Title
Authorization to Annually Apply for Five Year (2024-2029) Head Start Birth to Five Grant, Accept 2024-2029 Head Start Birth to Five Funds and Enter into or Extend Contracts
Description
This report requests the Economic Development and Housing Subcommittee, as the designated City of Phoenix Head Start Birth to Five Governing Board, recommend City Council approval to authorize the Human Services Department to an annually apply for Five-Year (2024-2029) Head Start Birth to Five Grant for approximately $266,718,621 over the life of the grants, (b) accept 2024-2029 Head Start Birth to Five Funds for up to a total of $266,718,621 annually, (c) enter into or extend contracts with Head Start and Early Head Start Education Service Providers and (d) amend contracts to move one time monies to the Head Start and Early Head Start Education Service Providers for necessary health and safety items, provide direct and administrative services to Head Start families or enter into or amend collaborative contracts or other related agreements required for Head Start services. All additional funding to the Head Start and Early Head Start Education Service Providers will be approved by the Head Start Governing Board prior to contract amendment.
THIS ITEM IS FOR CONSENT ACTION.
Report
Summary
The City of Phoenix Head Start program provides comprehensive education and social services through two service delivery models: Early Head Start (0-3 years) and Head Start (3-5 years). There are currently 488 slots for families with infants and toddlers in Early Head Start, and 2,963 preschool slots available for children in Head Start.
The current Education Service Providers are:
Early Head Start
- Cactus Kids
- Immanuel Care for Children
- Out of This World Childcare
Head Start
- Alhambra Elementary School District
- Booker T. Washington Child Development Center
- Deer Valley Unified School District
- Fowler Elementary School District
- Greater Phoenix Urban League
- Washington Elementary School District
On Oct. 13, 2023, a solicitation was issued to procure Education Service Providers to provide services for children birth to age five for the next five year grant cycle (2024-2029). Proposals are currently under evaluation with the goal of entering into contract beginning July 1, 2024. Based on the results of the evaluation process, current contracts could be extended for up to one year if consensus cannot be reached.
Contract Term
If awarded, the City of Phoenix, as the Grantee, will enter into the first year of a new five-year grant for the Head Start Birth to Five Program Education Service Providers. The contract term for the first year is July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025.
Financial Impact
The estimated grant funding for the first year of $48,269,349 includes $39,024,555 for Head Start and $9,244,794 for Early Head Start. It reflects an anticipated 1.77 percent Cost of Living Adjustment. An annual refunding application will be required in subsequent years of the five-year grant.
There are no General Funds required to operate the City of Phoenix Head Start Program.
Concurrence/Previous Council Action
The item is scheduled to be reviewed by the Head Start Birth to Five Policy Council on Feb. 12, 2024.
Public Outreach
The Head Start Birth to Five Program has provided the public with information about this award through the Policy Council open meetings, meetings with Education Service Providers, and through the five-year solicitation that was released Oct. 13, 2023. Information regarding annual budgets is available on the Head Start Birth to Five Program's website.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Deputy City Manager Gina Montes and the Human Services Department.