DEPARTMENT: Human Services and Pre-K 4SA
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Melody Woosley and Dr. Sarah Baray
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: Citywide
SUBJECT:
Head Start and Pre-K 4SA Analysis and Head Start Approval Items
SUMMARY:
This item provides a briefing and analysis of the City of San Antonio’s Head Start and Pre-K 4SA Programs and requests approval of the following Head Start grant related items:
1. 2015-2016 Department of Human Services Head Start Annual Report; and
2. 2016-2107 Department of Human Services Head Start and Early Head Start - Child Care Partnership 5-Year Strategic Plans.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The City, through general fund and federal grants, manages a continuum of early childhood education and care options for low-income and working families including Early Head Start (EHS), Head Start, Pre K 4 SA, Child Care Subsidies, and After School Challenge. Two programs, Head Start and Pre-K 4SA, provide pre-kindergarten education to ensure children are prepared for school success. The Department of Human Services (DHS), in partnership with Edgewood (EISD) and San Antonio School Districts (SAISD), provide full day Head Start education and support services to 3,020 children, ages three to five years old, and their families in school district facilities. Pre-K 4SA provides full day education to 2,000 four year old children in four Early Education Centers; education enhancements to 1,700 additional children through grants to school districts, child development centers, and private schools; and teacher professional development community wide.
DHS and Pre-K4SA work together and with community partners to:
• Ensure children are Kindergarten and prepared for lifelong success
• Instill resiliency and provide a protective environment for children
• Connect parents and caregivers to opportunities to improve their quality of life
• Improve the overall quality of early education and child care community-wide through professional development, community education and research
The Head Start Program is a federal program that serves children at or below the federal poverty line and follows guidelines established by the federal grant. The program prioritizes the most vulnerable children, including those with disabilities, experiencing homelessness, and children in the foster care system. The program offers full day, pre-kindergarten to a total of 3,020 children: 777 children in EISD and 2,243 children in SAISD. As the program grantee, DHS provides program management and oversight, as well as training and technical assistance, family support, and mental wellness services. DHS contracts with EISD and SAISD for the provision of education and disability services, the Metropolitan Health District for dental services, and University Health System for health services.
The Pre-K 4 SA Program is a City of San Antonio program, and is a full-day pre-kindergarten, serving 3,700 four year olds at City operated early education centers and through a competitive community grant process. The City of San Antonio provides direct program services at four established Centers of Excellence with instruction provided by certified early childhood education teachers using high quality curriculum. The program also offers bilingual education and family engagement opportunities, free after school care, and transportation services. Pre-K 4 SA is an initiative which establishes a positive trajectory for educational attainment by providing four-year-olds with a complete experience that fosters academic excellence and inspires students to develop an interest in learning.
At the request of the Neighborhood and Livability Committee, DHS and Pre-K 4SA completed an analysis of the Pre-K 4SA and Head Start Programs and will provide a briefing on these programs to the committee.
Head Start Action Items: The City’s Neighborhoods and Livability Committee and the Head Start Policy Council provide shared governance oversight of the Department of Human Services (DHS) Head Start grants. The Head Start Act requires the release of an annual report to the public and submission of an annual strategic plan approved by the Policy Council and Governing Body.
ISSUE:
This item provides a briefing and staff analysis of Head Start and Pre-K 4SA early childhood education programs.
This item also provides requests approval from the Neighborhoods and Livability Committee of the following items:
1. 2015-2016 DHS Head Start Annual Report - This report contains required elements, including program model description, summary of services, and demographic information on children and families served. The 2015-2016 Annual Report was approved by the Head Start Policy Council on October 25, 2016.
2. 2016-2017 Head Start and EHS 5 - Year Strategic Plans - The Head Start Performance Standards require annual review and approval of revisions to the 5-Year Strategic Plan. The Plans were approved by the Head Start Policy Council on October 25, 2016.
ALTERNATIVES:
The review and approval of the items included in this memorandum are required for program compliance with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services rules and regulations for the Head Start and Early Head Start programs.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no anticipated impact to the general fund as a result of these actions.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of the items included in this memorandum.