Summarizes statements related to two major issues pertaining to S.991, The Department of Education Act of 1977. The issues are: (1) the advisability of creating a separate cabinet level department of education, and (2) the advisability of including Head Start in that department. (CM)

Describes the federal Children's Health Insurance Program, designed to provide free or low-cost health insurance to children in uninsured families with low or moderate incomes. Outlines state innovations in providing outreach to eligible families. Maintains that active early-childhood community involvement is critical to state's efforts to reach…

Examines current reforms in early childhood education, and the nature and scope of changes in the care and education of children since the 1960s. Emphasizes the need for: (1) coherent child and family policy in the United States; (2) appropriate curricula for children of different ages; (3) establishment of a federal office of early childhood…

Discusses calls for Head Start to expand its services for children from birth to three years and to devise standards for infants and toddlers. Recent policy decisions resulting in such expansion are discussed. The need for Head Start staff involved with infant and toddler care to be trained about infancy is considered in detail. (BG)