TO:
Board of Directors and Policy Council Members
FROM:
Laurie Gan Leiner, Head Start Director
DATE:
January 12, 2016
RE:
December Head Start Report
Highlights
December was a short month for Head Start as the centers were closed from December 18, 2015
through January 4, 2016.
The Grant Expansion, to include Gulf, Calhoun, Liberty, Wakulla and Madison Counties was
submitted on December 15, 2015. Receipt of this grant would double the services provided and
the revenue to Head Start.
Renovations at Louise B. Royal Center are continuing and children are still reassigned to Mabry
and Bainbridge centers.
We have received approval from the Early Learning Coalition to use School Readiness (also
known as subsidized childcare) dollars to support keeping some centers/classrooms open until
5:00 and 6:00 pm. Once implemented, these funds will also be used for the non-federal share
match.
There was no male engagement activity in December, however a meeting was held with
representatives from Kid’s Incorporated to discuss joint ventures. On Saturday, January 16,
2016 there will be a “Jump with Dad” event at Sky Zone. Fathers will have the opportunity to
have fun with their children and network with other Head Start Dads and father figures. The
program intends to hold more fun activities in the Spring.
Head Start and Community Action LIHEAP program worked together to provide outreach
services at Mabry Street and South City Head Start centers in December.
Head Start families received Christmas donations in the form of clothes, food, gift cards, toys,
etc. through different community partners such as Bethel A.M.E. Church, The Christmas
Connection, and The Agency for State Technology, FAMU Police Department, and from Gaye
Harper.
309 Office Plaza Drive  Tallahassee, Florida  32301  850.222.2043
www.CapitalAreaCommunityAction.org
Eligibility, Recruitment, Selection, Enrollment, and Attendance (ERSEA):
All vacancies in December, except for one, were less than 30 days old. The one vacancy over
was due to the time the program was closed for winter break.
Attendance is being closely monitored. For the month of December there was an overall agencywide average daily attendance of 85%. However, four centers fell below the required
85%.Family Advocates are working with the parents on improved attendance and ways to help
them.
Head Start Enrollment and Attendance
Center
Funded
Enrollment on
December Average Daily
12-31-15
Attendance (ADA)
52
52
89%
Bainbridge
37
36
81%
Franklin
31
31
81%
Jefferson
56
56
80%
Mabry
54
53
83%
Royal
148
148
87%
South City
378
376
85%
TOTAL
Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK) – There are currently 112 children in VPK.
Health Services:
Head Start requires various screenings within certain timeframes from the day a child enters the
program. Following is the status of health screenings as of the end of November.
Screenings
Completed
30 Day Requirement
Physical Examinations
353
Immunizations
356
45 Day Requirement
Hearing
372
Vision
372
90 Day Requirement
Dental
134
Hemoglobin/Hematocrit
176
Lead
183
Growth Assessment
362
Head Start children receive a nutritious breakfast, lunch and snack each day. Following is the
number of meals served to Head Start children in November:
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Board and Policy Council Report for December
NUTRITION
Number of Breakfast
Number of Lunch
Number of PM Snacks
Number of Children with Special Diets
3,983
4,155
3,517
22
The Child Care Food Program budget remains an area of concern. Adjustments have been made
to reduce the costs which include a modification to the menu. The team is working with Leon
Schools. The best solution would be to be able to cook at South City.
Early Childhood Development
School Readiness Report for the Baseline has been completed. The Early Childhood
Development Manager resigned her position to return to her former employer. Staff received inservice training on January 4, 2016.
Special Services:
Disabilities: At least 10% of the enrollees should have an Individual Education Plan (IEP) by
midyear. Currently there are 25 referrals waiting on evaluations. With the completion of these
the program should be able to meet this requirement.
Disabilities and Mental Health Services as of End of
November
Developmental Screenings
Disabilities Evaluations
Children with Individual Education Plans (IEP)
Referrals to Local Education Agency (LEA) for
Evaluation
Children Receiving Speech and Language Therapy
Children Receiving Occupational Therapy
Children Receiving Mental Health Services
Social/Emotional Screenings completed
Referrals to the Mental Health Consultant
Positive Behavior Support Plans
Monthly Number
of Children
4
4
2
4
0
0
0
4
1
3
Totals
372
16
17
25
41
3
30
190
29
18
Parent Engagement
Incredible Years will be starting two new groups in February. They are currently recruiting
participants.
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Board and Policy Council Report for December
Preview of Upcoming Events and Training
February 23-25, 2016 there will be hands on ChildPlus training for staff.
The Quality Assurance Manager will attend the Region IV Head Start Annual Conference
February 1-4, 2016.
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Board and Policy Council Report for December