For Head Start, A Marathon Run

The pioneering federal preschool program, launched during the War on Poverty, faces reauthorization amid competition from state programs and perennial debates about its efficacy.

Covina, Calif.

“You know, Hector, you don’t have to eat it, but why don’t you just try it?” urged Michele Gonzalez, an associate teacher in a Head Start classroom here on the campus of Valencia Elementary School, east of Los Angeles.

As the children nibbled on pear slices, Ms. Gonzalez got them to talk about the classroom materials they wanted to use during “work time.” Some headed for the housekeeping area, others set up farm sets with plastic animals, and a few sat on the floor listening to songs about colors while they followed along in large books.

Meanwhile, in a back office, parents gathered for a monthly meeting after...