Agenda

Return

C. 57

To:	Board of Supervisors
From:	Kathy Gallagher, Employment & Human Services Director
Date:	June 22, 2021

Contra

Costa

County

Subject:

Head Start Program funding, 2021 American Rescue Plan

APPROVE	OTHER
RECOMMENDATION OF CNTY ADMINISTRATOR	RECOMMENDATION OF BOARD COMMITTEE

Action of Board On: 06/22/2021

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:	C. Youngblood, (925) 608-4964
cc:	Nasim Eghlima Haydee Ilan Sara Reich Erik Brown

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: June 22, 2021
Monica Nino, County Administrator

BY:	, Deputy

RECOMMENDATION(S):

RATIFY and AUTHORIZE the Employment and Human Services Director, or designee, to apply for and accept 2021 American Rescue Plan funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families (ACF), in an amount not to exceed $2,302,066 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 $2,302,066 for one-time activities to continue to support children and families and invest in safe and high-quality early childhood learning opportunities for children. 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 $575,516.50, computed at 25% of supplemental funding amount for the Head Start Programs. (CFDA #93.600)

BACKGROUND:

President Biden signed Public Law 17-2, the American Rescue Plan Act, 2021 (AR), into law on March 11, 2021. The American Rescue Plan includes $1 billion for Head Start Programs. Contra Costa County, through its Employment and Human Services Department (EHSD), is a Head Start grantee. All Head Start, Early Head Start, and Early Head Start-Child Care Partnership grantees are eligible to receive additional funds, through this law, proportionally based on funded enrollment. The increase provides funds for one-time activities so that programs may continue to support children and families and invest in safe and high-quality early childhood learning opportunities for children.

The grant application opened on May 4, 2021 with a May 18, 2021 submission deadline. CSB submitted the application on May 11, 2021. This board order is to obtain Board of Supervisors' ratification of last month's application and approval of the Department Director's to accept the new grant funds.

EHSD intends to use the funding to support the work of its Head Start delegate and partnership agencies, invest in technology infrastructure, provide nutrition education, perform mandatory facility repairs and replace office supplies and vehicles necessary for program and central kitchen operations.

The County’s Head Start services are operated by 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.

CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:

If not approved, funding increase to support high quality program delivery of the Head Start Program 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.