Title
Classroom Assessment Scoring System Observation Services (Ordinance S-46621)
Description
Request to authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to enter into a contract with Southwest Human Development to administer the Classroom Assessment Scoring System Observation Services (CLASS) Observation tool in Head Start Birth to Five preschool classrooms. Further request authorization for the City Controller to disburse all funds related to this item. The aggregate value of the contract will not exceed $900,000. There is no impact to the General Fund.
Report
Summary
The Head Start Birth to Five program is a federally funded program administered by the Office of Head Start. It is a comprehensive program for income-eligible children birth to age five and their families who live within the City of Phoenix program boundary area. The program serves 3,451 children of which 2,963 are classroom-based slots for preschool aged children.
The Improving Head Start for School Readiness Act of 2007 requires the use of a valid and reliable research-based instrument to assess the quality of learning experiences in the classroom. The Office of Head Start has identified the CLASS as the appropriate tool. The criteria in the CLASS tool focuses on interactions between teachers and children, the quality of emotional support given to children, classroom organization, and the instructional supports provided by teachers. These components play a critical role in positive child outcomes.
Procurement Information
RFP-20-EDU-37 was issued on Feb. 25, 2020. The solicitation was conducted in accordance with Administrative Regulation 3.10. Three offers were received:
Southwest Human Development: 1,000 points
Teachstone, LLC: 750 points
Lakeshore Learning Materials: 450 points
Southwest Human Development was determined to be the most highly rated, responsible offeror and therefore is recommended for award.
Contract Term
The contract term will begin on or about July 1, 2020, and end June 30, 2025, with no option to extend.
Financial Impact
Funding is available from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration of Children, Youth and Families. No additional general funds are required.
Concurrence/Previous Council Action
The Head Start Birth to Five Policy Council approved the request to release the CLASS Observation Services RFP on March 9, 2020.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Assistant City Manager Deanna Jonovich and the Human Services Department.