Title
Approval of Head Start Birth to Five Standards of Conduct Policy - Districts 1, 3, 4, 5, 7 and 8
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 approve the revisions to the Head Start Birth to Five Standards of Conduct Policy.
THIS ITEM IS FOR CONSENT ACTION.
Report
Summary
The Office of Head Start mandates that all grantees create and implement a written Standards of Conduct policy. The policy must outline the responsibilities of all staff, consultants, contractors, and volunteers to guarantee the health and safety of enrolled children.
Recently, the Head Start Birth to Five program updated its policy as part of the Risk Assessment Notification process initiated by the Office of Head Start. This process followed the violation of the Standards of Conduct by three staff members from one of the Child Care Partners. The Economic Development and Housing Subcommittee approved the revised policy on June 12, 2024. On August 21, 2024, the Office of Head Start issued the Final Rule regarding changes to the Head Start Program Performance Standards, which included an update to the Standards of Conduct. Consequently, the Head Start Birth to Five Program has revised its Standard of Conduct Policy to align with the Office of Head Start changes.
The Office of Head Start has revised the Standards of Conduct to be more concise by establishing four main categories that cover all forms of inappropriate treatment of children. The categories are:
- Corporal punishment, this includes all forms of physical abuse.
- Sexually abusive behaviors that is defined as any attempt, contact, or exploitation involving sexual acts.
- Emotional harmful behaviors are defined as actions that damage a child's self-worth or emotional well-being.
- Neglectful behaviors that include leaving children unsupervised.
These updates aim to clarify the expectation for child treatment and ensure safe learning environments for children.
See Attachment A for the revised policy, revisions are highlighted in yellow.
Concurrence/Previous Council Action
The item was approved by the Head Start Birth to Five Policy Council on October 21, 2024.
Locations
Alhambra Elementary School District, 4510 N. 37th Avenue
Cartwright Elementary School District, 5220 W. Indian School Road
Deer Valley Unified School District, 20402 N. 15th Avenue
Fowler Elementary School District, 1617 S. 67th Avenue
Isaac School District, 3348 W. McDowell Road
Laveen Elementary School District, 5601 W. Dobbins Road
Murphy Elementary School District, 3140 W. Buckeye Road
Pendergast Elementary School District, 3802 N. 91st Avenue
Phoenix Elementary School District, 1817 N. 7th Street
Riverside Elementary School District, 1414 S. 51st Avenue
Roosevelt Elementary School District, 6000 S. 7th Street
Washington Elementary School District, 4650 W. Sweetwater Avenue
Wilson Elementary School District, 3025 E. Fillmore Street
Council Districts: 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.