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Improving Head Start for School Readiness Act of 2007

Improving Head Start for School Readiness Act of 2007. P.L. 110 – 134 Summary of Major Provisions Region X Webinar. Questions & Answers. Three ways to contribute during the call: After logging in to the net meeting site-use the Questions and Answers box at the bottom of your screen.

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Improving Head Start for School Readiness Act of 2007

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  1. Improving Head Start for School Readiness Act of 2007 P.L. 110 – 134 Summary of Major Provisions Region X Webinar

  2. Questions & Answers Three ways to contribute during the call: • After logging in to the net meeting site-use the Questions and Answers box at the bottom of your screen. Select “Edit” Type in question Select “Ask” • Email Annelle.Bogus@acf.hhs.gov • Call Annelle at 206-615-3648

  3. Head Start Reauthorization • Amended Head Start Act of 1998 • Signed 12/12/07 • Five year bill

  4. Themes • Quality • Accountability • Coordination

  5. Funding • Grantee base funding • Collaboration grants • Increased funds – prescribed formulas

  6. Grants – 5 Year Period • Secretary appoints expert panel • Recommends designation renewal • Public comment period • Designation renewal system 18 - 36 months timeframe

  7. Homeless Children • Categorically eligible • OSH – regulation on participation and prioritization

  8. Children Above Poverty Line • Serve up to 35% of enrollment with income between 100 – 130% of FPL • In addition to 10% over-income • Certain conditions need to be met

  9. Enrollment • Propose: • Convert Head Start slots to EHS slots • Convert part day to full day slots • Enrollment reductions • Maintain active waiting list

  10. Children with Disabilities • 10% of enrolled children (not enrollment opportunities) • Waiver up to three years

  11. Curricula • Based on scientifically valid research • Age and developmentally appropriate

  12. Performance Standards • Modifications • Updates

  13. Monitoring • Regional Team Leader • 120 day correction period • Strengths • Classroom observation using valid and reliable instrument

  14. Collaboration • Grantees to partner to provide continuity of services • New role for State Collaboration Directors • Governor’s state advisory councils

  15. Staff Qualifications • By 9/30/2010: 100% of EHS teachers with CDA • By 9/30/2011: 100% of teachers with AA • By 9/30/2013: • 100% of Ed Coordinators with BA • 50% of teachers with BA • 100% of teacher assistants with CDA

  16. Training and Technical Assistance • At least 50% of funds go to grantees • State-based T/TA system

  17. T/TA Priorities • Training and career development needs of staff • Prevention of childhood obesity • Improving services to homeless children • Improving services to LEP children • Increasing family literacy and parenting skills • Meeting the needs of rural families

  18. Staff Training • All teachers must attend at least 15 hours of professional development each year • Each agency must develop a professional development plan for all full-time staff • Teachers that receive financial assistance for college must agree to work in Head Start for three years or repay assistance

  19. Grantee Management • Agencies to develop procedures for on-going monitoring • Must conduct a comprehensive self assessment • Improvement plans required as needed • New requirements for governing board membership • Specific functions given to both Board and Policy Council

  20. Grantee Reports • Annual reports to OHS on: • Administrative expenses • Progress in meeting teacher degree requirements • Program improvement plan to strengthen weaknesses identified in self assessment • Demographics, outreach, enrollment if serving above FPL • Copy of audit management letter & findings • Monthly enrollment reports

  21. Annual Report to Public • Grantees required to make annual report on program operations, including information on: Funding sources Budget Enrollment Audits Monitoring reviews Parent involvement Medical & dental screenings Efforts to prepare children for school

  22. Under-enrollment • Grantees will report monthly on enrollment • On a semi-annual basis, OHS shall: • Determine which agencies are under-enrolled • Develop a plan for reducing under-enrollment • Provide technical assistance If after 12 months of TA an agency is less than 97% enrolled, OHS may recapture or reduce the base grant

  23. Studies • Limited English proficient children and their families • Unmet need for American Indian and migrant/seasonal children • Head Start programs’ preparedness to deal with emergencies

  24. Centers of Excellence • OHS to establish up to 200 Centers of Excellence (subject to appropriation of funds)

  25. Other • Locally designed model • No grant funds to be used for legal fees related to an appeal of an OHS adverse action • Political activities

  26. Resources • Early Childhood Learning and Knowledge Center (ECLKC) website http://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/hslc Questions and Answers Ongoing updates

  27. Resources (cont) • ACF-IM-HS-08-01 Issued 1/3/08 Head Start Reauthorization – PL 110 - 134 • ACF-IM-HS-08-03 Issued 1/22/08 Head Start Reauthorization – Two new provisions • ACF-IM-HS-08-04 Issued 1/22/08 Head Start Reauthorization – effective dates

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