Agenda

Return

C. 48

To:	Board of Supervisors
From:	Kathy Gallagher, Employment & Human Services Director
Date:	May 11, 2021

Contra

Costa

County

Subject:

2021 COVID-19 Funding for Head Start Programs

APPROVE	OTHER
RECOMMENDATION OF CNTY ADMINISTRATOR	RECOMMENDATION OF BOARD COMMITTEE

Action of Board On: 05/11/2021

APPROVED AS RECOMMENDED

OTHER

Clerks Notes:

VOTE OF SUPERVISORS

AYE:

John Gioia, District I Supervisor
Candace Andersen, District II Supervisor
Diane Burgis, District III Supervisor
Karen Mitchoff, District IV Supervisor
Federal D. Glover, District V Supervisor

Contact:

V. Kaplan, (925) 608-5052

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.
ATTESTED: May 11, 2021
Monica Nino, County Administrator

BY:	, Deputy

RECOMMENDATION(S):

APPROVE and AUTHORIZE the Employment and Human Services Director, or designee, to apply for and accept COVID-19 funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families (ACF), in an amount not to exceed $579,065 and to request a waiver of non-federal share for the Head Start Programs (Head Start, Early Head Start, and Early Head Start Childcare Partnership-2), for the term April 1, 2021 through March 31, 2023.

FISCAL IMPACT:

Increase in supplemental Federal funds in the amount of $579,065 for one-time activities in response to COVID-19.

FISCAL IMPACT: (CONT'D)

The Office of Head Start (OHS) has determined that the widespread impact of the COVID-19 pandemic adversely impacts all Head Start grantees. Consequently, OHS will approve all requests for waivers of non-federal match for this grant.

This action requests a waiver of the non-federal share of $144,766, computed at 25% of supplemental funding amount for the Head Start Programs. (CFDA #93.600)

BACKGROUND:

Contra Costa County submits an application annually to U.S. Health and Human Services Department, ACF as the Head Start grantee. The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 contains an increase for Head Start. These funds will be staged in a new temporary grant, 09HET001920. The increase provides funds for one-time activities in response to COVID-19 which includes actions that are necessary to maintain and resume the operation of programs. The Department intends to use the funding to provide relief to partnership agencies, support staff wellness, and invest in technology infrastructure and facility maintenance.

Head Start services are operated by the Employment and Human Services Department (EHSD), Community Services Bureau (CSB). The coronavirus outbreak, a national emergency, is seriously affecting communities throughout the nation. The Head Start Act recognizes that lack of resources in a community adversely impacted by a major disaster may prevent Head Start grantees from providing all or a portion of their required non-federal contribution. The Office of Head Start has determined that the widespread impact of the coronavirus outbreak adversely impacts all Head Start grantees. Consequently, OHS will approve all requests for waiver of non-federal match for this grant.

The grant application opened on March 29, 2021 with an April 9, 2021 submission deadline. CSB submitted the application on April 1, 2021. Therefore, this Board Order is to obtain Board of Supervisors' approval to accept new grant funds.

CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:

If not approved, funding to assist with Head Start Programs operating costs related to COVID-19 will be forfeited.

CHILDREN'S IMPACT STATEMENT:

The Community Services Bureau of the Employment and Human Services Department’s Head Start program 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.