To the editor:

In reference to the March 14 article regarding Head Start and its uncertain funding, I would like to share my viewpoint based on working in the program for the past 37 years. The issue has never been one of “whether” but rather “when.” The present administration endorses the move to the Department of Education. It has been talked about over the years but never completed for whatever reason. Times have changed, and this president will probably have his way.

How would this affect local programs? Would Lawrence public schools be interested in operating Head Start? Would they do a better job of managing the program? I wouldn’t begin to venture a guess, but I do know that the school would likely be interested in managing Head Start’s funding of $6,000 per child (although Lawrence receives less than $4,000 per child) and given the budgetary deficiencies of USD 497, this could be a practical solution to their problems.

Over the years, Head Start has put an emphasis on teacher preparation and, with this, teacher certification. The objective is to have a degreed early childhood caregiver in each classroom. This certification is a positive thing and reflects a public school scenario. Perhaps it is time for the public schools to take a more active role in Head Start as it looks like that opportunity will be there.

C. Wallis Henning,

Lawrence