Gov. Beshear seeking stop to proposed federal Head Start overhaul

FRANKFORT, Ky. (WKYT) - Gov. Andy Beshear says he is concerned over proposed changes to Head Start, an early education program he says serves more than 15,000 children in Kentucky.

Beshear says the program is in danger of an overhaul proposed by the Trump administration.

Instructors describe program’s impact

Head Start serves about 56 children in Boyle County. Instructors there say the program is making a difference for children and families.

“But with Head Start, we can support them. Make sure parents aren’t struggling, as well as students,” said Amber Horton, with Boyle County Head Start.

Horton said she has heard about proposed changes because of the overhaul proposed by the Trump administration. She said the program in Danville is working.

“I know they said they were going to take a larger role in the classroom and size of the classroom. We have a bunch of procedures we pride ourselves in. We think it is secure,” Horton said.

Beshear outlines concerns

Concerns over Head Start were one of the main topics discussed at Tuesday’s Team Kentucky update. Beshear said he is concerned the overhaul will increase class sizes, lead to more hunger and make families less safe.

“It does more than help students, it wraps their arms around families. Able to connect them to other services,” Beshear said.

Beshear said there will be less help from SNAP and possibly fewer health care services. President Trump has said the overhaul is needed for more flexibility.

House and Senate Republican leaders were contacted. Senate leadership said they are not going to comment on the issue.

“This is a program overwhelmingly supported by Americans, with 87% of voters saying they support Head Start,” Beshear said.

Beshear also said children who complete Head Start are more likely to graduate high school or college.

Beshear said governors in 24 other states, including Virginia and North Carolina, share his concerns.