Title
Request for Proposals for Head Start Birth to Five Classroom Behavior and Education Coaching Services (Ordinance S-53053) - Council Districts 1, 3, 4, 5, 7 & 8
Description
Request to authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to enter into a contract with Southwest Human Development, Inc., to provide Head Start Birth to Five Classroom Behavior and Education Coaching Services to the Human Services Department. Further request to authorize the City Controller to disburse all funds related to this item. The contract value will not exceed $500,000 over the life of the contract.
Report
Summary
Classroom behavior and education coaches assist Head Start Birth to Five teachers with classroom management and support. The Head Start early childhood education service providers, family advocates, childcare partners and the behavioral support team have observed an increasing number of behavioral concerns in the classroom. Although the behavior support staff are responsive, there is a need for additional one-on-one help with children. Behavior coaches will support children and teachers by implementing age-appropriate interventions in the classroom, and childcare centers to maintain a safe environment. They will provide various services and strategies to de-escalate disruptive behaviors and teach new skills to foster a positive learning atmosphere. The interventions provided must align with the child’s developmental level, teacher learning style, Conscious Discipline practices, trauma-informed care practices and Head Start performance standards. The goal of a coach in the classroom is to reduce behavior referrals and teach new skills to the child, caregiver, childcare staff and teachers.
Procurement Information
A Request for Proposals, RFP-EED-26-0244, was processed in accordance with City of Phoenix Administrative Regulation 3.10.
The Human Services Department received 8 offers on April 10, 2026. Seven offers were deemed to be responsive and responsible. One offer was deemed non-responsive. An evaluation committee of internal staff evaluated those offers based on the following criteria, with a maximum possible point total of 1,000:
- General Information (1 maximum point).
- Method of Approach (400 maximum points).
- Experience and Expertise of Key Personnel (300 maximum points).
- Cost/Budget (299 maximum points).
The Evaluation Committee scores are as follows:
- Southwest Human Development, Inc.: 845 points.
- Elevate Education Coaching & Consulting, Inc.: 613 points.
- Positive Behavior Supports Corps: 550 points.
After reaching a consensus, the evaluation committee recommends award to the following offeror:
- Southwest Human Development, Inc.
Contract Term
The contract will begin on or about July 1, 2026, for a five-year term with no options to extend.
Financial Impact
The contract value will not exceed $500,000. Funding is available from the United States Department of Health and Human Services, Administration of Children, Youth, and Families.
Concurrence/Previous Council Action
This item was approved by the Head Start Policy Council on February 9, 2026, by a vote of 11-0.
Location
- Alhambra Elementary School District No. 68, 4510 N. 37th Avenue.
- Cartwright Elementary School District No. 83, 5220 W. Indian School Road.
- Deer Valley Unified School District No. 97, 20402 N. 15th Avenue.
- Fowler Elementary School District No. 45, 1617 S. 67th Avenue.
- Isaac Elementary School District No. 5, 3348 W. McDowell Road.
- Laveen Elementary School District No. 59, 5001 W. Dobbins Road.
- Murphy Elementary School District No. 21, 3140 W. Buckeye Road.
- Pendergast Elementary School District No. 92, 3802 N. 91st Avenue.
- Phoenix Elementary School District No. 1, 1817 N. 7th Street.
- Roosevelt Elementary School District No. 66, 6000 S. 7th Street.
- Washington Elementary School District No. 6, 4650 W. Sweetwater Avenue.
- Wilson Elementary School District No. 7, 3025 E. Fillmore Street.
Council District(s): 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, and 8.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Deputy City Manager Gina Montes and the Human Services Department.