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Teresa Wright, Ed.D., Director
321 633 1000 ext. 340 Terri Barlow, Principal
321 617-7786 ext. 290
Continuation Application
2014-2015
School Board of Brevard County Head Start Refunding Application_Revised 3/19/2014 i
Table of Contents
Introduction ..................................................................................................................................... 1
Section I. Program Design and Approach to Service Delivery ................................................ 1
A. Long Range Goals, Objectives and Program Impacts .......................................................... 1
1.0 Program Design and Management ............................................................................... 2
2.0 Child Development ....................................................................................................... 5
3.0 Health Services ............................................................................................................. 6
4.0 Mental Health and Disability Services ......................................................................... 7
5.0 Family and Community Engagement ........................................................................... 9
B. Service Delivery ................................................................................................................... 11
C. Approach to School Readiness ............................................................................................. 12
D. Parent, Family and Community Engagement (PFCE) ......................................................... 20
E. Governance, Organizational and Management Structures, and Ongoing Oversight ............ 21
Section II. Budget and Budget Justification ............................................................................. 23
School Board of Brevard County Head Start Refunding Application 1
SCHOOL BOARD OF BREVARD COUNTY HEAD START
2014-2015 Continuation Application
Introduction
The budget period of 7/1/2014-6/30/2015 will represent the third year of operation for the School
Board of Brevard County Head Start program. Program stakeholders have expressed a continued
commitment to providing full-service prekindergarten programs to Brevard county’s most at-risk
young learners in a high quality setting with instruction delivered by a well-equipped teaching
staff. Continued and ongoing support is being provided by the board chair, board members,
district support staff, administrators at each school site, teachers and other employees. All
required refunding application documents were uploaded into the Head Start Enterprise System
under the Grant Application Budget Instrument (GABI) tab.
Section I. Program Design and Approach to Service Delivery
A. Long Range Goals, Objectives and Program Impacts
Long Range Goals and Short Term Program Objectives
Following is a listing of the School Board of Brevard County Head Start Program multi-
year priority goals for each of the service areas reflected in the Head Start Performance
Standards and the Head Start Act. Program staff determined long-term goals and objectives for
program improvement with input from the Policy Council. Community assessment data, family
survey results, annual self-assessment findings, child outcomes data, and recommendations from
content area managers were used to identify priorities for the three year project period.
The listing that follows contains the status of implementation for goals established prior to
2013-14, as well as new goals for the years that follow.
School Board of Brevard County Head Start Refunding Application 2
1.0 Program Design and Management
Long Term Goal: To strengthen the utilization of Head Start grant funding through
adherence to established policies and procedures for planning, ongoing monitoring,
recordkeeping and reporting, program governance, human resources, and fiscal
accountability as measured by ongoing progress monitoring, annual self-assessment and
formal program reviews.
Short Term Program Objectives:
1.1 By February 2013, request and obtain a change in the budget year (currently May
1 to April 30) to align with the school district fiscal and school calendar year.
(achieved June 2013)
1.2 By May 2013, secure training from PROMIS (management information system
for planning, record keeping, and reporting) for the Head Start data registrar for
generating and completing the Program Information Report (PIR). (achieved
August 2013)
1.3 By April 2013, a plan will be developed to condense the location of Head Start
classrooms to a smaller number of sites (the goal will be less than 15). Currently
the program is housed in 21 locations. (achieved April 2013)
1.4 By September 2013, at least 50% of Head Start teachers must have a
baccalaureate or advanced degree in early childhood education or a baccalaureate
or advanced degree in any subject, and coursework equivalent to a major relating
to early childhood education with experience teaching preschool-age children per
the 2007 HS Act. (achieved May 2013)
School Board of Brevard County Head Start Refunding Application 3
1.5 By August 2013, the program will increase the number of family advocates
currently serving Head Start families. (The goal will be to have a minimum of 10
to serve the funded enrollment of 624.) (achieved December 2013)
1.6 By August 2013, the program will research hiring at least two additional
instructional coaches (and/or resource teacher) to facilitate appropriate ongoing
monitoring as required by the Head Start grant. (achieved August 2013)
1.7 By August 2013, the program will hire an additional instructional assistant for
each 3 year old classroom or reduce the maximum number of students in the
classroom to 15. (This goal was partially achieved in 2013-2014.)
1.7.1 (NEW) By August 2014, the program will hire an additional instructional
assistant for each Head Start classroom.
1.8 By August 2013, all Head Start teachers will be trained in utilizing the PROMIS
program (or other management system) to ensure accurate record-keeping and
reporting as required by the Head Start grant. (This goal was reprioritized based
on the acquisition of a new school district data collection tool/ learning
management system.)
1.8.1 (NEW) Staff training in PROMIS will continue and include how best to
utilize PROMIS to collect and analyze CLASS observation data.
1.9 By August 2013, the Head Start program will research a plan to work
collaboratively with School Age Child Care (SACC) to provide high quality
extended day services to Head Start children. (This goal was partially achieved;
continue for 2014-2015 program year.)
School Board of Brevard County Head Start Refunding Application 4
1.10 By August 2013, develop a record keeping system for required Head Start
documentation using the established school district student cumulative record
folder as a framework. Eligibility documentation will be maintained in a separate
folder from the school district student cumulative record file. (achieved August
2013)
1.10.1 (NEW) Based on self-assessment data; specific items from student folders
will be copied and stored at the central Head Start office for ease in
accessibility.
1.11 By August 2013, develop a process for documenting non-federal share fund
sources, particularly those provided by school district funds. (achieved August
2013)
1.11.1 (NEW) Staff will research other sources of non-federal matching funds to
become less reliant on state prekindergarten funding.
1.11.2 (NEW) Staff will develop a readily available form to use for
documentation of non-federal matching funds.
1.12 By August 2013, develop a process for documenting the work activity of those
employees whose positions are split-funded using Head Start and other funds
(local, state, and/or federal). (achieved November 2013)
1.13 By August 2013, a plan will be developed to increase funding for field trips and
substitute teachers/instructional assistants in Head Start classrooms. (This goal
was partially achieved; continue goal for the 2014-2015 program year)
1.14 (NEW) A teacher handbook will be developed to guide teachers in the
implementation of all program components including the following: curriculum,
School Board of Brevard County Head Start Refunding Application 5
assessment, screening, lesson planning, parent communication, parent
involvement, ongoing progress monitoring, record keeping, and child progress
reporting.
2.0 Child Development
Long Term Goal: To provide a high quality early childhood program to eligible Head
Start children as measured by ongoing progress monitoring, annual self-assessment and
formal program reviews.
Short Term Program Objectives:
2.1 By May 2013, Head Start/VPK Teachers will be provided the opportunity to
attend CATCH training. (CATCH is a partnership with a local hospital to provide
training for teachers in providing healthy nutrition and fitness activities for
children.) (achieved in May 201; and continued for 2014-15 program year)
2.2 By August 2013, a new screener and assessment system will be implemented for
use in all Head Start classrooms. (achieved September 2013)
2.2.1 (NEW) By December 2014 the Teaching Strategies GOLD assessment
tool will be consistently used in all Head Start classrooms.
2.3 By August 2013, an improved system for documenting and monitoring
individualization in lesson plans will be developed and implemented. Written
guidelines will be developed for individualization of lesson plans. (achieved
August 2013)
2.4 During the 2013-2014 School Year, all Head Start teachers will receive training in
Conscious Discipline strategies, CLASS Dimensions, the Early Literacy Program
and the HighScope Framework. (achieved December 2013)
School Board of Brevard County Head Start Refunding Application 6
2.4.1 (NEW) Continue to provide training in Conscious Discipline strategies,
CLASS Dimensions, HighScope, and Creative Curriculum for new
employees.
2.5 By December 2013, all Head Start sites will be assessed to determine
maintenance and playground equipment needs. Items will be purchased and/or
repaired to the fullest extent possible based on available funding. (This goal was
partially achieved; continue for 2014-2015 program year.)
2.6 (NEW) All Head Start teachers will receive training in Trauma Informed Care.
2.7 (NEW) The program will increase opportunities for students to access technology
in the classrooms through the use of classroom computers and hand-held devices.
3.0 Health Services
Long Term Goal: To provide high quality, comprehensive health services to eligible Head
Start children as measured by ongoing progress monitoring, annual self-assessment and
formal program reviews.
Short Term Program Objectives:
3.1 Prior to registration for the 2013-2014 school year, a parent folder will be created
to provide information regarding health and required information/documents for
Head Start children and families. (achieved August 2013)
3.2 By March, 2013, a process for gathering essential health information during the
initial eligibility meeting will be established. This will include documenting
health insurance information and identifying whether or not families have a
medical and dental home. (achieved March 2013)
School Board of Brevard County Head Start Refunding Application 7
3.2.1 (NEW) By July 2014, the program will establish a procedure to follow-up
with families in order to confirm the establishment of a medical and dental home.
3.3 By May 2013, the program will determine the parameters of collaboration with
the Office of Food and Nutrition Services to provide a nutritionist/dietician to
support the Head Start health manager in making sure the Head Start Performance
Standards for nutrition are met. (achieved May 2013)
3.4 By August 2013, the program will hire one additional certified health technician
for a total of three to support funded enrollment of 624 students. (achieved July
2013)
3.5 By August 2013, the program will secure medical providers in the local area to
function as a referral source for Head Start children. (achieved August 2013)
3.6 By August 2013, the program will secure dental providers in the local area to
function as a referral source for Head Start children. (achieved August 2013)
3.7 (NEW) By July 2014, the program will develop a procedure for either the teacher
or the IA to complete a daily health checklist.
3.8 (NEW) By July 2014, the program will develop a procedure to provide parent
input regarding on-going care and changes in health status.
4.0 Mental Health and Disability Services
Long Term Goal: To provide a high quality early childhood program that includes mental
health and disability services to eligible Head Start children as measured by ongoing
progress monitoring, annual self-assessment and formal program reviews.
School Board of Brevard County Head Start Refunding Application 8
Short Term Program Objectives:
4.1 By July 2013, the program will research and purchase a new screening and
assessment tool for the program which addresses all areas of the Head Start
Framework. (achieved July 2013)
4.2 Continue our Community Partnership with Brevard CARES to provide ongoing
support to Head Start families. (achieved June 2013)
4.2.1 (NEW) By July 2014 establish a contract with Brevard CARES for
training and technical assistance for parent, family and community
engagement staff to provide referral services for at-risk families in crisis.
4.3 Continue the agreement with a mental health provider to offer comprehensive
mental health services for Head Start families. Create a document providing
information about the types of mental health services Head Start can provide for
families and students. (achieved March 2014)
4.3.1 (NEW) By July 2014 contract with a mental health provider to make
available services as indicated by the Head Start performance standards.
4.4 By July 2013, work with a mental health provider to develop a plan to provide
mental health screenings within the first 45 days a student is enrolled in the Head
Start program. (Modified in August 2013 to reflect a program wide, teacher
administered developmental screener with a social/emotional component.)
4.5 (NEW) By September 2014, create an informational brochure outlining mental
health services that are available to families.
School Board of Brevard County Head Start Refunding Application 9
5.0 Family and Community Engagement
Long Term Goal: To strengthen family and community partnerships utilizing the Head
Start Framework for eligible children and their families as measured by ongoing progress
monitoring, annual self-assessment, and formal program reviews.
Short Term Program Objectives:
5.1 By February 2013, establish a policy and procedure for paying teachers and
instructional assistants for extra duty for the required 2nd home visit. (achieved,
February 2013)
5.2 By July 2013, the program will have no less than 750 eligible children in the
PROMIS data base, ensuring there are at least 126 eligible children on the waiting
list. (not achieved)
5.2.1 (NEW) By July 2014 the program will have no less than 15% of our
funded enrollment in the PROMIS data base, ensuring there is at least
15% of our funded enrollment on the waiting list.
5.3 By August, 2013, family advocates will receive training in the Family Partnership
Agreement, including relationship building skills with families. (This goal was
partially achieved; continue for the 2014-2015 program year)
5.3.1 (NEW) Provide training to teachers and family advocates to support
effective collaboration in meeting the needs of families.
5.4 During the 2013-2014 year, develop a plan to utilize social media, including a
program website for families, to expand the program’s ability to communicate
with parents. (not achieved, continue for the 2014-2015 program year)
School Board of Brevard County Head Start Refunding Application 10
5.4.1 (NEW) Program staff will collaborate with the school district
communications office and educational technology department to increase
broader communications. (not achieved, continue for the 2014-2015
program year)
5.5 During the 2013-14 school year, the program will develop an activity with a focus
on father involvement to be shared during the initial orientation process with
families. (not achieved, continue for the 2014-2015 program year)
Program Impacts: Participants, Community, the School Board of Brevard County
By establishing a Head Start program for at-risk children ages 3-to-5, the School Board
of Brevard County has provided the community with an opportunity to take part in continuous
care for families who have received fragmented services while struggling with issues of
transportation, building relationships with authority figures and other financial/social/emotional
concerns. Because the school district offers a continuum of services delivered by the local
education agency, student achievement has been positively impacted in a variety of ways. The
opportunity for children and families to work within the framework of the school system builds
relationships that extend over time and throughout the entire academic sequence of the children
served. This increases the possibilities of families’ engagement in the program. The approach to
learning is both comprehensive and consistent. Carefully chosen curriculum is woven into the
daily routines and lives of children and families. This creates a rich and fertile ground for both
academic and social/emotional success. The staff employed by the organization has built a firm
knowledge base of child growth and development, the role that the parent plays in the
achievement of each child, and the importance of smooth transitions between and among
programs.
School Board of Brevard County Head Start Refunding Application 11
B. Service Delivery
There have not been any changes to either the program plan to provide child
development services, or to the service/recruitment areas and criteria. The Head Start preschool
funded enrollment has remained, and will continue to remain, at 624. The program has
maintained two stand-alone sites and continues to serve students in 10 elementary schools and
one high school in a center based model.
The delivery of health services has included the creation and implementation of a parent
communication health folder. This folder provides information regarding health and wellness as
well as all required documents (as appropriate) to be completed by families to provide a full and
complete understanding of the health needs of all children participating in Head Start. As a
result of the self-assessment the health manager collaborated with the family services manager
to determine a process by which essential health information such as documenting health
insurance information and identifying family status regarding a medical and dental home will
occur during eligibility. The program secured both medical and dental providers in the local area
to function as a referral source for Head Start children. Certified health technicians performed
the hearing and vision screenings and body mass index for children who did not have a current
physical. As a result of the health services staff developing a partnership with the Women,
Infants, and Children (WIC) program, they were able to acquire hemoglobin results for children
of families receiving WIC. By supporting families in obtaining current physicals and
immunization records during the registration process, health staff was able to enter health
information into PROMIS in a timely manner. The program’s transition plan includes entry into
and exit from the program. The transition process is smooth and effective because the preschool
children ride the same buses, eat in the same cafeteria, and participate in many of the same
School Board of Brevard County Head Start Refunding Application 12
activities (computer lab, music, physical education, media center) as the other children in the
elementary schools. Parents are introduced to kindergarten teachers, classrooms, and routines as
part of the elementary school experience and through open houses held at the end of the
academic year. Student files are already part of the permanent school records, both educational
and health, and are, therefore, transferred in a timely manner.
The Head Start program supports parent participation at each site through a variety of
opportunities. Both the family advocates and teachers invite families into the classrooms during
the initial home visits. Families are invited into the school throughout the year. These activities
include open houses, curriculum nights, parent/teacher conferences, community presentations,
guest speakers, celebrations, literacy activities and parent meetings.
Changes in transportation for students located at Riverview School were indicated and
occurred due to difficulty in recruiting children in this area of the county. Unlike most of the
other sites, students living within the two mile radius are provided transportation to and from
school each day. With the addition of transportation, the program increased enrollment.
C. Approach to School Readiness
The School Board of Brevard County Head Start program has established a school
readiness plan that includes school readiness goals that are aligned with the five essential
domains identified by the National Education Goals Panel as well as the eleven domains in the
Head Start Child Development and Early Learning Framework. Additionally, the goals are
aligned with the Florida Early Learning and Developmental Standards for both 3 and 4 year
olds, the Head Start Performance Standards, adopted curriculum components and the
requirements and expectations of the school district. The readiness plan incorporates the four
integral elements of quality teaching and learning found in the HOUSE framework (The
School Board of Brevard County Head Start Refunding Application 13
National Center on Quality Teaching and Learning, August 2012 V.2.2). These include
engaging everyday interactions with children, choosing and implementing a strong curriculum,
using regular assessment of children’s skills, and individualized teaching.
Assessment System
Progress towards meeting the school readiness goals is measured using a wide variety of
assessment tools including anecdotal notes, children’s portfolios, a locally developed assessment
tool, the Battelle Developmental Inventory (BDI) screening instrument, the Florida Voluntary
Prekindergarten (VPK) Assessment for 4 year olds and the Teaching Strategies GOLD ongoing
assessment.
The Florida Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) Assessment, a formal progress monitoring
assessment, is used to collect information about children’s development. This allows the program
to monitor and assess academic progress as well as gather information that can be used to meet
the instructional needs of each child. The VPK Assessment is aligned with Florida Early
Learning and Developmental Standards for Four-Year-Olds which have been aligned with the
Head Start Child Development and Early Learning Framework. The VPK Assessment is
administered in September, January, and May and measures progress in print knowledge,
phonological awareness, mathematics, language and vocabulary with results being entered into
the VPK Online Reporting System. The VPK Assessment Online Reporting System has the
capacity to create reports which teachers use to monitor progress and use the results to assist in
planning instruction to meet each child’s needs. Teachers plan large group, small group and
individualized instruction based on the data results connected to the Standards for Four-Year-
Olds. Reports are available for results at the child, classroom, and center levels. Internet links to
School Board of Brevard County Head Start Refunding Application 14
instructional strategies aligned with the Standards for Four-Year-Olds are available to
instructional staff through a state early learning website.
The Battelle Developmental Inventory (BDI) screener is completed within 45 calendar
days of each child’s entry into Head Start. The BDI examines the skill level of students ages 3 to
5 in five different domains. These include: adaptive, personal/social, communication, motor, and
cognitive. Based on skill level, children score either “pass” or “refer”. Children whose skills
indicate a “refer” are then provided interventions in order to support growth. Teachers may refer
students to the Exceptional Student Education (ESE) Specialist or to the Individual Problem
Solving Team (IPST) located at each school site. BDI class screening results and follow-up
interventions are shared with the parents, site administrators, and the education manager. Data is
aggregated by teachers at the student and classroom level and by the education manager at the
school and program level.
The Developmental Profile is a locally created ongoing progress monitoring tool that is
aligned with the Head Start Child Development and Early Learning Framework and the
prekindergarten learning standards for Florida. It is completed three times each year and the
results are shared with families at parent conferences.
Beginning in the fall of 2013, teaching staff began transitioning from the Developmental
Profile to GOLD, which is based on 38 objectives that include predictors of school success and
are aligned with the state prekindergarten standards for Florida as well as the Head Start Child
Development and Early Learning Framework. The data are aggregated by classroom and
program level three times per year: November, February and May. At each point, program staff
studies the child outcome averages across domains for the total program to identify any school
readiness areas where children are not progressing. Next, staff looks at the distribution of scores
School Board of Brevard County Head Start Refunding Application 15
to examine the variability of children’s progress. Program staff, working collaboratively with
classroom teachers, determines where to place additional support for individualizing teaching
and learning. Staff disaggregates data to discern patterns among subgroups and identify
achievement gaps. Each teaching team uses the analysis to refine their planning process for
each child and groups of children and as a guide to set professional goals as part of each
teacher’s Professional Growth Plan (PGP). Using data from multiple sources, teachers focus on
school readiness in a developmentally appropriate manner for each child.
Data collected from the BDI, GOLD, VPK Assessment and the Developmental Profile
will be used to determine group and individual professional development needs. The data will be
shared with teachers, parents, school administrators, the school readiness team, district
personnel, the school board, and the Policy Council. The progress of children with suspected
disabilities or with identified disabilities is monitored through specific Individualized Education
Plan (IEP) forms and through observations and assessments made by the classroom teaching
team.
Key Findings from Assessment Data
The Head Start program was new to Brevard Public Schools for the 2012-13 school year.
The assessment data from last year’s state Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) program includes
the VPK Provider Kindergarten Readiness Rates, the VPK Assessment data and the pre and post
screener, the DIAL-3. The Kindergarten Readiness Rates were based on the students’ substantial
completion (70 %+) of the VPK program and scores that indicate readiness for kindergarten on
both the Early Childhood Observation Screener (ECHOS – Not Yet Demonstrating, Emerging/
Progressing or Demonstrating) and the Florida Assessment in Reading (FAIR-K – 67%+
probability of reading success). The percentage of students identified as “ready” for
School Board of Brevard County Head Start Refunding Application 16
kindergarten in Brevard Public Schools was well above the percentage statewide. Additionally,
all 2013-14 Head Start school sites have achieved a Kindergarten Readiness Rate above the
benchmark score of 70%, ensuring that none will be identified as low performing providers. The
average score for the eleven Head Start school sites is 82%. The administrative team, teachers,
and instructional assistants work together at the site to analyze the data for student, class, and
program reports and engage in ongoing progress monitoring. Based on the results of last year’s
VPK Assessment data, the program has determined that all Head Start sites made significant
increases in the percentage of students identified as Exceeding Expectations (EE) and Meeting
Expectations (ME), along with a significant decrease in the percentage identified as Below
Expectations (BE).
The results of VPK Assessment AP1 from October 2013 indicate that print awareness
and mathematics are the greatest area of need for students. The program will concentrate efforts
in these areas and continue to address phonological awareness, oral language/vocabulary, and
teacher/child interactions. Data from AP2 will be utilized to continue to drive instruction and
conduct ongoing progress monitoring at the student, classroom, school, and district levels.
Individual student screening and assessment information is also shared with families
during parent conferences led by Head Start teachers. Teachers share data in a user friendly
format to ensure that parents understand student strengths and areas of need. Parents also receive
specific information and suggestions about how they can support their child’s development and
academic growth at home.
The initial results from the Batelle Developmental Inventory indicate a pass rate of 80%
or higher for 3 year olds in the motor, adaptive, personal/social and cognitive domains. The
communication domain indicated a pass rate of 77%. The pass rate for 4 year olds for all
School Board of Brevard County Head Start Refunding Application 17
domains was 80% or higher. The pass rate program wide, for all five domains was 80% or
higher.
The initial results from the GOLD ongoing assessment indicate performance and growth
in all areas. The physical areas (fine and gross motor) indicate the greatest opportunities for
improvement. Literacy and math have shown the most improvement since the first checkpoint.
Graduation is a long term goal for all students. Key data related to Brevard Public School
graduation rates indicate that students fare well in the long term. According to the Florida
Department of Education graduation rates for 2012-2013, Brevard’s graduation rate went up 2.2
percentage points while the state average increased 1.1 percentage point. The state graduation
rate for African American students is 15.9 percentage points lower than Caucasian students,
while the difference for students in Brevard is just 7.6 percentage points. Similarly, Florida’s
Hispanic students lag 5.6 percentage points behind Caucasian students while the difference in
Brevard is just 1.5 percentage points. Brevard’s overall graduation ranking in Florida is 5th
. The
graduation rate among African American students in Brevard ranks 5th and among the Hispanic
population it is ranked 3rd
.
The program has learned the importance of informing families about each assessment
tool and demonstrating student progress over time. School readiness can be positively impacted
when families are made partners in the growth and development of their child. By articulating
with the public schools we have learned how we can more clearly align learning outcomes with
the entry level skill expectations for kindergarten. Communication with the schools has
supported assessment data results that show significant ongoing progress in all areas.
Teachers facilitate a family meeting about the standards and the connections to the
assessments at the beginning of the school year. The progress of individual children is shared
School Board of Brevard County Head Start Refunding Application 18
three times during the school year during scheduled parent conferences. Teachers share the
individual student assessment reports, authentic work samples, and classroom observations.
Teachers and families work together to set goals for individual student success as well as to
provide the resources for follow-up.
Program Improvements
The program will continue to implement the Classroom Assessment Scoring System
(CLASS) to support and increase the skill level of teaching teams relative to teacher-child
interactions. Six members of staff are certified CLASS reliable. The education manager is a
certified “train the trainer” for CLASS. The education manager and one instructional coach are
Making the Most of Classroom Interactions (MMCI) trainers. Thirty-four teachers and 34
instructional assistants working in the program are receiving training in MMCI during the 2013-
2014 program year. The MMCI training sessions allow teaching teams to examine the impact of
teacher-child interactions and relationships on children’s learning. The professional development
provided helps guide educators to identify teacher-child interactions that affect child outcomes.
Finally, training participants learn how using the CLASS observation tool can provide a
framework for considering teaching practices and guiding observations using actual classroom
videos. The program will begin classroom observations with the CLASS tool after the
completion of MMCI training during the 2014/2015 program year.
Classroom teaching staff is provided both group and individual professional development
opportunities to support the successful implementation of the school readiness goals. Each
teaching team consists of a lead teacher and at least one instructional assistant. Both the teacher
and the assistant must complete and pass two online training courses presented by the Florida
Department of Children and Families: Language and Vocabulary Instruction for PreK and
School Board of Brevard County Head Start Refunding Application 19
Emergent Literacy Instruction for PreK. Teachers of 4 year olds must also complete training in
the administration of the VPK Assessment instrument. As part of the implementation of both
Teaching Strategies GOLD and Creative Curriculum teachers received four days of professional
development on both of these components. All teachers receive either training in the state
Standards for Four Year Olds or Standards for Three Year Olds.
All teachers and instructional assistants have been trained in the Head Start family
eligibility process, the Exceptional Student Education (ESE) referral process, the Head Start
Child Development and Early Learning Framework and School Readiness Goals, the Parent,
Family, and Community Engagement (PFCE) Framework, and Child Abuse and Neglect
awareness training. Teachers have received training in the administration of the Battelle
Developmental Inventory. Teachers and instructional assistants have also received training in
HighScope Adult-Child Interactions and the Healthy Habits for Life curriculum component. To
improve student performance relative to physical development, the program will continue to
provide CATCH (Coordinated Approach to Child Health) training. CATCH employs a holistic
approach to child health by targeting multiple aspects of the school community and involving
teachers, students, families and the broader school community in a range of health promoting
activities.
Each classroom teacher is required to create an individual Professional Growth Plan
(PGP) annually using the guidelines set forth in the school district Instructional Personnel
Performance Appraisal System (IPPAS). Each PGP must include the development of an
individual goal, work plan strategies and outcome measures and reflection. The IPPAS utilizes
teacher evaluation metrics that include professional practices and student achievement. The
appraisal system includes seven dimensions: instructional design and lesson planning; learning
School Board of Brevard County Head Start Refunding Application 20
environment; instructional delivery and facilitation; assessment; professional responsibilities and
ethical conduct; relationships with children; and relationships with parents and the community.
Each teacher and instructional assistant is observed by administrators and fellow teachers both
formally and informally. The final summative evaluation for each teacher includes a review of
the effectiveness of the individual Professional Growth Plan (PGP). Instructional assistants are
also required to complete a Professional Development Implementation Plan. Each plan must
include at least one goal that connects professional development to student learning.
As stated in the introduction, a review of community assessment data revealed general
satisfaction with the quality of the School Board of Brevard County Head Start program. The
results of the self-assessment, including program strengths and opportunities for improvement
are detailed in a separate section of the refunding application.
D. Parent, Family and Community Engagement (PFCE)
Parent, family and community engagement in the Head Start program includes building
relationships to support family well-being, positive relationships between parents and their
children, and ongoing learning for both parents and children. The program has a systematic,
integrated and comprehensive approach to family engagement and has maintained the Parent,
Family, and Community Engagement (PFCE) goals and plans. Parents are provided with
opportunities to volunteer at their child’s school, attend parent/child conferences, participate in
home visits and increase their understanding of child readiness expectations by contributing to
the Head Start School Readiness Plan. Families have the opportunity to participate in monthly
meetings at each school and they are also invited to participate in the Family as Readers
program. Family advocates provide support to families through the analysis of needs, goal
setting and access to support systems when indicated. One hundred percent of families enrolled
School Board of Brevard County Head Start Refunding Application 21
in the program have completed a family needs assessment that outlines opportunities for
volunteering in the school setting, topics about which families might need more information, and
an invitation to attend the parent school committee and the policy council. In collaboration with
the family advocate, families enrolled in the program have also completed a Family Partnership
Agreement. This agreement is a joint effort with staff to identify family goals, strengths, and
resources or areas of support. Progress towards completion of the goals is monitored by the
family advocates. The following data reflects family progress in program activities that support
individual children’s school readiness: 87% of families participated in home visits by the date of
the self-assessment, and 83% of families had participated in parent-teacher conferences. A
program-wide, monthly average of 251volunteer hours provided evidence of parent involvement
in student learning.
E. Governance, Organizational and Management Structures, and Ongoing Oversight
There were not any changes to the roles and responsibilities of the school board and
Policy Council. A new school board chairperson was selected by majority vote of the board,
according to established policy, in November, 2013. There were additions and changes to the
organizational chart for the Head Start program to increase the capacity managerial monitoring
and oversight for the benefit of program quality. The position of Head Start director/principal
was added to provide an increased level of decision-making authority, providing necessary
autonomy for the person in this role. Based on the recommendation of Head Start Training and
Technical Assistance, the program added a family services manager. The primary
responsibilities of this person are to oversee the ERSEA process and supervise family advocates.
Ten additional family advocates, for a total of 14 were hired to facilitate the ERSEA process and
maximize services to families.
School Board of Brevard County Head Start Refunding Application 22
The program utilizes PROMIS as the primary management system for planning, record
keeping and reporting. This comprehensive management information system is used by program
staff to manage client intake, eligibility and program enrollment. The program also utilizes the
school district data management system for some attendance and enrollment tasks. Most
communications are carried out through the school district email or website.
A summary of the results of the most recent self-assessment and the improvement plan
and a comprehensive training and technical assistance plan were uploaded into the Head Start
Enterprise System (HSES) as separate documents.
School Board of Brevard County Head Start Refunding Application 23
Section II. Budget and Budget Justification
A detailed budget narrative for planned use of the restoration of sequestered funds, cost-
of-living adjustment (COLA), program operation costs, training and technical assistance (TTA),
and sources of non-federal share appears on the following pages.
As indicated by Program Instruction ACF-PI-HS-14-01, released on February 10, 2014
regarding the FY 2014 funding increase, the amounts for restored funding and the COLA are
included with the budget narrative for program operations. The budget narrative for TTA and
non-federal share are separate. A manually created SF-424A reflecting the COLA funding and
sequestration restoration in separate columns was uploaded as a separate document into the Head
Start Enterprise System under the Grant Application Budget Instrument (GABI) tab.
Program Operations Budget – Inclusive of Restored and COLA funds
RESTORATION OF SEQUESTERED FUNDS GABI
Line Line Item Description Operation
Costs
a. Personnel - Child Health and Developmental Services
5
Teacher Aides & Other Personnel: Restoration funds will be used to hire
additional instructional assistants. These additional units will ensure
program compliance with adult to child ratios as required by the Head Start
Performance Standards. These additional positions will also support school
readiness goals by reducing the adult to child ratios during instructional
time. TOTAL UNITS 10.5 $156,368
b. Fringe Benefits
1 FICA at 6.2% ; Workman's Comp at .558% $10,479
2 Health/Dental Insurance at $6,532 annually; Life Insurance at .216% $65,464
3 Retirement at 4.91% $10,780
b. Fringe paid by RESTORATION OF SEQUESTRATION -SUBTOTAL $86,723
Total Personnel and Fringe paid by RESTORATION OF SEQUESTRATION
SUBTOTAL $243,091
School Board of Brevard County Head Start Refunding Application 24
PLANNED USE OF COLA FUNDS GABI
Line Line Item Description Operations
Costs
a. Personnel - Child Health and Developmental Services
5
Teacher Aides & Other Personnel: COLA funds will be used to hire
additional instructional assistants. These additional units will ensure
program compliance with adult to child ratios as required by the Head Start
Performance Standards. These additional positions will also support school
readiness goals by reducing the adult to child ratios during instructional
time. TOTAL UNITS 2.5 $36,957
b. Fringe Benefits
1 FICA at 6.2% ; Workman's Comp at .558% $2,492
2 Health/Dental Insurance at $6,532 annually; Life Insurance at .216% $17,954
3 Retirement at 4.91% $2,563
b. Fringe paid by COLA FUNDS SUBTOTAL $23,009
Total Personnel and Fringe paid by COLA FUNDS $59,966
PROGRAM OPERATIONS BUDGET PLAN
GABI
Line Line Item Description Operations
Costs
a. Personnel - Child Health and Developmental Services
1
Program Managers/ Content Experts: Education and PFCE Resource
Teacher for Head Start/Program Manager (1.5 units); Head Start
Instructional Coach/Content Expert (3.0 units) TOTAL UNITS 4.5 $193,558
2 Teachers - Head Start Classroom Teachers (24.5 units) TOTAL UNITS 24.5 $1,006,680
3 Family Childcare: No family childcare workers are employed using Head
Start program funds. $0
4 Home Visitors: No home visitors are employed using Head Start program
funds. $0
5
Teacher Aides & Other Personnel: Head Start Classroom Instructional
Assistants (33.0 units); 0.5 instructional assistant employed to assist with
Head Start family literacy activities. TOTAL UNITS 33.5 $493,446
6 Health/Mental Services Personnel: The grantee contracts with community
agencies for health/mental health services. $0
7 Disabilities Services Personnel: Employee with experience in working with
students with disabilities to provide support services for children (1.0 unit) $58,495
8 Nutrition Services Personnel: Nutritionist/Dietician (.50 unit) $22,140
9 Other Child Services Personnel: No personnel in this category are employed
using Head Start funds. $0
a. Child Health and Developmental Services Personnel SUBTOTAL $1,774,319
Child Health and Developmental Services Personnel TOTAL
using Sequestration Restoration, COLA, and Operations Funds $1,967,644
School Board of Brevard County Head Start Refunding Application 25
a. Personnel - Family and Community Partnerships
10 Program Managers/Content Experts: Family Services Manager (1.0 unit); $58,499
11 Family Advocates (ERSEA): Family Advocates (13.0 units) $193,263
a. Family and Community Partnerships Personnel SUBTOTAL $251,762
a. Personnel - Program Design and Management
12 Executive Director: Early Childhood & Title I Director (.20 unit paid from
Head Start funds) $20,951
13 Head Start Director: Head Start Principal/Director (.78 unit) $61,455
14 Managers: Technology Associate (1.0 unit) and Head Start Program
Coordinator (1.0 unit) TOTAL UNITS 2.0 $121,562
15 Staff Development: No charges to Program Operations budget for this line
item; staff development will be paid from TTA funds. $0
16 Clerical Personnel: Program Secretary (1.0 unit); Data Registrar (1.0 unit);
Office Clerk (1.0 unit); Center Secretary (.10 unit) TOTAL UNITS 3.1 $90,884
17 Fiscal Personnel: Accounting Specialist III (1.0 unit) $30,630
18 Other Administrative Personnel: Head Start Center Supervisor (1 unit);
School (Center) Site Administrator (.45 unit) TOTAL UNITS 1.45 $64,280
a. Program Design and Management Personnel SUBTOTAL $389,762
a. Personnel - Other Personnel
19 Maintenance Personnel: Custodial staff; 1.0 unit for stand alone center, .5
unit for various sites based on needed TOTAL UNITS 1.5 $24,570
20 Transportation Personnel: Bus assistants for various locations based on
need (3.0 units) $43,002
21 Other Personnel: No other personnel are employed using Head Start funds. $0
a. Other Personnel SUBTOTAL $67,572
a. Personnel -TOTAL $2,676,740
b. Fringe Benefits
1 FICA at 6.2% ; Workman's Comp at .558% $183,091
2 Health/Dental Insurance at $6,532 annually; Life Insurance at .216% $583,484
3 Retirement at 4.91% $168,546
b. Fringe SUBTOTAL $935,121 FRINGE TOTAL using Sequestration Restoration, COLA, and Operations Funds $1,044,853
c. Travel
1 Staff Out of Town Travel: No charges to Program Operations budget for this
line item; staff out of town travel will be paid from TTA funds. $0
c. Travel SUBTOTAL $0
d. Equipment
1 Office Equipment: The grantee does not anticipate any charges to the Head Start program
for this category. $0
2 Classroom/Outdoor/Home-based/FCC: The grantee does not anticipate any charges to
the Head Start program for this category. $0
3 Vehicle Purchase: The grantee does not anticipate any charges to the Head Start program
for this category. $0
4 Other Equipment: Modifications and/or new playground equipment for select sites. $29,702
d. Equipment SUBTOTAL $29,702
School Board of Brevard County Head Start Refunding Application 26
e. Supplies
1
Office Supplies: Office, Administration, Fiscal Management, Materials for
Program Coordinators, Specialists, and other personnel for items such as but not
limited to printer cartridges, software, binders, and other general office supplies to
support the Head Start Program. $15,000
2
Child and Family Services Supplies: Medical/Dental related items and supplies
($12,000), Classroom materials and supplies ($68,000), Supplies to support parent,
family and community engagement supplies ($5,000), Curriculum materials and
supplies to support school readiness goals (i.e.. Nemours Bright Start) ($48,500),
Assessment materials and supplies ($5,200), Subscriptions/Publications/
Registration or other related fees for classroom, educational experiences, health,
mental health disabilities, and/or administration ($5,000). Teaching Strategies Gold
electronic portfolios ($7,118) $150,818
3 Food Services Supplies: The grantee does not anticipate any charges to the Head
Start program for this category. $0
4 Other Supplies: Hand-held devices with protective cases for student use in the
classroom. $19,142
Supplies Subtotal $184,960
f. Contractual
1
Administrative Services: Contracted administrative services such as the
external fiscal audit, health and safety monitoring of Head Start classrooms
and other grant requirements. $30,000
2
Health/Disabilities Services: Contract with Brevard County Health
Department for thecoordination of health screenings and dental care (Head
Start Nursing Supervisor and three Certified Health Technicians). Contract
with Kinder-Consulting to provide child mental health services at $50 per
hour up to 150 annually ($7,500). $132,839
3 Food Services: The grantee does not anticipate any charges to the Head Start
program for this category. $0
4
Child Transportation Services: Contract with Brevard Public Schools
Transportation Department to provide bus transportation for approximately
125 Head Start children at $890 per child ($124,600) and provide
transportation for 3-4 field trips per class. ($13,600). $138,200
5
Training and Technical Assistance: Contracts with organizations for the
provision of training and/or technical assistance that may include curricular
programs, assessment tools, and program management technology. $10,000
6 Family Childcare: The grantee does not anticipate any charges to the Head
Start program for this category. $0
7 Delegate Agency Costs: The grantee does not anticipate any charges to the
Head Start program for this category. $0
School Board of Brevard County Head Start Refunding Application 27
8
Other Contracts: Contract with Brevard CARES to provide Parent, Family,
and Community Engagement support for Head Start families identified as
high risk and/or experiencing an acute crisis that involves intervention
beyond the scope of services provided by the family advocates; this includes
Care Coordination, Family Team Conferencing, and 24/7 Mobile Response
Services for families and access to non-federal share funding resources. This
contract also provides for ongoing training and technical assistance to
increase the capacity PFCE staff. $69,800
Contractual Subtotal $380,839
g. Construction
The grantee does not anticipate any charges to the Head Start program for
this category. $0
Construction Subtotal $0
h. Other
1 Depreciation/Use Allowance: The grantee does not anticipate any charges
to the Head Start program for this category. $0
2 Rent: The grantee does not anticipate any charges to the Head Start program
for this category. $0
3 Mortgage: The grantee does not anticipate any charges to the Head Start
program for this category. $0
4 Utilities/Telephone: Charges for utilities/telephone at the stand-alone Head
Start centers including Clearlake Education Center (4%). $30,000
5
Building and Child Liability Insurance: The grantee does not anticipate any
charges to the Head Start program for this category. Insurance coverage is
paid by the school district. $0
6
Building Maintenance/Repair and Other Occupancy: For building
maintenance/repair costs not covered by local funds, especially the stand-
alone Head Start centers. $10,000
7 Incidental Alterations/Renovations: Necessary alterations/renovations such
as but not limited to office space, classroom, and play areas. $25,000
8
Local Travel: Costs associated with mileage reimbursement for personnel
conducting home and site visits; costs associated with vehicle maintenance
repair, operation and insurance. $30,000
9 Nutrition Services: Nutrition curriculum for parent education. $2,000
10 Child Services Consultants: The grantee does not anticipate any charges to
the Head Start program for this category. $0
11 Volunteers: Pay for fingerprinting to comply with state regulations $47 per
volunteer x 52 volunteers. $2,444
12 Substitutes (if not paid benefits): Provide substitutes for teachers and/or
instructional assistants ($1,180 per classroom) $40,120
School Board of Brevard County Head Start Refunding Application 28
13
Parent Services: Parent and Policy Council Support for Parent Activity and
Policy Council fund at $10 per child ($6,240), dues and fees for parents
and/or policy council members ($2,525)*, parent travel as needed for Policy
Council support ($1,250). (*These funds are set aside to cover dues and fees that may
be charged for Head Start parents to participate in programs and/or organizations that
support parent engagement activities.) $10,015
14 Accounting and Legal Services: The grantee anticipates little expenditure
associated with this category. $5,000
15
Publications/Advertising/Printing: For costs associated with maintaining
full compliance with the Head Start Act and Head Start Performance
Standards, including items to facilitate ERSEA. $5,000
16 Training or Staff Development : No charges to Program Operations budget
for this line item. $0
17 Other: $0
h. Other Subtotal $159,579
i. Sum of Direct Charges (Sum of a-h)
Total of Direct Charges $4,476,673
j. Indirect Cost
Indirect Cost (IDC)* calculated at the LEA state negotiated rate of 4.88% on
allowable budget items minus equipment, capital outlay and contractual
services. The IDC budgeted only applies to operational funds.
Total of Allowable Budget Items for Indirect Cost Calculation $4,016,990
j. Indirect Cost SUBTOTAL $196,029
k. Totals
Total Head Start Refunding Request for Program Operations(Sum of a-j) $4,672,702
* The School Board of Brevard County Head Start Indirect Cost Rate Agreement was uploaded
into the Head Start Enterprise System (HSES) under the Grant Application Budget Instrument
(GABI) as a separate document.
School Board of Brevard County Head Start Refunding Application 29
Training and Technical Assistance Budget
GABI
Line Line Item Description TTA Costs
c. 1
Staff Out of Town Travel: Professional development conferences and/or
workshops such as but not limited to Regional and National Head Start
Conferences, NAEYC, Florida Head Start Association for appropriate staff
members as needed to support program implementation. An example is
provided below, final decision for specific conferences will be based on
conference offerings relative to program needs. For example, attendance at
two conferences based on the following details: name of conference,
destination, length of stay, purpose, staff positions and cost. #1) Florida
Head Start Association, Orlando, FL, 2 days, Purpose-Head Start
Professional Development, Head Start Coordinator, Family Services
Manager/PFCE Staff, Parents (2), $2,500. #2) Florida Association for
Educators of Young Children Orlando, FL 3 days, Purpose- ECE
Professional Development, HS Coordinator, Resource Teachers (2),
Instructional Coaches (3), Health Manager, and ESE Specialist, $2,500.
Note: Travel Reimbursement Rates: Mileage at .56 per mile, PerDiem
$80.00, breakfast $6, lunch $11, Dinner $19 per day – plus the cost of
transportation and lodging if warranted. $15,000
e. Supplies to support professional development activities paid for with TTA
funds. $4,885
h.
15
Publications/Advertising/Printing costs associated with professional
development activities paid for with TTA funds. $1,200
h.
16
Training or Staff Development : Contracts with individuals for the provision
of training and/or technical assistance including Conscious Discipline,
curricular programs, assessment tools, and program management technology.
Summer contracts with 10-month employees, including district Head Start
personnel and classroom teachers to provide or attend training and technical
assistance sessions. The training provided is designed to support school
readiness goals, including language and literacy curriculum and assessment
tools. $32,996
TTA TOTAL $54,081
*The School Board of Brevard County Head Start Training and Technical Assistance Plan was
uploaded into the Head Start Enterprise System (HSES) under the Grant Application Budget
Instrument (GABI) as a separate document.
School Board of Brevard County Head Start Refunding Application 30
Non-Federal Share Requirement
Non-Federal Share (cash and in-kind) GABI
Line Line Item Description Non-Federal
Share
a. Personnel
1
Child Health and Developmental Services Content Experts: Resource
teachers supporting Head Start program, portion (.40 unit) of salaries paid
by state funded prekindergarten (VPK) funds. $20,899
2 Teachers 9.50 Head Start classroom teacher units paid by state funded
prekindergarten (VPK) funds. $416,588
5 Teachers’ Aides: 9 instructional assistants for Head Start paid by state
funded prekindergarten (VPK) funds. $133,744
12
Executive Director: Provides oversight/supervision of Head Start program,
portion of salary (.10) paid by state funded prekindergarten (VPK) funds to
support program design and management. $10,476
13 Head Start Principal/Director: Portion of salary (.22) paid by state VPK
funds. $17,333
14 Managers: District-based VPK coordinator who provides oversight of the
VPK portion of the program (.30) $19,598
14
Accounting Services Manager: District-based manager who manages the
fiscal draw-downs and reporting for the Head Start program (.05), salary
paid by school district funds. $3,554
16 Clerical Personnel: School-based clerical personnel providing support for
Head Start, portion of salary (.21 unit) paid with school district funds. $20,395
16
Clerical Personnel: Accounting specialist who provides support for
obtaining reimbursement for Head Start student participation in the VPK
program, salary paid by state VPK funds (.35 unit); secretarial staff (1.0
unit) supporting Head Start Program, salaries paid with school district funds $53,871
17
Fiscal Personnel: District-based fund accountant who manages accounting
strings for the Head Start program (.05 unit), salary paid by school district
funds. $1,812
18
School (Center) Site Administrators: Manage classrooms located in schools
(.21 of principals/assistant principals salaries $34,834); stand-alone center
assistant principal ( $34,844), portion of salary paid by school district funds. $69,678
19
Maintenance Personnel: Custodial staff providing support for Head Start,
portion of salary (.21 of custodial staff salaries $38,128) paid with school
district funds; Custodial staff (.55 of two custodial salaries $18,018) for
Riverview School (stand alone Head Start site) paid for with school district
funds. $56,146
21 Food Services Personnel: Cafeteria workers providing support for Head
Start, portion of salary (.21 unit) paid with school district funds. $24,487
a. Personnel paid by school district funds- Subtotal $848,581
School Board of Brevard County Head Start Refunding Application 31
b. Fringe (paid by school district funds for employee units listed above)
1 FICA at 6.2% ; Workman's Comp at .558% $40,280
2 Health/Dental Insurance at $6,532 annually; Life Insurance at .216% $152,679
3 Retirement at 4.91% $38,536
b. Fringe paid by school district or state VPK funds- Subtotal $231,495
e. Supplies (expenses paid by school district funds)
e. Supplies paid by school district funds and/or donated- Subtotal $5,490
f. Contractual (Other Contracts- Brevard CARES)
f. Community referrals provided to families through state funds-
Subtotal $31,000
h. Other (expenses paid by local funds)
4 Utilities, Telephone: In-kind calculated based on percentage of classroom
space utilized for Head Start at each school site. $55,508
7
Incidental Alterations/Renovations: Incidental alterations/renovations to
Head Start classrooms as necessary to accommodate program needs (paid
with school district funds). $1,228
11
Volunteers: Parent and community volunteers 10 projected x 30 average
hours at $15/hr.= $4,500); Policy Council members (9 meetings x 15
members at $25=$3,375); School Board Member Support ($17.30/hr. x 30
hrs.= $519). $8,394
h. Other expenses paid by school district funds and/or donated-
Subtotal $65,130
Total Non-Federal Share (cash and in-kind) $1,181,696
The School Board of Brevard County Division of Financial Services ensures all local,
state and federal requirements are followed with regards to the fiscal management of the Head
Start program. A comprehensive school district financial management system with established
internal control policies and procedures assures the program maintains effective control and
accountability for grant funds, property and other assets. In addition, the Head Start program
employs an accounting specialist who handles all aspects of the day to day budget. As a public
school system accountable to a variety of stakeholders including state and federal government
agencies, fiscal management is a noted area of strength for the grantee.
School Board of Brevard County Head Start Refunding Application 32
The School Board of Brevard County Head Start Program Cost Allocation Plan
describes the cost allocation methodology for any proposed shared costs between programs.
This document was uploaded into the Head Start Enterprise System.