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Good Day, I hope you are enjoying good health and patience!
Monday I was on a webinar hosted by Dr. Bergeron (Dr B.), director of the Office of Head Start. I was appreciative and excited about her heartfelt message, and would like to share it with you.
The Corona virus Aide,Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) includes $750million to existing Head Start grantees to serve rising kindergarten students and children on an IFSP.   $500million is allocated to:
  1. Provide summer school experiences in a social emotionally supportive learning environment,
  2. Support families in bringing children up to date on needed dental,medical and other follow-up services, and
  3. Connect children to their receiving schools where they will attend Kindergarten.
   Although our current environment is fluid, we have been instructed to move forward as if we will be able to open our doors and provide summer school.To that end, Leadership members will be planning a summer program. I will share information with you next week.
This is a true opportunity to address the widening of the achievement gap that is increasing every day children don’t have growth opportunities! The additional $250 million will be available for one time requests who have CD-19 related costs.
Challenges bring opportunities, and we are moving forward to serve children and families virtually. Monday and Tuesday focal teachers received training for providing virtual services to children and families. The rest of the week has been spent contacting families and talking about what parents are interested in and setting up the details. How delightful to a young child to his/her caregiver to hear from and know that their teacher cares about them!
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
 
All Head Start buildings are closed. There are some staff working in the Central Office. People are doing a great job of physical distancing and following safety/sanitation protocols. Direct service staff are all in paid status until their regularly scheduled lay off dates. Let me share those dates:
  • Part day model: May 22.
  • Extended day classes in school district buildings:  June 12.
  • Extended day classes in HS buildings: June 19.

Full day classes and EHS continue as year round without a lay off. If you have questions, please speak with your Regional Manager or supervisor.

  
Appreciation and gratitude to the individuals who continue to work daily to keep HSOLC going :
  • Operations department:  IT, Facilities, Finance,
  • ERSEA,
  • FSCs,
  • ECECs,
  • all of EHS, and now
  • focal teachers.
  
Please remember that each day you make a critical difference by practicing the guidelines put out by CDC and OHA, the newest one being to wear a mask (if you are over 2 years old).
Have a great weekend.
Annie Soto
Executive Director