DEPARTMENT: Human Services
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Melody Woosley
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: Citywide
SUBJECT:
Head Start Grant Refunding Application
SUMMARY:
The Department of Human Services (DHS) requests authorization of the following grant and budgetary actions for the City’s Head Start program:
a) submission of a refunding application, and associated grant documents, to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and acceptance upon award, of an amount up to $22,090,151.00 for the period of February 1, 2016 to January 31, 2017;
b) a total program budget of $27,612,689.00, including an in-kind match of $5,522,538 and a personnel complement of 92 City positions;
c) designation of the Economic and Human Development Committee (EHDC) as the Head Start and Early Head Start Governing Body; and
d) approval for the Director of the Department of Human Services to execute any and all documents related to acceptance of this grant, to include acceptance of additional grant funds, if awarded and matching funds are available in City’s budget
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The Head Start program is a federally-funded early childhood education program administered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Head Start provides early education, family support, and medical services to eligible children, between the ages of three and five, and their families. The City of San Antonio has served as a Head Start grantee for over 30 years and currently serves 3,020 children in 26 Head Start locations in the San Antonio Independent School District (SAISD) and Edgewood Independent School District (EISD). The program serves children at or below 125% of the Federal Poverty Level and prioritizes the most vulnerable children, including those with disabilities, homeless, and children in the foster care system. DHS provides direct program management, oversight, governance, family support and mental wellness services and contracts with SAISD and EISD for the provision of educational services; the Metropolitan Health District for dental services; and University Health System for health services.
On August 21, 2015, the City received notification from HHS of available funding in the amount of $22,090,151.00 for the period of February 1, 2016 to January 31, 2017 for the continuation of Head Start Program Services. The refunding application, and associated grant documents, are due to HHS by November 1, 2015.
ISSUE:
This ordinance authorizes submission of a refunding application to HHS, and acceptance upon award, of an amount up to $22,090,151.00 for the period of February 1, 2016 to January 31, 2017. Grant funds awarded for the 2016-2017 Program Year will provide for the continuation of Head Start Program services and further the City’s goal to improve the education and skill level of San Antonio area children and their families. Funding supports DHS operational costs including, the provision of direct family and community support services and service provider operations.
This ordinance also authorizes a total program budget of $27,612,689.00 including an in-kind match up to $5,522,538, and a personnel complement of 92 City positions. The 2016 - 2017 Head Start personnel complement adds a net of one position to enhance family support and health and safety monitoring.
This ordinance also approves associated grant documents, including the annual program self assessment, community assessment, and 5-year strategic plan. These items are incorporated into the program’s annual refunding application and guide program services under the new grant term.
The 2016-2017 Head Start Refunding application was approved by Head Start Policy Council on September 25. Prior to the February 1, 2016 grant start date, DHS will return to City Council to request approval of grant related contract actions with Head Start service providers.
This ordinance also approves the acceptance of additional grant funds, if awarded, so long as the matching funds are available in City’s budget.
ALTERNATIVES:
If this ordinance is not approved, HHS would identify another agency to provide Head Start services in the SAISD and EISD service areas. This may delay the provision of services to the community and negatively impact currently enrolled children and families.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Contractual funding will be allocated from the Head Start grant. Grant funding will also support a personnel complement of 92 DHS positions. The grant requires an in-kind match of 20%, or $5,522,538.00, which will be provided by the City and contracted Service Providers. The total Head Start program budget, including match, will be $27,612,689.00.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of this ordinance authorizing submission of a grant application, and associated grant documents, and acceptance of funds, upon award, a budget and associated program personnel complement.