With a proven track record of success over six decades, Head Start prepares children from at-risk backgrounds for success in school and in life. Head Start’s investment in 40 million children and their families over the past six decades has paid dividends in a multitude of ways. Parents choose Head Start knowing that its high standards, school readiness focus, and comprehensive services will help their child to get a strong start in life. And, with a 13.7% annual rate of return for high-quality early childhood education, Head Start is an investment that pays dividends decades into the future.