Davids Visits Olathe Head Start, Highlights Federal Investments for Early Education

OLATHE, KS - Yesterday, Representative Sharice Davids visited Olathe Public Schools Head Start to learn how the program will benefit from a new federal grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The $1,730,023 federal investment will ensure the students Davids met today are emotionally and intellectually prepared for schooling in the coming years. Research shows a high return on investment for early childhood programs, yielding a $4 – $9 economic return for every $1 invested.

“The benefits of Head Start appear immediately and last a lifetime. These early education programs impart the social and emotional skills needed for students to excel in their future educational, career, and personal pursuits,” said Davids. “I enjoyed my time with students and faculty at Olathe Public Schools Head Start today and look forward to seeing how these new federal investments will make a difference in the children’s success.”

Students in early childhood education programs are less likely to repeat grades, are 25 percent more likely to graduate high school, and are four times more likely to complete a bachelor’s degree in comparison to non-Head Start students. But long-term benefits of Head Start programs are not only limited to educational success. Children in Head Start are healthier and have better social and emotional skills. In adulthood, statistics show that former Head Start students experience greater economic stability and earn higher wages.

“On behalf of Olathe Public Schools, we are very pleased to continue to offer comprehensive services to our Head Start children and families,” said Kimberly Sill, Director, Olathe Public Schools Head Start. “The Olathe School District has offered Head Start services to the community since the inception of Head Start in 1965. This funding will support high-quality learning, school readiness skills, as well as nutritious meals, health and developmental screenings, and oral and mental health support. Head Start helps provide a solid foundation for learning and thriving in school. We know that high quality early childhood programming is one of the most effective strategies to ensure future success for the next generation.”

During her visit yesterday, Davids toured the Heartland Early Childhood Center, one of two Head Start programs operated by Olathe Public Schools. She was joined by Dr. Kim Hawkins, Director of Early Childhood at Olathe Public Schools, and Kimberely Still. Davids also sat down with current Head Start students to read a book.

The federal grant highlighted during Davids’ visit will be used to continue providing early education opportunities and family support services to children and families in Southern Johnson County. It will also help provide nutritious meals, health and developmental screenings, and oral and mental health support for students.

As a first-generation college student who worked her way from Leavenworth High School to Cornell Law School, Davids understands the value of a quality education for the success of a student and our overall economy. In the 117th Congress, she announcedfunding for three additional Head Start programs: Kansas City Kansas Public School's Successful Beginnings, The Family Conservancy, and the University of Kansas Medical Center's Project Eagle.

Davids was the only member of the Kansas delegation to support the American Rescue Plan (ARP), which helped keep 3,810 Kansas childcare programs open during the pandemic, impacting up to 119,000 children. Experts have stated access to reliable and affordable childcare is necessary for the financial stability of working families and the economic growth and global competitiveness of our country. The Plan also allocated about $29 million to Kansas' Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) program to support early intervention and special education services.

Since its creation in 1965, Head Start has reached more than 40 million children across the United States. Nationwide, children ages 0-5 whose families meet federal poverty guidelines, are experiencing homelessness, receiving public assistance services, or are in the foster care system are eligible for Head Start programs. Head Start has options for every child’s specific learning needs, including home-based services, center-based services, or a combination of settings.