To: Board of Supervisors
From: Marla Stuart, Employment and Human Services Director
Report Title: Update on Head Start Programs and Oversight
RECOMMENDATIONS:
RECEIVE monthly update on the activities and oversight of the County's Head Start Program and APPROVE and AUTHORIZE the Employment and Human Services Director, or designee, to apply for and accept grant funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Head Start, in an amount not to exceed $14,830,956 for Head Start and Early Head Start Program services for the period January 1, 2024 through June 30, 2024, and carryover of 2022 unobligated funding in the amount not to exceed $5,198,595, as recommended by the Employment and Human Services Director, and provide guidance.
FISCAL IMPACT:
This is 100% federally funded, by the U.S Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families (ACF). A non-federal match of 25% ($3,707,739) is required. These funds are not included in the adopted budget for FY 23-24. CFDA/AL%: 93.600.
BACKGROUND:
On July 13, 2023 (D.1), the Board approved Board resolution No. 2023/2274. This was to establish the formal governance structure for the Contra Costa County Head Start program.
The Board receives monthly updates on and provides guidance related to the activities of Head Start program. This is for the July 2023 update.
Contra Costa County applies annually to the U.S. Health and Human Services Department, Administration for Children and Families (ACF), Office of Head Start, as the Head Start recipient. The year five continuation application for Head Start and Early Head Start was approved by the Board on September 20, 2022 (C.40).
On June 29, 2023, the Employment and Human Services Department Community Services Bureau (CSB) received an annual funding guidance letter. As the Head Start grant is in competitive status, CSB is not eligible to submit a continuation grant to renew annual funding under this letter. With the Board’s direction and approval, CSB will apply for an amendment to the Year 5 grant to extend the project period, funding services through June 30, 2024, while undergoing the competitive application process. The Year 5 Extension budget reflects an increase in personnel expenditures, as staff benefit from the Board approved 5% cost-of-living (COLA). Additionally, the ACF COLA increased rates for the delegate and partnership agencies and are included in the budget for contractual expenditures. This year five extension application was reviewed and approved by the Head Start Policy Council on August 16, 2023, and is recommended by the Policy Council to the Board of Supervisors.
ACF allows grant recipients to carry-over unobligated funds to the next grant year so that grantees may complete unfinished program initiatives and projects identified in the previous years’ operation but are still in-progress under the current grant. CSB, as a recipient, is allowed to carry-over unobligated funds within the grant cycle and is seeking approval to carryover funding from year four in the amount of $5,198,595. ACF’s requirements to request carry-over of unobligated funds from year four is in the final Financial Report (SF-425) which was submitted for the grant period January 1, 2022 through December 31, 2022.
CHILDREN'S IMPACT STATEMENT:
The Employment and Human Services Department Community Services Bureau supports three of Contra Costa County’s community outcomes - Outcome 1: “Children Ready for and Succeeding in School,” Outcome 3: “Families that are Economically Self-sufficient,” and, Outcome 4: “Families that are Safe, Stable, and Nurturing.” These outcomes are achieved by offering comprehensive services, including high quality early childhood education, nutrition, and health services to low-income children throughout Contra Costa County.
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
The County will not be in compliance with Head Start program requirements, which may jeopardize funding and the success of the program.
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I hereby certify that this is a true and correct copy of an action taken and entered on the minutes of the Board of Supervisors on the date shown. |
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ATTESTED: |
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Monica Nino, County Administrator and Clerk of the Board of Supervisors |
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By: |