APPENDIX: E
Item: Head Start Five Year Strategic Plan for Project Period May
2014-2019 and Program Goals for School Year 2015-2016
Dept.: Instruction
Background/Historical Context: All grantees entering into a five
year project period must have established program goals and a five
year strategic plan.
Recommendation: Sharing information of five year strategic plan
and program goals to governing body
Rationale for Recommendation: Established strategic plan and
program goals for Head Start program
Short and Long Term Impact: Project periods 2014-2019 and
short-long term goals for school year 2015-2016
Supporting Documentation:
1) Copy of New Hanover County Schools Head Start Five Year
2014-2015 Strategic Plan and 2015-2016 Program Goals
Board Action:
_____ Recommendation Accepted
_____ Recommendation Rejected
_____ Tabled for Further Study
_____ Other
New Hanover County Schools Head Start
Strategic Plan 2014-2019
Program Long and Short-Term Goals School Year 2015-2016
Long Range Goals, Objectives and Program Impacts
Programmatic and Fiscal Long Range Goals and Short Term Objectives. New Hanover County Schools recently became the NonFederal Entity in May 2014. School year 2014-2015 was the first year for providing services. Receiving the Head Start grant allowed the
school district to create an early learning support system by establishing an Early Childhood Education Department. The department is a
central point of entry for private and public preschool children in New Hanover County. The Early Childhood Education
Department/Program is funded by state NC Pre-Kindergarten and federal Title One and Head Start funds. Quickly, direct service staff,
support staff and a leadership team were hired and merged together to take on the Head Start regulations in providing comprehensive
services to qualifying children and families.
The Long and Short-Term goals for 2015-2016 included with our new strategic goals, were established through a collaborative
effort among Leadership Staff and Policy Council. We strive to complete all of these goals and for the goals to sustain over time by the end
of our 5 year project. Our long and short term goals were reviewed, and adapted into broader strategic goals for program improvement.
LONG and SHORT-TERM GOALS for 2015-2016
Goal 1: Provide fiscal training for Director, Chief Finance Officer and Budget Analyst to increase their knowledge of Head Start fiscal
requirements.
Goal 2: To provide training for Governing Board and Policy Council members as shared decision makers for program governance.
Goal 3: To ensure core management staff members are competent in planning, monitoring, tracking and implementing programmatic
requirements by Head Start Performance Standards, Childcare Licensing and North Carolina Pre-Kindergarten program.
Goal 4: To systematically focus on School Readiness and the implementation of Parents, Family, and Community Engagement (PFCE)
Framework. To create and develop a School Readiness Team to ensure we are in partnership with supporting our children and families
with preparing for kindergarten.
Goal 5: Improve classroom management skills for challenging behaviors with supporting social and emotional development. To
implement the social and emotional curriculum to improve classroom management skills for challenging behaviors. Teachers will be given
professional development to implement the program and to learn new strategies for behavior management and follow up training will be
provided.
Goal 6: To impact child obesity and address those children who have been identified as obese. To improve children’s health, nutrition,
learning readiness, and overall well-being through a combination of I Am Moving I Am Learning and Be Active curriculums. Our Program is
committed to providing strategies and resources for infusing quality physical movement and healthy nutrition choices within our daily
instruction. Several health curriculums will be used in the classrooms to encourage healthy eating and exercising.
Goal 7: Quarterly Parent Committee Meetings will be held and trainings on topics of interest, including information on children with
special needs will be provided.
Goal 8: To establish a professional development plan focused around identified needs.
Goal 9: To enhance community partnerships to assist families in accessing resources, including recruiting community partners for Policy
Council and eligible children.
Goal 10: Provide guidance and assistance to teaching staff on developing effective family goals with our families.
Goal 11: Introduce CLASS observation tool and provide a training class to certify leadership team and principal.
Goal 12: Improve communication between administrative and direct service staff.
Strategic Goals 2014-2019
Strategic Goal 1
The Program will improve the effectiveness of collecting and using data to support program outcomes.
Strategic Goal 2
The Program will empower and maximize community partnerships and family engagement.
Strategic Goal 3
The Program will promote classroom communities by strengthening the social & emotional foundation of children & staff.
Strategic Goal 4
The Program will implement a developmentally appropriate curriculum to promote success in all classrooms.
Strategic Goal 1
NHCS Head Start will improve the effectiveness of collecting and using data to support program outcomes
School Readiness Goal: NHCS will implement Creative Curriculum 5th Edition and Teaching Strategies GOLD to collect and provide data to support program outcomes
including the Head Start Child Development and Early Learning Framework and North Carolina Foundations for Early Learning and Development.
PFCE Goal: Families as advocates and leaders: Parents and families will be provided the opportunity to be involved in decision-making and program policy development.
Objective 1
Expected Outcome
Data Tools/Tracking Progress
Strategy
NHCS will develop an ongoing data tracking matrix (by
Matrix
 Through the review of the data we
 Establish PD plan focusing on
giving timelines/deadlines).
Reports
will know if we are meeting the 45child plus trainings
Child Plus reports
90 day mandates.
 At the end of year 1 NHCS will have introduced the
 Provide all staff with access to
T.S Gold Reports
Child Plus reporting system to all leadership staff.
 We will have a better understanding
technology, computer and
of the child outcome data (CLASS,
internet. (uploaded child plus on
 Each sequential year we will increase by 20%.
Assessments, Brigance, etc.)
all computers)
 By the end of 5 years we will have fully implemented
the Child Plus reporting system.
 Identify team member roles and
 Provide all staff with log in for
responsibilities to ensure
child plus
accountability occurs.
 Review what went well in
transitioning and what areas we
can use child plus for.
 Provide ongoing training and
ongoing monitoring occurs.
Objective 2
Expected Outcome
Data Tools/Tracking Progress
Strategy
Data outcomes will increasingly include parent
Self-Assessment Survey
 Through the review of self Provide information about selfperspective from submission of the parent selfassessment data the program will
assessment during policy council
assessment.
modify policy and procedures as
meetings.
 By the end of year 1, 40% of parents will complete
needed.
 Policy Council will work with
the assessment.
 NHCS will offer Professional
parents to complete the selfDevelopment.
assessment.
 Each sequential year will increase by 10%.
 NHCS will offer Parent Workshops
 Self-assessment will be
based on self-assessment data.
advertised through weekly
newsletters, parent meetings,
and Connect Five calls.
Objective 3
Expected Outcome
Data Tools/Tracking Progress
Strategy
Teachers will utilize the Creative Curriculum and T.S.
T.S GOLD
 All teachers will proficient using the
 Instructional team will provide
GOLD to track children’s learning outcomes
Lesson plans
curriculum and assessment
PLC’s (Professional Learning
Parent/teacher conferences
Communities), coaching, and
 At the end of 1, the curriculum and online assessment  NHCS administrative staff will use
will be purchased for the entire program.
professional development for
data for program outcomes and
teaching staff.
reports.
 Year 2-4, teaching staff will increase the use of
tracking and imputing children’s assessment data by
 NHCS will provide professional
25% each year
development from Teaching
Strategies, LLC.
 At the end of year 5, all teachers will be using
Creative Curriculum and T.S. GOLD to its full capacity.
 Instructional team will review
Parent/Conference forms.
 Instructional team will review
and provide feedback for lesson
plans.
Strategic Goal 2
NHCS Head Start will empower and maximize community partnerships and family engagement
School Readiness Goal: Cognition and General Knowledge: Children will increase their knowledge of self, community, family and culture.
PFCE Goal: Family Connections to Peers and Community: Parents and families will form connections with peers and mentors through community and school events.
Objective 1
Expected Outcome
Data Tools/Tracking Progress
Strategy
Ensure that all teachers will establish Family and
FPA
 Families will feel more welcome and
 Use newsletters, home/school
Engagement Partnerships agreements.
Parent surveys
received in schools
communicators, home visits and
Parent Contact Log
parent-teacher conferences,
 By year 1 20% of FPA’s will led by teachers.
 Families will complete their goals
Analysis of parent attendance
ongoing Parent Committee
with their teachers in coordination
 By year 2 40% of FPA’s will led by teachers.
log
meetings, school events, Teacher
with the family specialists
 By year 3 60% of FPA’s will led by teachers.
Event sign in sheets
meetings that are organized at a
 Families as life -long educator
 By year 4 80% of FPA’s will led by teachers.
Parent
evaluations
school level.

Families
will
be
connected
to
peers
 By year 5 100% of FPA’s will led by teachers.
Referrals
 Professional development,
and community
 Have child participation at school
events.
 Use Connect Five calls for
advance notice to inform
parents.
Objective 2
Expected Outcome
Data Tools/Tracking Progress
Strategy
NHCS will participate in community outreach (WIC,
Signed MOUs/Contracts
 Partnerships show presence and
 Contact community partners to
Health Department, Doctor’s offices, Smart Start, Cape
Community Needs
engagement in policy council
learn about the services they
Fear Community College, UNCW, etc)
Assessment
meetings.
provide.
Board/Policy Council Meeting  Attend community partner
 By year 1, community outreach will increase from
 Community partners will be
Attendance
10%-20%.
knowledgeable of program standards
meetings to provide them
Contact Log
and requirements.
information about Head Start.
 Each sequential year will increase by 10%.
Google
Calendars
 Strong community partnerships
 Invite community partners to
Emails
Policy Council and Health Advisory
 The community supports the
Committee Meetings
interests and needs of our families
and encourage parents to participate
in their child’s learning.
Objective 3
Educate our parents in understanding the
comprehensive services our program provides (Health
and Safety, Education, FCP, Nutrition, Mental Health
Disabilities, Transportation, PDM)
 By the end of year 1, we will have two parent
empowerment sessions.
 By the end of year 5, will have six parent
empowerment sessions.
Expected Outcome
 Parents will gain understanding of
the NHCS Application process, home
visits, and Parent Orientation to
learn about comprehensive services.
 With growth of attendance to parent
empowerment sessions, NHCS will
increase opportunity for parent
input.
 NHCS will create an Information
brochure on comprehensive services
for parents.
Data Tools/Tracking Progress
Analysis of parent attendance
of meetings
Community Needs
Assessment
FPA
Parent surveys
Parent Contact Log
Strategy
 Invite community partners to
lead and participate in Parent
Empowerment Sessions.
 Parents will interact with
community partners at Policy
Council, Health Advisory
Committee Meetings, and Parent
Empowerment Sessions.
Strategic Goal 3
NHCS Head Start will promote classroom communities by strengthening the social & emotional foundation of children & staff
School Readiness Goal: Children will establish & maintain the ability to regulate behaviors, express basic feelings, & participate cooperatively in school & community
settings.
PFCE Goal: Parent Child Relationships: NHCS will provide opportunities for parents and families to nurture their children’s early learning and development.
Objective
Expected Outcome
Data Tools/Tracking Progress
Strategy
NHCS will implement the classroom management and
Mental Health Observations
 Families will have more knowledge
 NHCS will follow the
social-learning curriculum, Conscious Discipline.
CLASS
of their child’s social and emotional
Transformational
Parent/Teacher Conferences
development.
Implementation guide provided
 At the end of year 1, professional development and
T.S GOLD
materials will be purchased for the entire program.
by Loving Guidance, LLC which
 Teaching staff will be more resilient
Lesson Plans
includes professional
 Year 2-4, teaching staff will increase the use of
in redirecting challenging behaviors
Teacher PDP
development.
Conscious Discipline in the classroom by 25% each
to creative a positive classroom
Analysis of Behavior Referrals
year.
community.
 NHCS will utilize feedback from
contracted mental health
 By the end of year 5, Conscious Discipline will be
 NHCS will experience fewer behavior
observers.
completely integrated into all program classrooms.
referrals and SST/MTSS support.
 Instructional staff will provide
teacher observation and
coaching.
 All classrooms will have a
designated Safe Place.
Objective
Expected Outcome
Data Tools/Tracking Progress
Strategy
NCHS will encourage families to participate in school
Daily Communicator Log
 Strengthen and maintain warm and
 During the initial home visit,
sponsored events that promote child’s emotional and
Attendance to Parent
responsive interactions between
teaching staff will provide
social development and foundation.
Empowerment
sessions
families and children.
parents with examples of family
NHCS will increase each of the following by 10% each  School staff and families will foster
Successful Home Visits
goals that benefit child’s
year.
Attendance to Parent/Teacher
progress.
relationships that are effective for
Conferences
 Number of parents who attend parent empowerment child’s development.
 Consistent communication of
FPA Goal establishment and
sessions
parent empowerment sessions,
 Children demonstrate consistent, on
completion
 Parent Involvement in school activities
parent/teacher conferences, and
time attendance to school throughout
Attendance/Tardy analysis
school activities.
the year.
 Completion of FPA goals
 Teachers will learn to
communicate effectively with
population served.
Objective
NHCS will use the CLASS tool to strengthen classroom
communities.
 Year 1 and 2- Establish a team, certify select staff, and
introduce CLASS to teaching staff
 Year 3- Professional development will be provided &
100% of classrooms will meet minimum CLASS scores.
 Year 4- 50% of the classrooms will exceed CLASS
scores
 Year 5- 100% of the classrooms will exceed CLASS
scores.
Expected Outcome
 Teachers will be more intentional in
their interactions with children.
 NHCS will use CLASS observation
feedback to set meaningful goals.
 Teaching staff will provide an
environment that recognizes and
embraces cultural diversity and
family composition.
 Teachers will be given feedback to
improve classroom environments
Data Tools/Tracking Progress
Teacher Self-Assessment
CLASS observations
Mental Health Observations
Strategy
 Certify appropriate staff in CLASS
observation tool
 Observe and report on CLASS
data
 Train teachers in CLASS,
professional development of
CLASS expectations and
guidelines
 Teachers are given technical
assistance based on individual
needs
Strategic Goal 4
NHCS Head Start will implement a developmentally appropriate curriculum to promote success in all classrooms
School Readiness Goal: Children will increase their curiosity and motivation showing flexibility and inventiveness in their thinking.
PFCE Goal: Parents as life-long educators: Parents and families will observe, guide, promote, and participate in the everyday learning of their child.
Objective
Expected Outcome
Data Tools/Tracking Progress
Strategy
NHCS will implement Creative Curriculum 5th Edition in
Lesson Plans
 Child outcomes data will support
 Provide ongoing professional
the entire program.
T.S. GOLD
the progress of implementation of
development each year
Coaching
Observation
 Year 1- research and adopt developmentally
developmentally appropriate
pertaining to Teaching Strategies.
Conferences
appropriate curriculum, Creative Curriculum 5th
curriculum
 Provide coaching from
Lesson Plan Reviews
Edition, 100% purchased curriculums.
instructional staff during teacher
 Teachers will be experienced in
Teacher self-assessment
implementing the curriculum.
observations and monthly PLCs.
 Year 2- distribute and train teaching staff on Creative
Schoollink
Curriculum; 100% of teaching staff will be trained on
 NHCS will ensure active learning
 Instructional staff will review
Teacher CEU reports
implementation of Creative Curriculum.
and will promote children’s
lesson plans to ensure curriculum
 Year 3-provide follow up professional development
progress in all developmental areas.
implementation
and coaching to support staff; 100% of teaching staff
will receive coaching and support.
 Year 4-continue with coaching and professional
development with identified teacher needs
 By year 5, Creative Curriculum will be fully
implemented in the entire program. 100% of
Creative Curriculum will be implemented in all
classrooms by all assigned teaching staff.
Objective
NHCS will provide children with foundation and
transitional skills to promote Kindergarten Readiness.
Each year children will show 20% growth in following
areas:
 Social and emotional development.
 Approaches to learning.
 Language and literacy.
 Cognition and general knowledge.
 Physical development and health.
Objective
NHCS will update classrooms with developmentally
appropriate materials that support the curriculum.
 Year 1-5, 100% of outdated and broken furniture will
be replaced (Cubbies, shelves, etc.).
 Year 1-5, 100% of all classrooms will receive materials
and teaching tools that support the required
curriculums.
Expected Outcome
 Alignment with North Carolina
Kindergarten Entrance Assessment
and K-3 Formative Assessment
process
 Every child shows a significant
growth yearly
Data Tools/Tracking Progress
Expected Outcome
 Classrooms will be outfitted to
implement the Creative Curriculum
philosophy of room arrangement
and materials.
 All broken and unsafe materials will
be removed from classrooms.
 Teaching materials will be updated
to align with the new curriculum.
Data Tools/Tracking Progress
Purchase Orders
On-site observations
ECERS-R
Environmental Health and
Safety Review
CLASS
Parent and Teacher SelfAssessment
T.S GOLD Reporting/Portfolio
CLASS Observations
Mental Health Observations
Growth Assessments
Strategy
 Provide children with structured
outdoor play and promote
healthy eating habits.
Strategy
 Review classroom inventories.
 Smart Start will conduct
classroom materials survey based
on the ECERS-R.
 Teaching staff will submit
classroom wish lists.