Title
Head Start Birth to Five Self-Assessment
Description
This report provides the Community and Cultural Investment Subcommittee, which serves as the City of Phoenix Head Start Governing Board, a summary of the Head Start Birth to Five Self-Assessment for Fiscal Year 2019-20.
THIS ITEM IS FOR INFORMATION ONLY.
Report
Summary
At least once each program year, the Office of Head Start requires all grantees to conduct a self-assessment on the effectiveness and progress in meeting program goals and objectives and implementation of federal guidelines. The City of Phoenix Head Start Birth to Five program uses a continuous quality improvement process for self-assessment. This is a cyclical process focusing on alignment with the Head Start Program Performance Standards and the Birth to Five Program's goals and objectives. The following are highlights of the results.
Strength Areas
To assist staff and parents in dealing with COVID-19 pandemic stressors, Wellness Learning Communities were implemented by the Behavior Support team. In these virtual sessions, participants learned techniques to reduce stress, the importance of self-care and engaging with others who were feeling the same.
Caseworkers supported families by providing community resources to obtain free COVID-19 testing, arranging locations for families to quarantine, and liaising between teacher and families.
To support instructional staff and home visitors, the Education team developed distance learning guides identifying the requirements outlined by the Office of Head Start for online learning. The guides included how to use the curriculum in a virtual setting, engaging children and families virtually, and the appropriate amount of time young children should be using an electronic device.
Area Needing Improvement
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many families were not comfortable taking their children to a pediatrician. This resulted in a significant number of children who are behind on well-child visits and immunizations. To address this issue, the health team will include a section in the School Readiness modules for parents focusing on the importance of regular physical examinations and keeping children up to date on immunizations.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Deputy City Manager Gina Montes and the Human Services Department.