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March 2000

March 2000. Opinion Research Corporation. Founded 1938. Public Attitudes Towards the “Head Start” Program. Summary of Survey Findings. Prepared for:. and. Prepared by. August 7-10, 2003. TABLE OF CONTENTS. BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE.

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March 2000

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  1. March 2000 Opinion Research Corporation Founded 1938 Public Attitudes Towards the “Head Start” Program Summary of Survey Findings Prepared for: and Prepared by August 7-10, 2003

  2. TABLE OF CONTENTS

  3. BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE A series of five questions were asked on CARAVAN®, ORC International’s twice-weekly national shared- cost survey. The purpose of the research was to gain an understanding of the level of public support for Head Start and attitudes toward proposed changes to the program. Results are based on interviews conducted among a representative sample of 1038 adults 18 years old and older (527 men and 511 women) living in private households in the continental United States. Interviewing was completed at ORC's Central Telephone Facilities during the period of August 7-10, 2003. Completed interviews were weighted by four variables: age, sex, geographic region, and race, to ensure reliable and accurate representation of the total adult population. The margin of error at a 95% confidence level is plus or minus three percentage points for the sample of 1038. Smaller sub-groups will have larger error margins.

  4. SURVEY SUMMARY This survey brings good news for proponents of the current version of Head Start, the federally funded, locally run early-childhood education program intended to help America’s poorest children. A solid majority of American adults support the program as presently operated and that support is remarkably uniform across both demographic and political groups. Little support is found for “dismantling” Head Start by transferring control of the program to state governments or diminishing the role of its parent volunteers. Nine out of ten (92%) respondents say that they strongly (68%) or somewhat (24%) support the current federal-to-local program. The unanimity of the support is illustrated by the fact there is no meaningful variation based on political affiliation: 89% of self-identified Republicans (and Independents who lean Republican) join the 91% of Independents and 96% of Democrats (including Independents who lean Democratic) who support the current program. Only about one-quarter (28%) of American adults think that state budget crises should be ignored as Congress considers whether or not to turn Head Start over to state governments, while a majority (54%) agree with the statement: "With state budget problems, it is not a good time to turn Head Start over to the states." More than four out of five Americans (84%) would or might oppose an elected official accused of dismantling or otherwise damaging Head Start as it operates today. A majority (52%) definitely would oppose an elected official faced with such an accusation, while an additional 32% say they might oppose such an official. Again, there is surprisingly little differences across party lines, with 94% of Democrats, 84% of Independents and 78% of Republicans reporting that they would or might oppose an elected official accused of harming Head Start. .

  5. SURVEY SUMMARY Nearly all Americans support the current emphasis on parental involvement in the Head Start classroom as volunteers and on local parent councils. Ninety-one percent of respondents agreed with the statement: “Parents should be able to remain actively involved in local Head Start programs as volunteers and on parent councils.” The support is virtually identical across party lines: Republicans (91%), Independents (93%) and Democrats (92%). More than four out of five (82%) Americans believe that all or more eligible children should be included in Head Start. Nearly three out of five (56%) said all of the estimated 400,000 currently unserved/eligible children should be included in the program and another quarter said that more of the unserved children should be included. Again, the views are consistent across party lines with 52% of Republicans, 54% of Independents and 62% of Democrats supporting the inclusion of alleligible children in the Head Start program.

  6. Opinion Research Corporation Founded 1938 DETAILED FINDINGS

  7. LEVEL OF SUPPORT FOR HEAD START • After being read a brief description of the current Head Start program, nearly all (92%) respondents say they support Head Start as it is operated today with money flowing from the federal level directly to local programs. Sixty-eight percent strongly support Head Start, with another 24% saying they somewhat support the program. • The support cuts across demographic and political divisions, with only a slight difference in the intensity of support. Women (76%), African-Americans (81%), and those identifying themselves as a Democrat or leaning democratic (79%), are slightly more likely to strongly support the current program.

  8. LEVEL OF SUPPORT FOR HEAD START U1: For almost 40 years, the FEDERAL GOVERNMENT’S Head Start program has sent funds directly to LOCAL classrooms to improve the reading and math skills of America’s poorest children. Head Start also helps these at-risk preschoolers by dealing with the health and emotional problems that otherwise would make it tougher for them to learn in school. Would you say that you support or oppose the Head Start program as I have described it? Would you say you: Table 1 of 2 Strongly Oppose3% Don’t Know 1% Somewhat Oppose4% STRONGLY/SOMEWHAT OPPOSE = 7% Somewhat Support24% Strongly Support68% STRONGLY/SOMEWHAT SUPPORT = 92% Base = Total respondents (1038)

  9. LEVEL OF SUPPORT FOR HEAD START U1: For almost 40 years, the FEDERAL GOVERNMENT’S Head Start program has sent funds directly to LOCAL classrooms to improve the reading and math skills of America’s poorest children. Head Start also helps these at-risk preschoolers by dealing with the health and emotional problems that otherwise would make it tougher for them to learn in school. Would you say that you support or oppose the Head Start program as I have described it? Would you say you: Table 2 of 2 88% GENDER 95% 92% RACE 95% 96% POLITICAL POSITION 91% 89% Bases = Men (527); Women (511); White/Caucasion(869); Black/African American (73*);Democrat/Leaning (381); Independent (187); Republican/Leaning (409) *Caution, small base

  10. LEVEL OF OPPOSITION TO TURNING HEAD START OVER TO STATE GOVERNMENTS • Only about one-quarter of Americans think that state budget problems should be ignored as Congress considers whether or not to turn Head Start over to state governments. A majority believe that this is not the time to transfer the program to the states. • After being reminded of current state budget shortfalls, including the tendency of some states to cut back on their own early education programs, more than half (54%) of respondents agree with the statement: "With state budget problems, it is not a good time to turn Head Start over to the states.” In contrast, only 28% percent believe that state budget problems should not be a factor in the decision and a mere 12% believe that, despite state budget problems, this is a good time to transfer the responsibility for Head Start to the states. • Again, there are only small partisan differences, with 48% of Republicans, 54% of Independents in favor of not turning Head Start over to the states. Among Democrats, the margin increases to 62%. • Westerners (62%) are most opposed to turning Head Start over to the states at the current time.

  11. LEVEL OF OPPOSITION TO TURNING HEAD START OVER TO STATE GOVERNMENTS U2: As you may know, a majority of state governments are experiencing budget shortfalls today. The result is that a number of states are cutting their early childhood education programs. One proposal now before Congress would turn over the federal government’s Head Start program for low-income, at-risk children to STATE GOVERNMENTS. Would you say that this is a good or bad time to put state governments in charge of the Head Start program rather than the FEDERAL GOVERNMENT? Would you say: Table 1 of 3 Don’t Know 6% State budget problems should not be a factor in the decision28% With state budget problems, it is not a good time to turn Head Start over to the states 54% Despite state budget problems, this is a good time to turn Head Start over to the states12% Base = Total respondents (1038)

  12. LEVEL OF OPPOSITION TO TURNING HEAD START OVER TO STATE GOVERNMENTS U2: As you may know, a majority of state governments are experiencing budget shortfalls today. The result is that a number of states are cutting their early childhood education programs. One proposal now before Congress would turn over the federal government’s Head Start program for low-income, at-risk children to STATE GOVERNMENTS. Would you say that this is a good or bad time to put state governments in charge of the Head Start program rather than the FEDERAL GOVERNMENT? Would you say: Table 2 of 3 Bases = Democrat/Leaning (381); Independent (187); Republican/Leaning (409). Don’t know not shown

  13. LEVEL OF SUPPORT FOR TURNING HEAD START OVER TO STATE GOVERNMENTS U2: As you may know, a majority of state governments are experiencing budget shortfalls today. The result is that a number of states are cutting their early childhood education programs. One proposal now before Congress would turn over the federal government’s Head Start program for low-income, at-risk children to STATE GOVERNMENTS. Would you say that this is a good or bad time to put state governments in charge of the Head Start program rather than the FEDERAL GOVERNMENT? Would you say: Table 3 of 3 Bases = Northeast (204); Midwest (243); South (368); West (223). Don’t know not shown

  14. POLITICAL RISKS • A politician's position on Head Start can have an impact on his/her chances for election. Eight in ten Americans say they either definitely would or might oppose an elected official accused of "dismantling" or otherwise "damaging" Head Start. • More than half (52%) report that they definitely would oppose an elected official faced with such an accusation. Nearly one-third (32%) say they might oppose. • While 94% of Democrats would or might oppose an elected official accused on harming Head Start, the same reaction is likely among strong majorities of both Independents (84%) and Republicans (78%). • Only among Republicans do fewer than a majority say they would definitely oppose such a candidate (36%).

  15. POLITICAL IMPACT U3: Congress may end up making changes to Head Start in 2003. One proposal to reduce the FEDERAL role in Head Start by giving STATES control has been described as “damaging” or “dismantling” the program for low-income, at-risk children. Would you be more or less likely to oppose a politician who was accused of voting in a way that would damage or dismantle the Head Start program? Would you say: Table 1 of 2 DEFINITELY/MIGHT SUPPORT= 11% You definitely would support a person accused of damaging or dismantling Head Start3% Don’t Know 5% You might support a person accused of damaging or dismantling Head Start8% You definitely would oppose a person accused of damaging or dismantling Head Start 52% You might oppose a person accused of damaging or dismantling Head Start32% DEFINITELY/MIGHT OPPOSE = 84% Base = Total respondents (1038)

  16. POLITICAL IMPACT U3: Congress may end up making changes to Head Start in 2003. One proposal to reduce the FEDERAL role in Head Start by giving STATES control has been described as “damaging” or “dismantling” the program for low-income, at-risk children. Would you be more or less likely to oppose a politician who was accused of voting in a way that would damage or dismantle the Head Start program? Would you say: Table 2 of 2 DEFINITELY/MIGHT OPPOSE Democratic= 94% Independent =84% Republican=78% Bases = Democrat/Leaning (381); Independent (187); Republican/Leaning (409).

  17. SUPPORT FOR PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT • Nearly all Americans support the current emphasis on parental involvement in the Head Start classroom as volunteers and on local parent councils. • When presented with the possibility that the role of local parents in Head Start programs would be deemphasized, 91% of respondents agreed with the statement: "Parents should be able to remain actively involved in local Head Start programs as volunteers and on parent councils." Only 6% agreed that “Congress should make changes that would limit the ability of parents to be actively involved in local Head Start programs as volunteers and on parent councils.” • The opposition to diminishing parental involvement at the local level is at virtually identical levels across party lines: Republicans (91%), Independents (93%) and Democrats (92%).

  18. SUPPORT FOR PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT U4: Today, local Head Start programs for low-income children encourage the involvement of PARENT VOLUNTEERS in the classrooms and on councils that review how the Head Start programs operate. Some people in Congress want to change Head Start so that PARENTS WOULD NOT be emphasized as much as they are in the process today. Which of the following statements do you agree with MORE? Table 1 of 2 Congress should make changes that would limit the ability of parents to be actively involved in local Head Start programs as volunteers and on parent councils 6% Don’t Know 3% Parents should be able to remain actively involved in local Head Start programs as volunteers and on parent councils 91% Base = Total respondents (1038)

  19. SUPPORT FOR PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT U4: Today, local Head Start programs for low-income children encourage the involvement of PARENT VOLUNTEERS in the classrooms and on councils that review how the Head Start programs operate. Some people in Congress want to change Head Start so that PARENTS WOULD NOT be emphasized as much as they are in the process today. Which of the following statements do you agree with MORE? Table 2 of 2 Bases = Democrat/Leaning (381); Independent (187);Republican/Leaning (409).

  20. LEVEL OF SUPPORT FOR FUNDING TO REACH MORE CHILDREN • A substantial majority of American adults (82%) appear to favor increasing Head Start funding to include more (if not all) eligible children. • A majority (56%) of respondents say they believe that all eligible children should be included in Head Start, while another one-quarter (26%) would include at least some of the estimated 400,000 currently unserved/eligible children. In addition, 14% say they would either not increase funding to include more children (10%) or reduce funding (4%). • Again, the views are consistent across all political groups. Majorities of Republicans (52%), Independents (54%) and Democrats (62%) support including alleligible children in the Head Start program.

  21. LEVEL OF SUPPORT FOR FUNDING TO REACH MORE CHILDREN U5: As I have explained, the Head Start program helps America’s poorest children get ready to learn in school. But 40% OF ELIGIBLE CHILDREN in the United States, some 400,000 AT-RISK PRESCHOOLERS, are NOT NOW REACHED BY THE PROGRAM. Should Head Start funding be adequate to make sure that all eligible children benefit from the program? Would you say : Table 1 of 2 Don’t Know 4% Funding should be cut to serve fewer eligible children4% Funding should not be changed to include more eligible children 10% It should include all eligible children 56% It should include more eligible children 26% Base = Total respondents (1038)

  22. LEVEL OF SUPPORT FOR FUNDING TO REACH MORE CHILDREN U5: As I have explained, the Head Start program helps America’s poorest children get ready to learn in school. But 40% OF ELIGIBLE CHILDREN in the United States, some 400,000 AT-RISK PRESCHOOLERS, are NOT NOW REACHED BY THE PROGRAM. Should Head Start funding be adequate to make sure that all eligible children benefit from the program? Would you say : Table 2 of 2 Bases = Democrat/Leaning (381); Independent (187);Republican/Leaning (409). Don’t know not shown.

  23. DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE

  24. Opinion Research Corporation Founded 1938 APPENDIX

  25. RELIABILITY OF SURVEY PERCENTAGES Results of any sample are subject to sampling variation. The magnitude of the variation is measurable and is affected by the number of interviews and the level of the percentages expressing the results. The table below shows the possible sample variation that applies to percentage results reported herein. The chances are 95 in 100 that a survey result does not vary, plus or minus, by more than the indicated number of percentage points from the result that would be obtained if interviews had been conducted with all persons in the universe represented by the sample. Size of Sample on Approximate Sampling Tolerances Applicable Which Survey Results to Percentages At or Near These Levels Are Based 10% or 90%20% or 80%30% or 70%40% or 60%50% 1,000 interviews 2% 2% 3% 3% 3% 500 interviews 3% 4% 4% 4% 4% 250 interviews 4% 5% 6% 6% 6% 100 interviews 6% 8% 9% 10% 10% Additional Sampling Tolerances for Samples of 1,000 Interviews 9% or 91%8% or 92%7% or 93%6% or 94%5% or 95% 2% 2% 2% 1% 1% 4% or 96%3% or 97%2% or 98%1% or 99% 1% 1% 1% .2%

  26. SAMPLING TOLERANCES WHEN COMPARING TWO SAMPLES Tolerances are also involved in the comparison of results from independent parts of the sample. A difference, in other words, must be of at least a certain number of percentage points to be considered statistically significant – that is not due to random chance. The table below is a guide to the sampling tolerances in percentage points applicable to such comparisons, based on a 95% confidence level. Differences Required for Significance At Size of Samples or Near These Percentage Levels Compared 10% or 90%20% or 80%30% or 70%40% or 60%50% 1,000 and 1,000 3% 4% 4% 4% 4% 1,000 and 500 3% 4% 5% 5% 5% 1,000 and 250 4% 6% 6% 7% 7% 1,000 and 100 6% 8% 9% 10% 10% 500 and 500 4% 5% 6% 6% 6% 500 and 250 5% 6% 7% 7% 8% 500 and 100 6% 9% 10% 11% 11% 250 and 250 5% 7% 8% 9% 9% 250 and 100 7% 9% 11% 11% 12% 100 and 100 8% 11% 13% 14% 14%

  27. Opinion Research Corporation Founded 1938 Questionnaire

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