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Q&A
Contingency plans for Head Start funding and capacity changes
1:00:09
·
137 sec
Council Member Rita Joseph inquires about contingency plans for potential federal Head Start funding cuts, capacity changes based on funding outcomes, and issues with reimbursement claims. DOE officials provide information on funding scenarios and timelines.
- The administration has invested funding to sustain the Head Start program for the upcoming year, ensuring no impact on current providers
- If fully funded, DOE would add 1,000 Early Head Start slots and 3,000 Head Start seats
- If not funded, DOE would maintain current capacity
- Head Start contract renewal decisions are expected by June
- DOE will follow up on questions about reimbursement claim rates and frequency
- There may be issues with Head Start funding reimbursement claims that need to be addressed
Rita Joseph
1:00:09
So, you have in the Head Start, you have 70,700,000.0 in federal Head Start funding that is at risk of being cut.
1:00:16
What is the contingency plan has DOE and administration made to ensure that access to Head Starts despite uncertainty at the federal level?
Simone Hawkins
1:00:25
So, have about 78,000,000 in our current Head Start grant and that's inclusive of early Head Start services, and so again the administration invested funding sustain our Head Start program for the upcoming year, so there will be no impact to current providers.
Rita Joseph
1:00:41
And if you do receive the full Head Start funding, on the new application, what will be the change in capacity in terms of zero to two?
1:00:49
What's your capacity?
1:00:51
Three year olds and four year olds, what's the capacity on that?
Simone Hawkins
1:00:54
And so, would be a net add and so right now we would sustain the 136 and we'll add those a 1,000 slots that we apply for again assuming we are funded in full and in the case we get the head start component to your point chair for three through five year olds to five year olds excuse me and then we would add those 3,000 seats to our current 5,000 seats with some modifications.
1:01:17
Modifications.
1:01:17
Again, we're working with all of our providers, may they be delegates and providing Head Start or other care to see how we can maximize enrollment and ultimately revenue at their site.
1:01:28
In the case they can make some shifts within their contract, we are having those conversations.
Rita Joseph
1:01:32
And if you don't get the funding, what does that look like also in capacity?
Simone Hawkins
1:01:37
So we would sustain the capacity pretty much as it as it currently is.
Rita Joseph
1:01:41
Okay.
1:01:46
And when will you get renewed contracts for Head Start?
Simone Hawkins
1:01:49
We should find out by June.
Rita Joseph
1:01:52
Okay.
1:01:53
Additionally, DOE has not claimed reimbursement for Head Start funding at the same rate as last year.
1:02:00
Why haven't you been able to claim reimbursement for the Head Start funding as quickly?
1:02:04
Please outline any issues you're facing.
Simone Hawkins
1:02:06
I am not aware of that our claiming rate and frequency has has changed, and so we will get back to you on that, chair.
Rita Joseph
1:02:13
Yes.
1:02:13
Please do.
Justin Brannan
1:02:18
Okay, questions now from council member Schulman followed by Brooks Powers.
Rita Joseph
1:02:24
Council member Schulman?