The textbook cited Head Start as a program that may not be used by its target population to the extent that policy designers intended. Describe the original target population for Head Start and explain why that group may not be the segment taking full benefit of the program.

What will be an ideal response?

Head Start was primarily intended to serve lower-income families and to enable their children to participate and learn effectively once they entered school. Head Start is, however, only a part-day program, whereas in most low-income families, all the adults who can do so will be working all day and therefore need day care for the full day. The educational qualities of Head Start are largely absent from such day care programs, but the parents must go to work. As a result, Head Start tends to be used by higher-income families, and the target population has been largely missed or, at a minimum, has been underserved.