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Cut to Early Education Program for Low-Income Americans
The Heritage Foundation's latest scheme would cut crucial early-education programs for low-income families.
Published July 26, 2024 at 5:07am by
Kamala Harris on Project 2025: "It will end Head Start"
Statement: Project 2025 would "end Head Start."
Rating: True
On July 18, 2024, Vice President Kamala Harris, the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, claimed that Project 2025, a conservative policy agenda, would "end Head Start," a federally funded program providing early education and services for low-income Americans.
The Claim:
Their Project 2025 agenda would even end Head Start to take away preschool from hundreds of thousands of our children. - Vice President Kamala Harris, July 18, 2024. https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/speeches-remarks/2024/07/18/remarks-by-vice-president-harris-at-a-political-event-9/
The Facts:
Project 2025 is a conservative policy blueprint released by the Heritage Foundation, a right-wing think tank, in 2023. It outlines a range of policies for a potential Republican administration to implement. One of these policies, stated explicitly on page 482, is to "Eliminate the Head Start program."
What is Head Start?
Head Start is a federal program that provides free early childhood education, health, and nutrition services for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers from low-income families. It was established in 1965 and has been supported by lawmakers from both parties. During the 2022-23 school year, about 788,000 children and 13,000 pregnant women were enrolled, with a significant proportion being Black or Latino.
What Does Project 2025 Say About Head Start?
The Project 2025 document proposes eliminating Head Start due to its "rampant abuse and lack of positive outcomes." It cites reports of safety violations and questions the program's effectiveness in improving educational outcomes. However, experts debate the longer-term benefits of Head Start on children's development, and it has had positive effects on parental involvement.
The Verdict:
Harris's claim is accurate. Project 2025 explicitly states its intention to eliminate the Head Start program, which could have a significant impact on low-income families and dual-language learners.
Sources:
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