The federal Head Start program was established in 1965. Since that time, hundreds of research studies have shown that Head Start helps children succeed in school and life. Children who attend Head Start:

• Enter kindergarten ready to learn and are reading at grade level by the end of kindergarten
•  Do better on achievement tests, are more likely to graduate high school, and less likely to repeat grades than their peers who do not attend Head Start
• Get better grades in kindergarten on literacy, math, conduct, and physical development
• Are more likely to attend college than their siblings who did not attend Head Start
• Are less likely to be charged with a crime or have an out of wedlock birth as young adults

Parents who are involved in Head Start:

• Are more likely to read to their children
• Are more likely to report confidence in their parenting and coping skills and experience less depression, anxiety, and sickness
• Gain skills that they can use to gain jobs and increase their family stability

The National Head Start Association has full citations and links to research studies.