George, Please Listen to Barbara

During a recent celebration marking the 25th anniversary of Head Start, the exemplary federally funded preschool program for poor children, First Lady Barbara Bush lavished praise, and made a heartening promise: “George Bush knows our children need more,” she said. “He has pledged that every eligible 4-year-old should have a head start in life.”

At present, Head Start serves 37% of the eligible 4-year-olds and 18% of all eligible children between 3 and 5. More than 488,500 youngsters benefit at a cost of $1.4 billion. It would cost $5 billion to fully fund the comprehensive program, according to the Committee on Education Funding.

It’s unrealistic to expect President Bush to triple the funding when he proposes his budget next week, given the deficits and competing national priorities. But he should significantly expand Head Start. It works.

Head Start children learn to think, develop language skills and gain confidence. They are far less likely to be held back a grade, according to a congressional study, or be assigned to special education classes. Poor children who attend high- quality preschool programs are more likely to graduate from high school and attend college or obtain job training, according to a definitive study by the High/Scope Educational Research Foundation in Ypsilanti, Mich., and less likely to get pregnant, go on welfare or get arrested.

The program is expensive. It costs to provide education, meals, medical attention and dental care. But the investment pays off. According to the High/Scope study, every dollar invested saves $6 in future social costs.

Eleven million children have benefited since President Johnson launched Head Start in 1965. Today’s children need more. Barbara Bush is right.