DEPARTMENT: Human Services
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Melody Woosley
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: City Wide
SUBJECT:
Head Start Approval Grant Amended Application, Cost of Living Adjustments, and Provider Contract Amendments
SUMMARY:
The Department of Human Services (DHS) requests authorization of budgetary, grant and associated contract actions related to an amended grant application for the City's Head Start program. The Head Start program is a federal early childhood education and development program funded through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). This ordinance authorizes:
a) submission of an amended grant application to HHS and acceptance upon award of the amended amount up to $22,090,151.00 for the period of February 1, 2014 - January 31, 2015;
b) a budget, including an in-kind match of up to $5,522,538.00, and a personnel complement of 87 positions for DHS; and
c) negotiation and execution of contract amendments with the existing Council-approved Head Start service providers for the purpose of allocating the amended grant funding and implementing program improvements.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The Head Start program is a federally funded early childhood education and development program administered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The program provides education and family support services to children between the ages of three and five. The City of San Antonio Head Start program provides high quality program services to children and their families in 26 Head Start centers located in San Antonio Independent School District (SAISD) and Edgewood Independent School District (EISD).
The City submitted the initial Head Start grant refunding application for the period of February 1, 2014 - January 31, 2015 in October 2013. The City was awarded funding in the amount of $20,671,248 to serve 2,861 children, which reflected a sequestration funding reduction for the grant period. On February 25, 2014, HHS notified the City that in accordance with Public Law 113-76, enacted January 17, HHS was reinstating the 5.27 percent reduction in funds and providing the program with a 1.3 percent cost of living adjustment, for a total available funding amount of up to $22,090,151 to serve 3,020 children.
The City continues to provide direct program management, oversight, governance, and family support services and contracts with SAISD and EISD for the provision of educational services and mental health services, as needed; Metropolitan Health District for dental services; and University Health System for health services.
ISSUE:
On February 25, 2014, the City received notification from HHS of available funding in the amount of $22,090,151 for the period of February 1, 2014 - January 31, 2015. This ordinance authorizes budgetary, grant, and contract related items to increase funding of Head Start program and number of children served during the period of February 1, 2014 - January 31, 2015. Funding will provide for City's operational costs and provision of direct services, including a personnel complement of 87 positions; service provider operations; cost of living adjustments to service providers; and implementation of program improvements. DHS is also requesting authority to execute contract amendments with Head Start service providers, and subsequent contract amendments to ensure increased provision of Head Start services.
The amended grant application is due to HHS on April 25, 2014. This amended application was presented to and approved by the Head Start Policy Council and Educational Excellence Committee on April 8, 2014 and April 15, 2014, respectively. Awarded grant funds will provide for the increased number of children served during the 2014-2015 School Year and implementation of program improvements in line with the City's policy of enhancing early childhood education.
ALTERNATIVES:
If this grant amended application is not submitted, or potentially awarded funds not accepted, the City of San Antonio would not receive additional funding for the 2014-2015 Program Year in the amount of $22,090,151 to provide Head Start services to 3,020 children, negatively impacting children and families in our community.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Funding for the contract amendments will be allocated from the Head Start grant. The grant requires an in-kind match of 20%, or $5,522,538, which will be provided by the City and contracted Service Providers. The total Head Start program budget, including the match, will be up to $27,612,689.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of this ordinance authorizing submission of a grant amended application and acceptance of funds upon award; a budget and personnel complement; negotiation and execution of four contract amendments with Head Start service providers; and authority to negotiate and execute additional contract amendments based on HHS award and funding period.