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Head Start Division. Utilization of ARRA Funds for Educational Reimbursement. ARRA Request Timeline. Origination date /Notification of projected monies to be issued by Congress April, 2009 Budget narrative developed and submitted June 30, 2009
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Head Start Division Utilization of ARRA Funds for Educational Reimbursement
ARRA Request Timeline • Origination date /Notification of projected monies to be issued by Congress April, 2009 • Budget narrative developed and submitted June 30, 2009 • Original Award letter received after the 16th of July 2009 • Head Start Region IV restricted $212K of proposal • Head Start had identified these funds for bonuses and staff increases.
Timeline (cont.) • February 2010 – second proposal request for restricted ARRA funds was made to Head Start Region IV. • February 2010 - September 2010 numerous proposals discussed. • September 24, 2010 reached verbal agreement on a new plan for the restricted funds along with a no-cost extension. • After much delay, written approval was received April 21, 2011, all funds must be encumbered prior to May 31, 2011.
The Proposal • The proposal had to have a Head Start staff benefit. • Educational assistance program for staff needing to meet qualification standards. • Professional Development • Staff training – Early Childhood development / education related • Out of county travel
Educational Reimbursement • Early Childhood Education degrees • Over & above Orange County’s tuition reimbursement plan • Assists employees with meeting Head Start mandate for 2011 & 2013. • Coursework verified • Audited
Requested action • Approval to use the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act grant funds to provide educational reimbursement in the amount of $39,933 for Head Start teachers and a field operation supervisor that completed pre-approved coursework in Early Childhood Education during the period from July 1, 2009 through May 31, 2011 .