On May 20, 2008, the Board approved receipt of a grant award from Federal Administration for Children and Families (ACF), in an amount not to exceed $75,840 under a one-time Training and Technical Assistance funding area within the annual Head Start Continuation grant. ACF gave approval to the Department on December 11, 2008 for the funds to be rolled over to the 2009 calendar year for use in the Teacher Degree attainment program.   
  
Administrative Bulletin 112.9 issued 6-30-07 states that training costs are to be paid as a reimbursement after completion of the training; however, the aforementioned grant from ACF is specifically to support teaching staff in meeting the mandate that 50% of Head Start teaching staff must have a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree by 2013. Requiring staff to cover the up-front costs for schooling is a hardship for them and this requirement precludes some staff from participating in this program. The grant dollars have been allocated by the funder to the Department for the purpose of covering tuition, books and other degree expenses. These grant dollars are available for all Department Teachers, Associate Teachers and Site Supervisors who are interested in obtaining degrees. Currently, there are 30 participants; it is anticipated that the number will increase as the program continues. Each participant is required to sign an agreement outlining the terms of participation before being accepted into the program.   
  
Thus, the Department requests flexibility to release the funds as necessary to ensure successful completion of the Teacher Degree Program (TDP). By granting this request, the Department will have flexibility to make payments to staff participating in the program immediately upon submission of receipts. Payments made prior to course completion will be limited to TDP participants and the colleges and universities acknowledging student sponsorships through the Department.  
  
If approved, this action will authorize the Auditor-Controller to pay the costs associated with the Teacher Degree Program (TDP) to colleges and universities in advance of course completion. These costs are to include tuition, books, and parking fees approved by the Employment and Human Services Director, or designee.