Head start and preschool education - Toward continued improvement

The first 5 years of life influence school readiness and achievement; high- quality preschool experiences can enhance development (C. T. Ramey & Ramey, 1998, 1999). Ripple, Giliam, Chanana, and Zigler (1999) provide valuable d ata about states' efforts on behalf of preschoolers. Their data reveal that too many states still have no programs, although some have launched promis ing, innovative, and universal preschool programs with accompanying researc h. A continued role for Head Start is thus justified, but only if Head Star t invests seriously and consistently in high-quality programs. Present frag mentation of services, as well as support for weak programs, must be ended. Effective technical assistance to programs and the promotion of active col laboration with other community agencies, including schools, is critical to success for states ann Head Start alike. Forging a new, powerful national coalition that has adequate resources, strong political clout, needed exper tise, and a commitment to children's development and school readiness is ne cessary.