SALEM, Ore. -- Oregon is putting more money into Head Start, the government-funded pre-kindergarten program for children from poorer families.

Last week, the Legislative Emergency Board released $25 million more for the program.

Officials hope that will be enough to reach 70 percent of all eligible children. The 80 percent mark is considered full funding.

The Legislature's expansion will allow Head Start programs to add another 1,336 children, pushing the statewide total beyond 12,000 by this fall.

Research shows that children who participate in Head Start are more likely to complete high school and go on to further education.

Head Start also incorporates health screenings for children and tests for physical and mental disabilities.