Paducah Head Start/Preschool Annual Report
2011—2012
Paducah Head Start/Preschool
2400 Adams Street, Suite 1
Paducah, KY 42003
(270) 444-5780
Message from the Director:
I would like to express our extreme pride in the accomplishments of the Head Start/Preschool program during the program year 2011-2012, The following pages depict the loyal dedication and passion with which staff in our district serving in a variety of varied capacities, tirelessly and with conviction for helping prepare the next generation of children with their formal education.
The many collaborations and partnerships of Paducah Head Start/Preschool have been key to our success in providing exceptional services for the most vulnerable children and families, and improving our community.
We are pleased to commend our excellent and well-prepared staff who are the catalysts for the commitment to educate, encourage, and empower families and children in the Paducah Public Schools district.
We celebrate the past success and encourage strong future endeavors while being committed to taking all required steps to keep the momentum rolling
On behalf of the Paducah Head Start/Preschool program, I am pleased to share the Annual Report Card for 2011-2012.
For more information, please visit the District website at www.paducah.kyschools.us.
With warmest regards,
Frances Smith
Director
Head Start
Introduction:
Paducah Head Start/Preschool has successfully provided comprehensive child development services for preschool children and families meeting federal poverty guidelines since 1965. Services include education, nutrition, health, medical, dental, parental involvement and social services.
The purpose of Paducah Head Start/Preschool is to promote the school readiness of low-income children by enhancing their cognitive, social and emotional development in two ways:
The learning environment will support children’s growth in language, literacy, mathematics, science and emotional functioning, creative arts, physical skills and approaches to learning; and
Each family will be provided with health, educational, nutritional, social and other services when necessary based on the family’s needs assessments.
Overview
Paducah Head Start/Preschool provides a high quality learning environment for children identified at high risk. We believe that all children have the capacity to learn and it is our goal to meet the unique and individual needs of each child and their family through developmentally appropriate programming and active family partnerships.
We provide language-based full inclusion classrooms where teachers are highly qualified and provide teaching to “light the fire” of learning for all children, while supporting families to take an important role in their child’s education.
The program is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children and adheres to the Head Start Performance Standards and KERA Preschool Regulations.
We are an integral part of Paducah Public Schools which allows for continuity of learning, family services and support. We have a blended funding program that uses Head Start, Pre-K and special education dollars
We Provide:
· Full inclusion classrooms with culturally diverse populations
· A developmentally appropriate, language rich program for 237
three and four year olds and 45 Pre-K Children
· Highly Qualified Education Staff
· Program Specialist and part time Psychologist
The Grantee Provides:
· On-site Special Education Services including
Speech/Language
· Occupational and Physical therapists
· Free school bus transportation to and from the program
Shared Governance:
Paducah Board of Education
Danette Humphrey, Chairman
Carl LeBuhn, M.D., Vice Chairman
Felix Akojie, Ph.D.
William R. Black, Jr.
Janice Howard
Mark Whitlow, Attorney
Policy Council
Hooper, Chairman, Parent Representative
Amanda Thomas, Vice Chairman, Community Representative
Toni Morris, Parent Representative
Jason Kovatch, Parent Representative
Allen Treece, Community Representative
Julie Hart, Community Representative
Bill Adams, Community Representative
Rhonda Cook, Parent Representative
Dr. Randy Greene, Superintendent, Executive Director
Administrative Staff
Dr. Randy Greene, Executive Director
Aime Tooley, Director of Special Programs
Frances Smith, Director
Cindy Rodgers, Family Services Manager
Tanya A. Jones, Children’s Services Manager
Gloria Hildreth, Administrative Assistant
Vanda Hixon, Data Entry/Technology
About Our Staff
Ø All field staff are certified in CPR and First Aid.
Ø All staff have work history verification, reference checks, driving and criminal background checks.
Ø Bus drivers hold a commercial drivers license and are part of a random drug and alcohol screening program.
Ø Of 37 employees, 11 were current or former Head Start parents.
Ø Director and Education Manager have Early Childhood Degrees.
Ø All staff have TB skin tests on a regular basis.
Education Staff
100 % of Teacher Assistants have a CDA
9 Teachers Total:
4 – Masters Degree in Early Childhood
2 – BS Degrees in EEC or Related Degree
3 - Associate Degrees
Family Services Staff
Manager has a degree in the field
3/4 Family Advocates have FDC (Family Development Credential)
Our Goal
In Head Start, we are committed to educating, encouraging and empowering families and their children to become healthy and confident, and better prepared to succeed in life.
With our center-based services, we promote school readiness and provide guidance in social and cognitive development for children three to five years old. Needs and progress are assessed and monitored in the areas of health, education, nutrition, wellness, social and emotional skills. Ancillary support services are provided as indicated for children and families.
Service Areas
Ø Program Design & Management
o Leadership opportunities for parents and community members
Ø Family & Community Partnerships
o Enrollment, Recruitment, Selection, Eligibility and Attendance (ERSEA)
o Volunteer Opportunities
Ø Early Childhood Development
o Creative Curriculum
o Transition and Readiness
Ø Health
o Disability Services
o Nutrition
o Medical
o Dental
How We Serve:
We have 3 sites located at each elementary school in the Paducah Public Schools. Each location has classroom space for our three-to-five year olds, with age appropriate room design, developmental toys and furnishings; as well as, outdoor learning environment, playground, dedicated transportation and on-site kitchen facilities. Depending on the time and duration of their class, children who attend class at a Head Start facility will be served a combination of breakfast, lunch, and snack as scheduled. In addition to nutritional meals, free bus transportation is also provided; all of these pre-school activities are designed to prepare children for school readiness.
Who We Serve:
Ø Children who reside in the Paducah Public Schools district boundaries.
Ø Families that meet federal poverty guidelines, do not have a home, or receive public assistance.
Ø Children with disabilities or other special needs.
Our Strengths:
Paducah has been voted to be one of the 100 top communities for young adults.
Local college, West Kentucky Community & Technical College was named as one of the top five community colleges in the nation.
· NAEYC Accredited /all sites
· 55% of classrooms are recognized as a classroom of excellence -outlined by the Kentucky Department of Education
· High level of support by Grantee and community partners
· Blended program with state preschool KERA program
Innovative ideas developed from last year’s strategic plan:
· Roadie, the reading bus, was created to assist with family literacy
· Sleep Initiative was developed to assist parents with children needing a bed time routine and sleep for adequate rest and health
· Developed telephone “hot line” for parents to call in for tips for issues regarding child behavior and or adult mental health issues
· Provided extra efforts to inform parents about “obesity”
Technology
· All classrooms have HATCH Smart Boards for child outcomes
· All classrooms have computer notebooks for recording child assessment data
· Computers are on a 3-4 year rotation
· Data systems utilized:
o Grantee utilizes:
§ MUNIS system for fiscal systems
§ AESOP-system for employee absence and substitute records
o Agency Web Site Developed:
o Increase opportunity for staff communication among sites
o Monthly reporting
o Personnel policies
o Procedures
o Annual calendar
§ Teaching Strategies Gold
§ Scientifically based research child assessment
DECA
· Scientifically based research child assessment for social/emotional development
Child Plus:
· Data assessment for health, enrollment, family data
Human Resources
· Managers are credentialed in area responsibilities
· The Education Manager and the Program Specialist is a reliable CLASS observer.
· The PIR documents a low turnover of staff and a high average of years experience which promotes continuity of progress
· The Program Specialist responsible for mental health and disability has a master’s degree Clinical Psychology
· Director has 30-plus years of experience in Head Start, Master’s degree in Early Childhood
· All teacher assistants have a CDA
· Teachers:
o 5 Master’s Degree in early childhood (IECE)
o 1 BS degree in Child Development
o 3 have an AA degree in early childhood
· Family Advocates
o 4 out of 5 FA’s have earned a credential for family services
· Fiscal Director
o Provided by Grantee at no cost; Master’s Degree
· Executive Director-Superintendent of Paducah Public School, Dr. Randy Greene
· All staff have a professional development plan , etc, child and family outcomes, needs assessment, Grantee initiatives, federal initiatives
· Leadership team made up of a variety of staff positions, “Head Start 101” was developed in early winter for group work, training, mentoring
· All staff must document 24 hours of approved training. This exceeds OHS expectations.
Fiscal
· Audit documented no findings
· Grantee does not utilize indirect cost
· Self-assessment documents fiscal compliance
· System provides internal control systems
· All Head Start staff provided a budget for “individual” based on child/family outcomes
· Policy Council/Board of Education receives monthly budget reports
· Non-Federal shares is documented and meets/exceeds required budget
ERSEA
· Funded enrollment has been maintained each month
· ERSEA committee reviews community assessment data to review/revise selection criteria points prior to approval; by PC/BOE
· Required 10% of children with disabilities met
· Provide personal assistance to parents for application process
Education and Child Development
· CLASS scores show improvement average
· Regional Training Center (RTC) conducted annual observations to include:
· Early Childhood Environmental Rating Scale—average score 6.217
· Early Language and Literacy Childhood Observation, average score 4.5 x 15. Curriculum is aligned with state preschool early childhood standards and Head Start Early Learning Outcomes.
School Readiness
· Curriculum is theme /unit based
· Curriculum based on philosophy of Creative Curriculum
· Scientifically researched based curriculum’s used include:
o Growing Wild
o Growing Readers
o 1-2-3 Mathmatize
o IMIL
o Second Steps
· Child Outcomes has been aggregated for fall and midyear outcomes:
o Three vs. fours
o Children with IEP’s
Health
· Grantee Health coordinator provides direct services and oversight
· Nurses are provided for each site
· Health and Family Services Advisory meets twice a year
· Quality Care for Kids provides vision and hearing examinations at sites
· Use Child Plus health tracking system
Dental
· Transportation to dental provided as needed
· UK dental program provides in-classroom exams
Nutrition
· Grantee provides food services through USDA food services meeting all regulations
· Snacks are provided to children for AM and PM classes
· Developed plan for obesity
· Regular review of USDA National School Lunch Program and State of Kentucky regulations is passed
· Special diet plans were made available
· Children with special needs provided special devices as needed
Family Services
· Compassion for families
· Variety of parent engagement activities
· Parent communication:
o BEE Books
o School Messenger
o Parent Calendar
o Texting
o E-mailing
o Breakfast at the Bus Stop
o DVD of Classroom
o Newsletters (classroom/agency)
· Outcomes for each event is documented
· Parent Engagement plan cross-walked with OHS Parent, Family Community Engagement Framework
· Parents are provided a Community Resource Guide
· Began parent leading parent, Active Parenting
· Fatherhood program is established
Community Partnerships
· City wide study on poverty in Paducah , Impact Poverty, is being utilized for strategic planning
· Variety of community partnerships have been developed
Governance
· Policy Council meets monthly and has an outlined training agenda
Disabilities
· Collaboration with the School District to coordinate Part C and disability services for three and four year old children
· Speech Therapist is assigned to Head Start Preschool at no cost
Transition
· Children with IEPs IFSPs have written plans for moving into and out of Head Start
· Children in preschool visit the kindergarten classroom
· Management staff meet with the principals and school team
Transportation
· Transportation is provided to all children
· Transportation is provided for field trips
· Bus Driver and monitor knowledgeable of procedures
· Communication among bus driver, monitor, children and parents is good
· Bus repairs and maintenance will well documented and current
Mental Health
· Licensed mental health consultant provides confidential services including individual observations, family counseling
· Training for staff/parents
· Staff are provide a monthly newsletter to promote mental wellness, insurance plan offers variety of wellness initiatives
· Classrooms and individual observations
Facilities
· School Dude
We Provide:
Ø Highly qualified teachers and staff.
Ø Opportunities for parents and children to have social interaction with others.
Ø Social and emotional guidance.
Ø A program tailored to fit each child’s abilities and goals.
Ø Positive environment and positive behavioral change strategies.
Ø Tools for parents to learn to become their children’s advocate.
Ø Instruction for parents and children on nutrition, health, child development and mental health.
Ø Books and language tools to develop early reading skills.
Ø Opportunities and environment to develop and support strong self-image.
Leadership with Contractual Providers
Registered Dietician Incarcerated Parent Leader
Mental Health Professional Active Parenting Leader
Fatherhood Leader
Report Card
Average Enrollment 237
Average Daily Attendance 93%
Health Services
Percentage of Children with Health Insurance 96%
Percentage of Children with Up-To-Date Immunizations 100%
Percentage of Children with a Dental Home 98%
Average Percentage of Children with an IFSP or IEP 25
Average Percentage of Preschool Children That Received Special Education or
Related Services for One of the Primary Disabilities Reported 100%
Average Percentage of Children Up-To-Date on a Schedule of Preventative
And Primary Health Care per the State’s EPSDT Schedule 60%*
Average Percentage of Children Diagnosed with a Chronic Condition
Needing Medical Treatment 2%
Of the Children Diagnosed with a Chronic Condition Needing Medical
Treatment, the Percentage of Children who Received Medical Treatment 100%
Family Services
Percentage of Families Who Received at Least One of the Family Services 72%
Number of Families Experiencing Homelessness During the Enrollment Year
That Acquired Housing During the Enrollment Year 6
Number of Persons Providing Any Volunteer Services to Your Program 301
Instructional Staff
Number of Classrooms 9
Number of Teachers 9
Number of Assistant Teachers 9
Percentage of Preschool Classroom Teachers that Meet Degree/Credential
Requirements of Section 648A.3(B) that Become Effective October, 2011 100%
Percentage of Preschool Classroom Assistant Teachers that Meet the
Degree/Credential Requirements of Section 648.(2)(B)(ii) (CDA or
Equivalent) that becomes effective September 2013 100%
Prevent Child Abuse & Neglect Training to Staff 100%
*Due to Expiring Physicals at End of Year
ERSEA
Enrollment, Recruitment, Selection, Eligibility and Attendance (ERSEA)
The heartbeat of the Head Start program is the ERSEA process. Through the efforts of recruitment and eligibility assessment, the program meets the regulatory requirements of enrolling children. Enrollment is of paramount importance to the program as we are funded to serve a specific number of children. Head Start maintained full enrollment throughout the 2011 - 2012 program year.
Annually the selection criteria are reassessed to ensure that the results of the selection process uncover the most at-risk children, as prescribed by the Head Start Act. All updates to the selection criteria are based on regulatory requirements and are subject to the approval of the Policy Council and Board of Education.
Recruitment for the program year was facilitated by staff members and families. Scheduled dates for parents to complete applications at a central location have proven to be very effective as well as preschool screenings and recruitment within the school district elementary schools during parent events. Staff members also attended local functions that were scheduled in the community. In total, the recruiting process needs to be dynamic and creative to meet the needs of the community we serve as it changes.