Mama Bears Assemble!Trump Intends to Defund HeadStart, AmeriCorps and Declare a Fake Autism Toxin.

My Mama Bear Spidey-senses are on fire for a bunch of reasons this week, but a few lesser-known issues were identified with little fanfare this week that deserve more attention.

I must say, if I oversaw ridding our government of waste and abuse, I would definitely start with three highly cost-effective and beloved programs: HeadStart, AmeriCorps and Ongoing Autism Research. That sounds smart, right?

Lost amidst the urgent and ongoing horror of vanishing people and deporting people illegally, was Trump’s decision to kill HeadStart, the highly effective preschool funding program primarily used in rural areas and low-income urban areas to provide quality preschool to families. I’m sure you would agree, it is always a great idea to defund education where it is needed most. Right?

Similarly, this administration decided to defund AmeriCorps, the wonderful program of young people volunteering and working to aid naturals disasters, at-risk middle and high school students and foodbanks. They tutor, build, fix and care for kids. Wow, that sound like something we should definitely eliminate.

In addition to those programs, RFK Jr., replete with his tinfoil hat and brainworm has proclaimed Autism is caused by a “toxin.” And apparently, he is just the guy that will find that darn sneaky toxin and fix it. Just you wait and see, you-liberal-empirical-science meanies. He’s gonna do it folks. You betcha.

As a refresh, let’s just mosey down the lane of evidence and reasoning as to why these programs are indispensable…

HeadStart

Some background: Head Start is a comprehensive early childhood education program in the United States designed to promote school readiness for children from low-income families. It was launched in 1965 as part of the War on Poverty initiatives.

Full disclosure, I volunteered at a HeadStart program in my twenties, saw small miracles everyday there and have loved the program ever since. That said, Head Start unequivocally provides a service that pays back exponentially in our country.

Here are some key findings regarding its effectiveness

1. National Head Start Impact Study (NHIS): Conducted by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, this large-scale study tracked children enrolled in Head Start and their later educational outcomes. Key findings included:

   • Head Start participants showed higher scores in cognitive and language skills at the end of the program compared to non-participants.

   • Though gains in academic skills tended to diminish over time, participants still performed better than their peers in various outcomes, including higher rates of high school graduation.

2. Long-Term Studies: The Follow-Up to the NHIS provided data showing that Head Start participants were:

   • 20% more likely to enroll in college than non-participants.

   • More likely to report having no trouble finding a job.

3. A 2020 study by the National Bureau of Economic Research found that children who attended Head Start were less likely to be incarcerated and more likely to earn higher wages as adults compared to their non-Head Start peers.

4. Health Outcomes: Reports from the Head Start program indicate that children are more likely to receive health screenings, vaccinations, and nutritional support. Studies have shown that participation can lead to improved health outcomes, including lower rates of obesity and better dental health.

5. Social Skills and Behavior: Research indicates that Head Start participants exhibit improved social-emotional development and fewer behavioral problems in school settings, contributing to a positive school climate and reducing disciplinary issues.

AmeriCorps

My son was an AmeriCorps volunteer for a year and it was life-changing for him and helped him get his first job. Be warned. I am a fan.

AmeriCorps is a national service program in the United States that engages individuals in intensive community service. Founded in 1993, it is administered by the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS), which aims to improve communities through volunteerism and civic engagement across nonprofits, community groups, disaster relief, and economic inequity

Several studies and reports provide data demonstrating the effectiveness of AmeriCorps programs. Here are some key findings:

1. National Service Impact Study: A comprehensive report by the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) indicated that AmeriCorps members contributed approximately 9 million hours of service annually, which is valued at hundreds of millions of dollars in economic terms.

2. Academic Achievement: According to a report by the CNCS, AmeriCorps members serving in education-related positions have been associated with increases in student performance. For example, students tutored by AmeriCorps members showed significant growth in reading and math skills compared to peers who did not receive tutoring.

3. Community Impact: A study by the Urban Institute found that the presence of AmeriCorps in communities led to measurable improvements in various social metrics. For instance, communities with high AmeriCorps involvement saw an increase in volunteerism and engagement, with many organizations reporting enhanced capacity and outreach.

4. Evaluation of AmeriCorps VISTA: Research on the VISTA program highlighted that VISTA members contributed to the development of sustainable programs that have long-lasting effects. For instance, projects led by VISTA members often resulted in increased organizational capacity, leading to more effective services for low-income communities.

5. Alumni Outcomes: A 2014 evaluation found that more than 90% of AmeriCorps alumni reported that their service experience helped them develop skills relevant to their careers. Many alumni noted that their service experience led to further employment in public service, nonprofit work, and education.

6. Cost-Effectiveness: A report from the CNCS estimated that for every $1 invested in AmeriCorps, there is a return of about $3.50 in benefits to society, which includes the economic value of the service performed and the increased social outcomes for communities.

Government Funded Autism Research

This week, Robert F. Kennedy Jr, our current Health and Human Services Secretary, said with a straight face, he wanted to "move away" from the idea that "the autism prevalence increases (sic) …are simply artifacts of better diagnoses, better recognition or changing diagnostic criteria." His goal is to reduce funding for standard scientific research and replace it with some kooky experimentation centered around some one singular item in our environment is causing Autism, again said with a straight face. Last week, NPR reported on several Autism experts’ reactions. All offered a similar answer: “It's very unlikely that autism is caused by one thing," said Catherine Lord, a professor of human development and psychology at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA via email.

To which, Kennedy claims that the rise in number must be related to an environmental reason only. He believes, with no evidence to back it up, that he can find the cause of Autism, using his new research program, in just a few months.

Prior to this, government-funded Autism research and education has been indispensable to parents, families and the medical community in increasing a higher quality of life for individuals on the spectrum. Taking these research programs away will be regressive and traumatic.

The life-changing Autism research examples are prolific as a result of scientific research from US funded sources:

1. Early Intervention/ABA Analysis: Studies show that early diagnosis and intervention can lead to significant improvements in communication, social skills, and behavior

2. Individualized Approaches: Autism is a spectrum, meaning each individual has unique strengths and challenges. Personalized support plans that cater to specific needs, preferences, and interests are more effective than one-size-fits-all solutions.

3. Sensory Processing: Understanding sensory sensitivities can greatly enhance daily experiences for autistic individuals..

4. Social Skills Training: Programs that focus on teaching social skills and fostering peer relationships can help autistic individuals develop better connections and improve their social competence.

5. Life Skills Development: Teaching practical life skills, such as cooking, budgeting, and personal care, empowers autistic individuals to lead more independent and fulfilling lives.

6. Employment Support: Research indicates that supported employment programs and inclusive workplaces can significantly improve job satisfaction and career success for autistic adults.

7. Family Support and Education: Providing resources and education to families can enhance their understanding and ability to support their autistic loved ones, leading to better outcomes.

8. Mental Health Awareness: Autistic individuals often experience higher rates of anxiety and depression. Emphasizing mental health care and providing access to appropriate resources can improve overall well-being.

9. Community Inclusion: Creating inclusive communities that celebrate diversity and provide accessible resources fosters a sense of belonging and acceptance for autistic individuals.

10. Self-Advocacy: Encouraging self-advocacy helps autistic individuals express their needs and desires, leading to increased independence and empowerment.

As someone who has volunteered for early education organizations, is a mother of one child who was an Americorps graduate and also, another child on the Autism spectrum, I had a “Mama-Bear of a week.”

To Trump, DOGE and the spineless Republicans: You have now awakened Mama Bears across the nation. Be prepared to be deluged with facts, peaceful protesting and an extremely qualified group working hard, with every fiber of our beings to create an exit path out of office for all of you evil idiots, cruel oligarchs and sycophants. Good Luck to you.

Have a great week folks and keep charging,

M.