DEPARTMENT: Human Services
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Melody Woosley
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: Citywide
SUBJECT:
Head Start Grant Refunding Application
SUMMARY:
This ordinance authorizes the following related to the City’s Head Start program:
a) The ratification of a refunding application submission, and associated grant documents, to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and the acceptance upon award, of an amount up to $22,706,657 for the period of February 1, 2018 to January 31, 2019;
b) a total program budget of $28,383,321 including an in-kind match of $5,676,664 and a personnel complement of 95 City positions;
c) Memoranda of Agreement (MOAs) with educational and community-based organizations to support the City of San Antonio Head Start Program services at no cost to the City or City’s clients;
d) approval for the Director of Human Services to negotiate and execute any and all necessary documents to effectuate the acceptance of this grant, and to execute associated amendments when approved by HHS, to include a) carry-over funds; b) line item budget revisions; c) modifications to performance measures so long as the terms stay within the intent of the grant; d) no cost extensions; e) supplemental grant funds up to 10% of the total amount initially awarded; f) reimbursement increases or decreases due to a change in the number of participants served; g) one time equipment purchases or defined program services; and h) changes in regulations.
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 Edgewood Independent School District (EISD) and San Antonio Independent School District (SAISD). 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 EISD and SAISD for the provision of educational services; University of the Incarnate Word for health services; and Metropolitan Health District for dental services.
On September 18, 2017, the City received notification from HHS of available funding in the amount of $22,706,657 for the period of February 1, 2018 to January 31, 2019 for the continuation of Head Start Program Services. The refunding application and associated grant documents were due to HHS on November 1, 2017 and have been submitted.
The City collaborates with educational and community-based organizations that provide health, wellness, or educational services at no cost to the City or City’s clients. This will authorize MOAs with organizations to provide such services.
ISSUE:
This ordinance authorizes the ratification of the refunding application submission and the acceptance upon award of up to $22,706,657 for the period of February 1, 2018 to January 31, 2019. Grant funds awarded for the 2018-2019 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 item also approves Memoranda of Agreement with educational and community-based organizations to enhance programs and services at no cost to the City or City’s clients.
ALTERNATIVES:
If this ordinance is not approved, HHS would need to identify another agency to provide Head Start services in the EISD and SAISD service areas. This may delay the provision of services to the community and negatively impact currently enrolled children and families.
FISCAL IMPACT:
This ordinance authorizes the 2018-2019 Head Start Grant Program in the amount of $28,383,321. Of this amount, $22,706,657 is provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and $5,676,664 is required in-kind grant match provided by the City of San Antonio ($197,123 funded from the General Fund), Head Start Providers ($5,354,031) and volunteer time ($125,510). In kind match includes expenses such as facilities, personnel, volunteers, and consultants.
Of the $22,706,657 grant amount, this ordinance authorizes $16,487,843 for four Head Start Service Provider Contracts; and $6,218,814 for the City of San Antonio Department of Human Services to monitor and administer the program; provide Family Support Services; and support training and technical assistance. A total of 95 positions are authorized in the Human Services Department for the 2018-2019 Head Start Grant Program.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends the ratification of a refunding application submission and associated grant documents, authorizing acceptance of funds, upon award, a budget, associated program personnel complement, associated contracts, acceptance of additional grant funds, and MOA’s with educational and community based organizations in support of DHS Head Start Program.