HEAD-START - CRITICISMS IN A CONSTRUCTIVE CONTEXT

Recent criticisms of Head Start have arisen as a result of unrealistic expectations; loosely generalized evidence; and misunderstood, incomp lete research. But they have forced advocates to focus on administrati ve problems that make Head Start less effective than it could be. This healthy climate of critical discussion has led to plans to improve pr ogram services and lo proceed with expansion in a more thoughtful mann er. The debate has sparked further ideas to optimize the Head Start ap proach and make the program more responsive to the needs of children a nd families in poverty.