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JUNE 19, 2008. CAPLAW NATIONAL TRAINING CONFERENCE. 2. OVERVIEW OF PRESENTATION. HEAD START REAUTHORIZATIONBACKGROUND ON THE NEW ACTKEY CHANGESPOLICY ISSUANCES RELATED TO THE NEW ACTACF-IM-HS-08-01 (SUMMARY)ACF-IM-HS-08-03 (ENROLLMENT)ACF-IM-HS-08-04 (IMPLEMENTATION)ACF-PI-HS-08-02 (BACKGROUND CHECKS)ACF-PI-HS-08-03 (SALARY CAP)HEAD START RISK MANAGEMENT PROCESS.
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1. CAPLAW NATIONAL TRAINING CONFERENCESESSION 2DHEAD START REAUTHORIZATION JUNE 19, 2008 ROBERT E. SASSER, ESQ.
R. BRIAN TIPTON, ESQ.
SASSER, SEFTON, CONNALLY, TIPTON & DAVIS, P.C.
100 COLONIAL BANK BLVD., SUITE B-201
MONTGOMERY, AL 36117
TELEPHONE: (334) 532-3400
WWW.SASSERLAWFIRM.COM
2. JUNE 19, 2008 CAPLAW NATIONAL TRAINING CONFERENCE 2 OVERVIEW OF PRESENTATION HEAD START REAUTHORIZATION
BACKGROUND ON THE NEW ACT
KEY CHANGES
POLICY ISSUANCES RELATED TO THE NEW ACT
ACF-IM-HS-08-01 (SUMMARY)
ACF-IM-HS-08-03 (ENROLLMENT)
ACF-IM-HS-08-04 (IMPLEMENTATION)
ACF-PI-HS-08-02 (BACKGROUND CHECKS)
ACF-PI-HS-08-03 (SALARY CAP)
HEAD START RISK MANAGEMENT PROCESS
3. JUNE 19, 2008 CAPLAW NATIONAL TRAINING CONFERENCE 3 HEAD START REAUTHORIZATION HEAD START REAUTHORIZATION
"IMPROVING HEAD START FOR SCHOOL READINESS ACT OF 2007"
BEGAN IN U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES AS H.R. 1429
NOW PUBLIC LAW 110-134
FULL TEXT OF PUBLIC LAW 110-134 AVAILABLE AT WWW.CAPLAW.ORG OR WWW.SASSERLAWFIRM.COM
4. JUNE 19, 2008 CAPLAW NATIONAL TRAINING CONFERENCE 4 HEAD START REAUTHORIZATION CONGRESS PASSED REAUTHORIZATION LEGISLATION NOVEMBER 14, 2007
HOUSE AND SENATE EACH PASSED SEPARATE VERSIONS OF REAUTHORIZATION IN SPRING 2007
FINAL LAW RESULT OF CONFERENCE COMMITTEE COMPROMISE BILL
OVERWHELMING "YEA" VOTES IN BOTH HOUSE AND SENATE
PRESIDENT SIGNED DECEMBER 12, 2007
5. JUNE 19, 2008 CAPLAW NATIONAL TRAINING CONFERENCE 5 OVERVIEW OF REAUTHORIZATION HEAD START HAS ISSUED A SHORT SUMMARY OF SOME OF THE MAJOR CHANGES FOUND IN THE NEW ACT (SEE INFORMATION MEMORANDUM ACF-IM-HS-08-01)
HEAD START HAS ADVISED GRANTEES THAT THEY "ARE EXPECTED TO CAREFULLY REVIEW THE NEW HEAD START ACT AND MOVE FORWARD EXPEDITIOUSLY TO TAKE THOSE STEPS NECESSARY TO ACHIEVE FULL COMPLIANCE WITH THESE NEW REQUIREMENTS" (SEE INFORMATION MEMORANDUM ACF-IM-HS-08-04)
6. JUNE 19, 2008 CAPLAW NATIONAL TRAINING CONFERENCE 6 OVERVIEW OF REAUTHORIZATION REAUTHORIZATION LEGISLATION IS A SECTION BY SECTION RE-WRITE OF THE HEAD START ACT, LAST REVISED IN 1998
SIGNIFICANT CHANGES
RECOMPETITION
GOVERNANCE REQUIREMENTS
FISCAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE REQUIREMENTS
REVIEWS, CORRECTIVE ACTION, AND APPEALS
ELIGIBILITY AND ENROLLMENT
STAFF CREDENTIALS
SALARY LIMITS
POLITICAL AND VOTER REGISTRATION ACTIVITIES
7. JUNE 19, 2008 CAPLAW NATIONAL TRAINING CONFERENCE 7 RECOMPETITION NEW ACT ESTABLISHES SYSTEM FOR "DESIGNATION RENEWAL" [42 U.S.C. § 9836(c)]
EXPERT PANEL TO MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS ON "TRANSPARENT, RELIABLE, AND VALID SYSTEM"
AGENCIES "DELIVERING A HIGH-QUALITY AND COMPREHENSIVE HEAD START PROGRAM" REDESIGNATED AS HEAD START AGENCIES FOR 5 YEARS
OTHER AGENCIES SUBJECT TO OPEN RECOMPETITION
NO "DESIGNATION RENEWALS" FOR AT LEAST 18 MONTHS
8. JUNE 19, 2008 CAPLAW NATIONAL TRAINING CONFERENCE 8 RECOMPETITION EXPERT PANEL HAS BEEN NAMED
FIRST MEETING HELD IN MARCH
HANDOUTS CAN BE REQUESTED BY E-MAILING AdvisoryCommittee@pal-tech.com
AT LEAST TWO MORE MEETINGS (LATE SPRING AND FALL)
FINAL REPORT REQUIRED BY DECEMBER 12, 2008
PROPOSED REGULATIONS ISSUED WITHIN 3 MONTHS OF FINAL REPORT (BY MARCH 12, 2009)
AT LEAST 90 DAY COMMENT PERIOD ON PROPOSED REGULATIONS
9. JUNE 19, 2008 CAPLAW NATIONAL TRAINING CONFERENCE 9 GOVERNANCE REQUIREMENTS COMPOSITION
GOVERNING BODY (MEMBER BACKGROUNDS)
POLICY COUNCIL (TYPES AND SELECTION)
CONFLICT OF INTEREST PROHIBITIONS
SIMILAR FOR GOVERNING BODY AND POLICY COUNCIL
HOWEVER, NOT IDENTICAL
RESPONSIBILITIES
GOVERNING BODY (GENERAL "LEGAL AND FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY" FOR AGENCY)
POLICY COUNCIL (PROGRAM "DIRECTION")
10. JUNE 19, 2008 CAPLAW NATIONAL TRAINING CONFERENCE 10 GOVERNANCE REQUIREMENTS GOVERNING BODY COMPOSITION [42 U.S.C. § 9837(c)(1)(B)]
ONE MEMBER WITH FISCAL MANAGEMENT BACKGROUND AND EXPERTISE
ONE MEMBER WITH EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION AND DEVELOPMENT EXPERTISE
ONE MEMBER LICENSED ATTORNEY "FAMILIAR WITH ISSUES THAT COME BEFORE THE GOVERNING BODY"
CAN USE CONSULTANTS INSTEAD
11. JUNE 19, 2008 CAPLAW NATIONAL TRAINING CONFERENCE 11 GOVERNANCE REQUIREMENTS ADDITIONAL GOVERNING BODY MEMBERS
MUST "REFLECT THE COMMUNITY SERVED" INCLUDING CURRENT OR FORMER HEAD START PARENTS
MUST BE SELECTED "FOR THEIR EXPERTISE IN EDUCATION, BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION, OR COMMUNITY AFFAIRS"
EXCEPTIONS FOR GOVERNING BODY MEMBERSHIP FOR PUBLIC GRANTEES
12. JUNE 19, 2008 CAPLAW NATIONAL TRAINING CONFERENCE 12 GOVERNANCE REQUIREMENTS POLICY COUNCIL COMPOSITION IS SIMILAR BUT SELECTION PROCESS MODIFIED IN NEW LAW [42 U.S.C. § 9837(c)(2)(B)]
STILL TWO TYPES OF MEMBERS
CURRENT HEAD START PARENTS, WHO MUST BE MAJORITY
COMMUNITY REPRESENTATIVES, WHICH MAY INCLUDE FORMER PARENTS
UNDER NEW ACT, ENTIRE POLICY COUNCIL ELECTED BY PARENTS OF CURRENTLY ENROLLED CHILDREN (BUT GOVERNING BODY MUST DEVELOP SELECTION PROCEDURES CONSISTENT WITH THIS REQUIREMENT)
13. JUNE 19, 2008 CAPLAW NATIONAL TRAINING CONFERENCE 13 GOVERNANCE REQUIREMENTS CONFLICTS OF INTEREST NOW PROHIBITED
GOVERNING BODY MEMBERS [42 U.S.C. § 9837(c)(1)(C)]
NO FINANCIAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
NO COMPENSATION FOR SERVING ON GOVERNING BODY OR PROVIDING SERVICES TO AGENCY (BUT PUBLIC AGENCY EXCEPTION)
NO EMPLOYMENT OF MEMBERS OR IMMEDIATE FAMILY BY AGENCY (BUT PUBLIC AGENCY EXCEPTION)
MUST OPERATE INDEPENDENTLY OF STAFF
POLICY COUNCIL MEMBERS [42 U.S.C. § 9837(c)(2)(C)]
NO CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
NO COMPENSATION FOR SERVING ON POLICY COUNCIL OR PROVIDING SERVICES TO AGENCY
14. JUNE 19, 2008 CAPLAW NATIONAL TRAINING CONFERENCE 14 GOVERNANCE REQUIREMENTS PRIOR LAW: "SHARED GOVERNANCE" FOR KEY DECISIONS (45 C.F.R. § 1304.50 Appendix A)
GOVERNING BODY
GENERAL RESPONSIBILITY; AND
GENERALLY "MUST APPROVE OR DISAPPROVE"
POLICY GROUP
"APPROVE OR DISAPPROVE" AUTHORITY
MUST APPROVE BEFORE ACTION CAN BE TAKEN OR PROPOSAL ADOPTED
15. JUNE 19, 2008 CAPLAW NATIONAL TRAINING CONFERENCE 15 GOVERNANCE REQUIREMENTS KEY AREAS OF SHARED GOVERNANCE (OLD LAW)
PLANNING PROCESS
PROGRAM GOALS (LONG AND SHORT TERM)
SELECTION OF DELEGATE AGENCIES
RECRUITMENT, SELECTION, AND ENROLLMENT PRIORITIES
FUNDING APPLICATIONS AND AMENDMENTS
SELF-ASSESSMENT
POLICY COUNCIL COMPOSITION AND SELECTION
SHARED DECISION-MAKING POLICIES
DISPUTE RESOLUTION PROCEDURES
HEAD START PERSONNEL POLICIES
DECISIONS TO HIRE OR FIRE HEAD START DIRECTOR AND OTHER EMPLOYEES WORKING PRIMARILY FOR HEAD START
16. JUNE 19, 2008 CAPLAW NATIONAL TRAINING CONFERENCE 16 GOVERNANCE REQUIREMENTS NEW ACT [42 U.S.C. § 9837(c)] REQUIRES FORMAL GOVERNANCE STRUCTURE CONSISTING OF GOVERNING BODY AND POLICY COUNCIL, EACH WITH DEFINED RESPONSIBILITIES
NEW ACT LISTS BOTH GENERAL AND SPECIFIC AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE GOVERNING BODY AND POLICY COUNCIL
GOVERNING BODY HAS GENERAL "LEGAL AND FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY" FOR GRANTEE AGENCY [42 U.S.C. § 9837(c)(1)(A)]
POLICY COUNCIL HAS GENERAL RESPONSIBILITY FOR PROGRAM "DIRECTION" [42 U.S.C. § 9837(c)(2)(A)]
17. JUNE 19, 2008 CAPLAW NATIONAL TRAINING CONFERENCE 17 GOVERNANCE REQUIREMENTS INTERESTING FEATURES OF THE NEW ACT'S GOVERNANCE STRUCTURE
NOT DESCRIBED AS A "SHARED" GOVERNANCE STRUCTURE
POLICY COUNCIL'S SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES APPEAR MORE NARROW THAN GENERAL DESCRIPTION SUGGESTS
GOVERNING BODY'S SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES MORE DETAILED THAN POLICY COUNCIL'S
LIKELY SHIFT AWAY FROM OLDER "SHARED GOVERNANCE MODEL"
STILL SOME UNCERTAINTY AND APPARENT OVERLAP OF RESPONSIBILITIES
18. JUNE 19, 2008 CAPLAW NATIONAL TRAINING CONFERENCE 18 GOVERNANCE REQUIREMENTS EXAMPLE OF GOVERNANCE ISSUE: PERSONNEL POLICIES AND DECISIONS
GOVERNING BODY RESPONSIBLE FOR APPROVING AGENCY PERSONNEL POLICIES (INCLUDING HIRING, FIRING, EVALUATION, AND COMPENSATION) AND MUST APPROVE SPECIFIC PERSONNEL POLICIES FOR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, HEAD START DIRECTOR, HUMAN RESOURCES DIRECTOR, CFO, AND EQUIVALENT "AGENCY PERSONNEL"
POLICY COUNCIL MUST APPROVE AND SUBMIT TO GOVERNING BODY "PROGRAM" PERSONNEL POLICIES AND DECISIONS ABOUT EMPLOYMENT OF "PROGRAM STAFF"
19. JUNE 19, 2008 CAPLAW NATIONAL TRAINING CONFERENCE 19 OVERVIEW OF RESPONSIBILITIES GOVERNING BOARD [42 U.S.C. § 9837(c)(1)(E)]
BE LEGALLY AND FINANCIALLY RESPONSIBLE FOR ADMINISTERING AND OVERSEEING HEAD START PROGRAMS, INCLUDING SAFEGUARDING OF FEDERAL FUNDS
ADOPT PRACTICES THAT ASSURE ACTIVE, INDEPENDENT AND INFORMED GOVERNANCE OF AGENCY
FULLY PARTICIPATE IN DEVELOPMENT, PLANNING, AND EVALUATION OF HEAD START PROGRAM
POLICY COUNCIL [42 U.S.C. § 9837(c)(2)(D)]
APPROVE AND SUBMIT TO GOVERNING BODY DECISIONS ON FOLLOWING ITEMS:
ACTIVITIES TO SUPPORT ACTIVE PARENT INVOLVEMENT IN SUPPORTING PROGRAM OPERATIONS, INCLUDING RESPONSIVENESS TO COMMUNITY NEEDS
POLICY COUNCIL BYLAWS
20. JUNE 19, 2008 CAPLAW NATIONAL TRAINING CONFERENCE 20 OVERVIEW OF RESPONSIBILITIES GOVERNING BOARD [42 U.S.C. § 9837(c)(1)(E)]
ENSURE COMPLIANCE WITH FEDERAL, AND APPLICABLE STATE AND LOCAL, LAWS AND REGULATIONS
SELECT DELEGATE AGENCIES AND THEIR SERVICE AREAS
ESTABLISH PROCEDURES AND CRITERIA FOR RECRUITMENT, SELECTION, AND ENROLLMENT
ESTABLISH PROCEDURES AND GUIDELINES FOR ACCESSING AND COLLECTING INFORMATION REQUIRED TO BE SHARED WITH GOVERNING BODY AND POLICY COUNCIL POLICY COUNCIL [42 U.S.C. § 9837(c)(2)(D)]
RECOMMENDATIONS ON SELECTION OF DELEGATE AGENCIES AND THEIR SERVICE AREAS
PROGRAM RECRUITMENT, SELECTION, AND ENROLLMENT PRIORITIES
21. JUNE 19, 2008 CAPLAW NATIONAL TRAINING CONFERENCE 21 OVERVIEW OF RESPONSIBILITIES GOVERNING BOARD [42 U.S.C. § 9837(c)(1)(E)]
REVIEW APPLICATIONS FOR HEAD START FUNDING AND AMENDMENTS
REVIEW AND APPROVE ALL MAJOR AGENCY POLICIES, INCLUDING:
ANNUAL SELF-ASSESSMENT
FINANCIAL AUDIT
AGENCY PROGRESS IN CARRYING OUT PROGRAMMATIC AND FISCAL PROVISIONS IN APPLICATION, INCLUDING IMPLEMENTING CORRECTIVE ACTIONS
PERSONNEL POLICIES (HIRING, EVALUATION, TERMINATION, AND COMPENSATION) FOR AGENCY EMPLOYEES POLICY COUNCIL [42 U.S.C. § 9837(c)(2)(D)]
APPLICATIONS FOR PROGRAM FUNDING AND AMENDMENTS, PRIOR TO SUBMISSION
PROGRAM PERSONNEL POLICIES AND DECISIONS REGARDING EMPLOYMENT OF PROGRAM STAFF, CONSISTENT WITH SECTION (1)(E)(iv)(IX), INCLUDING STANDARDS OF CONDUCT AND CRITERIA FOR EMPLOYMENT AND DISMISSAL OF PROGRAM STAFF
22. JUNE 19, 2008 CAPLAW NATIONAL TRAINING CONFERENCE 22 OVERVIEW OF RESPONSIBILITIES GOVERNING BOARD [42 U.S.C. § 9837(c)(1)(E)]
DEVELOP SELECTION PROCEDURES FOR POLICY COUNCIL MEMBERS
APPROVE FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT, ACCOUNTING, AND REPORTING POLICIES, AND COMPLY WITH LAWS REGARDING FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, INCLUDING:
APPROVE MAJOR FINANCIAL EXPENDITURES OF GRANTEE
ANNUALLY APPROVE AGENCY OPERATING BUDGET
SELECT AUDITOR WHO REPORTS CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND PRACTICES TO BOARD
MONITOR CORRECTION OF AUDIT FINDINGS AND OTHER ACTIONS NEEDED TO COMPLY WITH LAWS REGARDING FINANCIAL STATEMENT AND ACCOUNTING PRACTICES POLICY COUNCIL [42 U.S.C. § 9837(c)(2)(D)]
DEVELOPING PROCEDURES FOR ELECTION OF POLICY COUNCIL
BUDGET PLANNING FOR PROGRAM EXPENDITURES, INCLUDING POLICIES FOR REIMBURSEMENT AND PARTICIPATION IN POLICY COUNCIL ACTIVITIES
23. JUNE 19, 2008 CAPLAW NATIONAL TRAINING CONFERENCE 23 OVERVIEW OF RESPONSIBILITIES GOVERNING BOARD [42 U.S.C. § 9837(c)(1)(E)]
REVIEW FEDERAL MONITORING RESULTS AND FOLLOW-UP ACTIVITIES
APPROVE PERSONNEL POLICIES AND PROCEDURES, INCLUDING THOSE FOR HIRING, EVALUATION, COMPENSATION, AND TERMINATION OF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, HEAD START DIRECTOR, HR DIRECTOR, CFO, AND EQUIVALENT AGENCY POSITIONS [SEC. (1)(E)(iv)(IX)]
ADOPT AND PERIODICALLY UPDATE WRITTEN CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY
WHERE APPROPRIATE, ESTABLISH ADVISORY COMMITTEES TO OVERSEE RESPONSIBILITIES REGARDING PROGRAM GOVERNANCE AND IMPROVEMENT POLICY COUNCIL [42 U.S.C. § 9837(c)(2)(D)]
PROGRAM PERSONNEL POLICIES AND DECISIONS REGARDING EMPLOYMENT OF PROGRAM STAFF, CONSISTENT WITH SECTION (1)(E)(iv)(IX), INCLUDING STANDARDS OF CONDUCT AND CRITERIA FOR EMPLOYMENT AND DISMISSAL OF PROGRAM STAFF
24. JUNE 19, 2008 CAPLAW NATIONAL TRAINING CONFERENCE 24 FISCAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION SHARING REQUIREMENTS [42 U.S.C. § 9837(d)(2)]
AGENCY MUST SHARE CERTAIN INFORMATION WITH GOVERNING BODY AND POLICY COUNCIL
MONTHLY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (INCLUDING CREDIT CARD USE)
MONTHLY PROGRAM INFORMATION SUMMARIES
ENROLLMENT REPORTS
MONTHLY USDA MEAL AND SNACK REPORTS
FINANCIAL AUDITS
ANNUAL SELF-ASSESSMENT (WITH FINDINGS)
COMMUNITY NEEDS ASSESSMENT
"COMMUNICATION AND GUIDANCE" FROM HHS
PROGRAM INFORMATION REPORTS
25. JUNE 19, 2008 CAPLAW NATIONAL TRAINING CONFERENCE 25 FISCAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE PUBLIC REPORTING REQUIREMENTS [42 U.S.C. § 9839(a)(2)]
HEAD START AGENCIES MUST MAKE AVAILABLE TO PUBLIC AT LEAST ONCE EACH FISCAL YEAR A REPORT CONTAINING CERTAIN INFORMATION:
TOTAL PUBLIC AND PRIVATE FUNDS RECEIVED AND SOURCES
BUDGET EXPENDITURES AND PROPOSED BUDGET
TOTAL NUMBERS SERVED, AVERAGE ENROLLMENT, AND PERCENTAGE OF ELIGIBLE CHILDREN SERVED
RESULTS OF MOST RECENT FEDERAL REVIEW AND FINANCIAL AUDIT
EFFORTS TO PREPARE CHILDREN FOR KINDERGARTEN
"ANY OTHER INFORMATION REQUIRED BY THE SECRETARY" OF HHS
26. JUNE 19, 2008 CAPLAW NATIONAL TRAINING CONFERENCE 26 DELEGATE AGENCIES GRANTEE RESPONSIBILITIES [42 U.S.C. § 9836A(d)]
UNDER THE NEW ACT, GRANTEE AGENCIES ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE FOLLOWING:
ESTABLISHING PROCEDURES TO EVALUATE AND DEFUND DELEGATE AGENCIES AND FOR DELEGATES TO APPEAL
INFORMING DELEGATES OF DEFICIENCIES
ENSURING CORRECTIVE ACTION THROUGH:
TERMINATION IF NOT CORRECTED
MONTHLY MONITORING UNTIL CORRECTED OR TERMINATED
REIMBURSEMENT, RATHER THAN ADVANCES
TERMINATION OR REDUCTION OF SERVICE AREAS OF DELEGATES ONLY FOR CAUSE OR DEMONSTRATED COST-EFFECTIVENESS
27. JUNE 19, 2008 CAPLAW NATIONAL TRAINING CONFERENCE 27 ELIGIBILITY AND ENROLLMENT NEW ELIGIBILITY STANDARDS [42 U.S.C. § 9840(A)(1)]
THREE CATEGORIES:
AUTOMATICALLY ELIGIBLE ("CATEGORY A")
EXTENDED INCOME ELIGIBLE ("CATEGORY B")
NO INCOME RESTRICTION ("CATEGORY C")
PRIORITY GOES TO "CATEGORY A" BUT UP TO 45% OF ENROLLMENT FROM OTHER TWO CATEGORIES (35% FROM "CATEGORY B" AND 10% FROM CATEGORY C")
28. JUNE 19, 2008 CAPLAW NATIONAL TRAINING CONFERENCE 28 ELIGIBILITY AND ENROLLMENT CATEGORY A (AT LEAST 55% OF ENROLLMENT):
BELOW POVERTY LINE; OR
ELIGIBLE FOR PUBLIC ASSISTANCE; OR
HOMELESS UNDER MCKINNEY-VENTO DEFINITION
CATEGORY B (UP TO 35% OF ENROLLMENT):
NOT ELIGIBLE UNDER "CATEGORY A" BUT FAMILY INCOME BELOW 130% OF POVERTY LINE, IF:
AGENCY HAS IMPLEMENTED POLICIES TO ENSURE THAT NEEDS OF "CATEGORY A" CHILDREN ARE BEING MET; AND
SELECTION PRIORITY GIVEN TO "CATEGORY A" CHILDREN, WHO WILL BE SERVED PRIOR TO SERVING "CATEGORY B"
CATEGORY C (UP TO 10% OF ENROLLMENT): NO INCOME RESTRICTION
29. JUNE 19, 2008 CAPLAW NATIONAL TRAINING CONFERENCE 29 ELIGIBILITY AND ENROLLMENT
30. JUNE 19, 2008 CAPLAW NATIONAL TRAINING CONFERENCE 30 ELIGIBILITY AND ENROLLMENT NEW ACT PROVIDES THAT HHS IS TO ISSUE REGULATIONS TO IMPLEMENT NEW ELIGIBILITY STANDARDS
HOWEVER, HEAD START HAS ISSUED AN INFORMATION MEMORANDUM (ACF-IM-HS-08-03) ALLOWING GRANTEES TO BEGIN SERVING CHILDREN FROM FAMILIES WITH INCOMES UP TO 130% OF POVERTY SUBJECT TO STATUTORY LIMITS
THE INFORMATION MEMORANDUM ALSO LISTS FACTORS THAT GRANTEES REQUESTING A REDUCTION IN FUNDED ENROLLMENT MUST ADDRESS IN PROPOSING THE REDUCTION
31. JUNE 19, 2008 CAPLAW NATIONAL TRAINING CONFERENCE 31 ELIGIBILITY AND ENROLLMENT NEW ENROLLMENT RULES FOR CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES
OLD LAW: AT LEAST 10% OF ENROLLMENT OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE FOR CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES
NEW ACT: AT LEAST 10% OF CHILDREN ACTUALLY ENROLLED MUST BE CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES [42 U.S.C. § 9835(d)]
32. JUNE 19, 2008 CAPLAW NATIONAL TRAINING CONFERENCE 32 ELIGIBILITY AND ENROLLMENT NEW UNDERENROLLMENT PROVISIONS [42 U.S.C. § 9836A(h)]
MONTHLY ENROLLMENT REPORTS TO HHS
CONSEQUENCES OF UNDERENROLLMENT
FIRST, UNDERENROLLMENT ELIMINATION PLAN AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE
"CHRONIC UNDERENROLLMENT"
STILL LESS THAN 97% ENROLLED AFTER 12 MONTHS OF PLAN AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE
HHS CAN RECAPTURE, WITHHOLD, OR REDUCE BASE GRANT EQUAL TO PERCENTAGE UNDERENROLLED
33. JUNE 19, 2008 CAPLAW NATIONAL TRAINING CONFERENCE 33 FULL-DAY AND EHS OPTIONS AGENCY MAY APPLY TO CONVERT PART-DAY SESSIONS TO FULL-DAY BUT MUST FIRST DEMONSTRATE NEED THROUGH PLANNING AND NEEDS ASSESSMENT [42 U.S.C. § 9840(a)(4)]
AGENCY MAY APPLY FOR USE OF HEAD START FUNDS TO SERVE INFANTS AND TODDLERS [42 U.S.C. § 9840(a)(5)]
NEEDS ASSESSMENT SHOWING HOW USE OF SUCH FUNDS WOULD BEST MEET COMMUNITY NEEDS
OTHER INFORMATION AS PROVIDED IN RULES TO BE ISSUED BY HHS
34. JUNE 19, 2008 CAPLAW NATIONAL TRAINING CONFERENCE 34 STAFF CREDENTIALS NEW ACT CHANGES QUALIFICATIONS FOR TEACHERS, EDUCATION COORDINATORS, AND TEACHING ASSISTANTS [42 U.S.C. § 9843a(a)]
TEACHERS
BY SEPTEMBER 30, 2013, AT LEAST 50% OF CENTER-BASED TEACHERS NATIONWIDE MUST HAVE AT LEAST:
A BACHELOR'S DEGREE IN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION, OR
A BACHELOR'S DEGREE AND COURSEWORK EQUIVALENT TO MAJOR RELATED TO EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION WITH PRESCHOOL TEACHING EXPERIENCE [42 U.S.C. § 9843A(A)(2)(A)]
ALTERNATIVE CREDENTIALING FOR CLASSROOMS WITHOUT TEACHER MEETING ABOVE REQUIREMENTS [42 U.S.C. § 9843A(A)(3)]
35. JUNE 19, 2008 CAPLAW NATIONAL TRAINING CONFERENCE 35 STAFF CREDENTIALS ALTERNATIVE CREDENTIALING FOR TEACHERS [42 U.S.C. § 9843a(a)(3)(A)]
THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30, 2011, ALL CENTER-BASED CLASSROOMS MUST HAVE AT LEAST ONE TEACHER WITH:
CDA (APPROPRIATE TO AGE OF CHILDREN);
STATE CERTIFICATE FOR PRESCHOOL TEACHERS WITH REQUIREMENTS AT LEAST EQUIVALENT TO CDA;
ASSOCIATE'S DEGREE IN RELATED FIELD AND COURSEWORK EQUIVALENT TO MAJOR RELATED TO EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION WITH PRESCHOOL TEACHING EXPERIENCE; OR
BACHELOR'S DEGREE, ADMITTED INTO TEACH FOR AMERICA, PASSED EARLY CHILDHOOD CONTENT EXAM, TEACH FOR AMERICA TRAINING INSTITUTE, AND ON-GOING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT FROM TEACH FOR AMERICA
36. JUNE 19, 2008 CAPLAW NATIONAL TRAINING CONFERENCE 36 STAFF CREDENTIALS ALTERNATIVE CREDENTIALING FOR TEACHERS [42 U.S.C. § 9843a(a)(3)(B)]
AS OF OCTOBER 1, 2011, ALL CENTER-BASED CLASSROOMS MUST HAVE AT LEAST ONE TEACHER WITH:
ASSOCIATE'S DEGREE IN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION;
ASSOCIATE'S DEGREE IN RELATED FIELD AND COURSEWORK EQUIVALENT TO MAJOR RELATED TO EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION WITH PRESCHOOL TEACHING EXPERIENCE; OR
BACHELOR'S DEGREE, ADMITTED INTO TEACH FOR AMERICA, PASSED EARLY CHILDHOOD CONTENT EXAM, TEACH FOR AMERICA TRAINING INSTITUTE, AND ON-GOING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT FROM TEACH FOR AMERICA
37. JUNE 19, 2008 CAPLAW NATIONAL TRAINING CONFERENCE 37 STAFF CREDENTIALS EDUCATION COORDINATORS [42 U.S.C. § 9843a(a)(2)(B)(i)]
BY SEPTEMBER 30, 2013, ALL CENTER-BASED EDUCATION SPECIALISTS (INCLUDING CURRICULUM SPECIALISTS), MUST HAVE:
"THE CAPACITY TO OFFER ASSISTANCE TO OTHER TEACHERS IN THE IMPLEMENTATION AND ADAPTATION OF CURRICULA TO THE GROUP AND INDIVIDUAL NEEDS OF CHILDREN IN A HEAD START CLASSROOM"
DEGREE REQUIREMENTS
AT LEAST A BACHELOR'S DEGREE IN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION, OR
AT LEAST A BACHELOR'S DEGREE AND COURSEWORK EQUIVALENT TO MAJOR RELATED TO EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION WITH PRESCHOOL TEACHING EXPERIENCE
38. JUNE 19, 2008 CAPLAW NATIONAL TRAINING CONFERENCE 38 STAFF CREDENTIALS TEACHING ASSISTANTS [42 U.S.C. § 9843a(a)(2)(B)(ii)]
BY SEPTEMBER 30, 2013, ALL CENTER-BASED TEACHING ASSISTANTS MUST:
HAVE AT LEAST A CDA,
BE ENROLLED IN AN ASSOCIATE'S OR BACHELOR'S DEGREE PROGRAM, OR
BE ENROLLED IN A CDA PROGRAM TO BE COMPLETED WITHIN 2 YEARS
39. JUNE 19, 2008 CAPLAW NATIONAL TRAINING CONFERENCE 39 BACKGROUND CHECK NEW ACT HAS REQUIREMENT FOR PRE-EMPLOYMENT BACKGROUND CHECKS OF HEAD START EMPLOYEES [42 U.S.C. § 9843a(g)]
INTERVIEW
VERIFICATION OF REFERENCES
CRIMINAL RECORDS CHECK
SIMILAR TO EXISTING REGULATIONS AT 45 C.F.R. § 1301.31(b)
HEAD START PI-HS-08-02 WARNS THAT FAILURE TO CONDUCT BACKGROUND CHECK FOR ALL "PERMANENT EMPLOYEES" WILL RESULT IN DEFICIENCY FINDING
40. JUNE 19, 2008 CAPLAW NATIONAL TRAINING CONFERENCE 40 SALARY CAP THE NEW ACT CONTAINS A MODIFIED SALARY CAP
HEAD START AGENCY CANNOT USE ANY FEDERAL FUNDS TO PAY ANY PORTION OF COMPENSATION OF ANY EMPLOYEE OVER EXECUTIVE LEVEL II [42 U.S.C. § 9848(b)]
INCLUDES SALARY, BONUS AND VALUE OF ANNUAL AND COMP LEAVE
BUT EXCLUDES HEALTH AND OTHER INSURANCE AND RETIREMENT BENEFITS
LEVEL II IS $172,200 AS OF JANUARY 2008
41. JUNE 19, 2008 CAPLAW NATIONAL TRAINING CONFERENCE 41 SALARY CAP AFTER NEW ACT PASSED, CONGRESS PASSED 2008 APPROPRIATIONS LAW (PUBLIC LAW 110-161)
THE APPROPRIATIONS LAW RETAINED THE PRIOR COMPENSATION CAP LANGUAGE
NO HEAD START FUNDS CAN BE USED, AS EITHER A DIRECT OR INDIRECT COST, TO PAY COMPENSATION (INCLUDING SALARY AND BENEFITS) OVER EXECUTIVE LEVEL II
CONSEQUENTLY, THE MODIFIED SALARY CAP IN THE NEW ACT IS NOT EFFECTIVE UNTIL AT LEAST THE 2009 FISCAL YEAR (SEE PROGRAM INSTRUCTION ACF-PI-HS-08-03)
42. JUNE 19, 2008 CAPLAW NATIONAL TRAINING CONFERENCE 42 POLITICAL ACTIVITIES POLITICAL ACTIVITIES AND VOTER REGISTRATION [42 U.S.C. § 9851]
POLITICAL ACTIVITIES
NEW LAW NARROWS RESTRICTIONS TO APPLY TO HEAD START STAFF DURING WORKING HOURS
DELETES BROAD “RESULTING IN IDENTIFICATION OF HEAD START PROGRAM WITH” LANGUAGE
VOTER REGISTRATION
NO USE OF HEAD START FUNDS
BUT NONPARTISAN GROUP CAN CONDUCT ACTIVITIES ON HEAD START SITE DURING PROGRAM HOURS TO INCREASE VOTER REGISTRATION “IN ELECTIONS FOR FEDERAL OFFICE”
43. JUNE 19, 2008 CAPLAW NATIONAL TRAINING CONFERENCE 43 FEDERAL MONITORING/REVIEWS REVISED FEDERAL REVIEW PROCESS [42 U.S.C. § 9836A(c)]
TIMING OF REVIEWS
LIMITED UNANNOUNCED REVIEWS
TIMELINES FOR FOLLOW-UP REVIEWS
CONDUCT OF REVIEWS
MORE SIGNIFICANT CHANGES TO CONDUCT OF REVIEWS
SPECIFIC CONTENT FOR REVIEWS AND STANDARDS FOR THEIR CONDUCT
44. JUNE 19, 2008 CAPLAW NATIONAL TRAINING CONFERENCE 44 FEDERAL MONITORING/REVIEWS CHANGES TO TIMING AND PURPOSES OF REVIEWS
FIRST-YEAR AND TRIENNIAL REVIEWS RETAINED BUT "UNANNOUNCED SITE INSPECTIONS OF HEAD START CENTERS" AND OTHER REVIEWS "AS APPROPRIATE" ADDED
IN ADDITION, FOLLOW-UP REVIEWS OF PROGRAM WITH DEFICIENCIES TO BE CONDUCTED WITHIN 6 MONTHS OF DEFICIENCY NOTICE, UNLESS ADDITIONAL CORRECTION TIME GRANTED, BUT NO LATER THAN 12 MONTHS AFTER DEFICIENCY NOTICE
45. JUNE 19, 2008 CAPLAW NATIONAL TRAINING CONFERENCE 45 FEDERAL MONITORING/REVIEWS NEW SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS FOR REVIEW CONTENT AND CONDUCT
REQUIREMENTS INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING:
MUST ADDRESS BOTH PROGRAM STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES
MUST USE "VALID AND RELIABLE RESEARCH-BASED OBSERVATIONAL INSTRUMENT, IMPLEMENTED BY QUALIFIED INDIVIDUALS WITH DEMONSTRATED RELIABILITY" TO ASSESS "CLASSROOM QUALITY"
MUST BE "CONDUCTED IN A MANNER THAT EVALUATES PROGRAM PERFORMANCE, QUALITY, AND OVERALL OPERATIONS WITH CONSISTENCY AND OBJECTIVITY, ARE BASED ON A TRANSPARENT AND RELIABLE SYSTEM OF REVIEW, AND ARE CONDUCTED IN A MANNER THAT INCLUDES PERIODIC INTERRATER RELIABILITY CHECKS"
46. JUNE 19, 2008 CAPLAW NATIONAL TRAINING CONFERENCE 46 CORRECTIVE ACTION FOR PROGRAM WITH DEFICIENCY, NEW LAW RETAINS THREE-TIERED CORRECTIVE ACTION STRUCTURE [42 U.S.C. § 9836A(e)]
IMMEDIATE CORRECTION FOR THREATS TO HEALTH OR SAFETY OR TO FEDERAL FUNDS
90 DAY CORRECTIVE ACTION PERIOD
QUALITY IMPROVEMENT PLAN (UP TO 1 YEAR)
HOWEVER, UNLIKE OLD LAW, NEW ACT CONTAINS DEFINITION OF "DEFICIENCY"
47. JUNE 19, 2008 CAPLAW NATIONAL TRAINING CONFERENCE 47 DEFICIENCY NEW ACT [42 U.S.C. § 9832(2)] DEFINES "DEFICIENCY" IN THREE WAYS THAT ECHO CURRENT HEAD START REGULATIONS [45 C.F.R. § 1304.3(a)(6)]
UNDER NEW ACT, A DEFICIENCY IS EITHER:
A "SYSTEMIC OR SUBSTANTIAL MATERIAL FAILURE" RELATED TO AREAS CURRENTLY LISTED IN 45 C.F.R. § 1304.3(a)(6);
A "SYSTEMIC OR MATERIAL FAILURE" OF THE GOVERNING BODY TO EXERCISE LEGAL AND FIDUCIARY RESPONSIBILITIES; OR
"AN UNRESOLVED AREA OF NONCOMPLIANCE"
48. JUNE 19, 2008 CAPLAW NATIONAL TRAINING CONFERENCE 48 TERMINATION AND APPEALS NEW LAW ALSO CHANGES TERMINATION APPEALS PROCESS [42 U.S.C. § 9841]
CERTAIN CURRENT PRACTICES CODIFIED
30 DAYS TO FILE NOTICE OF APPEAL
"ACCESS TO A FULL AND FAIR HEARING OF THE APPEAL, NOT LATER THAN 120 DAYS AFTER RECEIPT" OF NOTICE OF APPEAL
HOWEVER, CONTINUED FUNDING AND LEGAL FEE PROVISIONS ARE DIFFERENT UNDER NEW ACT
49. JUNE 19, 2008 CAPLAW NATIONAL TRAINING CONFERENCE 49 TERMINATION AND APPEALS UNDER REGULATIONS FOR OLD LAW, FUNDING NORMALLY CONTINUED DURING APPEALS AND LIMITED AMOUNTS OF GRANT FUNDS COULD BE USED FOR LEGAL FEES
CHANGES IN THE NEW ACT
NOW HHS CAN SUSPEND FUNDING DURING APPEAL
NO HEAD START FUNDS FOR LEGAL FEES FOR AN APPEAL, BUT NEW ACT APPEARS TO PERMIT HHS DISCRETION TO REIMBURSE "REASONABLE AND CUSTOMARY" FEES IF GRANTEE PREVAILS
50. JUNE 19, 2008 CAPLAW NATIONAL TRAINING CONFERENCE 50 STATUS OF CONTROVERSIAL PROVISIONS CONTROVERSIAL PROVISIONS DEFEATED
RELIGIOUS HIRING PREFERENCES
TERM LIMITS FOR GOVERNING BODIES
CONTROVERSIAL PROVISIONS RETAINED
NATIONAL REPORTING SYSTEM TERMINATED
BUT REAUTHORIZATION INCLUDES PROVISIONS FOR A NEW SYSTEM OF "SCIENTIFICALLY BASED" MEASUREMENTS
51. JUNE 19, 2008 CAPLAW NATIONAL TRAINING CONFERENCE 51 RISK MANAGEMENT PROCESS NEW HEAD START RISK MANAGEMENT PROCESS ANNOUNCED (SEE INFORMATION MEMORANDUM ACF-IM-HS-08-06)
PROCESS INTENDED TO "TIE TOGETHER" FUNDING, MONITORING, AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE
CENTERPIECE OF NEW PROCESS IS THE "RISK MANAGEMENT MEETING" PRIOR TO REFUNDING AND DEVELOPMENT OF AN "ACTION PLAN"