Evaluating Head Start Program for Low-SES Students: Effectiveness, Challenges, and Future Directions

Meiyi Lu

doi:10.54254/2753-7048/2025.NS28869

Lecture Notes in Education Psychology and Public MediaOpen access

Evaluating Head Start Program for Low-SES Students: Effectiveness, Challenges, and Future Directions

Research Article

Open Access

Evaluating Head Start Program for Low-SES Students: Effectiveness, Challenges, and Future Directions

Meiyi Lu ^1*

¹ UW Madison

^*Corresponding author: 3270667662@qq.com

Published on 5 November 2025

LNEP Vol.114

ISSN (Print): 2753-7056

ISSN (Online): 2753-7048

ISBN (Print): 978-1-80590-511-0

ISBN (Online): 978-1-80590-512-7

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Abstract

With the development of social policy in different areas, the existence of childhood education and related programs has been broadly recognized as one of the key factors to support and benefit children’s development. Indeed, many developed nations have implemented preschool programs at different levels. This paper mainly examines Head Start as a social policy in compensatory education for children from low socioeconomic status backgrounds. Based on current research and policy analyses, it evaluates the program’s theoretical foundations, implementation approaches, and outcomes through social policy management principles. Since its inception in 1965, Head Start has served as America’s flagship early childhood intervention program, providing comprehensive services to millions of disadvantaged children. Despite significant federal investment spanning nearly six decades, funding limitations, quality inconsistencies, and evaluation complexities continue to influence the program’s impact. This analysis concludes that while Head Start demonstrates significant potential for improving early childhood outcomes, its overall effectiveness is constrained by chronic funding instability and structural implementation challenges—highlighting the need for sustainable investment and consistent quality assurance.

Keywords:

Head Start, compensatory education, social policy management, socioeconomic status

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References

[1]. A brief history and overview of the Head Start program. (2020, October 16). First Five Years Fund. https: //www.ffyf.org/resources/2020/10/a-brief-history-and-overview-of-the-head-start-program/

[2]. Congressional Research Service. (2014). Head Start: Background and Funding (pp. 1–58). Congressional Research Service.

[3]. Koppelman, J. (2003). Reauthorizing Head Start: The future federal role in preschool programs for the poor. NHPF Issue Brief, 789, 1–22.

[4]. Jacoby, J. W., & Lesaux, N. K. (2017). Policy-based instructional reform in early education: How US Head Start teachers perceive instructional mandates. International Journal of Child Care and Education Policy, 11(1), 1–21. https: //doi.org/10.1186/s40723-017-0034-x

[5]. Green, B. L., Ayoub, C., Bartlett, J. D., Furrer, C., Chazan-Cohen, R., Buttitta, K., Von Ende, A., Koepp, A., & Regalbuto, E. (2020). Pathways to prevention: Early Head Start outcomes in the first three years lead to long-term reductions in child maltreatment. Children and Youth Services Review, 118, 105403. https: //doi.org/10.1016/j.childyouth.2020.105403

[6]. Gunn, E. (2025, April 15). Report that Head Start could end alarm providers for the early childhood education program • Wisconsin Examiner. Wisconsin Examiner. https: //wisconsinexaminer.com/2025/04/15/report-that-head-start-could-end-alarms-providers-for-the-early-childhood-education-program/

[7]. Wagner, E. (2022, January 12). Head start works: The facts and the impacts. NHSA. https: //nhsa.org/resource/facts-and-impacts/

[8]. Bailey, M. J., Sun, S., & Timpe, B. (2021). Prep school for poor kids: The long-run impacts of Head Start on human capital and economic self-sufficiency. The American Economic Review, 111(12), 3963–4001. https: //doi.org/10.1257/aer.20181801

[9]. Thompson, O. (2017). Head Start’s long-run impact. Journal of Human Resources, 53(4), 1100–1139. https: //doi.org/10.3368/jhr.53.4.0216.7735r1

[10]. U.S. Government Accountability Office. (2025, July 23). Department of Health and Human Services—application of impoundment control act to availability of head start program funds. U.S. GAO. https: //www.gao.gov/products/b-337202

[11]. Arundel, K. (2025, January 24). Head Start programs under interim management struggle with staff and safety issues. K-12 Dive. https: //www.k12dive.com/news/head-start-interim-management-staff-shortages-safety-fiscal-management/737986/

References

[1]. A brief history and overview of the Head Start program. (2020, October 16). First Five Years Fund. https: //www.ffyf.org/resources/2020/10/a-brief-history-and-overview-of-the-head-start-program/

[2]. Congressional Research Service. (2014). Head Start: Background and Funding (pp. 1–58). Congressional Research Service.

[3]. Koppelman, J. (2003). Reauthorizing Head Start: The future federal role in preschool programs for the poor. NHPF Issue Brief, 789, 1–22.

[7]. Wagner, E. (2022, January 12). Head start works: The facts and the impacts. NHSA. https: //nhsa.org/resource/facts-and-impacts/

[9]. Thompson, O. (2017). Head Start’s long-run impact. Journal of Human Resources, 53(4), 1100–1139. https: //doi.org/10.3368/jhr.53.4.0216.7735r1

Cite this article

Lu,M. (2025). Evaluating Head Start Program for Low-SES Students: Effectiveness, Challenges, and Future Directions. Lecture Notes in Education Psychology and Public Media,114,8-13.

Data availability

The datasets used and/or analyzed during the current study will be available from the authors upon reasonable request.

About volume

Volume title: Proceedings of the 4th International Conference on International Law and Legal Policy

ISBN: 978-1-80590-511-0(Print) / 978-1-80590-512-7(Online)

Editor: Renuka Thakore, Abdullah Laghari

Conference website: https://2025.icillp.org/Nawabshah.html

Conference date: 17 October 2025

Series: Lecture Notes in Education Psychology and Public Media

Volume number: Vol.114

ISSN: 2753-7048(Print) / 2753-7056(Online)

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