FISCAL IMPACT:
One-time supplemental CARES Federal funding in the amount of $1,690,825 from the ACF to administer various activities to operate the Head Start, Early Head Start and Early Head Start Childcare programs in response to COVID-19. The breakdown of the $1,690,825 is as follows:
Head Start Program - $1,187,269
Early Head Start Program - $273,309
Early Head Start Childcare Program - $230,247
Total - $1,690,825
The CARES Act funding will be awarded in one amount and is based on total funded enrollment of the grantee determined by ACF.
On 04/03/2020, the Office of Head Start (OHS) announced that grantees can request a waiver of non-federal share as a result of Coronavirus (COVID-19) and therefore the grantee has requested the waiver for this supplemental funding. (CFDA #93.600) (100% Federal).
BACKGROUND:
Contra Costa County submits an application annually to the U.S. Health and Human Services Department, ACF, as the Head Start grantee. The Board of Supervisors approved the 2020 grantee application on September 10, 2019 (c.75). Through the recently approved CARES Act allotting funds to Head Start Programs, ACF has developed a funding opportunity for one-time supplemental funding to help grantees support COVID-19 initiatives.
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 (OHS) 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 associated with the following funds for the 2020 fiscal year: Cost of Living Adjustment, Quality Improvement and funding associated with coronavirus.
The Policy Council reviewed and approved the original supplemental grant application on May 20, 2020, however as noted above, ACF subsequently changed the one-time supplemental CARES funding to be based on total funded enrollment per grantee. The ACF confirmed the term for this funding should begin January 1, 2020.
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
County would forego funding to administer services related to COVID-19 for the Head Start, Early Head Start, and Early Head Start Childcare Programs.
CHILDREN'S IMPACT STATEMENT:
The Community Services Bureau of the EHSD's Head Start program supports three (3) 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.