Title
Head Start Birth to Five Program Proposed Slot Conversion/Reduction
Description
This report requests the Economic Development and Housing Subcommittee, which serves as the City of Phoenix Head Start Birth to Five Governing Board, to authorize the Human Services Department, Head Start Birth to Five Program, to submit a slot conversion/reduction request to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Head Start.
THIS ITEM IS FOR DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION.
Report
Summary
The Head Start Birth to Five Program provides early childhood learning experiences and comprehensive social services for 3,451 children and families through three programs: (1) Early Head Start Child Care Partnerships, which offers full-day childcare for 188 children from birth to age three; (2) Early Head Start Home-Based program, which provides home visitation to 300 children from birth to age three to assist parents in developing positive child-parent interactions; and (3) Head Start Preschool, which offers center-based early educational experiences for 2,963 children from ages three to five.
The Office of Head Start supports slot conversions/reductions to meet changing community needs, achieve full enrollment, and provide competitive and sustainable salaries for staff.
The Head Start Birth to Five Program requests approval to submit a slot conversion/reduction request to the Office of Head Start to reduce from 3,451 slots to 2,209. The reduction represents 236 Early Head Start Home-Based slots and 1,006 Head Start Preschool slots converted to full school day to meet community needs. This conversion/reduction would allow the Head Start Birth to Five Program to maintain the current level of funding which supports full school day preschool classes, remain aligned with the Community Needs Assessment, achieve full enrollment, and provide competitive and sustainable salaries for staff.
If approved, this reduction would become effective in the current fiscal year ending June 30, 2024.
Contract Term
The remaining year of the five-year Head Start Fiscal Year 2024-25 grant term is July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024.
Concurrence/Previous Council Action
The Head Start Birth to Five Policy Council approved this item on Aug. 14, 2023, by a 9-0 vote.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Deputy City Manager Gina Montes and the Human Services Department.