US Senator Tammy Baldwin visits a Wausau Head Start facility. MWC photo by Mike Leischner
WAUSAU, WI (WSAU) — US Senator Tammy Baldwin spent part of her Tuesday at Wausau Head Start advocating against proposed cuts and restructuring to the program.
“[Head Start gives] children from low-income homes a chance to start first grade at par with their peers that have more advantages,” said Baldwin. “It gives them a chance to finish school, graduate, and maybe go to college. It provides what the name implies, a head start.”
During the tour, Baldwin stopped to read a book to one classroom and also discussed the process of turning the former Grant Elementary building into a Head Start facility. She also thanked staff for the work they do.
“It was wonderful to see the enthusiasm of teachers. These are experienced teachers with a two- or a four-year degree. If you’re a teaching assistant, you have credentials and, in the case of the classroom we were in, have several years of experience. In a classroom like that, you are getting planned, thoughtful activities,” said Baldwin.
Supporters say the cuts would deregulate Head Start and allow for more local decision-making while cutting administrative costs. Opponents of the move say it would diminish the quality of a Head Start education.
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