In which year was the early childhood program called ‘Head Start’ launched in the United States?

‘Head Start’ began as part of President Lyndon B. Johnson’s ‘Great Society’ campaign. Its justification came from the staff of the President’s Council of Economic Advisors. Initially it was launched as an eight-week summer program to teach low-income children in a few weeks what they needed to know to start elementary school.

In 1965, the United States Department of Health and Human Services, a cabinet level department within the U. S., launched the ‘Head Start’ program. It provided comprehensive early childhood education, health, nutrition and parental involvement services to low-income children and families. The program’s services and resources were designed to foster stable family relationships, enhance children’s physical and emotional well-being, and to establish an environment to develop strong cognitive skills within children.

Since 1965, ‘Head Start’ has been transferred to other areas of the U.S.government. With the updated ‘Head Start Act of 1981’, the program was expanded and the legislation was reauthorized. As of late 2005, more than 22 million children had participated.

Eligibility for participants is largely income-based, although each local program includes other criteria such as disabilities and services needed by other family members.

All lead teachers must have a bachelor’s degree or be working toward one. By 2013, all teachers should have at least an associate’s degree in a related field and half of the teachers must have bachelor’s degrees.