planning and needs assessment and self-assessment.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) COMPOSITION AND SELECTION-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(i) The policy council shall be elected by the parents of children who are currently enrolled in the Head Start program of the Head Start agency.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(ii) The policy council shall be composed of--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(I) parents of children who are currently enrolled in the Head Start program of the Head Start agency (including any delegate agency), who shall constitute a majority of the members of the policy council; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(II) members at large of the community served by the Head Start agency (including any delegate agency), who may include parents of children who were formerly enrolled in the Head Start program of the agency.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(C) CONFLICT OF INTEREST- Members of the policy council shall--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(i) not have a conflict of interest with the Head Start agency (including any delegate agency); andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(ii) not receive compensation for serving on the policy council or for providing services to the Head Start agency.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(D) RESPONSIBILITIES- The policy council shall approve and submit to the governing body decisions about each of the following activities:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(i) Activities to support the active involvement of parents in supporting program operations, including policies to ensure that the Head Start agency is responsive to community and parent needs.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(ii) Program recruitment, selection, and enrollment priorities.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(iii) Applications for funding and amendments to applications for funding for programs under this subchapter, prior to submission of applications described in this clause.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(iv) Budget planning for program expenditures, including policies for reimbursement and participation in policy council activities.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(v) Bylaws for the operation of the policy council.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(vi) Program personnel policies and decisions regarding the employment of program staff, consistent with paragraph (1)(E)(iv)(IX), including standards of conduct for program staff, contractors, and volunteers and criteria for the employment and dismissal of program staff.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(vii) Developing procedures for how members of the policy council of the Head Start agency will be elected.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(viii) Recommendations on the selection of delegate agencies and the service areas for such agencies.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(3) POLICY COMMITTEES- Each delegate agency shall create a policy committee, which shall--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) be elected and composed of members, consistent with paragraph (2)(B) (with respect to delegate agencies);CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) follow procedures to prohibit conflict of interest, consistent with clauses (i) and (ii) of paragraph (2)(C) (with respect to delegate agencies); andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(C) be responsible for approval and submission of decisions about activities as they relate to the delegate agency, consistent with paragraph (2)(D) (with respect to delegate agencies).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(d) Program Governance Administration-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(1) IMPASSE POLICIES- The Secretary shall develop policies, procedures, and guidance for Head Start agencies concerning--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) the resolution of internal disputes, including any impasse in the governance of Head Start programs; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) the facilitation of meaningful consultation and collaboration about decisions of the governing body and policy council.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(2) COORDINATIONNDUCT OF RESPONSIBILITIES- Each Head Start agency shall ensure the sharing of accurate and regular information for use by the governing body and the policy council, about program planning, policies, and Head Start agency operations, including--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) LOCAL EDUCATIONAL AGENCY-monthly financial statements, including credit card expenditures;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) monthly program information summaries;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(C) program enrollment reports, including attendance reports for children whose care is partially subsidized by another public agency;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(D) monthly reports of meals and snacks provided through programs of the Department of Agriculture;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(E) the financial audit;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(F) the annual self-assessment, including any findings related to such assessment;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(G) the communitywide strategic planning and needs assessment of the Head Start agency, including any applicable updates;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(H) communication and guidance from the Secretary; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(I) the program information reports.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(3) TRAINING AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE- Appropriate training and technical assistance shall be provided to the members of the governing body and the policy council to ensure that the members understand the information the members receive and can effectively oversee and participate in the programs of the Head Start agency.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(e) Collaboration and Coordination- To be so designated, a Head Start agency shall collaborate and coordinate with public and private entities, to the maximum extent practicable, to improve the availability and quality of services to Head Start children and families, including carrying out the following activities:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(1) Conduct outreach to schools in which children participating in the Head Start program will enroll following the program, local educational agencies, the local business community, community-based organizations, faith-based organizations, museums, and libraries to generate support and leverage the resources of the entire local community in order to improve school readiness.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(2)(A) In communities where both public prekindergarten programs and Head Start programs operate, a Head Start agency shalla public prekindergarten program and a Head Start program operate, collaborate and coordinate activities with the local educational agency or other public agency responsible for the operation of the prekindergarten program and providers of prekindergarten, including outreach activities to identify eligible children.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS- Head Start staff shall, wWith the permission of the parents of children enrolled in Head Start programs,the Head Start program, regularly communicate with the elementary schools such children will be attendingschools in which the children will enroll following the program, to--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(i) share information about such children;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(ii) collaborate with the teachers in such elementary schools regarding teaching strategies and optionsprofessional development and instructional strategies, as appropriate; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(iii) ensure a smooth transition to elementary school for such children.`(C) OTHER PROGRAMS- The head of each Head Start agency shall coordinate activities and collaborate with the State agency responsible for administering the State program carried outschool for such children.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(3) Coordinate activities and collaborate with programs under the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 9858 et seq.), other entities providing early childhood education and care, and the agencies responsible for administering section 106 of the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (42 U.S.C. 5106a), and parts B and E of title IV of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 621 et seq. and, 670 et seq.), programs under subtitle B of title VII of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 11431 et seq.), Even Start programs under subpart 3 of part B of title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6381 et seq.), and programs under section 619 and part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. 1419, 1431 et seq.), serving the children and families and other entities providing early childhood education and development programs or services, serving the children and families served by the Head Start agency.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(3) COLLABORATION- A Head Start agency shall t4) Take steps to coordinate activities with the local educational agency serving the community involved and with schools in which children participating in a Head Start program operated by such agencythe Head Start program will enroll following such program, including--`(A) the program, including--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) collaborating on the shared use of transportation and facilities, in appropriate cases;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) collaborating to reduce the duplication and enhance the efficiency of services while increasing the program participation of underserved populations of eligible children; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(C) exchanging information on the provision of noneducational services to such children.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(4) PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT- In order to promote the continued involvement of the parents of children that participate in Head Start programs in the education of their children, the Head Start 5) Enter into a memorandum of understanding, not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of the Improving Head Start for School Readiness Act of 2007, with the appropriate local entity responsible for managing publicly funded preschool programs in the service area of the Head Start agency, that shall--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A)(i) provide for a review of each of the activities described in clause (ii); andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(ii) include plans to coordinate, as appropriate, activities regarding--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(I) educational activities, curricular objectives, and instruction;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(II) public information dissemination and access to programs for families contacting the Head Start program or any of the preschool programs;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(III) selection priorities for eligible children to be served by programs;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(IV) service areas;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(V) staff training, including opportunities for joint staff training on topics such as academic content standards, instructional methods, curricula, and social and emotional development;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(VI) program technical assistance;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(VII) provision of additional services to meet the needs of working parents, as applicable;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(VIII) communications and parent outreach for smooth transitions to kindergarten as required in paragraphs (3) and (6) of section 642A(a);CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(IX) provision and use of facilities, transportation, and other program elements; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(X) other elements mutually agreed to by the parties to such memorandum;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) be submitted to the Secretary and the State Director of Head Start Collaboration not later than 30 days after the parties enter into such memorandum, except that--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(i) where there is an absence of publicly funded preschool programs in the service area of a Head Start agency, this paragraph shall not apply; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(ii) where the appropriate local entity responsible for managing the publicly funded preschool programs is unable or unwilling to enter into such a memorandum, this paragraph shall not apply and the Head Start agency shall inform the Secretary and the State Director of Head Start Collaboration of such inability or unwillingness; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(C) be revised periodically and renewed biennially by the parties to such memorandum, in alignment with the beginning of the school year.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(f) Quality Standards, Curricula, and Assessment- To be so designated, each Head Start agency shall--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) provide training to the parents--`(i) to inform the parents about their rights and responsibilities concerning the education of their children; and`(ii) to enable the parents, upon the transition of their children to school--`(I) to understand and work with schools in order to communicate with teachers and other school personnel;`(II) to support the schoolwork of their children; and`(III) to participate as appropriate in decisions relating to the education of their children; and`(B) take other actions, as appropriate and feasible, to support the active involvement of the parents with schools, school personnel, and school-related organizations.`(d) Assessment or Evaluation- Each Head Start agency shall1) take steps to ensure, to the maximum extent practicable, that children maintain the developmental and educational gains achieved in Head Start programs and build upon such gains in further schooling;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(2) establish a program with the standards set forth in section 641A(a)(1), with particular attention to the standards set forth in subparagraphs (A) and (B) of such section;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(3) implement a research-based early childhood curriculum that--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) promotes young children's school readiness in the areas of language and cognitive development, early reading and mathematics skills, socio-emotional development, physical development, and approaches to learning;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) is based on scientifically valid research and has standardized training procedures and curriculum materials to support implementation;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(C) is comprehensive and linked to ongoing assessment, with developmental and learning goals and measurable objectives;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(D) is focused on improving the learning environment, teaching practices, family involvement, and child outcomes across all areas of development; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(E) is aligned with the Head Start Child Outcomes Framework developed by the Secretary and, as appropriate, State early learning standards;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(4) implement effective interventions and support services that help promote the school readiness of children participating in the program;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(5) use research-based assessment methods that reflect the characteristics described in section 641A(b)(2) in order to support the educational instruction and school readiness of children in the program;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(6) use research-based developmental screening tools that have been demonstrated to be standardized, reliable, valid, and accurate for the child being assessed, to the maximum extent practicable, for the purpose of meeting the relevant standards described in section 641A(a)(1);CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(7) adopt, in consultation with experts in child development and with classroom teachers, an assessment orevaluation to measureassess whether classroom teachers have mastered the functions described in section 648A(a)(1) and have attained a level of literacy appropriate to implement Head Start curricula.`(eiscussed in section 648A(a)(1);CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(8) use the information provided from the assessment conducted under section 641A(c)(2)(F) to inform professional development plans, as appropriate, that lead to improved teacher effectiveness;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(9) establish goals and measurable objectives for the provision of health, educational, nutritional, and social services provided under this subchapter and related to the program mission and to promote school readiness; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(10) develop procedures for identifying children who are limited English proficient, and informing the parents of such children about the instructional services used to help children make progress towards acquiring the knowledge and skills described in section 641A(a)(1)(B) and acquisition of the English language.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(g) Funded Enrollment; Waiting List- Each Head Start agency shall enroll 100 percent of its funded enrollment and maintain an active waiting list at all times with ongoing outreach to the community and activities to identify underserved populations.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(fh) Technical Assistance and Training Plan- In order to receive funds under this subchapter, a Head Start agency shall develop an annual technical assistance and training plan. Such plan shall be based on the agency's self-assessment, the communitywide needs assessment, and the needs of parents to be served by such agency.'.SEC. 11strategic planning and needs assessment, the needs of parents and children to be served by such agency, and the results of the reviews conducted under section 641A(c).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(i) Financial Management- In order to receive funds under this subchapter, a Head Start agency shall document strong fiscal controls, including the employment of well-qualified fiscal staff with a history of successful management of a public or private organization.'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





SEC. 10. HEAD START TRANSITION AND ALIGNMENT WITH K-12 EDUCATION.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Section 642A of the Head Start Act (42 U.S.C. 9837a) is amended to read as follows:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

`SEC. 642A. HEAD START TRANSITION AND ALIGNMENT WITH K-12 EDUCATION.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

`(a) In General- Each Head Start agency shall take steps to coordinate activities with the local educational agency serving the community involved and with schools in which children participating in a Head Start program operated by such agency will enroll following such program, which may include--`(1) to promote continuity of services and effective transitions, including--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(1) developing and implementing a systematic procedure for transferring, with parental consent, Head Start program records for each participating child to the school in which such child will enroll;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(2) establishing ongoing channels of communication between Head Start staff and their counterparts in the schools (including, as appropriate, teachers, social workers, health staff, and local educational agency liaisons designated under section 722(g)(1)(J)(ii) of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 11432(g)(1)(J)(ii))) to--`(A), and health staff) to facilitate coordination of programs;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) develop3) establishing ongoing communications between the Head Start agency and local educational agency for developing continuity of developmentally appropriate curricular objectives and practices, in order to ensure an effective transition to school and appropriate(which for the purpose of the Head Start program shall be aligned with the Head Start Child Outcomes Framework and, as appropriate, State early learning standards) and for shared expectations for thechildren's learning and development of children as they make theas the children transition to school;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





and`(C) provide appropriate linkages between the Head Start program and educational services, including services related to language, literacy, and numeracy, provided by such local educational agency;`(3 `(4) organizing and participating in joint training, including transition-related training for school staff and Head Start staff; CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(5) establishing comprehensive transition policies and procedures that support children transitioning to school, including by engaging the local educational agency in the establishment of such policies;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(46) conducting outreach to parents, and elementary school (such as kindergarten) teachers, and Head Start teachers to to discuss the educational, developmental, and other needs of individual children;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(5) organizing and participating in joint training, including transition-related training of school staff and Head Start staff;`(67) helping parents of limited English proficient children understand--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) the instructional and other services provided by the school in which such child will enroll after participation in Head Start; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) as appropriate, the information provided to parents of limited English proficient children under section 3302 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7012);CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(8) developing and implementing a family outreach and support program, in cooperation with entities carrying out parental involvement efforts under title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6301 et seq.), and family outreach and support efforts under subtitle B of title VII of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 11431 et seq.), taking into consideration the language needs of parents of limited English proficient children;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(7) 9) assisting families, administrators, and teachers in enhancing educational and developmental continuity and continuity of parental involvement in activities between Head Start services and elementary school classes;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(8) helping parents10) linking the services provided in such Head Start program with educational services, including services relating to language, literacy, and numeracy, provided by such local educational agency;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(11) helping parents (including grandparents and kinship caregivers, as appropriate) to understand the importance of parental involvement in a child's academic success while teaching the parentsm strategies for maintaining parental involvement as their child moves from the Head Start program to Head Start to elementary school;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(912) helping parents understand the instructional and other services provided by the school in which their child will enroll after participation in the Head Start program;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





and`(10 `(13) developing and implementing a system to increase program participation of underserved populations of eligible children; and CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(14) coordinating activities and collaborating to ensure that curricula used in the Head Start program are aligned with the Head Start--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) the Head Start Child Outcomes Framework and, as appropriate,, as developed by the Secretary; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) State early learning standards, as appropriate, with regard to cognitive development (including language, pre-literacy, and premathematics competencies), and, social, emotional, and physical competencies that children entering kindergarten are expected to demonstrate.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(b) Construction- In this section, a reference to a Head Start agency, or its program, services, facility, or personnel, shall not be construed to be a reference to an Early Head Start agency, or its program, services, facility, or personnel.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(c) Dissemination and Technical Assistance- The Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of Education, shall--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(1) disseminate to Head Start agencies information on effective policies and activities relating to the transition of children from Head Start programs to public schools; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(2) provide technical assistance to such agencies to promote and assist such agencies to adopt and implement such effective policies and activities.'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





SEC. 11. EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION, COORDINATION, AND IMPROVEMENT.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(a) Head Start Collaboration- The Head Start Act (42 U.S.C. 9831 et seq.) is amended by inserting after section 642A the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

`Sec. 642B. (a)(1) From amounts made available under section 640(a)(2)(B)(vi), the Secretary shall award the collaboration grants described in paragraphs (2), (3), and (4).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(2)(A) The Secretary shall award, upon submission of a written request, a collaboration grant to each State and to each national administrative office serving Indian Head Start programs and migrant or seasonal Head Start programs to facilitate collaboration among Head Start agencies (including Early Head Start agencies) and entities that carry out activities designed to benefit low-income children from birth to school entry, and their families. The national administrative offices shall use the funds made available through the grants to carry out the authorities and responsibilities described in subparagraph (B) and paragraphs (3) and (4), as appropriate.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) Grants described in subparagraph (A) shall be used to--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(i) assist Head Start agencies to collaborate with entities involved in State and local planning processes to better meet the needs of low-income children from birth to school entry, and their families;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(ii) assist Head Start agencies to coordinate activities with the State agency responsible for administering the State program carried out under the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 9858 et seq.) and entities providing resource and referral services in the State, to make full-working-day and full calendar year services available to children;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(iii) promote alignment of curricula used in Head Start programs and continuity of services with the Head Start Child Outcomes Framework and, as appropriate, State early learning standards;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(iv) promote better linkages between Head Start agencies and other child and family agencies, including agencies that provide health, mental health, or family services, or other child or family supportive services, such as services provided under section 619 or part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. 1419, 1431 et seq.); andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(v) carry out the activities of the State Director of Head Start Collaboration authorized in paragraph (4).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(3) In order to improve coordination and delivery of early childhood education and development to children in the State, a State that receives a collaboration grant under paragraph (2) shall--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) appoint or designate an individual to serve as, or carry out the responsibilities of, the State Director of Head Start Collaboration;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) ensure that the State Director of Head Start Collaboration holds a position with sufficient authority and access to ensure that the collaboration described in paragraph (2) is effective and involves a range of State agencies; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(C) involve the State Head Start Association in the selection of the Director and involve the Association in determinations relating to the ongoing direction of the collaboration office involved.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(4) The State Director of Head Start Collaboration shall--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) not later than 1 year after the State receives a collaboration grant under paragraph (2), conduct an assessment that--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(i) addresses the needs of Head Start agencies in the State with respect to collaboration, coordination and alignment of services, and alignment of curricula and assessments used in Head Start programs with the Head Start agency, or its program, Child Outcomes Framework and, as appropriate, State early learning standards;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(ii) shall be updated on an annual basis; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(iii) shall be made available to the general public within the State;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) develop a strategic plan that is based on the assessment described in subparagraph (A) that will--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(i) enhance collaboration and coordination of Head Start services by Head Start agencies with other entities providing early childhood education and development (such as child care or services offered by museums), health care, mental health care, welfare, child protective services, education and community service activities, family literacy services, facility, or personnel.'.reading readiness programs (including such programs offered by public and school libraries), services relating to children with disabilities, other early childhood education and development for limited English proficient children and homeless children, and services provided for children in foster care and children referred to Head Start programs by child welfare agencies, including agencies and State officials responsible for services described in this clause;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(ii) assist Head Start agencies to develop a plan for the provision of full working-day, full calendar year services for children enrolled in Head Start programs who need such services;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(iii) assist Head Start agencies to align curricula and assessments used in Head Start programs with the Head Start Child Outcomes Framework and, as appropriate, State early learning standards;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(iv) enable Head Start agencies to better access professional development opportunities for Head Start staff, such as by working with Head Start agencies to enable the agencies to meet the degree requirements described in section 648A(a)(2)(A), including providing distance learning opportunities for Head Start staff, where needed to make higher education more accessible to Head Start staff; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(v) enable the Head Start agencies to better conduct outreach to eligible families;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(C) promote partnerships between Head Start agencies, State and local governments, and the private sector to help ensure that children from low-income families, who are in Head Start programs or are preschool age, are receiving comprehensive services to prepare the children for elementary school;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(D) consult with the chief State school officer, local educational agencies, and providers of early childhood education and development, at both the State and local levels;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(E) promote partnerships between Head Start agencies, schools, law enforcement, relevant community-based organizations, and substance abuse and mental health treatment agencies to strengthen family and community environments and to reduce the impact on child development of substance abuse, child abuse, domestic violence, and other high-risk behaviors that compromise healthy development;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(F) promote partnerships between Head Start agencies and other organizations in order to enhance Head Start program quality, including partnerships to promote inclusion of more books in Head Start classrooms;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(G) identify other resources and organizations (both public and private) for the provision of in-kind services to Head Start agencies in the State; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(H) serve on the State Advisory Council in order to assist the efforts of Head Start agencies to engage in effective coordination and collaboration.'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) State Early Education and Care- Section 642B of the Head Start Act, as added by subsection (a), is amended by adding at the end the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(b)(1)(A) The Governor of the State shall--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(i) designate or establish a council to serve as the State Advisory Council on Early Childhood Education and Care for children from birth to school entry (in this subchapter referred to as the `State Advisory Council'); andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(ii) designate an individual to coordinate activities of the State Advisory Council, as described in subparagraph (D)(i).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) The Governor may designate an existing entity in the State to serve as the State Advisory Council, and shall appoint representatives to the State Advisory Council at the Governor's discretion. In designating an existing entity, the Governor shall take steps to ensure that its membership includes, to the extent possible, representatives consistent with subparagraph (C).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(C) Members of the State Advisory Council shall include, to the maximum extent possible--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(i) a representative of the State agency responsible for child care;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(ii) a representative of the State educational agency;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(iii) a representative of local educational agencies;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(iv) a representative of institutions of higher education in the State;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(v) a representative of local providers of early childhood education and development services;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(vi) a representative from Head Start agencies located in the State, including migrant and seasonal Head Start programs and Indian Head Start programs;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(vii) the State Director of Head Start Collaboration;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(viii) a representative of the State agency responsible for programs under section 619 or part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. 1419, 1431 et seq.);CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(ix) a representative of the State agency responsible for health or mental health care; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(x) representatives of other entities determined to be relevant by the Governor of the State.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(D)(i) The State Advisory Council shall, in addition to any responsibilities assigned to the Council by the Governor of the State--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(I) conduct a periodic statewide needs assessment concerning the quality and availability of early childhood education and development programs and services for children from birth to school entry, including an assessment of the availability of high-quality pre-kindergarten services for low-income children in the State;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(II) identify opportunities for, and barriers to, collaboration and coordination among Federally-funded and State-funded child development, child care, and early childhood education programs and services, including collaboration and coordination among State agencies responsible for administering such programs;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(III) develop recommendations for increasing the overall participation of children in existing Federal, State, and local child care and early childhood education programs, including outreach to underrepresented and special populations;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(IV) develop recommendations regarding the establishment of a unified data collection system for public early childhood education and development programs and services throughout the State;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(V) develop recommendations regarding statewide professional development and career advancement plans for early childhood educators in the State;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(VI) assess the capacity and effectiveness of 2- and 4-year public and private institutions of higher education in the State toward supporting the development of early childhood educators, including the extent to which such institutions have in place articulation agreements, professional development and career advancement plans, and practice or internships for students to spend time in a Head Start or prekindergarten program; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(VII) make recommendations for improvements in State early learning standards and undertake efforts to develop high-quality comprehensive early learning standards, as appropriate.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(ii) The State Advisory Council shall hold public hearings and provide an opportunity for public comment on the activities described in clause (i). The State Advisory Council shall submit a statewide strategic report addressing the activities described in clause (i) to the State Director of Head Start Collaboration and the Governor of the State.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(iii) After submission of a statewide strategic report under clause (ii), the State Advisory Council shall meet periodically to review any implementation of the recommendations in such report and any changes in State and local needs.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(2)(A) The Secretary shall use the portion reserved under section 640(a)(4)(A)(iii) to award, on a competitive basis, one-time startup grants of not less than $500,000 to eligible States to enable such States to pay for the Federal share of developing and implementing a plan pursuant to the responsibilities included under paragraph (1)(D)(i). A State that receives funds under this paragraph shall use such funds to facilitate the development or enhancement of high-quality systems of early childhood education and care designed to improve school preparedness through one or more of the following activities--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(i) promoting school preparedness of children from birth through school entry, including activities to encourage families and caregivers to engage in highly interactive, developmentally and age-appropriate activities to improve children's early social, emotional, and cognitive development, support the transition of young children to school, and foster parental and family involvement in the early education of young children;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(ii) supporting professional development, recruitment, and retention initiatives for early childhood educators;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(iii) enhancing existing early childhood education and development programs and services (in existence on the date on which the grant involved is awarded), including quality improvement activities authorized under the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(iv) carrying out other activities consistent with the State's plan and application, pursuant to subparagraph (B).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) To be eligible to receive a grant under this paragraph, a State shall prepare and submit to the Secretary a plan and application, for a 3-year period, at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary shall require, including--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(i) the statewide strategic report described in paragraph (1)(D)(ii), including a description of the State Advisory Council's responsibilities under paragraph (1)(D)(i);CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(ii) a description, for each fiscal year, of how the State will make effective use of funds available under this paragraph, with funds described in subparagraph (C), to create an early childhood education and care system, by developing or enhancing programs and activities consistent with the statewide strategic report described in paragraph (1)(D)(i);CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(iii) a description of the State early learning standards and the State's goals for increasing the number of children entering kindergarten ready to learn;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(iv) information identifying the agency or joint interagency office, and individual, designated to carry out the activities under this paragraph, which may be the individual designated under paragraph (1)(A)(ii); andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(v) a description of how the State plans to sustain activities under this paragraph beyond the grant period.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(C) The Federal share of the cost of activities proposed to be conducted under subparagraph (A) shall be 30 percent, and the State shall provide the non-Federal share.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(D) Funds made available under this paragraph shall be used to supplement, and not supplant, other Federal, State, and local funds expended to carry out activities related to early childhood education and care in the State.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(E) Not later than 18 months after the date a State receives a grant under this paragraph, the State shall submit an interim report to the Secretary. A State that receives a grant under this paragraph shall submit a final report to the Secretary at the end of the grant period. Each report shall include--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(i) a description of the activities and services carried out under the grant, including the outcomes of such activities and services in meeting the needs described in the periodic needs assessment and statewide strategic report;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(ii) information about how the State used such funds to meet the goals of this subsection through activities to develop or enhance high-quality systems of early childhood education and care, increase effectiveness of delivery systems and use of funds, and enhance existing programs and services;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(iii) information regarding the remaining needs described in the periodic statewide needs assessment and statewide strategic report that have not yet been addressed by the State; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(iv) any other information that the Secretary may require.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(F) Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to provide the State Advisory Council with authority to modify, supersede, or negate the requirements of this subchapter.'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





SEC. 12. SUBMISSION OF PLANS TO GOVERNORS.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Section 643 of the Head Start Act (42 U.S.C. 9838) is amended--(1) in the first sentence--(A) by striking `chief executive officer' and inserting `Governor'; and(B) by striking `45' and inserting `30';(2) in the last sentence, by striking `, however,'; and(3) by adding at the end the following: `This section shall not apply to contracts, agreements, grants, loans, or other assistance for Indian Head Start programs and migrant and seasonal Head Start programs.'.or migrant or seasonal Head Start programs.'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





SEC. 13. COSTS OF DEVELOPING AND ADMINISTERING A PROGRAMADMINISTRATIVE REQUIREMENTS AND STANDARDS.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Section 644(b) of the Head Start Act (42 U.S.C. 9839(b)) is amended--(1) by striking `Except' and inserting `(1) Except'; and(2) by adding at the end the following:`(2)(A) The limitation prescribed by paragraph (1)) is amended--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) by striking subsection (a) and inserting the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(a)(1) Each Head Start agency shall observe standards of organization, management, and administration that will ensure, so far as reasonably possible, that all program activities are conducted in a manner consistent with the purposes of this subchapter and the objective of providing assistance effectively, efficiently, and free of any taint of partisan political bias or personal or family favoritism. Each such agency shall establish or adopt rules to carry out this section, which shall include rules to assure full staff accountability in matters governed by law, regulations, or agency policy. Each agency shall also provide for reasonable public access to information, including public hearings at the request of appropriate community groups and reasonable public access to books and records of the agency or other agencies engaged in program activities or operations involving the use of authority or funds for which it is responsible.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(2) Each Head Start agency shall make available to the public a report published at least once in each fiscal year that discloses the following information from the most recently concluded fiscal year, except that reporting such information shall not prohibit a Head Start agency from expending an amount in excess of allowable direct costs associated with developing and administering a program assisted under this subchapter, if--`(i) the agency submits an application for a grant year containing an assurance that--`(I) the agency will serve a greater percentage of children in the community involved than were served in the preceding grant year; and`(II) the agency will not diminish services provided to currently enrolled children (as of the date of the application), including the number of hours and days such services are provided;`(ii) any such excess amount does not exceed 5 percent of treveal personally identifiable information about an individual child or parent:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) The total amount of public and private funds received and the amount from each source.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) An explanation of budgetary expenditures and proposed budget for the fiscal year.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(C) The total costs, including the required non-Federal contributions to such costs, of such program; and`(iii) in the event that the applicant applies to expend any such excess amount in a subsequent grant year, the applicant continues to serve the same number of children as proposed in the initial application submitted under this paragraph and accomplishes, relative to the prior Head Start agency, at least 3 of the 5 improved outcomes.`(B) In subparagraph (A), the term `improved outcome' means--`(i) an increase innumber of children and families served, the average teacher salary;`(ii) an increase in the number of qualified teachers;`(iii) a significant increase in the number of children who receive full-day Head Start services;`(iv) a decrease in the caseload for family workers; or`(v) an increase in transportation options for families.`(C) The Secretary shall approve not more than 10 applications described in subparagraph (A) for a fiscal year, and to the extent practicable shall ensure participation under this paragraph of a diverse group of Head Start agencies, including public, private nonprofit, and for-profit agencies operating Head Start programs.'.monthly enrollment (as a percentage of funded enrollment), and the percentage of eligible children served.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(D) The results of the most recent review by the Secretary and the financial audit.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(E) The percentage of enrolled children that received medical and dental exams.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(F) Information about parent involvement activities.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(G) The agency's efforts to prepare children for kindergarten.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(H) Any other information required by the Secretary.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(3) Each such agency shall adopt for itself and other agencies using funds or exercising authority for which it is responsible, rules designed to--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) establish specific standards governing salaries, salary increases, travel and per diem allowances, and other employee benefits;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) assure that only persons capable of discharging their duties with competence and integrity are employed and that employees are promoted or advanced under impartial procedures calculated to improve agency performance and effectiveness;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(C) guard against personal or financial conflicts of interest; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(D) define employee duties in an appropriate manner that will in any case preclude employees from participating, in connection with the performance of their duties, in any form of picketing, protest, or other direct action that is in violation of law.'; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) in subsection (f)--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) in paragraph (2)--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(i) by redesignating subparagraphs (A) through (E) as subparagraphs (B) through (F), respectively; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(ii) by inserting before subparagraph (B), as redesignated by clause (i), the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) a description of the efforts by the agency to coordinate or collaborate with other providers in the community to seek assistance, including financial assistance, prior to the use of funds under this section;'; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) in paragraph (3), by striking `, from the amount reserved under section 640(a)(2)(A),'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





SEC. 14. PARTICIPATION IN HEAD START PROGRAMS.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Section 645 of the Head Start Act (42 U.S.C. 9840) is amended--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) in subsection (a)--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) in paragraph (1)--(i) in subparagraph (A)--(I) by inserting `130 percent of' after `below'; and(II) by striking `and' at the end;(ii) by redesignating subparagraph (B) as subparagraph (C);(iii) by inserting after subparagraph (A) the following:`(B) that the Head Start agencies involved make efforts to ensure that the programs serve children from families with incomesby striking paragraph (1) and inserting the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(a)(1)(A) The Secretary shall by regulation prescribe eligibility for the participation of persons in Head Start programs assisted under this subchapter.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) Except as provided in paragraph (2), such regulation shall provide--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(i) that children from low-income families shall be eligible for participation in programs assisted under this subchapter if their families' incomes are below the poverty line prior to serving other income-eligible children; and, or if their families are eligible or, in the absence of child care, would potentially be eligible for public assistance;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(ii) that homeless children shall be deemed to be eligible for such participation;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(iii) that programs assisted under this subchapter may include--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(I) to a reasonable extent (but not to exceed 10 percent of participants), participation of children in the area served who would benefit from such programs but who are not eligible under clause (i) or (ii); andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(II) from the area served, an additional 35 percent of participants who are not eligible under clause (i) or (ii) and whose families have incomes below 130 percent of the poverty line, if--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(aa) the Head Start agency involved establishes and implements outreach and enrollment policies and procedures that ensure such agency is meeting the needs of children eligible under clause (i) or (ii) (or subclause (I) if the child involved has a disability) prior to meeting the needs of children eligible under this subclause; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(bb) in prioritizing the selection of children to be served, the Head Start agency establishes criteria that provide that the agency will serve children eligible under clause (i) or (ii) prior to serving the children eligible under this subclause;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(iv) that any Head Start agency serving children eligible under clause (iii)(II) shall report annually to the Secretary information on--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(I) how such agency is meeting the needs of children eligible under clause (i) or (ii), in the area served, including local demographic data on families of children eligible under clause (i) or (ii);CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(II) the outreach and enrollment policies and procedures established by the agency that ensure the agency is meeting the needs of children eligible under clause (i) or (ii) (or clause (iii)(I) if the child involved has a disability) prior to meeting the needs of children eligible under clause (iii)(II);CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(III) the efforts, including outreach efforts (that are appropriate to the community involved), of such agency to be fully enrolled with children eligible under clause (i) or (ii);CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(IV) the policies, procedures, and selection criteria such agency is implementing to serve eligible children, consistent with clause (iii)(II);CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(V) the agency's enrollment level, and enrollment level over the fiscal year prior to the fiscal year in which the report is submitted;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(VI) the number of children served by the agency, disaggregated by whether such children are eligible under clause (i), clause (ii), clause (iii)(I), or clause (iii)(II); andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(VII) the eligibility criteria category of the children on the agency's waiting list;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(v) that a child who has been determined to meet the eligibility criteria described in this subparagraph and who is participating in a Head Start program in a program year shall be considered to continue to meet the eligibility criteria through the end of the succeeding program year.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(C) In determining, for purposes of this paragraph, whether a child who has applied for enrollment in a Head Start program meets the eligibility criteria, an entity may consider evidence of family income during the 12 months preceding the month in which the application is submitted, or during the calendar year preceding the calendar year in which the application is submitted, whichever more accurately reflects the needs of the family at the time of application.'; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(iv) in the flush matter at the end, by adding at the end the following: `A homeless child shall be deemed eligible for Head Start services.'; and(B) by adding at the end the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(3)(A) In this paragraph:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(i) The term `dependent' has the meaning given the term in paragraphs (2)(A) and (4)(A)(i) of section 401(a) of title 37, United States Code.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(ii) The terms `member' and `uniformed services' have the meanings given the terms in paragraphs (23) and (3), respectively, of section 101 of title 37, United States Code.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) The following amounts of pay and allowance of a member of the uniformed services shall not be considered to be income for purposes of determining the eligibility of a dependent of such member for programs funded under this subchapter:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(i) The amount of any special pay payable under section 310 of title 37, United States Code, relating to duty subject to hostile fire or imminent danger.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(ii) The amount of basic allowance payable under section 403 of such title, including any such amount that is provided on behalf of the member for housing that is acquired or constructed under the alternative authority for the acquisition and improvement of military housing under subchapter IV of chapter 169 of title 10, United States Code, or any other related provision of law.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(4) After demonstrating a need through a communitywide strategic planning and needs assessment, a Head Start agency may apply to the Secretary to convert part-day sessions, particularly consecutive part-day sessions, into full-working-day sessions.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(5)(A) Consistent with a communitywide needs assessment, a Head Start agency may apply to the Secretary toUpon written request and pursuant to the requirements of this paragraph, a Head Start agency may use funds that were awarded under this subchapter to serve children age 3 to compulsory school age, in order to serve additional infants and toddlers if the agency submits an application to the Secretary containing--`(i) a, as specified in rules issued by the Secretary, all of the following information:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(i) The amount of such funds that are proposed to be used in accordance with section 645A(b).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(ii) A communitywide strategic planning and needs assessment demonstrating how the use of such funds would best meet the needs of the community.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(iii) A description of how the needs of pregnant women, infants, and toddlersand of infants and toddlers, will be addressed in accordance with section 645A(b), and with regulations prescribed by the Secretary pursuant to section 641A in areas including the agency's approach to child development and provision of health services, approach to family and community partnerships, and approach to program design and management;`(ii) a.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(iv) A description of how the needs of eligible Head Start children are being and will be served;`(iii) achildren will be met in the community.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(v) Assurances that the agency will participate in technical assistance activities (including a planning periodplanning, start-up site visits, and national training activities) in the same manner as recipients of grants under section 645A; and`(iv) e.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(vi) Evidence that the agency meets the same eligibility criteria as recipients of grants under section 645A.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) An application that satisfies the requirements specified in subparagraph (A) shall be approved by the Secretary unless the Secretary finds that--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(i) the agency lacks adequate capacity and capability to carry out an effective Early Head Start program; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(ii) the information provided under subparagraph (A) is inadequate.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(C) In approving such applications, the Secretary shall take into account the costs of serving persons under section 645A.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(C) Any Head Start agency designated under this section and permitted to use grant funds under subparagraph (A) to serve additional infants and toddlersD) Any Head Start agency with an application approved under subparagraph (B) shall be considered to be an Early Head Start agency and shall be subject to the same rules, regulations, and conditions as apply to recipients of grants under section 645A for those grant funds.'; and, with respect to activities carried out under this paragraph.';CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) in the first sentence of subsection (c), by striking `(age 3 to compulsory school attendance)' and inserting `(other than children eligible for an Early Head Start program)'; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) in subsection (d), by adding at the end the following:`(4) --CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) by striking paragraph (3); andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) by adding at the end the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(3) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Act, an Indian tribe or tribes that operates both an Early Head Start program under section 645A and a Head Start program may, at its discretion, at any time during the grant period involved, reallocate funds between the Early Head Start program and the Head Start program in order to address fluctuations in client populations, including pregnant women and children from birth to compulsory school age. The reallocation of such funds between programs by an Indian tribe or tribes during a year shall not serve as the basis for the Secretary to reduce a base grant (as defined in section 641A(g)(10(a)(7)) for either program in succeeding years.'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





SEC. 15. EARLY HEAD START PROGRAMS.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Section 645A of the Head Start Act (42 U.S.C. 9840a) is amended--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) by striking the section heading and inserting the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

`SEC. 645A. EARLY HEAD START PROGRAMS.';CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

(2) in subsection (b)--(A) in paragraph (4), by striking `a) by striking `The Secretary' and all that follows through `for programs' and inserting `The Secretary shall make grants to entities (referred to in this subchapter as `Early Head Start agencies') in accordance with this section for programs (referred to in this subchapter as `Early Head Start programs')';CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) in subsection (b)--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) by striking paragraph (4) and inserting the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(4) provide services to parents to support their role as parents' and inserting `provide additional services and research-based activities to parents to support their role as parents (including parenting skills training and training in basic child development)';(B and services to help the families move toward self-sufficiency (including educational and employment services, as appropriate);';CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) by striking paragraph (5) and inserting the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(5) coordinate services with services provided by programs in the State (including home-based services) and programs in the community (including programs for infants and toddlers with disabilities and programs for homeless infants and toddlers) to ensure a comprehensive array of services (such as health and mental health services and family support services);';CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(C) by redesignating paragraphs (5), (6), (7), (8), and (9), as paragraphs (6), (8), (11), (12), and (13), respectively;(C7), (10), (11), and (12), respectively;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(D) by inserting after paragraph (4) the following:`(5) where appropriate and in conjunction with services provided under this section to the children's immediate families (or as approved by the Secretary), provide home-based services to family child care homes, and kin caregivers, caring for infants and toddlers who also participate in Early Head Start programs, to provide continuity in supporting the children's cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development;';(D) in paragraph (6), as redesignated by subparagraph (B)--(i) by inserting `(including home-based services)' after `with services';(ii) by inserting `and homeless infants and toddlers' after `disabilities'; and(iii) by inserting `, and family support services' after `health services';(E) by inserting after paragraph (6), as redesignated by subparagraph (B), the following:`(75) the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(6) ensure that children with documented behavioral problems, including problems involving behavior related to prior or existing trauma, receive appropriate screening and referral;';CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(F) by inserting after paragraph (8E) by inserting after paragraph (7), as redesignated by subparagraph (B), the following:`(9C), the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(8) develop and implement a systematic procedure for transitioning children and parents from an Early Head Start program to a Head Start program or another local program of other local early childhood education and care;`(10development program;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(9) establish channels of communication between staff of Early Head Start programs and staff of Head Start programsthe Early Head Start program, and staff of a Head Start program or other local providers of early childhood education and caredevelopment programs, to facilitate the coordination of programs;'; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(G) in paragraph (12F) by striking paragraph (11), as redesignated by subparagraph (B)--(i) by striking `and providers' and inserting `, providers'; and(ii) by inserting `, and the agenciesC), and inserting the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(11) ensure formal linkages with providers of early intervention services for infants and toddlers with disabilities under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. 1400 et seq.), with the State interagency coordinating council, as established in part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. 1431 et seq.), and with the agency responsible for administering section 106 of the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (42 U.S.C. 5106a) and parts B and E of title IV of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 621 et seq. and 670 et seq.)' after `(20 U.S.C. 1400 et seq.)';(3) in subsection (d)--(A) in paragraph (1), by inserting `, including tribal governments and ;';CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(4) in subsection (c), by striking `income criteria specified for families in section 645(a)(1)' and inserting `eligibility criteria specified in section 645(a)(1), including the criteria specified in section 645(a)(1)(B)(ii)';CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(5) in subsection (d), by striking paragraphs (1) and (2) and inserting the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(1) entities operating migrant and seasonal Head Start programs' after `subchapter'; and(B) in paragraph (2), by inserting `, including communityHead Start programs under this subchapter;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(2) entities operating Indian Head Start programs or migrant or seasonal Head Start programs; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(3) other public entities, and nonprofit or for-profit private entities, including community-based and faith-based organizations' after `, capable of providing child and family services that meet the standards for participation in programs under this subchapter and meet such other appropriate requirements relating to the activities under this section as the Secretary may establish.';CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(6) in subsection (e), by striking `From' and all that follows through `under this subsection' and inserting `The Secretary shall award grants under this section';CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(7) by striking subsection (g) and inserting the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(g) Monitoring, Training, Technical Assistance, and Evaluation-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(1) REQUIREMENT- In order to ensure the successful operation of programs assisted under this section, the Secretary shall use funds made available under section 640(a)(2)(E) to monitor the operation of such programs, and funds made available under section 640(a)(2)(C)(i)(I) to provide training and technical assistance tailored to the particular needs of such programs, consistent with section 640(c).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(2) TRAINING AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) ACTIVITIES- Of the portion set aside under section 640(a)(2)(C)(i)(I)--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(i) not less than 50 percent shall be made available to Early Head Start agencies to use directly, which may include, at their discretion, the establishment of local or regional agreements with community experts, institutions of higher education, or private entities';(4) in subsection (g)(2)--(A) in subparagraph (A), by adding at the end the following: `In determining the amount so reserved, the Secretary shall consider the number of Early Head Start programs newly funded for that fiscal year.'; and(B) in subparagraph (B)--(i) in clause (ii), by inserting `, including supportconsultants, for training and technical assistance activities in order to make program improvements identified by such agencies;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(ii) not less than 25 percent shall be available to the Secretary to support a State-based training and technical assistance system, or a national system, described in section 648(e), including infant and toddler specialists to assist such staff and improve the programs carried out under this section' after `section'; and(ii) by striking clause (iv) and inserting the following:`(iv, to support Early Head Start agencies, consistent with subparagraph (B); andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(iii) the remainder of such amount shall be made available to the Secretary to assist Early Head Start agencies in meeting and exceeding the standards described in section 641A(a)(1) (directly, or through grants, contracts, or other agreements or arrangements with an entity with demonstrated expertise relating to infants, toddlers, and families) by--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(I) providing ongoing training and technical assistance to Early Head Start agencies, including 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;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(II) supporting a national network of infant and toddler specialists designed to improve the quality of Early Head Start programs;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(III) providing professional development ongoing training and technical assistance on Early Head Start program development and personnel enhancement activities, including the provision of funds to recipients of grants under subsection (a), relating to--`(I) effective methods of conducting parent education, home visiting, and promoting quality early childhood development;`(II) recruiting and retaining qualified staff; and`(III) increasingimprovement for regional staff charged with monitoring and overseeing the administration of the program carried out under this section; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(IV) if funds remain after the activities described in subclauses (I), (II), and (III) are carried out, carry out 1 or more of the following activities:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

`(cc) Providing professional development designed to increase program participation for underserved populations of eligible children.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

`(B) CONTRACTS- For the purposes of supporting a State-based system, as described in subparagraph (A)(ii), that will meet the needs of Early Head Start agencies and provide high-quality, sustained, and intensive training and technical assistance on programming for infants and toddlers to Early Head Start agencies, and in order to help such agencies meet or exceed the standards described in section 641A(a)(1), the Secretary shall--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(i) use funds reserved under subparagraph (A)(ii) in combination with funds reserved under section 640(a)(2)(C)(i)(II)(bb) to ensure the contracts described in section 648(e)(1) provide for a minimum of 1 full-time specialist with demonstrated expertise in the development of infants and toddlers; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(ii) ensure that such contracts and the services provided in the contracts are integrated with and augment the contracts awarded and services provided under section 648(e);'; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(5) by adding at the end the following:`(h) Staff Qualifications and Development-`(1) CENTER-BASED STAFF- The Secretary shall8) by adding at the end the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(h) Center-Based Staff- The Secretary shall--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(1) ensure that, not later than September 30, 2010, all teachers providing direct services to children and families participating in Early Head Start programs located in Early Head Start centers, have a minimum of a child development associate credential, and have been trained (or have equivalent coursework) in early childhood development; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(2) establish staff qualification goals to ensure that, not later than September 30, 2012, all teachers providing direct services to Early Head Start children and families in Early Head Start centers have a minimum of a child development associate credential or an associate degree, and have such teachers have been trained (or have equivalent coursework) in early childhood development with a focus on infant and toddler development.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(2i) Staff Qualifications and Development-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(1) HOME VISITOR STAFF-`(A) STANDARDS- In order to further enhance the quality of home visiting services provided to families of children participating in home-based, center-based, or combination program options under this subchapter, the Secretary shall establish standards for training, qualifications, and the conduct of home visits for home visitor staff in Early Head Start programs.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) CONTENTS- The standards for2) CONTENTS OF STANDARDS- The standards for training, qualifications, and the conduct of home visits shall include content related to--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(iA) structured child-focused home visiting that promotes parents' ability to support the child's cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(iiB) effective strengths-based parent education, including methods to encourage parents as their child's first teachers;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(iiiC) early childhood development with respect to children from birth through age 3;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(ivD) methods to help parents promote emergent literacy in their children from birth through age 3, including use of research-based strategies to support the development of literacy and language skills for children who are limited English proficient;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(v)E) ascertaining what health and developmental services the family receives and working with providers of these services to eliminate gaps in service by offering annual health, vision, hearing, and developmental screenings;`(vi for children from birth to entry into kindergarten, when needed;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(F) strategies for helping families coping with crisis; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(vii) the relationship of health and G) the relationship of health and well-being of pregnant women to prenatal and early child development.'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





SEC. 16. APPEALS, NOTICE, AND HEARING AND RECORDS AND FINANCIAL AUDITS.(a) Appeals, Notice, and Hearing- .CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Section 646(a) of the Head Start Act (42 U.S.C. 9841(a)) is amended--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking `procedures to assure that';CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) in paragraphs (1) and (2), by inserting `procedures to assure that' after the paragraph designation;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) by striking paragraphs (3) and (4) and inserting the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(3) procedures to assure that financial assistance under this subchapter may be terminated or reduced, and an application for refunding may be denied, after the recipient has been afforded reasonable notice and opportunity for a full and fair hearing, including--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) a right to file a notice of appeal of a decision not later than 30 days after notice of the decision from the Secretary; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) access to a full and fair hearing of the appeal, not later than 120 days after receipt by the Secretary of the notice of appeal;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(4) the Secretary shall develop and publish procedures (including mediation procedures) are developed and published, to be used in order to--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) resolve in a timely manner conflicts potentially leading to an adverse action between--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(i) recipients of financial assistance under this subchapter; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(ii) delegate agencies, or policy councils of Head Start agencies;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) avoid the need for an administrative hearing on an adverse action; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(C) prohibit a Head Start agency from expending financial assistance awarded under this subchapter for the purpose of paying legal fees, or other costs incurred, pursuant to an appeal under paragraph (3), except that such fees shall be reimbursed by the Secretary if the agency prevails in such decision; and`(5) the Secretary may suspend funds to a grantee;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(5) procedures to assure that the Secretary may suspend financial assistance to a recipient under this subchapter--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) except as provided in subparagraph (B), for not more than 30 days; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) in the case of a granteerecipient under this subchapter that has multiple and recurring deficiencies for 180 days or more and has not made substantial and significant progress toward meeting the goals of the grantee's quality improvement plan or eliminating all deficiencies identified by the Secretary, during the hearing of an appeal described in paragraph (3), for any amount of time, including permanently.'.(b) Records and Financial Audits-(1) HEADING- Section 647 of the Head Start Act (42 U.S.C. 9842) is amended by striking the section heading and inserting the following: `; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(6) procedures to assure that in cases where a Head Start agency prevails in a decision under paragraph (4), the Secretary may determine and provide a reimbursement to the Head Start agency for fees deemed reasonable and customary.'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





SEC. 17. RECORDS AND FINANCIAL AUDITS'.(2) RECIPIENTS- Section 647(a) of the Head Start Act (42 U.S.C. 9842(a)) is amended by striking `Each recipient of' and inserting `Each Head Start center, including each Early Head Start center, receiving'.(3) FINANCIAL AUDITS- Subsections (a) and (b) of section 647 of the Head Start Act (42 U.S.C. 9842) are amended by striking `audit' and inserting `financial audit'.(4) ACCOUNTING- AUDITS.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Section 647 of the Head Start Act (42 U.S.C. 9842) is amended by adding at the end the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(c) Each Head Start center, including each Early Head Start center, receiving financial assistance under this subchapter shall recipient of financial assistance under this subchapter shall--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(1) maintain, and annually submit to the Secretary, a complete accounting of itthe recipient's administrative expenses, including (including a detailed statement identifying the amount of financial assistance provided under this subchapter used to pay expenses for salaries and compensation funded under this subchapter andand the amount (if any) of other funds used to pay such expenses);CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(2) not later than 30 days after the date of completion of an audit conducted in the manner and to the extent provided in chapter 75 of title 31, United States Code (commonly known as the `Single Audit Act of 1984'), submit to the Secretary a copy of the audit management letter and of any audit findings as they relate to the Head Start program; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(3) provide such additional documentation as the Secretary may require.'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





SEC. 17SEC. 18. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AND TRAINING.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Section 648 of the of the Head Start Act (42 U.S.C. 9843) is amended--(1) in subsection (a)(2), by striking `(b) and (c)' and inserting `(b), (c), and (d)';(2) by redesignating subsections (b) through (e) as subsections (c) through (f), respectively;(3) by inserting after subsection (a) the following:`(b) The Secretary shall make available funds set aside in section 640(a)(2)(C)(ii) to support a State system of training and technical assistance (which may include such a system for a consortium of States within a region) that improves the capacity of Head Start programs to deliver services in accordance with the standards described in section 641A(a)(1), with particular attention to the standards described in subparagraphs (A) and (B) of such section. The Secretary shall--`(1) ensure that agencies with demonstrated expertise in providing high-quality training and technical assistance to improve the delivery of Head Start services, including the State Head Start Associations, State agencies, Indian Head Start agencies, migrant and seasonal Head Start agencies, and other entities providing training and technical assistance in early childhood education to read as follows:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

`(a) Secretarial Training and Technical Assistance-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(1) AUTHORITY- From the funds provided under section 640(a)(2)(C)(i), the Secretary shall provide, directly or through grants, contracts, or other agreements or arrangements as the Secretary considers appropriate, technical assistance and training for Head Start programs for the purposes of improving program quality and care, for the State (including such a consortium of States within a region), are included in the planning and coordination of the system; and`(2) encourage States (including such consortia) to supplement the funds authorized in section 640(a)(2)(C)(ii) with Federal, State, or local funds other than funds made available under this subchapter, to expand training and technical assistance activities beyond Head Start agencies to include other providers of other early childhood education and care within a State (including such a consortium).';(4) in paragraph (3) of subsection (c), as redesignated by paragraph (2), by striking `child care and early childhood programs' and inserting `early childhood education and care programs';(5) in subsection (d), as redesignated by paragraphhelping prepare children to succeed in school.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(2) --(A) in paragraph (1)(B)(ii), by striking `educational performance measures' and inserting `measures';(B) in paragraph (2), by inserting `PROCESS- The process for determining the technical assistance and training activities to be carried out under this section shall--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) ensure that the needs of local Head Start agencies and programs relating to improving program quality and to program expansion are addressed to the maximum extent practicable; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) incorporate mechanisms to ensure responsiveness to local needs, including an ongoing procedure for obtaining input from the individuals and agencies carrying out Head Start programs.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(3) ACTIVITIES- In providing training and technical assistance and for allocating resources for such assistance under this section, the Secretary shall--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) give priority consideration to--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(i) activities to correct program and management deficiencies identified through reviews carried out pursuant to section 641A(c) (including the provision of assistance to local programs in the development of quality improvement plans under section 641A(d)(2));CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(ii) assisting Head Start agencies in ensuring the school readiness of children; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(iii) activities that supplement those funded with amounts provided under section 640(a)(5)(B) to address the training and career development needs of classroom staff (including instruction for providing services to children with disabilities, and for activities described in section 1222(d) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6372(d))' after `children with disabilities';(C) in paragraph (3), by striking `early childhood professional development systems' and inserting `), and non-classroom staff, including home visitors and other staff working directly with families, including training relating to increasing parent involvement and services designed to increase family literacy and improve parenting skills; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) to the maximum extent practicable--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(i) assist Head Start agencies in the development of collaborative initiatives with States and other entities within the States, to foster effective professional development systems regarding early childhood education and care';(D) in paragraph (5), by inserting `, including assessing the needs of homeless children and their families' after `needs assessment';(E) by striking paragraph (7) and inserting the following:`(7)for early childhood education and development services;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(ii) provide technical assistance and training, either directly or through a grant, contract, or cooperative agreement with an entity that has experience in the development and operation of successful family literacy services programs, for the purpose of--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(I) assisting Head Start agencies providing family literacy services, in order to improve the quality of such family literacy services; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(II) enabling those Head Start agencies that demonstrate effective provision of family literacy services, based on improved outcomes for children and their parents, to provide technical assistance and training to other Head Start agencies and to service providers that work in collaboration with such agencies to provide family literacy services;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(iii) assist Head Start agencies and programs in conducting and participating in better serving the needs of familiescommunitywide strategic planning and needs assessments, including the needs of homeless children and their families, and in conducting self-assessments;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(iv) assist Head Start agencies and programs in developing and implementing full-working-day and full calendar year programs where community need is clearly identified and making the transition to such programs, with particular attention to involving parents and programming for children throughout the day, and assist the agencies and programs in expediting the sharing of information about innovative models for providing full-working-day, full calendar year services for children;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(v) assist Head Start agencies in better serving the needs of families with very young children, including providing support and program planning and implementation assistance for Head Start agencies that apply to serve or are serving additional infants and toddlers with funds previously used for 3- and 4-year-olds, in accordance with section 645(a)(5);CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





';(F) in paragraph (10), by striking `; and' and inserting a semicolon;(G) in paragraph (11), by striking the period and inserting a semicolon; and(H) by adding at the end the following:`(12 `(vi) assist Head Start agencies and programs in the development of sound management practices, including financial management procedures; CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(vii) assist in efforts to secure and maintain adequate facilities for Head Start programs;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(viii) assist Head Start agencies in increasing the program participation of homeless children;`(13) provide training and technical assistance to members of governing bodies, developing innovative program models, including mobile and home-based programs;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(ix) provide support for Head Start agencies (including policy councils, and, as appropriate, and policy committees, to ensure that the members can fulfill their functions;`(14) provide training and technical assistance to Head Start agencies to assist such agencies in conducting self-assessments;`(15) that meet the standards described in section 641A(a) but that have, as documented by the Secretary through reviews conducted pursuant to section 641A(c), programmatic, quality, and fiscal issues to address;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(x) assist Head Start agencies and programs in improving outreach to, and the quality of services available to, families of limited English proficient children, including such services to help such families learn Englishincreasing program participation of, and improving the quality of services available to meet the unique needs of--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(I) homeless children;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(II) limited English proficient children and their families, particularly in communities that have experienced a large percentage increase in the population of such families;`(16limited English proficient individuals, as measured by the Bureau of the Census; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(III) children with disabilities, particularly if such program's enrollment opportunities or funded enrollment for children with disabilities is less than 10 percent;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(xi) assist Head Start agencies and improve programs to increase the capacity of classroom staff to meet the needs of children with disabilities in Head Start classrooms;`(17) provide activities thateligible children in Head Start classrooms that are serving both children with disabilities and children without disabilities;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(xii) assist Head Start agencies and programs to address the unique needs of programs located in rural communities, including--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(I) removing barriers related to the recruitment and retention of Head Start teachers in rural communities;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(II) developing innovative and effective models of professional development for improving staff qualifications and skills for staff living in rural communities;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(III) removing barriers related to outreach efforts to eligible families in rural communities;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(IV) removing barriers to parent involvement in Head Start programs in rural communities;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(V) removing barriers to providing home visiting services in rural communities; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(VI) removing barriers to obtaining health screenings for Head Start participants in rural communities;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(xiii) provide training and technical assistance to members of governing bodies, policy councils, and, as appropriate, policy committees, to ensure that the members can fulfill their functions;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(xiv) provide activities that help ensure that Head Start programs have qualified staff who can promote prevention of childhood obesity by integrating into the programs developmentally appropriate research-based initiatives that stress the importance of physical activity and nutrition choices made by children and family, throughhealthy, nutritional choices in daily classroom and family routines;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





and`(18`(xv) assist Indian Head Start agencies to provide on-site and off-site training to staff, using approaches that identify and enhance the positive resources and strengths of Indian children and families, to improve parent and family engagement and staff development, particularly with regard to child and family development.';(6) in subsection (e), as redesignated by paragraph (2), by inserting `including community-based organizations,' after `nonprofit entities,';(7) in subsection (f), as redesignated by paragraph (2)--(A) by striking `early childhood development and child care programs' and inserting `early childhood education and care programs'; and(B) by inserting `or providing services to ; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(xvi) assisting Head Start agencies in selecting and using the measures described in section 641A(b).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(b) Additional Support- The Secretary shall provide, either directly or through grants, contracts or other arrangements, funds from section 640(a)(2)(C)(i)(II)(cc) to--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(1) support an organization to administer a centralized child development and national assessment program leading to recognized credentials for personnel working in early childhood education and development programs; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(2) support training for personnel--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) providing services to limited English proficient children and their families (including services to promote the acquisition of the English language);CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) providing services to children determined to be abused or neglected, training for personnel providing services to children referred by entities providing child welfare services or children referred by or receiving child welfare services,' after `English language)'; and(8) by adding at the end the following:`(g) The Secretary shall provide, either directly or through grants or other arrangements, funds for training of Head Start personnel in addressing the unique needs of children ;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(C) in helping children cope with community violence;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(D) to recognize common health, including mental health, problems in children for appropriate referral;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(E) to address the needs of children with disabilities and their families, migrant and seasonal;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(F) to address the needs of migrant and seasonal farmworker families, families of children with limited English proficiency, and; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(G) to address the needs of homeless families.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(h) Funds used under this section shall be used to provide high c) Outreach- The Secretary shall develop and implement a program of outreach to recruit and train professionals from diverse backgrounds to become Head Start teachers in order to reflect the communities in which Head Start children live and to increase the provision of quality services and instruction to children with diverse backgrounds.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(d) Funds to Agencies- Funds made available under section 640(a)(2)(C)(i)(II)(aa) shall be used by a Head Start agency to provide high-quality, sustained, and intensive, training and technical assistance in order to have a positive and lasting impact on training and technical assistance as follows:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(1) For 1 or more of the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) Activities that ensure that Head Start programs meet or exceed the standards described in section 641A(a)(1).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) Activities that ensure that Head Start programs have adequate numbers of trained, qualified staff who have skills in working with children and families, including children and families who are limited English proficient and children with disabilities and their families.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(C) Activities to improve the management and implementation of Head Start services and systems, including direct training for expert consultants working with staff.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(D) Activities that help ensure that Head Start programs have qualified staff who can promote language skills and literacy growth of children and who can provide children with a variety of skills that have been identified as predictive of later reading achievement, school success, and the skills, knowledge, abilities, development, and progress described in section 641A(a)(1)(B)(ii).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(E) Activities to improve staff qualifications and to assist with the implementation of career development programs and to encourage the staff to continually improve their skills and expertise, including developing partnerships with programs that recruit, train, place, and support college students in Head Start centers to deliver an innovative early learning program to preschool children.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(F) Activities that help local programs ensure that the arrangement, condition, and implementation of the learning environments in Head Start programs are conducive to providing effective program services to children and families.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(G) Activities to provide training necessary to improve the qualifications of Head Start staff and to support staff training, child counseling, health services, and other services necessary to address the needs of children enrolled in Head Start programs, including children from families in crises, children who experience chronic violence or homelessness, children who experience substance abuse in their families, and children under 3 years of age, where applicable.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(H) Activities to provide classes or in-service-type programs to improve or enhance parenting skills, job skills, and adult and family literacy, including financial literacy, or training to become a classroom instruction. Funds shall be used to carry out activities related to 1 or more of the following:`(1) Education and early childhood development.`(2) Child health, nutrition, and safety.`(3) Family and community partnerships.`(4) Other areas that impact the quality or overall effectiveness of Head Start programs.`(i) Funds used under this section for training shall be used for needs identified annually by a grant applicant (including any delegate agency) in its program improvement plan, except that funds shall not be used for long-distance travel expenses for training activities--`(1) available locally or regionally; or`(2) substantially similar to locally or regionally available training activities.`(j)(1) To support local efforts to enhance early language and preaide or bus driver in a Head Start program.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(I) Additional activities deemed appropriate to the improvement of Head Start programs, as determined by the technical assistance and training plans of the Head Start agencies.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(2) To support enhanced early language and literacy development of children in Head Start programs, and to provide the children with high-quality oral language skills, and and with environments that are rich in literature, in which to acquire language and preliteracy skills, each Head Start agency, in coordination with the appropriate State office and the relevant State Head Start collaboration office, shall ensure that in which to acquire language and early literacy skills. Each Head Start agency, in consultation with the State-based training and technical assistance system, as appropriate, shall ensure that--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) all of the agency's Head Start teachers receive ongoing training in language and emergent literacy (referred to in this subsection as `literacy training'), including appropriate curricula and assessments to improve instruction and learning. Such training shall include training in ;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) such literacy training shall include training in methods to promote vocabulary development and phonological awareness (including phonemic awareness) and vocabulary development in an age-appropriate and culturally and linguistically appropriate manner.`(2) The literacy training shall be provided at the local level in order--`(A) to be provided, to the extent feasible, in the context of the Head Start programs of the State involved and the children the program involved serves; and`(B) to be tailored to the early childhood literacy background and experience of the teachers involved.`(3) The literacy training shall be culturallyin a developmentally, culturally, and linguistically appropriate and support children's development in their home language.`(4) The literacy training shall include training in manner and support children's development in their native language;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(C) the literacy training shall include training in how to work with parents to enhance positive language and early literacy development at home.`(5) The literacy training shall include;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(D) the literacy training shall include specific methods to best address the needs of children who are limited English proficient.`(6) The literacy training shall include training on ;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(E) the literacy training shall include training on how to best address the language and literacy needs of children with disabilities, including training on how to work with specialists in language development.'.SEC. 18; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(F) the literacy training shall be tailored to the early childhood literacy background and experience of the teachers involved;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





except that funds made available under section 640(a)(2)(C)(i) shall not be used for long-distance travel expenses for training activities available locally or regionally or for training activities substantially similar to locally or regionally available training activities.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(e) State-Based Training and Technical Assistance System- For the purposes of delivering a State-based training and technical assistance system (which may include a consortium of 2 or more States within a region) or a national system in the case of migrant or seasonal Head Start and Indian Head Start programs, as described in section 640(a)(2)(C)(i)(II)(bb), that will meet the needs of local grantees, as determined by such grantees, and provide high-quality, sustained, and intensive training and technical assistance to Head Start agencies and programs in order to improve their capacity to deliver services that meet or exceed the standards described in section 641A(a)(1), the Secretary shall--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(1) enter into contracts in each State with 1 or more entities that have a demonstrated expertise in supporting the delivery of high-quality early childhood education and development programs, except that contracts for a consortium of 2 or more States within a geographic region may be entered into if such a system is more appropriate to better meet the needs of local grantees within a region, as determined by such grantees;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(2) ensure that the entities described in subparagraph (1) determine the types of services to be provided through consultation with--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) local Head Start agencies (including Indian Head Start agencies and migrant or seasonal Head Start agencies, as appropriate);CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) the State Head Start collaboration office; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(C) the State Head Start Association;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(3) encourage States to supplement the funds authorized in section 640(a)(2)(C)(i)(II)(bb) with Federal, State, or local funds other than funds made available under this subchapter, to expand training and technical assistance activities beyond Head Start agencies to include other providers of other early childhood education and development programs within a State;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(4) provide a report to the Committee on Education and Labor of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate, not later than 90 days after the end of the fiscal year, summarizing the funding for such contracts and the activities carried out thereunder;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(5) periodically evaluate the effectiveness of the delivery of services in each State in promoting program quality; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(6) 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.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(f) Indoor Air Quality- The Secretary shall consult with appropriate Federal agencies and other experts, as appropriate, on issues of air quality related to children's health and inform Head Start agencies of existing programs or combination of programs that provide methods for improving indoor air quality.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(g) Career Advancement Partnership Program-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(1) AUTHORITY- From amounts allocated under section 640(a)(2)(C) the Secretary is authorized to award demonstration grants, for a period of not less than 5 years, to historically Black colleges and universities, Hispanic-serving institutions, and Tribal Colleges and Universities--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) to implement education programs that increase the number of associate, baccalaureate, and graduate degrees in early childhood education and related fields that are earned by Head Start agency staff members, parents of children served by such agencies, and members of the communities involved;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) to provide assistance for stipends and costs related to tuition, fees, and books for enrolling Head Start agency staff members, parents of children served by such an agency, and members of the communities involved in courses required to complete the degree and certification requirement to become teachers in early childhood education and related fields;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(C) to develop program curricula to promote high-quality services and instruction to children with diverse backgrounds, including--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(i) in the case of historically Black colleges and universities, to help Head Start Agency staff members develop skills and expertise needed to teach in programs serving large numbers of African American children;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(ii) in the case of Hispanic-serving institutions, programs to help Head Start Agency staff members develop skills and expertise needed to teach in programs serving large numbers of Hispanic children, including programs to develop the linguistic skills and expertise needed to teach in programs serving a large number of children with limited English proficiency; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(iii) in the case of Tribal Colleges and Universities, to help Head Start Agency staff members develop skills and expertise needed to teach in programs serving large numbers of Indian children, including programs concerning tribal culture and language;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(D) to provide other activities to upgrade the skills and qualifications of educational personnel to meet the professional standards in subsection (a) to better promote high-quality services and instruction to children and parents from populations served by historically Black colleges and universities, Hispanic-serving institutions, or Tribal Colleges and Universities;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(E) to provide technology literacy programs for Indian Head Start agency staff members and families of children served by such agency; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(F) to develop and implement the programs described under subparagraph (A) in technology-mediated formats, including through such means as distance learning and use of advanced technology, as appropriate.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(2) OTHER ASSISTANCE- The Secretary shall, using resources within the Department of Health and Human Services--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) provide appropriate technical assistance to historically Black colleges and universities, Hispanic-serving institutions, and Tribal Colleges and Universities receiving grants under this section, including coordinating with the White House Initiative on historically Black colleges and universities; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) ensure that the American Indian Programs Branch of the Office of Head Start of the Administration for Children and Families of the Department of Health and Human Services can effectively administer the programs under this section and provide appropriate technical assistance to Tribal Colleges and Universities under this section.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(3) APPLICATION- Each historically Black college or university, Hispanic-serving institution, or Tribal College or University desiring a grant under this section shall submit an application, in partnership with at least 1 Head Start agency enrolling large numbers of students from the populations served by historically Black colleges and universities, Hispanic-serving institutions, or Tribal Colleges and Universities, to the Secretary, at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require, including a certification that the institution of higher education has established a formal partnership with 1 or more Head Start agencies for the purposes of conducting the activities described in paragraph (1).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(4) DEFINITIONS- In this subsection:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) The term `Hispanic-serving institution' has the meaning given such term in section 502 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1101a).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) The term `historically Black college or university' has the meaning given the term `part B institution' in section 322(2) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1061(2)).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(C) The term `Tribal College or University' has the meaning given such term in section 316(b) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1059c(b)).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(5) TEACHING REQUIREMENT- A student at an institution receiving a grant under this subsection who receives assistance under a program funded under this subsection shall 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.'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





SEC. 19. STAFF QUALIFICATIONS AND DEVELOPMENT.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Section 648A of the Head Start Act (42 U.S.C. 9843a) is amended--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) in subsection (a)--(A) by striking paragraphby amending subsection (a) to read as follows:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(a) Classroom Teachers-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(1) PROFESSIONAL REQUIREMENTS- The Secretary shall ensure that each Head Start classroom in a center-based program is assigned 1 teacher who has demonstrated competency to perform functions that include--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) planning and implementing learning experiences that advance the intellectual and physical development of children, including improving the readiness of children for school by developing their literacy, phonemic, and print awareness, their understanding and use of language, their understanding and use of increasingly complex and varied vocabulary, their appreciation of books, their understanding of early math and early science, their problem-solving abilities, and their approaches to learning;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) establishing and maintaining a safe, healthy learning environment;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(C) supporting the social and emotional development of children; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(D) encouraging the involvement of the families of the children in a Head Start program and supporting the development of relationships between children and their families.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(2) and inserting the following:`(2)DEGREE REQUIREMENTS-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) IN GENERAL- The Secretary shall establish staff qualification goals to ensure that--`(i) not later than HEAD START TEACHERS- The Secretary shall ensure that not later than September 30, 2012, all3, at least 50 percent of Head Start teachers nationwide in center-based programs have at least--`(I)(aa) an associate degree (or equivalent coursework) relating to early childhood; or`(bb) an associate degree in a related educational area and, to the extent practicable,--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(i) a baccalaureate or advanced degree in early childhood education; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(ii) a baccalaureate or advanced degree and coursework relating to early childhood; and`(II) demonstratedequivalent to a major relating to early childhood education, with experience teaching competencies, as determined by the program director involved (including, at a minimum, an appropriate level of literacy, a demonstrated capacity to be highly engaged with children, and a demonstrated ability to effectively implement an early childhood curriculum);`(ii)preschool-age children.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) ADDITIONAL STAFF- The Secretary shall ensure that, not later than September 30, 2010, all Head Start3, all--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(i) Head Start education coordinators, including those that serve as curriculum specialists and education coordinators, nationwide in center-based programs have--`(I)--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(I) have the capacity to offer assistance to other teachers in the implementation and adaptation of curricula to the group and individual needs of a class; and`(II)children in a Head Start classroom; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(II) have--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

`(aa) a baccalaureate or advanced degree relating to early childhoodin early childhood education; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink

`(bb) a baccalaureate or advanced degree and coursework equivalent to a major relating to early childhood;`(iii) not later than September 30, 2010, all education, with experience teaching preschool-age children; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink

`(ii) Head Start teaching assistants nationwide in center-based programs have--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(I) at least a child development associate credential;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(II) enrolled in a program leading to an associate or baccalaureate degree; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(III) enrolled in a child development associate credential program to be completed within 2 years; and`(iv) not later than September 30, 2013, 50 percent of all Head Start teachers in center-based programs in each State (and geographic region for Indian Head Start programs and for migrant and seasonal Head Start programs) have a baccalaureate degree relating to early childhood (or a related educational area), and demonstrated teaching competencies, as determined by the program director involved (including, at a minimum, an appropriate level of literacy, a demonstrated capacity to be highly engaged with children, and a demonstrated ability to effectively implement an early childhood curriculum).`(B) TEACHER IN-SERVICE REQUIREMENT- Each Head Start teacher shall attend not less than 15 clock hours of professional development per year. Such professional development shall be high quality, sustained, intensive, and classroom-focused in order to have a positive and lasting impact on classroom instruction and the teacher's performance in the classroom, and regularly evaluated for effectiveness.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(C) PROGRESS-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(i) REPORT- The Secretary shall--`(I)IMPLEMENTATION- The Secretary shall--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(I) require Head Start agencies to--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

`(aa) describe continuing progress each year toward achieving the goals described in subparagraph (A);s (A) and (B); andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink

`(bb) annually submit to the Secretary a report indicating the number and percentage of classroom instructorspersonnel described in subparagraphs (A) and (B) in center-based programs with child development associate credentials or associate, baccalaureate, or advanced degrees;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

and`(II) compile and submit a summary of all program reports described in subclause (I)(bb) to the Committee on Education and Labor of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate.`(ii) DEMONSTRATE PROGRESS- A Head Start agency may demonstrate that progress by partnering with institutions of higher education or other programs that recruit, train, place, and support college students to deliver an innovative program of early childhood education and care to preschool children.`(D; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(III) not impose any penalties or sanctions on any individual Head Start agency, program, or staff in the monitoring of local agencies and programs under this subchapter not meeting the requirements of subparagraph (A) or (B).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(D) CONSTRUCTION- In this paragraph a reference to a Head Start agency, or its program, services, facility, or personnel, shall not be considered to be a reference to an Early Head Start agency, or its program, services, facility, or personnel.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(3) ALTERNATIVE CREDENTIALING AND DEGREE REQUIREMENTS- The Secretary shall ensure that, for center-based programs, each Head Start classroom that does not have a teacher who meets the qualifications described in clause (i) or (ii) of paragraph (2)(A) is assigned one teacher who has the following during the period specified:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) Through September 30, 2011--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(i) a child development associate credential that is appropriate to the age of children being served in center-based programs;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(ii) a State-awarded certificate for preschool teachers that meets or exceeds the requirements for a child development associate credential;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(iii) an associate degree in early childhood education;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(iv) an associate degree in a related field and coursework equivalent to a major relating to early childhood education, with experience teaching preschool-age children; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(v) a baccalaureate degree and has been admitted into the Teach For America program, passed a rigorous early childhood content exam, such as the Praxis II, participated in a Teach For America summer training institute that includes teaching preschool children, and is receiving ongoing professional development and support from Teach For America's professional staff.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) As of October 1, 2011--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(i) an associate degree in early childhood education;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(ii) an associate degree in a related field and coursework equivalent to a major relating to early childhood education, with experience teaching preschool-age children; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(iii) a baccalaureate degree and has been admitted into the Teach For America program, passed a rigorous early childhood content exam, such as the Praxis II, participated in a Teach For America summer training institute that includes teaching preschool children, and is receiving ongoing professional development and support from Teach For America's professional staff.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(4) WAIVER- On request, the Secretary shall grant--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) through September 30, 2011, a 180-day waiver ending on or before September 30, 2011, of the requirements of paragraph (3)(A) for a Head Start agency that can demonstrate that the agency has attempted unsuccessfully to recruit an individual who has the qualifications described in any of clauses (i) through (iv) of paragraph (3)(A) with respect to an individual who--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(i) is enrolled in a program that grants a credential, certificate, or degree described in clauses (i) through (iv) of paragraph (3)(A); andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(ii) will receive such credential, certificate, or degree under the terms of such program not later than 180 days after beginning employment as a teacher with such agency; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) as of October 1, 2011, a 3-year waiver of the requirements of paragraph (3)(B) for a Head Start agency that can demonstrate that--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(i) the agency has attempted unsuccessfully to recruit an individual who has the qualifications described in clause (i) or (ii) of such paragraph, with respect to an individual who is enrolled in a program that grants a degree described in clause (i) or (ii) of such paragraph and will receive such degree in a reasonable time; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(ii) each Head Start classroom has a teacher who has, at a minimum--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(I) a child development associate credential that is appropriate to the age of children being served in center-based programs; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(II) a State-awarded certificate for preschool teachers that meets or exceeds the requirements for a child development associate credential.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(5) TEACHER IN-SERVICE REQUIREMENT- Each Head Start teacher shall attend not less than 15 clock hours of professional development per year. Such professional development shall be high-quality, sustained, intensive, and classroom-focused in order to have a positive and lasting impact on classroom instruction and the teacher's performance in the classroom, and regularly evaluated by the program for effectiveness.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(6) SERVICE REQUIREMENTS- The Secretary shall establish requirements to ensure that, in order to enable Head Start agencies to comply with the requirements of subparagraph paragraph (2)(A), individuals who receive financial assistance under this subchapter to pursue a degree or credential described in subparagraph described in paragraph (2)(A) shall--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(iA) teach or work in a Head Start program for a minimum of 3 years after receiving the degree; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(iiB) repay the total or a prorated amount of the financial assistance received based on the length of service completed after receiving the degree.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





'; and(B) in paragraph (3), by striking `(i) or (ii)' and inserting `(i) or (iv)';(2) in subsection (c)--(A) in paragraph (2), by striking `and' at the end;(B) in paragraph (3), by striking the period and inserting `; and'; and(C) by adding at the end the following: `(7) USE OF FUNDS- The Secretary shall require that any Federal funds provided directly or indirectly to comply with paragraph (2)(A) shall be used toward degrees awarded by an institution of higher education, as defined by section 101 or 102 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001, 1002).'; CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) by amending subsection (c) to read as follows:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(c) Family Service Workers- To improve the quality and effectiveness of staff providing in-home and other services (including needs assessment, development of service plans, family advocacy, and coordination of service delivery) to families of children participating in Head Start programs, the Secretary, in coordination with concerned public and private agencies and organizations examining the issues of standards and training for family service workers, shall--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(1) review and, as necessary, revise or develop new qualification standards for Head Start staff providing such services;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(2) review, and as necessary, revise or develop maximum caseload requirements, as suggested by best practices;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(3) promote the development of model curricula (on subjects including parenting training and family literacy) designed to ensure the attainment of appropriate competencies by individuals working or planning to work in the field of early childhood and family services;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(4) promote the establishment of a credential that indicates attainment of the competencies and that is accepted nationwide; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(5) promote the use of appropriate strategies to meet the needs of special populations (including populations of limited English proficient children).';CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) in subsection (d)(3)(C) by inserting `, including a center,' after `any --CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) in paragraph (3)(C), by inserting `(including a center)' after `agency'; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(4) by adding at the end the following:`(f) B) in paragraph (6), by striking `amounts appropriated under this subchapter and allotted under section 640(a)(2)(D)' and inserting `amounts made available under section 640(a)(2)(E)'; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(4) by adding at the end the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(f) Professional Development Plans- Every Head Start agency and centerach Head Start agency and program shall create, in consultation with employees of the agency or center (including family service workers)an employee, a professional development plan for all full-time Head Start employees who provide direct services to children, including a plan for classroom teachers, curriculum specialists, and education coordinators, and teaching assistants to meet the requirements set forth in subsection (a) and shall ensure that such plans are regularly evaluated for their impact on teacher and staff effectiveness. The agency and the employee shall implement the plan to the extent feasible and practicable.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(g) Construction- In this section, a reference to a Head Start agency, or its program, services, facility or personnel, shall not be considered to be a reference to an Early Head Start agency, or its program, services, facility or personnel. For purposes of this section, a teacher who is providing services, in a migrant or seasonal Head Start program, in a classroom for children under age 3, shall be considered to be a teacher in an Early Head Start program, as described in section 645A.'.SEC. 19. TRIBAL COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES HEAD START PARTNERSHIP.The Head Start Act (42 U.S.C. 9831 et seq.) is amended by inserting after section 648A the following:`SEC. 648B. TRIBAL COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY HEAD START PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM.`(a) Purpose- The purpose of this section is to promote social competencies and school readiness in Indian children.`(b) Tribal College or University Head Start Partnership Program-`(1) GRANTS- The Secretary is authorized to award grants, for periods of not less than 5 years, to Tribal Colleges and Universities to--`(A) implement education programs that include education concerning tribal culture and language and increase the number of associate, baccalaureate, and advanced degrees in early childhood education and related fields that are earned by Indian Head Start agency staff members, parents of children served by such an agency, and members of the tribal community involved;`(B) develop and implement the programs under subparagraph (A) in technology-mediated formats, including providing the programs through such means as distance learning and use of advanced technology, as appropriate; and`(C) provide technology literacy programs for Indian Head Start agency staff members and children and families of children served by such an agency.`(2) STAFFING- The Secretary shall ensure that the American Indian Programs Branch of the Head Start Bureau of the Department of Health and Human Services shall have staffing sufficient to administer the programs under this section and to provide appropriate technical assistance to Tribal Colleges and Universities receiving grants under this section.`(c) Application- Each Tribal College or University desiring a grant under this section shall submit an application to the Secretary, at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require, including a certification that the Tribal College or University has established a partnership with 1 or more Indian Head Start agencies for the purpose of conducting the activities described in subsection (b).`(d) Authorization of Appropriations- There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section, $10,000,000 for fiscal year 2008 and such sums as may be necessary for each of fiscal years 2009 through 2012.`(e) Definitions- In this section:`(1) INSTITUTION OF HIGHER EDUCATION- The term `institution of higher education' has the meaning given such term in section 101(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001(a)).Staff Recruitment and Selection Procedures- Before a Head Start agency employs an individual, such agency shall--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(1) conduct an interview of such individual;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(2) TRIBAL COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY- The term `Tribal College or University'--`(A) has the meaning given such term in section 316 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1059c); and`(B) means an institution determined to be accredited or a candidate for accreditation by a nationally recognized accrediting agency or association.'.verify the personal and employment references provided by such individual; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(3) obtain--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) a State, tribal, or Federal criminal record check covering all jurisdictions where the grantee provides Head Start services to children;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) a State, tribal, or Federal criminal record check as required by the law of the jurisdiction where the grantee provides Head Start services; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(C) a criminal record check as otherwise required by Federal law.'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





SEC. 20. RESEARCH, DEMONSTRATIONS, AND EVALUATION.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Section 649 of the Head Start Act (42 U.S.C. 9844) is amended--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) in subsection (a)(1)(B), by inserting `, children determined to be abused or neglected, homeless children, and children in foster care' after `by amending subsection (a)(1)(B) to read as follows:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) use the Head Start programs to develop, test, and disseminate new ideas based on existing scientifically valid research, for addressing the needs of low-income preschool children (including children with disabilities, homeless children, children who have been abused or neglected, and children in foster care) and their families and communities (including demonstrations of innovative non-center-based program models such as home-based and mobile programs), and otherwise to further the purposes of this subchapter.';CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) in subsection (d)--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) in paragraph (8), by adding `and' at the end;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) by striking paragraphs (9) and (10), and inserting the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(10)(A) contribute to understanding the impact of Head Start services delivered in classrooms which include both children with disabilities and children without disabilities, on all of the children; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) disseminate promising practices for increasing the availability and quality of such services and such classrooms.';CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(C) in paragraph (5), by striking `early childhood education, or child development services' and inserting `early childhood education and development or services programs';CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(D) by redesignating paragraphs (5), (6), (7), (8), (9), and (10), through (8) as paragraphs (6), (8), through (9), (10), (11), and (12);(Brespectively;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(E) by inserting after paragraph (4) the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(5)(A) identify successful strategies that promote good oral health and provide effective linkages to quality dental services through pediatric dental referral networks, for infants and toddlers participating in Early Head Start programs and children participating in other Head Start programs; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) identify successful strategies that promote good vision health through vision screenings for such infants, toddlers, and children, and referrals for appropriate followup care for those identified as having a vision problem;';(C) in paragraph (6), as redesignated by subparagraph (A), by striking `child care, early childhood education, or child development services' and inserting `early childhood education and care services';(D) by inserting after that paragraph (6) the following:`(7)(A) contribute to understanding the impact of services related to children with disabilities, delivered in Head Start classrooms, on both children with disabilities and typically-developing children; and`(B) disseminate promising practices for increasing the availability and quality of such services;';(E) in paragraph (10), as redesignated by subparagraph (A), by adding `and' after the semicolon;(F) by striking paragraph (11), as redesignated by subparagraph (A);(G) by redesignating paragraph (12), as redesignated by subparagraph (A), as paragraph (11); and(H andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(F) by striking the last sentence;(3) in subsection andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) in subsection (e)(3), by striking `child care, early childhood education, or child development services' and inserting `early childhood education and care servicedevelopment services or programs';CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(4) in subsection (g)--(A) in paragraph (1)(A)--(i) in the matter preceding clause (i), by striking `education, and early childhood programs' and inserting `and early childhood education and care programs';(ii) by striking clause (i); and(iii) by redesignating clauses (ii) and (iii) as clauses (i) and (ii), respectively;(B) in paragraph (2), by striking `, and research, education, and early childhood programs' and inserting `and research, and early childhood education and care programs';(C) in paragraph (5)(D)--(i) in clause (i), by striking `early childhood programs' and inserting `early childhood education and care programs'; and(ii) in clause (ii), by striking `early childhood program' and inserting `early childhood education and care program'; and(D) in paragraph (7)(C)--(i) in clause (i), by striking `2003' and inserting `2008'; and(ii) in clause (ii)--(I) by striking `Education and the Workforce' and inserting `Education and Labor'; and(II) by striking `Labor and Human Resources' and inserting ` by amending paragraph (7)(C) to read as follows:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(C) TRANSMITTAL OF REPORT TO CONGRESS- Not later than September 30, 2009, the Secretary shall transmit the final report to the Committee on Education and Labor of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate.'; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(5) by striking subsection (h) and inserting the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(h) Limited English Proficient Children-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(1) STUDY- Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of the Improving Head Start for School Readiness Act of 2007, the Secretary shall conduct a study on the status of limited English proficient children and their families participating in Head Start programs (including Early Head Start programs).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(2) REPORT- The Secretary shall prepare and submit to the Committee on Education and Labor of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate, not later than September 30, 2010, a report containing the results of the study, including information on--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) the demographics of limited English proficient children from birth through age 5, including the number of such children receiving Head Start services and Early Head Start services, and the geographic distribution of children described in this subparagraph;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) the nature of the Head Start services and of the Early Head Start services provided to limited English proficient children and their families, including the types, content, duration, intensity, and costs of family services, language assistance, and educational services;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(C) procedures in Head Start programs and Early Head Start programs for the assessment of language needs and the transition of limited English proficient children to kindergarten, including the extent to which such programs meet the requirements of section 642A for limited English proficient children;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(D) the qualifications and training provided to Head Start teachers and Early Head Start teachers who serve limited English proficient children and their families;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(E) the languages in which Head Start teachers and Early Head Start teachers are fluent, in relation to the population, and instructional needs, of the children served;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(F) the rate of progress made by limited English proficient children and their families in Head Start programs and in Early Head Start programs, including--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(i) the rate of progress made by limited English proficient children toward meeting the additional educational standards described in section 641A(a)(1)(B)(ii) while enrolled in such programs;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(ii) a description of the type of assessment or assessments used to determine the rate of progress made by limited English proficient children;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(iii) the correlation between such progress and the type and quality of instruction and educational programs provided to limited English proficient children; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(iv) the correlation between such progress and the health and family services provided by such programs to limited English proficient children and their families; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(G) the extent to which Head Start programs and Early Head Start programs make use of funds under section 640(a)(2)(D) to improve the quality of such services provided to limited English proficient children and their families.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(i) Research and Evaluation Activities Relevant to Diverse Communities- For purposes of conducting the study described in subsection (h), activities described in section 640(l)(5)(A), and other research and evaluation activities relevant to limited English proficient children and their families, migrant and seasonal farmworker families, and other families from diverse populations served by Head Start programs, the Secretary shall award, on a competitive basis, funds from amounts made available under section 640(a)(2)(D) to 1 or more organizations with a demonstrated capacity for serving and studying the populations involved.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(j) Review of Assessments-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(1) APPLICATION OF STUDY- When the study on Developmental Outcomes and Assessments for Young Children by the National Academy of Sciences is made available to the Secretary, the Secretary shall--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) incorpotegrate the results of the study, as appropriate and in accordance with paragraphs (2) and (3), into each assessment used in the Head Start programs; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) use the results of the study to develop, inform, and revise as appropriate the standards and measures described in section 641A, consistent with section 641A(a)(2)(C)(ii).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(2) DEVELOPMENT AND REFINEMENT- In developing and refinINFORM AND REVISE- In informing and revising any assessment used in the Head Start programs, the Secretary shall--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) receive recommendations from the Panel on Developmental Outcomes and Assessments for Young Children of the National Academy of Sciences; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) with respect to the development or refinement of such assessment, ensure--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(i) consistency with relevant, nationally recognized professional and technical standards;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(ii) validity and reliability for all purposes for which assessments under this subchapter are designed and used;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(iii) developmental and linguistic appropriateness of such assessments for children assessed, including children who are limited English proficient; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(iv) that the results can be used to improve the quality of, accountability of, and training and technical assistance in, Head Start programs.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(3) ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS- The Secretary, in carrying out the process described underin paragraph (2), shall ensure that--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) staff administering any assessments under this subchapter have received appropriate training to administer such assessments;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) appropriate accommodations for children with disabilities and children who are limited English proficient are made;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(C) the English and Spanish (and any other language, as appropriate) forms of such assessments are valid and reliable in the languages in which they are administered; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(D) such assessments are not used to exclude children from Head Start programs.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(4) SUSPENDED IMPLEMENTATION OF NATIONAL REPORTING SYSTEM- The Secretary shall--`(A) suspend implementation and terminate further development and use of the National Reporting System; and`(B) incorporate, as appropriate, recommendations under paragraph (2)(A) into any assessment used in the Head Start programs.`(i) Special Rule- The use of assessment items and data on any assessment authorized under this subchapter by any agent of the Federal Government to rank or compare individual children or teachers, or to provide rewards or sanctions for individual children or teachers is prohibited. The Secretary shall not use the results of a single assessment as the sole method for assessing program effectiveness or making grante.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(k) Indian Head Start Study- The Secretary shall--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(1) work in collaboration with the Head Start agencies that carry out Indian Head Start programs, the Indian Head Start collaboration director, and other appropriate entities, including tribal governments and the National Indian Head Start Directors Association--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) to undertake a study or set of studies designed to focus on the American Indian and Alaska Native Head Start-eligible population, with a focus on issues such as curriculum development, availability and need for services, appropriate research methodologies and measures for these populations, and best practices for teaching and educating American Indian and Alaska Native Head Start Children;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) to accurately determine the number of children nationwide who are eligible to participate in Indian Head Start programs each year;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(C) to document how many of these children are receiving Head Start services each year;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(D) to the extent practicable, to ensure that access to Indian Head Start programs for eligible children is comparable to access to other Head Start programs for other eligible children; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(E) to make the funding determinations at the national, regional, or local level under this subchapter.`(j) Services to Limited English Proficient Children and Families-`cisions required in section 640(a)(4)(D)(ii), after completion of the studies required in that section, taking into account--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(i) the Federal government's unique trust responsibility to American Indians and Alaska Natives;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(ii) limitations faced by tribal communities in accessing non-Federal sources of funding to supplement Federal funding for early childhood programs; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(iii) other factors that uniquely and adversely impact children in American Indian and Alaska Native communities such as highly elevated poverty, unemployment and violent crime rates, as well as depressed levels of educational achievement and limited access to non-Federal health, social and educational resources;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(2) in carrying out paragraph (1), consult with the Secretary of Education about the Department of Education's systems for collecting and reporting data about, and maintaining records on, American Indian and Alaska Native students;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(3) not later than 9 months after the effective date of this subsection, publish in the Federal Register a notice of how the Secretary plans to carry out paragraph (1)STUDY- The Secretary shall conduct a study on the status of limited English proficient children and their families in Head Start (including Early Head Start) programs and shall provide a period for public comment. To the extent practicable, the Secretary shall consider comments received before submitting a report to the Congress;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(4) not later than 1 year after the effective date of this subsection, submit a report to the Committee on Education and Labor of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate, detailing how the Department of Health and Human Services plans to carry out paragraph (1);CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(5) through regulation, ensure the confidentiality of any personally identifiable data, information, and records collected or maintained by the Secretary, by Head Start agencies that carry out Indian Head Start programs, and by State Directors of Head Start Collaboration, by the Indian Head Start Collaboration Project Director and by other appropriate entities pursuant to this subsection (such regulations shall provide the policies, protections, and rights equivalent to those provided a parent, student, or educational agency or institution under section 444 of the General Education Provisions Act); andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(6) ensure that nothing in this subsection shall be construed to authorize the development of a nationwide database of personally identifiable information on individuals involved in studies or other collections of data under this subsection.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(l) Migrant and Seasonal Head Start Program Study-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(1) DATA- In order to increase access to Head Start services for children of migrant and seasonal farmworkers, the Secretary shall work in collaboration with providers of migrant and seasonal Head Start programs, the Secretary of Agriculture, the Secretary of Labor, the Bureau of Migrant Health, and the Secretary of Education to--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) collect, report, and share data, within a coordinated system, on children of migrant and seasonal farmworkers and their families, including health records and educational documents of such children, in order to adequately account for the number of children of migrant and seasonal farmworkers who are eligible for Head Start services and determine how many of such children receive the services; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) identify barriers that prevent children of migrant and seasonal farmworkers who are eligible for Head Start services from accessing Head Start services, and develop a plan for eliminating such barriers, including certain requirements relating to tracking, health records, and educational documents, and increasing enrollment.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(2) REPORT- TPUBLICATION OF PLAN- Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of the Improving Head Start for School Readiness Act of 2007, the Secretary shall publish in the Federal Register a notice about how the Secretary plans to implement the activities identified in paragraph (1) and shall provide a period for public comment. To the extent practicable, the Secretary shall consider comments received before implementing any of the activities identified in paragraph (1).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(3) REPORT- Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of the Improving Head Start for School Readiness Act of 2007, and annually thereafter, the Secretary shall submit a report to the Committee on Education and Labor of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate detailing how the Secretary plans to implement the activities identified in paragraph (1), including the progress made in reaching out to and serving eligible children of migrant and seasonal farmworkers, and information on States where such children are still underserved.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(4) PROTECTION OF CONFIDENTIALITY- The Secretary shall, through regulation, ensure the protection of the confidentiality of any personally identifiable data, information, and records collected or maintained by the Secretary, by Head Start agencies that carry out migrant or seasonal Head Start programs, by the State director of Head Start Collaboration, and by the Migrant and Seasonal Farmworker Collaboration project Director (such regulations shall provide the policies, protections, and rights equivalent to those provided a parent, student, or educational agency or institution under section 444 of the General Education Provisions Act (20 U.S.C. 1232g)).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(5) RULE OF CONSTRUCTION- Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to authorize the development of a nationwide database of personally identifiable data, information, or records on individuals involved in studies or other collections of data under this subsection.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(m) Program Emergency Preparedness-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(1) PURPOSE- The purpose of this subsection is to evaluate the emergency preparedness of the Head Start programs, including Early Head Start programs, and make recommendations for how Head Start shall enhance its readiness to respond to an emergency.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(2) STUDY- The Secretary shall evaluate the Federal, State, and local preparedness of Head Start programs, including Early Head Start programs, to respond appropriately in the event of a large-scale emergency, such as the hurricanes Katrina, Rita, and Wilma, the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, or other incidents where assistance may be warranted under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(3) REPORT TO CONGRESS- Not later than 18 months after the date of the enactment of the Improving Head Start for School Readiness Act of 2007, the Secretary shall prepare and submit to Congress, not later than September 2011,mmittee on Education and Labor of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate a report containing the results of the study, including information on--`(A) the demographics of limited English proficient children from birth through age 5, including the number of such children receiving Head Start (including Early Head Start) services and the geographic distribution of children described in this subparagraph;`(B) the nature of Head Start (including Early Head Start) services provided to limited English proficient children and their families, including the types, content, duration, intensity, and costs of family services, language assistance, and educational services;`(C) procedures in Head Start programs for the assessment of language needs and the transition of limited English proficient children to kindergarten, including the extent to which Head Start programs meet the requirements of section 642A for limited English proficient children;`(D) the qualifications of and training provided to Head Start (including Early Head Start) teachers serving limited English proficient children and their families;`(E) the rate of progress made by limited English proficient children and their families in Head Start (including Early Head Start) programs, including--`(i) the rate of progress of the limited English proficient children toward meeting the additional educational standards described in section 641A(a)(1)(B)(ii) while enrolled in Head Start programs, measured between 1990 and 2006;`(ii) the correlation between the progress described in this subparagraph and the type of instruction and educational program provided to the limited English proficient children; and`(iii) the correlation between the progress described in this subparagraph and the health and family services provided by Head Start programs to limited English proficient children and their families; and`(F) the extent to which Head Start programs make use of funds under section 640(a)(3) to improve the quality of Head Start services provided to limited English proficient children and their families.`(k) Research and Evaluation Activities Relevant to Diverse Communities- For purposes of conducting the study in described in subsection (j), activities described in section 640(l)(5)(A), and other research and evaluation activities relevant to limited English proficient children and their families, migrant and seasonal farmworker families, and other families from diverse populations served by Head Start programs, the Secretary shall award, on a competitive basis, funds from amounts made available under section 639(b) to 1 or more organizations with a demonstrated capacity for serving and studying the populations involved.'.evaluation required under paragraph (2), including--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) recommendations for improvements to Federal, State, and local preparedness and response capabilities to large-scale emergencies, including those that were developed in response to hurricanes Katrina, Rita, and Wilma, as they relate to Head Start programs, including Early Head Start programs, and the Secretary's plan to implement such recommendations;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) an evaluation of the procedures for informing families of children in Head Start programs about the program protocols for response to a large-scale emergency, including procedures for communicating with such families in the event of a large-scale emergency;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(C) an evaluation of such procedures for staff training on State and local evacuation and emergency protocols; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(D) an evaluation of procedures for Head Start agencies and the Secretary to coordinate with appropriate Federal, State, and local emergency management agencies in the event of a large scale emergency and recommendations to improve such procedures.'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





SEC. 21. REPORTS.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Section 650 of the Head Start Act (42 U.S.C. 9846) is amended--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) in subsection (a)--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1)--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(i) by striking `Education and the Workforce' and inserting `Education and Labor';CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(ii) by striking `Labor and Human Resources' and inserting `Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions'; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(iii) by striking `(including disabled and non-English language background children)' and inserting `(including children with disabilities, limited English proficient children, and children participating in Indian Head Start programs and migrant andhomeless children, children in foster care, and children participating in Indian Head Start programs and migrant or seasonal Head Start programs)';CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) in paragraph (2), by inserting before the semicolon the following: `, and information on the number of children served under this subsection, disaggregated by type of eligibility criterion';CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(C) in paragraph (3), by striking `funds expended' and all that follows through `640(a)(3),' and inserting `funds made available under section 640(a)';CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(D) in paragraph (8), by inserting `homelessness, children inwhether the child is in foster care,' after `ethnic or was referred by a child welfare agency,' after `background,';CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(CE) in paragraph (12), by inserting `vision care,' after `dental care,';CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(DF) in paragraph (14)--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(i) by striking `Alaskan Natives' and inserting `Alaska Natives'; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(ii) by striking `migrant and' and inserting `migrant orseasonal farmworkers' and inserting `seasonal farmworker families'; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(EG) in the flush matter at the end--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(i) by striking `Education and the Workforce' and inserting `Education and Labor'; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(ii) by striking `Labor and Human Resources' and inserting `Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions';CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





and(2) in subsection (b)--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) by striking `Education and the Workforce' and inserting `Education and Labor';CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) by striking `Labor and Human Resources' and inserting `Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions'; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(C) by striking `Native Alaskan' and inserting `Alaska Native'.; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) by adding at the end the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(c) Fiscal Protocol-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(1) IN GENERAL- The Secretary shall conduct an annual review to assess whether the design and implementation of the triennial reviews described in section 641A(c) include compliance procedures that provide reasonable assurances that Head Start agencies are complying with applicable fiscal laws and regulations.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(2) REPORT- Not later than 30 days after the date the Secretary completes the annual review under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall report the findings and conclusions of the annual review to the Committee on Education and Labor of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(d) Disability-Related Services-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(1) IN GENERAL- The Secretary shall track the provision of disability-related services for children, in order to--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) determine whether Head Start agencies are making timely referrals to the State or local agency responsible for providing services under section 619 or part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. 1419, 1431 et seq.);CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) identify barriers to timely evaluations and eligibility determinations by the State or local agency responsible for providing services under section 619 or part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(C) determine under what circumstances and for what length of time Head Start agencies are providing disability-related services for children who have not been determined under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. 1400 et seq.) to be children with disabilities.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(2) REPORT- Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of the Improving Head Start for School Readiness Act of 2007, the Secretary shall provide a report to the Committee on Education and Labor of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate on the activities described in paragraph (1).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(e) Evaluation and Recommendations Regarding Obesity Prevention- Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of the Improving Head Start for School Readiness Act of 2007 the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Education and Labor of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate a report on the Secretary's progress in assisting program efforts to prevent and reduce obesity in children who participate in Head Start programs, including progress on implementing initiatives within the Head Start program to prevent and reduce obesity in such children.'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





SEC. 22. COMPARABILITY OF WAGES.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Section 653 of the Head Start Act (42 U.S.C. 9848) is amended--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) by striking `The Secretary shall take' and inserting `(a) The Secretary shall Comparability of Wages- The Secretary shall take'; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) by adding at the end the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(b) No Federal funds shall be used to payLimitation-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(1) IN GENERAL- Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no Federal funds may be used to pay any part of the compensation of an individual employed by a Head Start agency in carrying out programs under this subchapter, either as direct or indirect costs or any proration of such costs, in an amount in excess of an amount based on, if such compensation, including non-Federal funds, exceeds an amount equal to the rate payable for level II of the Executive Schedule under section 5313 of title 5, United States Code.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





'. `(2) COMPENSATION- In this subsection, the term `compensation'-- CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) includes salary, bonuses, periodic payments, severance pay, the value of any vacation time, the value of a compensatory or paid leave benefit not excluded by subparagraph (B), and the fair market value of any employee perquisite or benefit not excluded by subparagraph (B); andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) excludes any Head Start agency expenditure for a health, medical, life insurance, disability, retirement, or any other employee welfare or pension benefit.'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





SEC. 23. LIMITATION WITH RESPECT TO CERTAIN UNLAWFUL ACTIVITIES.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Section 655 of the Head Start Act (42 U.S.C. 9850) is amended by inserting `or in' after `assigned by'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





SEC. 24. POLITICAL ACTIVITIES.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Section 656 of the Head Start Act (42 U.S.C. 9851) is amended--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) by striking all that precedes `chapter 15' and inserting the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

`SEC. 656. POLITICAL ACTIVITIES.

`(a) State or Local Agency- For purposes of'; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) by striking subsection (b) and inserting the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(b) Restrictions-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(1) IN GENERAL- A program assisted under this subchapter, and any individual employed by, or assigned to or in, a program assisted under this subchapter (during the hours in which such individual is working on behalf of such program), shall not engage in--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) any partisan or nonpartisan political activity or any other political activity associated with a candidate, or contending faction or group, in an election for public or party office; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) any activity to provide voters or prospective voters with transportation to the polls or similar assistance in connection with any such election.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(2) REGISTRATION- No funds appropriated under this subchapter may be used to conduct voter registration activities. Nothing in this subchapter prohibits the availability of Head Start facilities during hours of operation for the use of any nonpartisan organization to increase the number of eligible citizens who register to vote in elections for Federal office.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(3) RULES AND REGULATIONS- The Secretary, after consultation with the Director of the Office of Personnel Management, may issue rules and regulations to provide for the enforcement of this section, which may include provisions for summary suspension of assistance or other action necessary to permit enforcement on an emergency basis.'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





SEC. 25. PARENTAL CONSENT REQUIREMENT FOR HEALTH SERVICES.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





The Head Start Act (42 U.S.C. 9831 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following new section::CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

`SEC. 657A. PARENTAL CONSENT REQUIREMENT FOR NONEMERGENCY INTRUSIVE PHYSICAL EXAMINATIONS.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

`(a) Definition- The term `nonemergency intrusive physical examination' means, with respect to a child, a physical examination that--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(1) is not immediately necessary to protect the health or safety of the child involved or the health or safety of another individual; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(2) requires incision or is otherwise invasive, or involves exposure of private body parts.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(b) Requirement- A Head Start agency shall obtain written parental consent before administration of any nonemergency intrusive physical examination of a child in connection with participation in a program under this subchapter.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(c) Rule of Construction- Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit agencies from using established methods, for handling cases of suspected or known child abuse and neglect, that are in compliance with applicable Federal, State, or tribal law.'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





SEC. 26. CONFORMING AMENDMENT.Section 2501(c)(1)(C) of the ChildrenENTERS OF EXCELLENCE IN EARLY CHILDHOOD.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





The Head Start Act (42 U.S.C. 9831 et seq.), as amended by section 25, is further amended by adding at the end the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

`(a) Definition- In this section, the term `center of excellence' means a Center of Excellence in Early Childhood designated under subsection (b).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(b) Designation and Bonus Grants- The Secretary shall, subject to the availability of funds under this section, establish a program under which the Secretary shall--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(1) designate not more than 200 exemplary Head Start agencies (including Early Head Start agencies, Indian Head Start agencies, and migrant and seasonal Head Start agencies) as Centers of Excellence in Early Childhood; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(2) make bonus grants to the centers of excellence to carry out the activities described in subsection (d).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(c) Application and Designation-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(1) APPLICATION-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) NOMINATION AND SUBMISSION-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(i) IN GENERAL- To be eligible to receive a designation as a center of excellence under subsection (b), except as provided in clause (ii), a Head Start agency in a State shall be nominated by the Governor of the State, after selection for nomination by such Governor through a competitive process, and shall submit an application to the Secretary at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(ii) INDIAN AND MIGRANT AND SEASONAL HEAD START PROGRAMS- In the case of an Indian Head Start agency or a migrant or seasonal Head Start agency, to be eligible to receive a designation as a center of excellence under subsection (b), such an agency shall be nominated by the head of the appropriate regional office of the Department of Health and Human Services and shall submit an application to the Secretary in accordance with clause (i).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) CONTENTS- At a minimum, the application shall include--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(i) evidence that the Head Start program carried out by the agency involved has significantly improved the school readiness of children who have participated in the program;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(ii) evidence that the program meets or exceeds standards described in section 641A(a)(1), as evidenced by the results of monitoring reviews described in section 641A(c), and has no findings of deficiencies in the preceding 3 years;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(iii) evidence that the program is making progress toward meeting the requirements described in section 648A;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(iv) an assurance that the Head Start agency will develop a collaborative partnership with the State (or a State agency) and other providers of early childhood education and development programs and services in the local community involved to conduct activities under subsection (d);CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(v) a nomination letter from the Governor, or appropriate regional office, demonstrating the agency's Health Act of 200ability to provide the coordination, transition, and training services of the program to be carried out under the bonus grant involved, including coordination of activities with State and local agencies that provide early childhood education and development to children and families in the community served by the agency, and carry out the activities described under subsection (d)(1); andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(vi) a description of how the center involved, in order to expand accessibility and continuity of quality early childhood education and development services and programs, will coordinate activities, as appropriate, assisted under this section with--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(I) programs carried out under the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 247b-1 note) is amended by striking `9840a(h)' and inserting `9840a'.9858 et seq.);CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(II) the Early Head Start programs carried out under section 645A;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(III) Early Reading First and Even Start programs carried out under subparts 2 and 3 of part B of title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6371 et seq., 6381 et seq.);CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(IV) other preschool programs carried out under title I of that Act (20 U.S.C. 6301 et seq.);CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(V) programs carried out under section 619 and part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. 1419, 1431 et seq.);CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(VI) State prekindergarten programs; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(VII) other programs of early childhood education and development.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(2) SELECTION- In selecting agencies to designate as centers of excellence under subsection (b), the Secretary shall designate not less than 1 from each of the 50 States, the District of Columbia, an Indian Head Start program, a migrant or seasonal Head Start program, and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(3) PRIORITY- In making bonus grant determinations under this section, the Secretary shall give priority to agencies that, through their applications, demonstrate that their programs are of exceptional quality and would serve as exemplary models for programs in the same geographic region. The Secretary may also consider the populations served by the applicants, such as agencies that serve large proportions of families of limited English proficient children or other underserved populations, and may make bonus grants to agencies that do an exceptional job meeting the needs of children in such populations.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(4) TERM OF DESIGNATION-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) IN GENERAL- Subject to subparagraph (B), the Secretary shall designate a Head Start agency as a center of excellence for a 5-year term. During the period of that designation, subject to the availability of appropriations, the agency shall be eligible to receive a bonus grant under subsection (b).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) REVOCATION- The Secretary may revoke an agency's designation under subsection (b) if the Secretary determines that the agency is not demonstrating adequate performance or has had findings of deficiencies described in paragraph (1)(B)(ii).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(5) AMOUNT OF BONUS GRANT- The Secretary shall base the amount of funding provided through a bonus grant made under subsection (b) to a center of excellence on the number of children eligible for Head Start services in the community involved. The Secretary shall, subject to the availability of funding, make such a bonus grant in an amount of not less than $200,000 per year.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(d) Use of Funds- A center of excellence that receives a bonus grant under subsection (b)--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(1) shall use not less than 15 percent of the funds made available through the bonus grant to disseminate to other Head Start agencies in the State involved, best practices for achieving early academic success, including--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) best practices for achieving school readiness, including developing early literacy and mathematics skills, for children at risk for school difficulties;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) best practices for achieving the acquisition of the English language for limited English proficient children, if appropriate to the population served; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(C) best practices for providing high-quality comprehensive services for eligible children and their families;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(2) may use the funds made available through the bonus grant--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) to provide Head Start services to additional eligible children;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) to better meet the needs of working families in the community served by the center by serving more children in existing Early Head Start programs (existing as of the date the center is designated under this section) or in full-working-day, full calendar year Head Start programs;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(C) to further coordinate early childhood education and development programs and services and social services available in the community served by the center for at-risk children (birth through age 8), their families, and pregnant women;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(D) to provide professional development for Head Start teachers and staff, including joint training for Head Start teachers and staff, child care providers, public and private preschool and elementary school teachers, and other providers of early childhood education and development programs;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(E) to provide effective transitions between Head Start programs and elementary schools and to facilitate ongoing communication between Head Start and elementary school teachers concerning children receiving Head Start services to improve the teachers' ability to work effectively with low-income, at-risk children and their families;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(F) to develop or maintain partnerships with institutions of higher education and nonprofit organizations, including community-based organizations, that recruit, train, place, and support college students to serve as mentors and reading partners to preschool children in Head Start programs; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(G) to carry out other activities determined by the center to improve the overall quality of the Head Start program carried out by the agency and the program carried out under the bonus grant involved.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(e) Research and Reports-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(1) RESEARCH- The Secretary shall, subject to the availability of funds to carry out this subsection, award a grant or contract to an independent organization to conduct research on the ability of the centers of excellence to use the funds received under this section to improve the school readiness of children receiving Head Start services, and to positively impact school results in the earliest grades. The organization shall also conduct research to measure the success of the centers of excellence at encouraging the center's delegate agencies, additional Head Start agencies, and other providers of early childhood education and development programs in the communities involved to meet measurable improvement goals, particularly in the area of school readiness.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(2) RESEARCH REPORT- Not later than 48 months after the date of enactment of the Improving Head Start for School Readiness Act of 2007, the organization shall prepare and submit to the Secretary and Congress a report containing the results of the research described in paragraph (1).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(3) REPORTS TO THE SECRETARY- Each center of excellence shall submit an annual report to the Secretary, at such time and in such manner as the Secretary may require, that contains a description of the activities the center carried out with funds received under this section, including a description of how such funds improved services for children and families.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(f) Authorization of Appropriations- There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2012 to make bonus grants to centers of excellence under subsection (b) to carry out activities described in subsection (d) and research and report activities described in subsection (e).'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





SEC. 27. GENERAL PROVISIONS.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





The Head Start Act (42 U.S.C. 9831 et seq.), as amended by section 26, is further amended by adding at the end the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

`(a) Limitation- Nothing in this subchapter shall be construed to authorize or permit the Secretary or any employee or contractor of the Department of Health and Human Services to mandate, direct, or control, the selection of a curriculum, a program of instruction, or instructional materials, for a Head Start program.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(b) Special Rule- Nothing in this subchapter shall be construed to authorize a Head Start program or a local educational agency to require the other to select or implement a specific curriculum or program of instruction.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(c) Definition- In this subchapter, the term `health', when used to refer to services or care provided to enrolled children, their parents, or their siblings, shall be interpreted to refer to both physical and mental health.'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





SEC. 28. COMPLIANCE WITH THE IMPROPER PAYMENTS INFORMATION ACT OF 2002.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(a) Definitions- In this section, the term--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) `appropriate committees' means--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) the Committee on Education and Labor of the House of Representatives; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) `improper payment' has the meaning given that term under section 2(d)(2) of the Improper Payments Information Act of 2002 (31 U.S.C. 3321 note).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Requirement for Compliance Certification and Report- The Secretary of Health and Human Services shall submit a report to the appropriate committees that--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) contains a certification that the Department of Health and Human Services has, for each program and activity of the Administration for Children and Families, performed and completed a risk assessment to determine programs and activities that are at significant risk of making improper payments; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) describes the actions to be taken to reduce improper payments for the programs and activities determined to be at significant risk of making improper payments.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Attest: Secretary.

110th CONGRESS 1st Session H. R. 1429 AMENDMENT SEC. 29. REFERENCES IN OTHER ACTS. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink




(a) Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965- Section 1112(c) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6312(c)) is amended--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) in paragraph (1)(G), by striking `performance standards established under section 641A(a) of the Head Start Act' and inserting `education performance standards in effect under section 641A(a)(1)(B) of the Head Start Act'; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) in paragraph (2)(B), by striking `Head Start performance standards as in effect under section 641A(a) of the Head Start Act' and inserting `education performance standards in effect under section 641A(a)(1)(B) of the Head Start Act'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Early Learning Opportunities Act- Section 810(b)(1) of the Early Learning Opportunities Act (20 U.S.C. 9409(b)(1)) is amended by striking `entities funded under section 640(a)(5) of the Head Start Act (42 U.S.C. 9835(a)(5))' and inserting `entities funded under section 640(a)(2)(B)(vi) of the Head Start Act (42 U.S.C. 9835(a)(2)(B)(vi))'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(c) Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) Section 9(b)(12)(A)(iii) of the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (42 U.S.C. 1758(b)(12)(A)(iii)) is amended by striking `the child is a member of a family that meets the low-income criteria prescribed under section 645(a)(1)(A) of the Head Start Act (42 U.S.C. 9840(a)(1)(A))' and inserting `the child meets the eligibility criteria prescribed under section 645(a)(1)(B) of the Head Start Act (42 U.S.C. 9840(a)(1)(B))'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) Section 17(c)(5) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 1766(c)(5)) is amended by striking `the child is a member of a family that meets the low-income criteria prescribed under section 645(a)(1)(A) of the Head Start Act (42 U.S.C. 9840(a)(1)(A))' and inserting `the child meets the eligibility criteria prescribed under section 645(a)(1)(B) of the Head Start Act (42 U.S.C. 9840(a)(1)(B))'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink