The Hidden History of Head Start

by Edward Zigler, Sally J. Styfco

Overview

Currently enrolling approximately 900,000 poor children each year, Head Start has served 25 million children and their families since it was established 44 years ago. Presidents and policymakers have embraced and scorned it. At times scientists have misguided it and the media has misunderstood it. Despite its longevity and renown, much of Head Start's story has never been disclosed to the general public. The Hidden History of Head Start is a detailed account of this remarkable program. Surveying projects that were forerunners of Head Start, its birth during the Johnson administration, its fate during the presidency of George W. Bush, and the many years between--as well as what the future may hold in store for Head Start--Edward Zigler and Sally Styfco offer an inside view of the program's decades of service, detailing the ever-changing waves of politics, ideology, science, media interest, and public mood that oftentimes threatened the program's very existence. Providing a balanced assessment of Head Start's effectiveness, which has been a matter of debate since its inception, the authors also strive to answer questions that continue to pervade discussions about the program and its future. For example, why is Head Start, a leader of early childhood services, still struggling to prove itself? Why does it serve such a narrow segment of the population? And how can Head Start continue its mission as universal preschool becomes a reality? The Hidden History of Head Start will be of great importance to those who shape Head Start's future, and to those who wish to develop, research, and implement new early childhood programs. Students, historians, and scholars in the fields of early intervention and developmental science, as well as policymakers, will find here an invaluable resource as well as a fascinating chronicle of one of the foremost social programs in US history.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780190453091
Publisher:	Oxford University Press
Publication date:	05/07/2010
Series:	Development at Risk Series
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
File size:	2 MB

About the Author

Edward Zigler is a developmental scientist and a pioneer and leader in the field of applied developmental psychology. He served on the committee that planned Head Start and was the federal official responsible for the program during the Nixon Administration. He has advised every succeeding administration on Head Start and early childhood issues. Sally J. Styfco is a writer and social policy analyst specializing in issues pertaining to children and families, particularly early childhood and educational interventions. Her work spans the topics of Head Start, child care, federal education initiatives, the effects of poverty on child development, and the historical progression of government policies in these areas.

Table of Contents

Preface Chapter 1. The Predawn of Head Start: Beginnings of Early Childhood Intervention Chapter 2. The Two Roots of Head Start Chapter 3. Head Start's Early Years Chapter 4. A Conflict of Cultures Chapter 5. Reinventing Head Start Chapter 6. The Failed Union of Head Start and Child Care Chapter 7. Coaxing Science to the Rescue Chapter 8. President James Carter, Head Start's Misunderstood Friend Chapter 9. Ronald Reagan ?Saves? Head Start Chapter 10. George H.W. Bush, the ?Education President? Chapter 11. Head Start's Golden Years Under the Clinton Administration Chapter 12. George W. Bush Versus Head Start Chapter 13. Does Head Start Work? Does it Work Enough? Chapter 14. Deploying the Lessons in Head Start's History Afterword References

Editorial Reviews

"Dr. Ed Zigler's wise and persuasive book combines up-to-the-minute analysis of the voluminous Head Start and preschool research record with rich insights rooted in more than four decades as a policy-maker and renowned researcher. This candid and timely look at the politics, policies, and people that shaped Head Start's history—including a sometimes rueful look back at Zigler's younger self—includes many memorable anecdotes, but never elevates them above the more lasting lessons shared. Researchers and early childhood policy experts will value Dr. Zigler's compelling judgments about the evidence on such controversies as Head Start's lasting benefits. And all Americans hungry for change and good government but skeptical about what is possible should appreciate this real-life story about public policies that have bettered the lot of America's children."—Olivia Golden, Institute Fellow, The Urban Institute, and author of Reforming Child Welfare
Welfare

"This book is terrific. Not only does it present a thorough history of Head Start, it provides an intellectual tour of the issues and research that shaped this landmark program and an insider's perspective on the political twists and turns confronting programs for children and families of the past half century. No one could tell this tale the way Ed Zigler does and only he—a first rate scholar and empirical researcher who has devoted much of his professional life not only to applied work but also to understanding the political ramifications of applied practice—has the capacity to synthesize the information presented here. In many respects, this book serves as a manual for other academics who wish to make an impact on social policy while still maintaining their sense of values and their integrity. It is a remarkable story and it is told very well."—Samuel J. Meisels, President, Erikson Institute

"Zigler integrates the disciplines of political science, sociology and child development to give an intellectually rich and powerful account of one of the most important social programs in recent history. As someone who helped to create and shape Head Start, he tells a story that no one else can. Hidden History is poignant, humorous, and enlightening."—Deborah Stipek, Dean, Stanford School of Education

"This narrative account offers fascinating details into how Head Start became one of the foremost social programs in U.S. history...Zigler's personal anecdotes take the reader behind the scenes to understand what really happened before key events and meetings...a remarkable and lucid documentation of a key part of the early childhood heritage." —National Association for the Education of Young Children

"Ihe Hidden History of Head Start will be of great importance to those who shape Head Start's future, and to those who wish to develop, research, and implement new early childhood programs. Students, historians, and scholars in the fields of early intervention and developmental science, as well as policymakers, will find here an invaluable resource as well as a fascinating chronicle of one of the foremost social programs in US history." —PsycCRITIQUES

"The Hidden History of Head Start will be of deep benefit to students of science and policy making and their interface in child development. A careful reading of this rich and enjoyable account can provide essential lessons that could improve the lives of young children." —PsycCRITIQUES

From the Publisher