Title
Classroom Assessment Scoring System Observation Services
Description
This report requests the Land Use and Livability Subcommittee, which serves as the City of Phoenix Head Start Birth to Five Governing Board, recommend City Council approval to enter into contract with Southwest Human Development to administer the Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS) Observation tool in Head Start Birth to Five preschool classrooms. The aggregate value of the contract will not exceed $900,000 over the life of the contract.
THIS ITEM IS FOR CONSENT ACTION.
Report
Summary
The Head Start Birth to Five program is federally funded through the Office of Head Start. It is a comprehensive preschool program for income-eligible children ages birth to five and their families who live within the City of Phoenix program boundary area. The overall goal of Head Start is to promote the school readiness of income-eligible children by enhancing their cognitive and social and emotional development. 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 February 25, 2020. The solicitation was conducted in accordance with Administrative Regulation 3.10. Three offers received were:
Southwest Human Development: 1000 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.