TO:Board of Directors and Policy Council Members

TO:Board of Directors and Policy Council Members

FROM:Laurie Gan Leiner, Head Start Director

DATE:January 12, 2016

RE:December Head Start Report

Highlights

December was a short month for Head Start as the centers were closed from December 18, 2015 through January 4, 2016.

The Grant Expansion, toinclude Gulf, Calhoun, Liberty, Wakulla and Madison Countieswas submitted on December 15, 2015. Receipt of this grant would double the services provided and the revenue to Head Start.

Renovations at Louise B. Royal Center are continuing and children are still reassigned to Mabry and Bainbridge centers.

We have received approval from the Early Learning Coalition to use School Readiness (also known as subsidized childcare) dollars to support keeping some centers/classrooms open until 5:00 and 6:00 pm. Once implemented, these funds will also be used for the non-federal share match.

There was no male engagement activity in December, however a meeting was held with representatives from Kid’s Incorporated to discuss joint ventures. On Saturday, January 16, 2016 there will be a “Jump with Dad” event at Sky Zone. Fathers will have the opportunity to have fun with their children and network with other Head Start Dads and father figures. The program intends to hold more fun activities in the Spring.

Head Start and Community Action LIHEAP program worked together to provide outreach services at Mabry Street and South City Head Start centers in December.

Head Start families received Christmas donations in the form of clothes, food, gift cards, toys, etc. through different community partners such as Bethel A.M.E. Church, The Christmas Connection, and The Agency for State Technology, FAMU Police Department, and from Gaye Harper.

Eligibility, Recruitment, Selection, Enrollment, and Attendance (ERSEA):

All vacancies in December, except for one, were less than 30 days old. The one vacancy over was due to the time the program was closed for winter break.

Attendance is being closely monitored. For the month of December there was an overall agency-wide average daily attendance of 85%. However, four centers fell below the required 85%.Family Advocates are working with the parents on improved attendance and ways to help them.

Head Start Enrollment and Attendance
Center / Funded / Enrollment on
12-31-15 / December Average Daily Attendance (ADA)
Bainbridge / 52 / 52 / 89%
Franklin / 37 / 36 / 81%
Jefferson / 31 / 31 / 81%
Mabry / 56 / 56 / 80%
Royal / 54 / 53 / 83%
South City / 148 / 148 / 87%
TOTAL / 378 / 376 / 85%

Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK)– There are currently 112 children in VPK.

Health Services:

Head Start requires various screenings within certain timeframes from the day a child enters the program. Following is the status of health screenings as of the end of November.

Screenings / Completed
30 Day Requirement
Physical Examinations / 353
Immunizations / 356
45 Day Requirement
Hearing / 372
Vision / 372
90 Day Requirement
Dental / 134
Hemoglobin/Hematocrit / 176
Lead / 183
Growth Assessment / 362

Head Start children receive a nutritious breakfast, lunch and snack each day. Following is the number of meals served to Head Start children in November:

NUTRITION
Number of Breakfast / 3,983
Number of Lunch / 4,155
Number of PM Snacks / 3,517
Number of Children with Special Diets / 22

The Child Care Food Program budget remains an area of concern. Adjustments have been made to reduce the costs which include a modification to the menu. The team is working with Leon Schools. The best solution would be to be able to cook at South City.

Early Childhood Development

School Readiness Report for the Baseline has been completed. The Early Childhood Development Manager resigned her position to return to her former employer. Staff received in-service training on January 4, 2016.

Special Services:

Disabilities: At least 10% of the enrollees should have an Individual Education Plan (IEP) by midyear. Currently there are 25 referrals waiting on evaluations. With the completion of these the program should be able to meet this requirement.

Disabilities and Mental Health Services as of End of November / Monthly Number of Children / Totals
Developmental Screenings / 4 / 372
Disabilities Evaluations / 4 / 16
Children with Individual Education Plans (IEP) / 2 / 17
Referrals to Local Education Agency (LEA) for Evaluation / 4 / 25
Children Receiving Speech and Language Therapy / 0 / 41
Children Receiving Occupational Therapy / 0 / 3
Children Receiving Mental Health Services / 0 / 30
Social/Emotional Screenings completed / 4 / 190
Referrals to the Mental Health Consultant / 1 / 29
Positive Behavior Support Plans / 3 / 18

Parent Engagement

Incredible Years will be starting two new groups in February. They are currently recruiting participants.

Preview of Upcoming Events and Training

February 23-25, 2016 there will be hands on ChildPlus training for staff.

The Quality Assurance Manager will attend the Region IV Head Start Annual Conference February 1-4, 2016.

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Board and Policy Council Report for December