Percentage of 3- and 4-Year-Olds Enrolled in Head Start Programs

What is this measure, and why is this measure important? This measure shows the percentage of 3- and 4-year-olds in federally funded Head Start education programs. Head Start funding provides preschool education, medical care, dental care, nutrition services and mental health services to its participants.¹ These multifaceted services aim to improve the overall quality of life and provide the skills necessary to succeed later in life.

What are the policy issues associated with this measure? Head Start is a federally funded program whose existence is based on yearly decisions made by the federal government. Each year the level of funding may change based on a variety of factors, including, but not limited to, the number of eligible children in a state, approval of the federal budget and supplemental state appropriations. For several years, the federal government has expressed concern about the use of funds for Head Start programs across the nation. With this possibility of variation in funding, states are increasing the amount of evidence they collect and disseminate about the use of Head Start funds in their state.

When interpreting this measure, what should be kept in mind? Despite every state having access to federal funds for implementing a Head Start program, the methods and level of implementation may vary from state to state. Participating students may receive various types of instruction.² All Head Start programs focus on helping children to learn, but many also focus on other aspects of childhood.

Data presented in this measure are from The State of Preschool, which are estimates based on data from the Head Start Program Information Reports for 2000–2010, and the Association for Children and Families. The data do not include children funded by state match; as such, the numbers for some states may underestimate the percentage of students who receive services from a Head Start program, despite the source of funding.