Supporting Early Head Start and Head Start as “Universally Subsidized Pre-Kindergarten Programs”

WHEREAS, the NAACP believes that every child, no matter their circumstances at birth, can succeed in school and in life; and

WHEREAS, the NAACP is committed to breaking down systemic inequities that stand in the way of children having access to safe, stable, and nurturing early care and education opportunities that put children and their families on the path to success in school, in work, and in life; and

WHEREAS, the NAACP celebrates the 57th anniversary of Head Start programming through the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 and the 27th anniversary of Early Head Start programming and recognizes the key role that such programming plays in the aforementioned beliefs and commitments; and 

WHEREAS, the NAACP supports the current administration's efforts to increase and enhance existing Head Start and Early Head Start programming through efforts such as the $1 billion in funding provided by the American Rescue Plan Act; and

WHEREAS, the NAACP supports all aspects of the Head Start Community including Head Start-Child Care Partnerships, Early Head Start programs, migrant and seasonal (MSHS) and American Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN) communities; and

WHEREAS, the NAACP understands the deep impact of Head Start programming, including but not limited to comprehensive family services from prenatal care through age five that develop the whole child with attention to cognitive, social, emotional, and physical aspects; and 

WHEREAS, the NAACP recognizes the significance and necessity of Head Start and Early Head Start programming, specifically for historically underserved students, families, and communities; and

WHEREAS, the NAACP supports all state efforts to foreground Head Start and Early Head Start programs including the expansion and supplement of Head Start, the expansion and supplement of Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK) programs, and subsidized Pre-Kindergarten programs as well as a multi-layered and embedded approach to all early childcare and learning; and  
 
WHEREAS, the NAACP believes that all programmatic advancement for early learners must prioritize the most vulnerable children and their families by strengthening and building upon the success of Head Start and Early Head Start.
 
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the NAACP will work in partnership with others to empower Head Start families, staff, alumni, and allies to advocate for an early childhood system that builds on Head Start's proven model of support for the whole child, the whole family, and the community and that ensures a robust, high-quality system of early learning and care that compensates its workforce equitably for this critical work. 

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that the NAACP, in partnership, will work to ensure a nationwide, robust, and high-quality system of early learning and care that will meet the needs of our nation's youngest learners and prepare them for success in the 21st century by leading advocacy campaigns to expand access to Head Start and Early Head Start and that are strategically aligned with funding opportunities in Congress such as the FY 2023 Federal appropriations process.