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Home My WebLink About20021162.tiff RESOLUTION RE: APPROVE APPLICATION FOR FEDERAL ASSISTANCE FOR EARLY HEAD START GRANT AND AUTHORIZE CHAIR TO SIGN WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners of Weld County, Colorado, pursuant to Colorado statute and the Weld County Home Rule Charter, is vested with the authority of administering the affairs of Weld County, Colorado, and WHEREAS, the Board has been presented with an Application for Federal Assistance for the Early Head Start Grant between the County of Weld, State of Colorado, by and through the Board of County Commissioners of Weld County, on behalf of the Department of Human Services, Family Educational Network of Weld County, and the Department of Health and Human Services, with terms and conditions being as stated in said application, and WHEREAS, after review, the Board deems it advisable to approve said application, a copy of which is attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of County Commissioners of Weld County, Colorado, that the Application for Federal Assistance for the Early Head Start Grant between the County of Weld, State of Colorado, by and through the Board of County Commissioners of Weld County, on behalf of the Department of Human Services, Family Educational Network of Weld County, and the Department of Health and Human Services be, and hereby is, approved. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED by the Board that the Chair be, and hereby is, authorized to sign said application. The above and foregoing Resolution was, on motion duly made and seconded, adopted by the following vote on the 6th day of May, A.D., 2002. BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS �� WELD D C T OLORADO ATTEST: auji'/ �� \' E 1©`�` Slade? °;- y,71":), -' Glenn Vaad, Uhdn Weld County Clerk to t 'Ba G'. 4 s `'�tTi1 �' EXCUSED �' 5�°j� A, David E. L g, Pro-Tem BY: _�/f_, 4. 1 r Deputy Clerk to the Boa :a +� 27 eau M. J. eile// R ED AS F M: �t 7 Y� ( William H. Jerke ounty rnny EXCUSED DATE OF SIGNING (AYE) Robert D. Masden ' 2002-1162 co_ 1 f-i HR0073 MEMORANDUM DATE: May 8, 2002 ITO: Weld County Board of Weld County Commissioners FROM: Walter J. Speckman, Exec. Director, Division of\V�"�� COLORADO Human Services SUBJECT: Early Head Start Grant Request Presented before the Weld County Board of County Commissioners is a grant proposal to the Department of Health and Human Services, Head Start Bureau for an Early Start Head Project. The grant if received will provide Early Head Start services to pregnant mothers and children birth to three in Weld County. For further information please contact Tere Keller-Amaya at extension 3342. 2002-1162 APPLICATION FOR OMB Approval No.0348-0043 FEDERAL ASSISTANCE 2.DATE SUBMITTED Applicant Identifier 1.TYPE OF SUBMISSION: 3.DATE RECEIVED BY STATE State Application Identifier A plication Preapplication U Construction 9 Construction 4.DATE RECEIVED BY FEDERAL AGENCY Federal Identifier ©Non-Construction 9 Non-Construction 5.APPLICANT INFORMATION Legal Name: Organizational Unit: Weld County Division of Human Services Family Educational Network of Weld County Address(give city,county,State,and zip code): Name and telephone number of person to be contacted on matters involvin5 this application(give area code) 1551 N. 17th Ave - P.0.Box 1805 alter J. Speckman, Exec. Director Greeley, CO 80632 (970)353-3800 6.EMPLOYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER(EIN): 7.TYPE OF APPLICANT:(enter appropriate letter in box) 254 6 l 0 1010181 l l 3 A.State H.Independent School Dist. R 8.TYPE OF APPLICATION: B.County I.State Controlled Institution of Higher Leaming C.Municipal J.Private University ®New ❑Continuation O Revision D.Township K.Indian Tribe If Revision,enter appropriate letter(s)in box(es) E.Interstate L.Individual F.Intermunicipal M.Profit Organization A.Increase Award B.Decrease Award C.Increase Duration G.Special District N.Other(Specify) D.Decrease Duration Other(specify): 9.NAME OF FEDERAL AGENCY: 10.CATALOG OF FEDERAL DOMESTIC ASSISTANCE NUMBER: 11.DESCRIPTIVE TITLE OF APPLICANT'S PROJECT: 913 6101n TITLE: Project Head Start Early Head Start 12.AREAS AFFECTED BY PROJECT(Cities,Counties, States,etc.): Weld County gO Colorado ,] PROPOSED J3 r SEd PROJECT 14.CONC,RESSIONAL DISTRICTS OF: Start Date Ending Date a.Applicant b.Project 1/1/f11 12/'1/ni 15.ESTIMATED FUNDING: 16.IS APPLICATION SUBJECT TO REVIEW BY STATE EXECUTIVE ORDER 12372 PROCESS? a.Federal $ 00 458,100 a.YES. THIS PREAPPLICATION/APPLICATION WAS MADE b.Applicant $ 00 AVAILABLE TO THE STATE EXECUTIVE ORDER 12372 PROCESS FOR REVIEW ON: c.State $ 00 DATE d.Local $ 00 b.No. ® PROGRAM IS NOT COVERED BY E.0. 12372 e.Other $ 00 O OR PROGRAM HAS NOT BEEN SELECTED BY STATE FOR REVIEW f.Program Income $ 00 114,525 17.1S THE APPLICANT DELINQUENT ON ANY FEDERAL DEBT? g.TOTAL $ 00 572,625 9 Yes If"Yes,"attach an explanation. 9 No 18.TO THE BEST OF MY KNOWLEDGE AND BELIEF,ALL DATA IN THIS APPLICATIONIPREAPPLICATION ARE TRUE AND CORRECT,THE DOCUMENT HAS BEEN DULY AUTHORIZED BY THE GOVERNING BODY OF THE APPLICANT AND THE APPLICANT WILL COMPLY WITH THE ATTACHED ASSURANCES IF THE ASSISTANCE IS AWARDED. a.Type Name of Authorized Representative b.Title c.Telephone Number Glenn Vaad Ch. ir Weld Count Board of Count Commissioners (970 356-4000 d.Signat of Author -. -epres tative e.Date Signed 05/06/2002 Previous Edition Usable Standard Form 424(Rev.7-97) Authorized for Local Reproduction Prescribed by OMB Circular A-102 off- -- /7Coa y co o n O 9 O Q o r Co m o m 5 O id LC) LO O CC 2 To O t0 M o O .�.. 0) o N o o O a o v a] I— I- M al LO O O) a to V 2 N ^ O 0.a n t.0 CO ) CON 0 O to ,— 0) E a LO t0 N N LO a O O a CO LC) LL 0 a O EA U! to Vi EA m a N a o 0 m d m CO a. m m 0 a) GI N a LO o .a..• '' N Lt) O a) Ill N. 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R t m e f \ m m 2 � q / co co § ® CO S q k 0 m R c c � f m _ m + ta to- 8 E , . , ) / 0 % / § t m . LC) w o E ® d ? 3 �� q q Cr) 3 cC 0. m ® c c a c % ~ Cr" w Q q q : = e o w ta m m _ m to w Z 0 E _ LL 0 f / q ro , CO cE / ? ? z - - o 0 pc cm / CO ? O CO co q c \ z 0 u_ 2 = o � m = m m w m Q 2 O 0 o I 0 w Z \ 2 � z I- e a � � c c C) q LU 5CC o c 9 2 \ CV y % § / o R m q a w e Q o e o CO 0 Z CD er ) / q k % % Er o - o � # i 0 O ® 2 Q m e 0 m m Z zN m m U- f O 0 0 2 P P e5 @ 0 J U 0 W P f ? � C k / F @ CV # m w m m o 0 D CO 2 w2 / z \ o_ 7 , I / \ L 4-. 2 \ 2 ® a w / ni ® « m 7 » vs / - a) � a) \ \ \ E \ E \ 5 E $ E / CU v m % 2 = / u $ \ __I > u 0 - \ z 0 \ k 0 � R L Z I— O 5 a) a a \ \ / \ / / \ \ % \ / \ \ OMB Approval No.0348-0040 ASSURANCES-NON-CONSTRUCTION PROGRAMS Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 15 minutes per response, including time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed,and completing and reviewing the collection of information. Send comments regarding the burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden,to the Office of Management and Budget, Paperwork Reduction Project(0348-0040),Washington, DC 20503. PLEASE DO NOT RETURN YOUR COMPLETED FORM TO THE OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET. SEND IT TO THE ADDRESS PROVIDED BY THE SPONSORING AGENCY. NOTE: Certain of these assurances may not be applicable to your project or program. If you have questions, please contact the awarding agency.Further,certain Federal awarding agencies may require applicants to certify to additional assurances. If such is the case,you will be notified. As the duly authorized representative of the applicant, I certify that the applicant: 1. Has the legal authority to apply for Federal assistance Act of 1973, as amended (29 U.S.C. §794), which and the institutional, managerial and financial capability prohibits discrimination on the basis of handicaps; (d) (including funds sufficient to pay the non-Federal share the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, as amended (42 of project cost) to ensure proper planning, management U.S.C. §§6101-6107), which prohibits discrimination and completion of the project described in this on the basis of age; (e) the Drug Abuse Office and application. Treatment Act of 1972 (P.L. 92-255), as amended, relating to nondiscrimination on the basis of drug 2. Will give the awarding agency,the Comptroller General abuse; (f) the Comprehensive Alcohol Abuse and of the United States and, if appropriate, the State, Alcoholism Prevention, Treatment and Rehabilitation through any authorized representative, access to and Act of 1970 (P.L. 91-616), as amended, relating to the right to examine all records, books, papers, or nondiscrimination on the basis of alcohol abuse or documents related to the award; and will establish a alcoholism; (g) §§523 and 527 of the Public Health proper accounting system in accordance with generally Service Act of 1912 (42 U.S.C. §§290 dd-3 and 290 ee accepted accounting standards or agency directives. 3), as amended, relating to confidentiality of alcohol and drug abuse patient records; (h) Title VIII of the 3. Will establish safeguards to prohibit employees from Civil Rights Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. §§3601 et seq.), as using their positions for a purpose that constitutes or amended, relating to nondiscrimination in the sale, presents the appearance of personal or organizational rental or financing of housing; (i) any other conflict of interest,or personal gain. nondiscrimination provisions in the specific statute(s) under which application for Federal assistance is being 4. Will initiate and complete the work within the applicable made; and, (j) the requirements of any other time frame after receipt of approval of the awarding nondiscrimination statute(s) which may apply to the agency. application. 5. Will comply with the Intergovernmental Personnel Act of 7. Will comply, or has already complied, with the 1970 (42 U.S.C. §§4728-4763) relating to prescribed requirements of Titles II and III of the Uniform standards for merit systems for programs funded under Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition one of the 19 statutes or regulations specified in Policies Act of 1970 (P.L. 91-646) which provide for Appendix A of OPM's Standards for a Merit System of fair and equitable treatment of persons displaced or Personnel Administration (5 C.F.R.900, Subpart F). whose property is acquired as a result of Federal or federally-assisted programs. These requirements apply 6. Will comply with all Federal statutes relating to to all interests in real property acquired for project nondiscrimination. These include but are not limited to: purposes regardless of Federal participation in (a) Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (P.L. 88-352) purchases. which prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color or national origin; (b) Title IX of the Education 8. Will comply, as applicable, with provisions of the Amendments of 1972, as amended (20 U.S.C. §§1681- Hatch Act (5 U.S.C. §§1501-1508 and 7324-7328) 1683,and 1685-1686),which prohibits discrimination on which limit the political activities of employees whose the basis of sex; (c) Section 504 of the Rehabilitation principal employment activities are funded in whole or in part with Federal funds. Previous Edition Usable Standard Form 424B(Rev.7-97) Authorized for Local Reproduction Prescribed by OMB Circular A-102 9. Will comply, as applicable,with the provisions of the Davis- 12. Will comply with the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act of Bacon Act (40 U.S.C. §§276a to 276a-7),the Copeland Act 1968 (16 U.S.C. §§1271 et seq.) related to protecting (40 U.S.C. §276c and 18 U.S.C. §874), and the Contract components or potential components of the national Work Hours and Safety Standards Act (40 U.S.C. §§327- wild and scenic rivers system. 333), regarding labor standards for federally-assisted construction subagreements. 13. Will assist the awarding agency in assuring compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation 10. Will comply, if applicable, with flood insurance purchase Act of 1966, as amended (16 U.S.C. §470), EO 11593 requirements of Section 102(a) of the Flood Disaster (identification and protection of historic properties), and Protection Act of 1973 (P.L. 93-234) which requires the Archaeological and Historic Preservation Act of recipients in a special flood hazard area to participate in the 1974(16 U.S.C. §§469a-1 et seq.). program and to purchase flood insurance if the total cost of insurable construction and acquisition is$10,000 or more. 14. Will comply with P.L.93-348 regarding the protection of human subjects involved in research, development, and 11. Will comply with environmental standards which may be related activities supported by this award of assistance. prescribed pursuant to the following: (a) institution of environmental quality control measures under the National 15. Will comply with the Laboratory Animal Welfare Act of Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (P.L. 91-190) and 1966 (P.L. 89-544, as amended, 7 U.S.C. §§2131 et Executive Order (EO) 11514; (b) notification of violating seq.) pertaining to the care, handling, and treatment of facilities pursuant to EO 11738; (c) protection of wetlands warm blooded animals held for research, teaching, or pursuant to EO 11990; (d) evaluation of flood hazards in other activities supported by this award of assistance. floodplains in accordance with EO 11988; (e) assurance of project consistency with the approved State management 16. Will comply with the Lead-Based Paint Poisoning program developed under the Coastal Zone Management Prevention Act (42 U.S.C. §§4801 et seq.) which Act of 1972 (16 U.S.C. §§1451 et seq.); (f) conformity of prohibits the use of lead-based paint in construction or Federal actions to State (Clean Air) Implementation Plans rehabilitation of residence structures. under Section 176(c) of the Clean Air Act of 1955, as amended (42 U.S.C. §§7401 et seq.); (g) protection of 17. Will cause to be performed the required financial and underground sources of drinking water under the Safe compliance audits in accordance with the Single Audit Drinking Water Act of 1974, as amended (P.L. 93-523); Act Amendments of 1996 and OMB Circular No. A-133, and, (h) protection of endangered species under the "Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-Profit Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (P.L. 93- Organizations." 205). 18. Will comply with all applicable requirements of all other Federal laws, executive orders, regulations,and policies governing this program. SIGNATURE F AU HORIZED CERTIFYING OFFICIAL TITLE Chair person APPLICANT ORGANIZA I r DATE SUBMITTED Glenn Vaad Weld County Board of County Commssioners Standard Form 424B(Rev.7-97)Back Lobbying Certification http://www.acf.dhhs.gov/programs/ofs/grants/lobby.htm CERTIFICATION REGARDING LOBBYING Certification for Contracts,Grants,Loans,and Cooperative Agreements The undersigned certifies,to the best of his or her knowledge and belief,that: (1)No Federal appropriated funds have been paid or will be paid,by or on behalf of the undersigned,to any person for influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee of an agency,a Member of Congress,an officer or employee of Congress,or an employee of a Member of Congress in connection with the awarding of any Federal contract,the making of any Federal grant,the making of any Federal loan,the entering into of any cooperative agreement,and the extension,continuation,renewal,amendment,or modification of any Federal contract,grant,loan,or cooperative agreement. (2)If any funds other than Federal appropriated funds have been paid or will be paid to any person for influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee of any agency,a Member of Congress,an officer or employee of Congress,or an employee of a Member of Congress in connection with this Federal contract,grant,loan,or cooperative agreement,the undersigned shall complete and submit Standard Forrn-LLL,"Disclosure Form to Report Lobbying,"in accordance with its instructions. (3)The undersigned shall require that the language of this certification be included in the award documents for all subawards at all tiers(including subcontracts,subgrants,and contracts under grants,loans,and cooperative agreements) and that all subrecipients shall certify and disclose accordingly.This certification is a material representation of fact upon which reliance was placed when this transaction was made or entered into. Submission of this certification is a prerequisite for making or entering into this transaction imposed by section 1352,title 31,U.S.Code. Any person who fails to file the required certification shall be subject to a civil penalty of not less than$10,000 and not more than$100,000 for each such failure. Statement for Loan Guarantees and Loan Insurance The undersigned states,to the best of his or her knowledge and belief,that: If any funds have been paid or will be paid to any person for influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee of any agency,a Member of Congress,an officer or employee of Congress,or an employee of a Member of Congress in connection with this commitment providing for the United States to insure or guarantee a loan,the undersigned shall complete and submit Standard Form-LLL,"Disclosure Form to Report Lobbying,"in accordance with its instructions. Submission of this statement is a prerequisite for making or entering into this transaction imposed by section 1352,title 31,U.S.Code.Any person who fails to file the required statement shall be subject to a civil penalty of not less than$10,000 and not more than $100,000 for each such ailure. Signature ('hair person Title Weld County Board of County Commissioners Organization ®rte, Wets 1 of 1 5/2/2002 4:30 PM Maintenance of Effort Certification http://www.acf.dhhs.gov/programs/ofs/grants/maintain.htm CERTIFICATION REGARDING MAINTENANCE OF EFFORT In accordance with the applicable program statute(s) and regulation(s),the undersigned certifies that financial assistance provided by the Administration for Children and Families, for the specified activities to be performed under the Early Head Start Program by Weld County Division of Human Services (Applicant Organization), will be in addition to, and not in substitution for, comparable activities previously carried on without Federal assistance. Signature of Authorizi.ifying Official Chair person Title 95/06/2002 Date I of 1 5/2/2002 430 PM Drug-free Certification http://www.acf.dhhs.gov/programs/ofs/grants/dmgfree.htm CERTIFICATION REGARDING DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE REQUIREMENTS This certification is required by the regulations implementing the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988: 45 CFR Part 76, Subpart, F. Sections 76.630(c) and (d)(2) and 76.645(a)(1) and (b) provide that a Federal agency may designate a central receipt point for STATE-WIDE AND STATE AGENCY-WIDE certifications, and for notification of criminal drug convictions. For the Department of Health and Human Services, the central pint is: Division of Grants Management and Oversight, Office of Management and Acquisition, Department of Health and Human Services, Room 517-D, 200 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, DC 20201. Certification Regarding Drug-Free Workplace Requirements (Instructions for Certification) 1. By signing and/or submitting this application or grant agreement, the grantee is providing the certification set out below. 2. The certification set out below is a material representation of fact upon which reliance is placed when the agency awards the grant. If it is later determined that the grantee knowingly rendered a false certification, or otherwise violates the requirements of the Drug-Free Workplace Act, the agency, in addition to any other remedies available to the Federal Government, may take action authorized under the Drug-Free Workplace Act. 3. For grantees other than individuals, Alternate I applies. 4. For grantees who are individuals, Alternate II applies. 5. Workplaces under grants, for grantees other than individuals, need not be identified on the certification. If known, they may be identified in the grant application. If the grantee does not identify the workplaces at the time of application, or upon award, if there is no application, the grantee must keep the identity of the workplace(s) on file in its office and make the information available for Federal inspection. Failure to identify all known workplaces constitutes a violation of the grantee's drug-free workplace requirements. 6. Workplace identifications must include the actual address of buildings (or parts of buildings) or other sites where work under the grant takes place. Categorical descriptions may be used (e.g., all vehicles of a mass transit authority or State highway department while in operation, State employees in each local unemployment office, performers in concert halls or radio studios). 7. If the workplace identified to the agency changes during the performance of the grant, the grantee shall inform the agency of the change(s), if it previously identified the workplaces in question (see paragraph five). 8. Definitions of terms in the Nonprocurement Suspension and Debarment common rule and Drug-Free Workplace common rule apply to this certification. Grantees' attention is called, in particular, to the following definitions from these rules: Controlled substance means a controlled substance in Schedules I through V of the 1 of 4 5/2/2002 4:30 PM Drug-free Certification http://www.acf.dhhs.gov/programs/ofs/grants/dnrgfree.htm Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 812) and as further defined by regulation (21 CFR 1308.11 through 1308.15); Conviction means a finding of guilt (including a plea of nolo contendere) or imposition of sentence, or both, by any judicial body charged with the responsibility to determine violations of the Federal or State criminal drug statutes; Criminal drug statute means a Federal or non-Federal criminal statute involving the manufacture, distribution, dispensing, use, or possession of any controlled substance; Employee means the employee of a grantee directly engaged in the performance of work under a grant, including: (i) All direct charge employees; (ii) All indirect charge employees unless their impact or involvement is insignificant to the performance of the grant; and, (iii) Temporary personnel and consultants who are directly engaged in the performance of work under the grant and who are on the grantee's payroll. This definition does not include workers not on the payroll of the grantee (e.g., volunteers, even if used to meet a matching requirement; consultants or independent contractors not on the grantee's payroll; or employees of subrecipients or subcontractors in covered workplaces). Certification Regarding Drug-Free Workplace Requirements Alternate I. (Grantees Other Than Individuals) The grantee certifies that it will or will continue to provide a drug-free workplace by: (a)Publishing a statement notifying employees that the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession, or use of a controlled substance is prohibited in the grantee's workplace and specifying the actions that will be taken against employees for violation of such prohibition; (b) Establishing an ongoing drug-free awareness program to inform employees about (1)The dangers of drug abuse in the workplace; (2)The grantee's policy of maintaining a drug-free workplace; (3) Any available drug counseling, rehabilitation, and employee assistance programs; and (4)The penalties that may be imposed upon employees for drug abuse violations occurring in the workplace; c) Making it a requirement that each employee to be engaged in the performance of the grant be given a copy of the statement required by paragraph (a); (d) Notifying the employee in the statement required by paragraph (a)that, as a condition of employment under the grant, the employee will -- 2 of 4 5/2/2002 4:30 PM Drug-free Certification http://www.acf.dhhs.gov/programs/ofs/grants/drugfree.htm (1) Abide by the terms of the statement; and (2)Notify the employer in writing of his or her conviction for a violation of a criminal drug statute occurring in the workplace no later than five calendar days after such conviction; (e)Notifying the agency in writing, within ten calendar days after receiving notice under paragraph (d)(2) from an employee or otherwise receiving actual notice of such conviction. Employers of convicted employees must provide notice, including position title, to every grant officer or other designee on whose grant activity the convicted employee was working, unless the Federal agency has designated a central point for the receipt of such notices. Notice shall include the identification number(s) of each affected grant; (f) Taking one of the following actions, within 30 calendar days of receiving notice under paragraph (d)(2), with respect to any employee who is so convicted-- (1) Taking appropriate personnel action against such an employee, up to and including termination, consistent with the requirements of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended; or (2) Requiring such employee to participate satisfactorily in a drug abuse assistance or rehabilitation program approved for such purposes by a Federal, State, or local health, law enforcement, or other appropriate agency; (g) Making a good faith effort to continue to maintain a drug-free workplace through implementation of paragraphs (a), (b), (c), (d), (e) and (f). (B) The grantee may insert in the space provided below the site(s) for the performance of work done in connection with the specific grant: Place of Performance (Street address, city,county, state, zip code) Check if there are workplaces on file that are not identified here. Alternate II. (Grantees Who Are Individuals) (a)The grantee certifies that, as a condition of the grant, he or she will not engage in the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession, or use of a controlled substance in conducting any activity with the grant; (b)If convicted of a criminal drug offense resulting from a violation occurring during the conduct of any grant activity, he or she will report the conviction, in writing, within 10 calendar days of the conviction, to every grant officer or other designee, unless the Federal agency designates a central point for the receipt of such notices. When notice is made to such a central point,it shall include the identification number(s) of each affected grant. 3 of 4 5/2/2002 4:30 PM Debarment Certification http://www.acf.dhhs.gov/programs/ofs/grants/debar.htm CERTIFICATION REGARDING DEBARMENT,SUSPENSION AND OTHER RESPONSIBILITY MATTERS Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension, and Other Responsibility Matters--Primary Covered Transactions Instructions for Certification 1. By signing and submitting this proposal, the prospective primary participant is providing the certification set out below. 2. The inability of a person to provide the certification required below will not necessarily result in denial of participation in this covered transaction. The prospective participant shall submit an explanation of why it cannot provide the certification set out below. The certification or explanation will be considered in connection with the department or agency's determination whether to enter into this transaction. However, failure of the prospective primary participant to furnish a certification or an explanation shall disqualify such person from participation in this transaction. 3. The certification in this clause is a material representation of fact upon which reliance was placed when the department or agency determined to enter into this transaction. If it is later determined that the prospective primary participant knowingly rendered an erroneous certification, in addition to other remedies available to the Federal Government, the department or agency may terminate this transaction for cause or default. 4. The prospective primary participant shall provide immediate written notice to the department or agency to which this proposal is submitted if at any time the prospective primary participant learns that its certification was erroneous when submitted or has become erroneous by reason of changed circumstances. 5. The terms covered transaction, debarred, suspended, ineligible, lower tier covered transaction, participant, person, primary covered transaction, principal,proposal, and voluntarily excluded, as used in this clause, have the meanings set out in the Definitions and Coverage sections of the rules implementing Executive Order 12549. You may contact the department or agency to which this proposal is being submitted for assistance in obtaining a copy of those regulations. 6. The prospective primary participant agrees by submitting this proposal that, should the proposed covered transaction be entered into, it shall not knowingly enter into any lower tier covered transaction with a person who is proposed for debarment under 48 CFR part 9, subpart 9.4, debarred, suspended, declared ineligible, or voluntarily excluded from participation in this covered transaction, unless authorized by the department or agency entering into this transaction. 7. The prospective primary participant further agrees by submitting this proposal that it will include the clause titled"Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension, Ineligibility and Voluntary Exclusion-Lower Tier Covered Transaction,"provided by the department or agency entering into this covered transaction, without modification, in all lower tier covered transactions and in all solicitations for lower tier covered transactions. 8. A participant in a covered transaction may rely upon a certification of a prospective participant in a lower tier covered transaction that it is not proposed for debarment under 48 CFR part 9, subpart 9.4, debarred, suspended, ineligible, or voluntarily excluded from the covered transaction, unless it knows that the certification is erroneous. A participant may decide the method and frequency by which it determines the eligibility of its 1 of 4 5/2/2002 4:30 PM Debarment Certification http://www.acf.dhhs.gov/programs/ofs/grants/debar.htm principals. Each participant may, but is not required to, check the List of Parties Excluded from Federal Procurement and Nonprocurement Programs. 9. Nothing contained in the foregoing shall be construed to require establishment of a system of records in order to render in good faith the certification required by this clause. The knowledge and information of a participant is not required to exceed that which is normally possessed by a prudent person in the ordinary course of business dealings. 10. Except for transactions authorized under paragraph 6 of these instructions, if a participant in a covered transaction knowingly enters into a lower tier covered transaction with a person who is proposed for debarment under 48 CFR part 9, subpart 9.4, suspended, debarred, ineligible, or voluntarily excluded from participation in this transaction, in addition to other remedies available to the Federal Government,the department or agency may terminate this transaction for cause or default. ************ Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension, and Other Responsibility Matters--Primary Covered Transactions (1)The prospective primary participant certifies to the best of its knowledge and belief, that it and its principals: (a) Are not presently debarred, suspended, proposed for debarment, declared ineligible, or voluntarily excluded by any Federal department or agency; (b) Have not within a three-year period preceding this proposal been convicted of or had a civil judgment rendered against them for commission of fraud or a criminal offense in connection with obtaining, attempting to obtain, or performing a public (Federal, State or local) transaction or contract under a public transaction; violation of Federal or State antitrust statutes or commission of embezzlement, theft, forgery, bribery, falsification or destruction of records, making false statements, or receiving stolen property; (c) Are not presently indicted for or otherwise criminally or civilly charged by a governmental entity (Federal, State or local) with commission of any of the offenses enumerated in paragraph (1)(b) of this certification; and (d) Have not within a three-year period preceding this application/proposal had one or more public transactions (Federal, State or local) terminated for cause or default. (2) Where the prospective primary participant is unable to certify to any of the statements in this certification, such prospective participant shall attach an explanation to this proposal. Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension, Ineligibility and Voluntary Exclusion--Lower Tier Covered Transactions Instructions for Certification 1. By signing and submitting this proposal, the prospective lower tier participant is providing the certification set out below. 2. The certification in this clause is a material representation of fact upon which reliance was placed when this transaction was entered into. If it is later determined that the prospective lower tier participant knowingly rendered an erroneous certification, in addition to other remedies available to the Federal Government the department or agency with which this transaction originated may pursue available remedies, including suspension and/or debarment. 2 of 4 5/2/2002 4:30 PM Debarment Certification http://www.acf.dhhs.gov/programs/ofs/grants/debar.htm 3. The prospective lower tier participant shall provide immediate written notice to the person to which this proposal is submitted if at any time the prospective lower tier participant learns that its certification was erroneous when submitted or had become erroneous by reason of changed circumstances. 4. The terms covered transaction, debarred, suspended, ineligible, lower tier covered transaction, participant, person, primary covered transaction, principal, proposal, and voluntarily excluded, as used in this clause, have the meaning set out in the Definitions and Coverage sections of rules implementing Executive Order 12549. You may contact the person to which this proposal is submitted for assistance in obtaining a copy of those regulations. 5. The prospective lower tier participant agrees by submitting this proposal that, [[Page 33043]] should the proposed covered transaction be entered into, it shall not knowingly enter into any lower tier covered transaction with a person who is proposed for debarment under 48 CFR part 9, subpart 9.4, debarred, suspended, declared ineligible, or voluntarily excluded from participation in this covered transaction, unless authorized by the department or agency with which this transaction originated. 6. The prospective lower tier participant further agrees by submitting this proposal that it will include this clause titled"Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension, Ineligibility and Voluntary Exclusion-Lower Tier Covered Transaction," without modification, in all lower tier covered transactions and in all solicitations for lower tier covered transactions. 7. A participant in a covered transaction may rely upon a certification of a prospective participant in a lower tier covered transaction that it is not proposed for debarment under 48 CFR part 9, subpart 9.4, debarred, suspended, ineligible, or voluntarily excluded from covered transactions, unless it knows that the certification is erroneous. A participant may decide the method and frequency by which it determines the eligibility of its principals. Each participant may, but is not required to, check the List of Parties Excluded from Federal Procurement and Nonprocurement Programs. 8. Nothing contained in the foregoing shall be construed to require establishment of a system of records in order to render in good faith the certification required by this clause. The knowledge and information of a participant is not required to exceed that which is normally possessed by a prudent person in the ordinary course of business dealings. 9. Except for transactions authorized under paragraph 5 of these instructions, if a participant in a covered transaction knowingly enters into a lower tier covered transaction with a person who is proposed for debarment under 48 CFR part 9, subpart 9.4, suspended, debarred, ineligible, or voluntarily excluded from participation in this transaction, in addition to other remedies available to the Federal Government, the department or agency with which this transaction originated may pursue available remedies, including suspension and/or debarment. ************ Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension, Ineligibility an Voluntary Exclusion--Lower Tier Covered Transactions (1) The prospective lower tier participant certifies, by submission of this proposal, that neither it nor its principals is presently debarred, suspended, proposed for debarment, declared ineligible, or voluntarily excluded from participation in this transaction by any Federal department or agency. (2) Where the prospective lower tier participant is unable to certify to any of the 3 of 4 5/2/2002 4:30 PM Debarment Certification http://www.acf.dhhs.gov/programs/ofs/grants/debar.htm statements in this certification, such prospective participant shall attach an explanation to this proposal. 4 of 4 5/2/2002 4:30 PM Tobacco Certification http://www.acf.dhhs.gov/programs/ofs/grants/tobacco.htm CERTIFICATION REGARDING ENVIRONMENTAL TOBACCO SMOKE Public Law 103227, Part C Environmental Tobacco Smoke, also known as the Pro Children Act of 1994, requires that smoking not be permitted in any portion of any indoor routinely owned or leased or contracted for by an entity and used routinely or regularly for provision of health, day care, education, or library services to children under the age of 18, if the services are funded by Federal programs either directly or through State or local governments,by Federal grant, contract, loan, or loan guarantee. The law does not apply to children's services provided in private residences, facilities funded solely by Medicare or Medicaid funds, and portions of facilities used for inpatient drug or alcohol treatment. Failure to comply with the provisions of the law may result in the imposition of a civil monetary penalty of up to $1000 per day and/or the imposition of an administrative compliance order on the responsible entity.By signing and submitting this application the applicant/grantee certifies that it will comply with the requirements of the Act. The applicant/grantee further agrees that it will require the language of this certification be included in any subawards which contain provisions for the children's services and that all subgrantees shall certify accordingly. 1 of 1 5/2/2002 4:31 PM PROJECT DESCRIPTION SUMMARY The Weld County Division of Human Services' Family Educational Network of Weld County (FENWC), 1551 North 17 Avenue/P.O. Box 1805, Greeley, Colorado 80632 provides a comprehensive early childhood education program which focuses on early childhood development and provides support to families within Weld County Colorado supported by the Head Start framework. FENWC currently serves 547 Head Start eligible children, 266 Migrant Seasonal Head Start eligible children(birth through 4),and 75 State funded eligible children. The Division of Human Services (DHS) is a comprehensive, integrated human service agency under the Weld County Board of County Commissioners. The Division of Human Services has served the Weld County Community as a Community Action Agency since 1978. It is the designated agency under the Community Services Block Grant. The Division of Human Services has under its umbrella: The Family Educational of Weld County (Head Start, Migrant Seasonal Head Start Programs, and State Funded Early Childhood Education Programs), Employment Services of Weld County, and the Area Agency on Aging. See Appendices. The Early Head Start Project will provide services to 60 children and families in Weld County, the largest county in Colorado which is 4,004 square miles, larger than the state of Connecticut. The cities and towns of Greeley, Frederick, Firestone, Dacono, Erie, Mead, Platteville, Gilcrest, Johnstown/Milliken, Hudson, Ault, Pierce, Eaton and other small rural towns within Weld County, will be offered services with this proposal. The Division of Human Services Family Educational Network of Weld County, in cooperation with home visiting programs in Weld County is proposing the implementation of an Early Head Start Program, to initiate early comprehensive programs and services under the whole family concept, to encourage positive child development, mental health and family self-sufficiency. By selecting low-income families with a pregnant mother or a child birth to three years of age our early intervention proposal will foster a healthy life situation for the child and increase the parenting and self-sufficiency skills of the family. Sixty (60)children and their families living within Weld County and meeting the Early Head Start eligibility criteria will receive home and community based supports and services. FENWC will contract with Family CONNECTS which operates the Parents as Teachers home visiting program to provide home based services to eligible Early Head Start families. Familiy CONNECTS is also the Part C agency in Weld County providing services to children with disabilities between the ages of birth to three. Working parents, parents involved in job skills related programs or attending school will be provided with assistance in accessing child care services via referrals to family child care homes or child care centers. FENWC will also contract with the Weld County Department of Health to provide prenatal services to pregnant mothers. The Weld County Department of Health provides prenatal care and services through two different programs; the Nurse Family Partnership program, and the Prenatal Plus program. Both programs assist families to navigate current systems and supports in the county and services are based upon client centered goals. FENWC will also contract with North Range Behavioral Health Center, Multi-cultural Program to provide mental health and related services to children and families. Among the services to be provided are; individual and family therapy, support services to the PAT visitors and child care providers, parenting classes, marriage skills support, and reach out to the rural isolated areas of Weld County to support enrolled children and families. Aims Community College, has agreed to support professional development efforts through their Early Childhood Professions program. Aims Community College currently provides educational opportunities to FENWC Head Start Programs via a grant from the Department of Health and Human Services, Head Start Bureau: Higher Education Hispanic Service Partnership - A Professional Development Partnership Model. Employment Services of Weld County will provide job readiness and skills support to families and youth through their various programs which include:the Workforce Investment Act, Dislocated Worker Program,Americore,TANF related programs,Welfare to Work and the Wagner Peyser Programs. Families in need of literacy services including GED and ESL will be referred to one of the numerous programs in Weld County. Organizations supporting adult literacy include:Weld County Division of Human Services Learning lab, Aims Community College, and Right to Read. The major goal of our proposal is to foster a healthy environment and growth opportunities to decrease the dependency of the family on social programs and break the cycle of poverty and problems associated with poverty. Another goal is to create a seamless system of Early Childhood Education and care by transitioning infants/toddlers and their families into the Regional Head Start Program (preschool age) and other early childhood educational programs in the community ensuring that children enter Kindergarden "ready to learn". The intent of the Early Head Start Collaborative Project Proposal is to create services and supports that expand, enhance and promote a family's' ability to nurture and promote competence in their children, obtain goals and priorities established by their family to become self-sufficient and increase their involvement in being contributing community members. The framework chosen for our Early Head Start program will offer families choices and flexibility for the provision of services provided to meet their individual needs. PROJECT SUMMARY The Weld County Division of Human Services' Family Educational Network of Weld County (FENWC), 1551 North 17 Avenue/P.O. Box 1805, Greeley, Colorado 80632 provides a comprehensive early childhood education program which focuses on early childhood development and provides support to families within Weld County Colorado supported by the Head Start framework. FENWC currently serves 547 Head Start eligible children, 266 Migrant and Seasonal Head Start eligible children (birth through 4), and 75 State funded eligible children. The Division of Human Services(DHS)is a comprehensive,integrated human service agency under the Weld County Board of County Commissioners. The Division of Human Services has served the Weld County Community as a Community Action Agency since 1978. It is the designated agency under the Community Services Block Grant. The Division of Human Services has under its umbrella: The Family Educational Network of Weld County(Head Start,Migrant and Seasonal Head Start Programs,and State Funded Early Childhood Education Programs),Employment Services of Weld County,and the Area Agency on Aging. See Appendices. The Early Head Start Project will provide services to 60 children, families and pregnant women in Weld County,where there are currently no Early Head Start services available. We are proposin to serve 15 pregnant women, 15 children 0-12 months, 15 children 13-24 months,and 15 children 25- 36 months. Weld County is the largest county in Colorado which is 4,004 square miles, larger than the state of Connecticut. The cities and towns of Greeley,Frederick,Firestone,Dacono,Erie,Mead, Platteville, Gilcrest,Johnstown/Milliken, Hudson, Ault,Pierce, Eaton and other small rural towns within Weld County, will be offered services through this proposal. (Map attached) The Family Educational Network of Weld County is requesting $458,100.00 for annual on-going costs for the provision of the Early Head Start Program,commencing within ten months of the grant award. An additional $51,500.00 is being requested for start-up costs. Also, a non-federal match of $127,400.00 will be secured using the following sources: Weld County Service Support, Volunteer Time,Pre-Natal Plus,Donated Space&reduced costs and donated medical services. See following budget for detailed information. The Division of Human Services'Family Educational Network of Weld County,in cooperation with home visiting programs in Weld County is proposing the implementation of an Early Head Start Program to initiate early comprehensive programs and services under the whole family concept, to encourage positive child development,mental health and family self-sufficiency. By selecting low- income families with a pregnant mother or a child aged birth to three years, our early intervention proposal will foster a healthy life situation for the child and increase the parenting and self- sufficiency skills of the family. 1 _zip().a. l toa. Sixty(60)children and their families living within Weld County and meeting the Early Head Start eligibility criteria will receive home and community based support and services. FENWC will contract with Family CONNECTS which operates the Parents as Teachers home visiting program to provide home based services to eligible Early Head Start families. Familiy CONNECTS is also the Part C agency in Weld County providing services to children with disabilities between the ages of birth to three years. A work group will be formed to identify issues attributed to the shortage of infant/toddler care in the area and solutions to increase infant/toddler care capacity. Members who will be instrumental in tackling this issue are be: the Child Care Center Association,Family Day Care Home Association, Child Care Resource and Referral,Weld County Department of Social Services, and Weld County Health Department. FENWC will also contract with the Weld County Department of Health to provide prenatal services to pregnant mothers. The Weld County Department of Health provides prenatal care and services through two different programs; the Nurse Family Partnership program, and the Prenatal Plus program.The Prenatal Plus home visiting program will be utilized to provide services to Early Head Start eligible pregnant mothers. North Range Behavioral Health Center, Multi-cultural Program will provide mental health and related services to children and families. Among the services to be provided are: individual and family therapy, support services to the PAT visitors and child care providers, parenting classes, marriage skills support, and outreach to the rural isolated areas of Weld County to support enrolled children and families. Aims Community College has agreed to support professional development efforts with child care providers through their Early Childhood Professions program. Aims Community College currently provides educational opportunities to FENWC Head Start Programs via a grant from the Department of Health and Human Services,Head Start Bureau:Higher Education Hispanic Service Partnership- A Professional Development Partnership Model. Employment Services of Weld County will provide job readiness and skills support to families and youth through their various programs which include: the Workforce Investment Act, Dislocated Worker Program, AmeriCorps, TANF related programs, Welfare to Work and the Wagner Peyser Programs. Working parents,parents involved in job skills related programs or attending school will be provided with access to child care services via referrals to family child care homes or child care centers contracted with FENWC, while receiving Parents as Teachers services. Families in need of literacy services including GED and ESL will be referred to one of the numerous programs in Weld County, primarily the Weld County Division of Human Services Learning Lab. Other referral agencies are Aims Community College and Right to Read. 2 The major goal of our proposal is to foster a healthy environment and growth opportunities to decrease the dependency of the family on social programs and break the cycle of poverty and problems associated with poverty. Another goal is to create a seamless system of Early Childhood Education and care by transitioning infants/toddlers and their families into the Regional Head Start Program(preschool age)and other early childhood educational programs in the community ensuring that children enter Kindergarden "ready to learn". The intent of the Early Head Start Collaborative Project Proposal is to create services and supports that expand, enhance and promote a family's ability to nurture and promote competence in their children,obtain goals and priorities established by their family to become self-sufficient and increase their involvement in being contributing community members. FENWC works with various agencies to identify the needs of families, and determine eligibility according to funding sources. Programs are individualized so that they are responsive to the needs of each child and family. The following services are available to families and children through FENWC and will be expanded or enhanced to meet the needs of the Early Head Start program. Education Services. Individual Development Plans are implemented to stimulate social,emotional, motor and intellectual learning experiences, self-reliance, self-esteem and self-confidence. This creates solid ground work is established for future educational success. Health Services. The Health Component works in collaboration with various agencies and private providers to provide a broad range of medical, dental and mental health activities. Health and nutrition education is provided to the parents to promote sound physical and mental child development. Disabilities Services. Children with disabilities are identified and services are provided for them. Once a child is identified as being in need of disabilities services, an Individual Education Plan (IEP), or Individual Family Services Plan (IFSP) is developed using a multi-disciplinary team approach. Once the IEP/IFSP are developed, appropriate services, resources and supports are provided to meet the needs of the child and family,in conjunction with the Local Education Agency. Family Services. Family Services works directly with various social agencies to obtain needed assistance for families. Providing families with social services, education, and/or employment training, enable them to improve the quality and condition of their lives. Parent Involvement. Parent Involvement works with parents to promote self-sufficiency, create a healthy home environment,assist parents to support their children through their educational careers and support program staff to view the parents as the child's primary educator. FENWC considers parents an integral part of the total staff. Parent participation is encouraged in the decision-making process of their children's education, as well as decisions concerning the over- all operation of the program. We support parents in their role, and jointly develop goals for their 3 children, as we recognize parents as the primary educators of their children. Attached are minutes from the Parent Policy Council demonstrating their support and approval of our Early Head Start proposal. The Family Educational Network of Weld County is committed to providing at-risk children and families with a developmentally appropriate, comprehensive program which will promote self- esteem, foster social-competence, develop independence, and enable children and families to experience future successes. FENWC has also operated the Migrant and Seasonal Head Start program for twelve years. The Migrant and Seasonal Head Start program serves infants and toddlers as well as preschool age children, demonstrating that FENWC has experience and vast knowledge of issues facing children and families with infants and toddlers, as well as the ability to work effectively with children in this age group. Funding for FENWC comes primarily from Federal Grants, Administered by the Department of Health and Human Services/Administration of Children and Families/Head Start Bureau. Other funding sources come from the State of Colorado, passed through local school districts. Children may qualify through the following funding sources:The Head Start and Migrant and Seasonal Head Start programs, and Colorado Pre-school Program. OBJECTIVE AND NEED FOR ASSISTANCE The Weld County, Division of Human Services' Family Educational Network of Weld County (FENWC) early childhood program is committed to providing low-income children and families with comprehensive, developmentally appropriate programs that promote self-esteem and social competence to maximize a child's educational potential. The Family Educational Network of Weld County works with parents so they may gain the confidence needed to work with their children at home and in school settings. Parents are encouraged to be active at their child's school and partner with teachers and professionals that support their children. Parents are also encouraged to further their own education and work skills to enable them to secure employment. FENWC helps connect parents to the support services needed to reach their education and employment goals. The Family Educational Network of Weld County will provide the following services to eligible Early Head Start children to foster a higher degree of social and early learning competence: 1)Medical/Dental/Mental Health Services, 2) Nutritional Services, 3) Social Services, and 4) Parent Related Services. The Family Educational Network of Weld County also encourages active parent involvement in the following activities: 1) Parent Policy Council, 2)as volunteers in the component areas, 3) working with children at home, and 4) taking the lead as the primary educator of their child. The Family Educational Network of Weld County currently provides Head Start services to families in Weld County with sites in the following locations: Greeley-There are seven sites in Greeley, serving children living in Greeley,Evans,Nunn, Ault, Pierce, Eaton, Windsor, Severence, Gill, and Kersey. Six of the sites are located on elementary school campuses and the seventh is located in a Section VIII Housing Complex. 4 Milliken-Provides services to the towns of Johnstown and Milliken. This site is located on the Milliken Elementary School campus. Frederick-Serves the towns and rural areas of Firestone,Frederick,Dacono,Erie,Mead,and parts of Platteville. Gilcrest - Enrolls children from the towns and rural areas of Gilcrest and LaSalle. School District RE-1 provides free space in the elementary school. Platteville -Expands services for School District RE-1 for families living in Platteville and the surrounding areas. School District RE-1 provides a classroom at no cost to the program. Hudson-Provides services for children in the towns and rural areas of Hudson,Keenesburg, Prospect Valley and Roggen. These classrooms are also located on elementary school campus. As well as providing Head Start services, the Family Educational Network of Weld County is also the grantee for a Migrant and Seasonal Head Start program (0-5 years old) for the northern region of Colorado, consisting of nine centers, two of which are 250 miles away. Community Assessment Per Head Start Performance Standards, a Head Start program is required to perform a Community Assessment every three years with updates completed annually. The Family Educational Network of Weld County completed its three year Community Assessment in February of 2002. The process for conducting the Community Assessment included a complete review and analysis of Weld County's demographic profiles, 2000 Census Information, review of other assessments completed by local agencies, parent and staff surveys and interviews, profiles of the community by the local economic development agency, school districts, and local governing bodies as well as other applicable local, state and federal statistics. Once all information is compiled and analyzed, recommendations are made for program and community planning based on the identified community strengths, challenges and gaps. One need that became evident through the process is the need for expanded services to pregnant moms and families with children birth to three years. Following is a summary of the facts that will demonstrate the need for an Early Head Start program in Weld County. Weld County Population There are 32 municipalities in Weld County. Greeley,the principal town in Weld County is located in the central part of the county and contains approximately 45% of the county's population. The population density per square mile has increased from 4 people in 1980, to 31 people in 1990, and is projected to increase to more than 57 by 2010. Approximately 25% of the population resides in 5 an 800 square mile area in the southwestern part of the county. The population density for this area is approximately 149 people per square mile. In 2000, Weld County's population was 180,936 individuals, indicating an eight year growth rate of 21%. Of the 63 counties in Colorado,Weld County ranks eighth in total population, and is the 4i° largest growing county in the state.Weld County is also the largest geographic county in the state spanning 4,004 square miles, larger than the state of Connecticut. In fact, Weld County is classified as an urban county by the Demographic Section of the Colorado Division of Local Government,however, is diverse in that it is an urban county as well as a vital rural agricultural region. WELD COUNTY: Population by Breakdown Name Population Under 5 Name Population Under 5 Ault 1,432 113 Kersey 1,389 135 Dacono 3,015 246 La Salle 1,849 130 Eaton 2,690 183 Lochbuie 2,049 165 Erie 2,009 717 Mead 2,017 177 Evans 9,514 986 Milliken 2,888 307 Firestone 1,908 154 Nunn 471 34 Fort Lupton 6,787 603 Pierce 884 62 Frederick 2,467 229 Platteville 2,370 212 Garden City 357 37 New Raymer 111 6 Gilcrest 1,162 88 Severance 597 66 Greeley 79,930 5,734 Windsor 9,896 848 Grover 153 6 Unincorporated 41,832 N/A Hudson 1,565 168 Multi-County 200 N/A Johnstown 3,827 391 Keenesburg 855 N/A TOTAL 180,936 TOTAL 0-5 11,797 2025 PROJECTED TOTAL 394,262 Ethnic Distribution White 72% Hispanic 27% Black/Other 1% Economic/Income Profile The most current and complete statistics reflect the income levels and profiles from 2000. The economy has changed from a predominately agricultural economy to a more diversified economy, including an increase in the service and manufacturing industries. Though most of Weld County land is devoted to agriculture,just 7% of jobs are in farming. Twenty-nine percent (29%) of work is in technical, sales and administrative support jobs. Twenty-two percent(22%)of the jobs are in managerial or professional positions. Sixteen percent (16%) are in transportation, assembly and machine work. In each of the following is thirteen-percent(13%)of the jobs,private household and service jobs and precision, production and repair jobs. 6 Weld County Per Capita Income (2001) $25,672.00 Colorado Per Capita Income (2001) $36,088.00 Weld County Median Family Income (2001) $43,301.00 Colorado Median Family Income (2001) $52,000.00 Cost of Living Summary(1999)(the rate of inflation for Weld County for 2001 was 3.93%,Denver -3.93%, and the U.S. 2.85%, the ACCRA Cost of Living Index for Greeley is 100.5%, the US Index = 100%) The average cost of living for a family of four is $29,808.00 per year. The break out of costs is as follows: Rental Housing (3 bedroom house) $730.00 Gas &Electricity 73.00 Phone 21.00 Cable 47.00 Food 541.00 Clothing 36.00 Medical (one office visit) 110.00 Automotive (Insurance, maintenance, gas & payments) 470.00 Recreation 146.00 Miscellaneous 310.00 Total expenses per month $2,484.00 Unemployment Rate, April 2002 (Labor Force - Weld County - 85,447) • Weld County 6.1% • Greeley 6.2% • Colorado 5.8% • National Average 6.1% Greeley/Weld County does not have much of an issue with unemployment, however, the underemployment rate is significant. A recent article published by the Greeley Tribune revealed that Greeley's wages for comparable positions are well below the state average. As noted above, the TANF recipient rate has reduced drastically, thus, demonstrating the success of Weld County's Welfare to Work programs. Even though the Welfare to Work Programs have been successful in employing participants, the wages remain low. As a result; FENWC does not have a decrease in eligible families. Child Poverty Rate/Information (Weld County, 2000) • 7,463 or 15.2%of Weld County's children live in poverty,approximately 1,793 younger than 5, and 1,075 from 0-3. • 504 families receive TANF Benefits, down from 1,802 in 1993. "Child Only" TANF recipients average 200. • 13.2%of Weld County children were enrolled in Medicaid,and 3.4%were enrolled in Child Health Plus in 2001. 7 • Approximately 750 "Seasonal Agricultural Farm Worker" families do not receive supplemental assistance from the Department of Social Services. • 43.8% of Weld County children under 5 are enrolled in WIC. • There were 208 confirmed cases of child abuse or neglect. The Greeley Tribune's headline article, Friday, April 7, 2000, was "Kids' Welfare in Weld gets Worse" (attached). The Colorado Children's Campaign reported that for the second year in a row, Weld County children fared worse than their peers along the Front Range,in areas including number of mothers receiving prenatal care,children in foster care,low birth weights and juveniles arrested for violent crime. Weld has either stayed the same or gotten worse since 1991. The recent"KidsCount in Colorado!"issued by the Colorado Children's Campaign in March 2002, states, "While the economic climate in Weld County improved over the past decade (median household income is up 47%, and child poverty is down 22%), Greeley continues to experience challenges to the health and well-being of children. Greeley worsened on six of the nine KidsCount measures during the second half of the decade, and fared worse than the state average on seven of the nine KidsCount indicators." The KidsCount statistics on child health and well-being in Weld County are: 1991 - 1995 1996 - 2000 percent number percent number percent change Births to Single Women 1,914 33.2 2,085 31.6 -4.8 Births to Single Teens(percent of all teen births) 721 69.4 825 72.2 +4.1 Births to Moms with No High School Diploma 1,972 34.2 2,369 35.9 +5.0 Three Risk Factor Births 816 14.1 958 14.5 +2.6 Repeat Teen Births(percent of all teen births) 348 33.5 372 32.6 -2.7 Low Birth Weight Births 381 6.6 485 7.3 +11.2 Moms Receiving Late or No Prenatal Care 551 9.5 739 11.2 +17.2 Births to Moms Who Smoked During Pregnancy 786 13.6 585 8.9 -35.0 number rate per number rate per percent 1,000 1,000 change Infant Mortality Rate 27 4.7 48 7.3 +55.3 Additional Birth Statistics for Weld County • Average births per year range from 2100—2250. • In 2000 there were 3,172 births. • 15.4% are teen mothers under the age of 18 years old, up from 13% in 2000. • 8-10% of the families have no medical insurance or public assistance for health care. 8 • 10-14% of new mothers were identified by nursing staff to have bonding or social emotional needs (abuse history, domestic violence, divorce, drug/alcohol dependence, incarceration). • 19 babies tested drug positive at birth. ► 115 infants were referred for follow-up hearing evaluations. • 24% of the families with new births were supported through referrals to agencies, supports and resources in the community. This is distressing news for agencies and programs that support families within Weld County. The findings, however, are not a surprise. Organizations in Weld County are well aware of the limited supports and services available to families that can assist them in their challenges and struggles as parents of young children. It is evident that more funding and collaboration is necessary to be able to improve these Children's Campaign findings. There are several organizations that are collaborating and ready to expand services to families throughout Weld County. Public Education - There are 13 public school districts in Weld County. District Common Name Student Preschool %Hispanic %USDA Estimate of Population Slots FREE/RED Spec Ed 0-5 RE-IJ St.Vrain Valley 3,589 180 20% N/A 6 RE-1 Gilcrest 1,946 93* 44% 40.5% 21 RE-2 Eaton 1,406 74 21% 27% 9 RE-31 Keenesburg 1,610 85* 21% 35% 22 RE-4 Windsor 2,619 210 17% 12.66% 14 RE-5J Johnstown/Milliken 1,713 15 40% 35% 21 Dist.6 Greeley/Evans 16,288 256 41% 48% 206 RE-7 Kersey 1,114 28 22% 33.5% 6 RE-8 Ft.Lupton 2,684 172 48% 61% 22 RE-9 Ault-Highland 920 18 21% 39.8% 17 RE-10J Briggsdale 142 8 4% 36.15% N/A RE-11 Prairie 124 9 3% 40.2% N/A RE-12 Pawnee 135 7 5% 51.75% N/A TOTAL 40,290 1,155 24% 38% 244 *Includes Head Start students served. Data gathered by the Goals 2000 Advisory Team on public school student enrollment reflects the following: 38% of student families qualify for free lunch program as compared to the state average of 21.8%; 22.4% of students live in single parent households; 4.1% of youth lack employment;7% of teen students become pregnant; and 4.7% of students drop out and fail to graduate. 9 The Colorado Department of Education (CDE), Early Childhood Initiatives has completed family needs assessments,comprehensive on-site evaluations and has required a community self-assessment plan annually from Weld County since1995.Family CONNECTS is the local agency responsible for implementation of services required under IDEA -Part C (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act - Birth to Three Years) who reports to CDE, the lead agency for Colorado and as part of the federal monitoring requirements completes assessment and site review activities. The reports for the last five years have all indicated similar needs identified by the families and providers interviewed: • Families want to have services be provided inclusively in their homes and community. • Children with disabilities are included on a small scale but there needs to be an increase in inclusive services. • The lack of transportation is a barrier for families to access services and supports. • The language barrier and limited number of culturally sensitive professionals isolates many of the monolingual Spanish speaking families. (51% of the children enrolled in FENWC's Head Start program are monolingual Spanish speaking). • Weld County has a great history of agency collaboration but limited funds to expand services. • More funding needs to be allocated for families with young children (birth to three years). • Families want a person/service coordinator that is available regularly to help them navigate systems. • Families need support to access child care and respite care for children with special needs. Collaborative Relationships with Agencies or Community Resources Family Educational Network of Weld County and Family CONNECTS have worked hard to establish and maintain collaborative relationships with other community organizations. The focus of each collaborative effort is to: 1)increase services and supports, 2)emphasize the importance of intervening at an early age, 3) ensure there is no duplication of services, and 4) to promote family choices in types of intervention. Despite the numerous hours spent collaborating, there are still gaps in services for families with young children. The collaborations range from contractual to informal networking. The list below represents agencies and organizations that interact on an ongoing basis: + District#6 Schools + Centennial BOCES (Board of Cooperative Educational Services) • CDSI—Centennial Developmental Services Inc.-CCB—Division for Developmental Disabilities 4. RE—3J, Hudson & Keenesburg Schools 4. Weld County Health Department 4. Plan de Salud del Valle Community Health Center •b Sunrise Community Health Center/Monfort Children's Clinic + ARC of Weld County (Advocacy organization for individuals with disabilities) + United Way of Weld County 10 4. North Colorado Medical Center Pediatric Rehabilitation Services 4. University of Northern Colorado Speech & Language and Audiology Clinic 3. Weld County Department of Social Services + Weld County Division of Human Services + Aims Community College Early Childhood Education • WAEYC- Weld Association for the Education of Young Children + Community Churches 4. Local Interagency Coordinating Council / Child Find All of these collaborative efforts are crucial to the potential success of the Early Head Start Program. These groups work together to analyze gaps and needed services in the community and then develop plans by which they can create services and resources to better meet the demands of the community. To highlight one of these efforts may give a feel for the level of cooperation between agencies to support families in Weld County: The Weld County Childcare and Youth Supervision Task Force was created as a result of a childcare planning grant received by the Department of Social Services. The task force was created as a result of the planning grant that involved community leaders from early childhood, education, childcare, business and youth programs. The task force has been given credibility through a signed Memorandum of Agreement to continue assessing childcare and youth supervision needs by six governmental, educational and non-profit entities. Once the assessment is complete, recommendations will be made for community action. The signatories were:the Weld County Board of County Commissioners,the Greeley City Council,the Evans City Council,Weld County School District 6,Aims Community College,and the Board of Cooperative Educational Services. FENWC is an active member of the planning teams. The Weld County Childcare and Youth Supervision Task Force contracted with the University of Northern Colorado to conduct a needs assessment (Executive Summary attached)on childcare and youth supervision. The assessment was broken into three age categories,0-5 years, 6-12 years, and 13-18 years. The following is an excerpt from the study: "Perceived childcare needs for children age 5 and under in Weld County-Respondents were asked to indicate what childcare services they would like to have available for children age 5 and under in their community. The majority of comments related to the need for 1) childcare that was more flexible, 2) infant-care (age 2 and under)..." According to recent statistics from the Child Care Resource and Referral Agency, there are 129 infant slots and 311 toddler slots available at child care centers with an average of a 7%-10% vacancy rate. Local family day care homes have the capacity to provide care for 550 children under the age of two,however,out of those 550 slots approximately 206 of them are available for infants. The average vacancy rate for open infant slots is relatively small at 2%-5%, and those are generally filled within weeks of the vacancy. 11 Target Population and Objectives for the Early Head Start Program in Weld County Based upon the community assessment, our targeted enrollment population will be: • Families with limited English proficiency, specifically seasonal farm workers and recent immigrant families. • Families who have children identified with special needs, or pregnant mothers at risk for giving birth to a child with a disability. • Teen parent families. • Families dealing with drug and alcohol addictions, or living in abusive situations. • A minimum of 10% of the families may be over the income eligibility guidelines. Per current policies of the Family Educational Network of Weld County no child is denied services based on disability. The Early Head Start Program will adhere to this policy and provide services to a minimum of 10,identified children with a disability. The Family Educational Network of Weld County currently coordinates services for children with disabilities with the local education and Child Find agencies. Family CONNECTS, as mentioned previously, is the lead agency for IDEA Part C, for Weld County; therefore, children will be referred and placed into the Early Head Start Program if this is an appropriate placement designated on the IFSP. We will serve 15 pregnant women, 15 children birth through 12 months, 15 children 13 months through 24 months, and 15 children 25 months through 26 months. Based on the aforementioned Community Assessment, the objectives for the Early Head Start Program are to: 1. develop a continuum of family-centered services which provides a high level of supports to children and families, maximizes available services, and advocates for the healthy development of children and families of all cultures; 2. support the physical, social, emotional, cognitive, and language development of children; 3. help parents move toward self-sufficiency and support their efforts to fulfill their parental roles; 4. provide comprehensive health services to children and families through prevention and early identification of health and developmental concerns; 5. promote healthy prenatal and postpartum services for pregnant women which enhance the development of their child; and 6. Increase infant/toddler child care capacity and opportunities in order to support family self- sufficiency. Following are planned activities relative to the stated objectives. 12 Objective #1: Develop a continuum of family-centered services which provides a high level of supports to children and families, maximizes available services, and advocates for the healthy development of children and families of all cultures. Goal A: To Recruit 60, eligible Early Head Start participants on a county-wide basis. '1 a9k reCBotx �� E„yal tattoz R£ [Nills7 . 6 .P 1. Disseminate availability and purpose of Early Head Start Program to local agencies, EHS Fliers, Newsletters, Press churches, health clinics, physicians, Coordinator releases employment resource and training programs, and through neighborhood venues. EHS 60 children enrolled+wait 2. Recruit eligible families, including Coordinator list families with children with disabilities. Children will be recruited by referral from the Department of Social Services (TANF Participants), Warm Welcome Home Visiting Program, the local hospital, Child Find Agency (Part C), school districts, physicians,the local Health Department and Health Clinics, and other agencies. EHS Enrollment roster 3. Enroll eligible children and establish an Coordinator on-going caseload of families who will be participating in the program. Director Iraining agendas & 4. Train staff,beginning with new employee certification completion orientation. Provide on-going certification training through the National Parents as Teachers Institute, and CDA. 5. New Parent Orientation Director Enrollment Rosters 13 Goal B: Provide on-going resource/service coordination to newly enrolled families that will increase their abilities to access comprehensive community resources and services. task rersowinimEiiimin Ev luation .; ._ :I .. ... .. 1. '1 ram, supervise and support the service EHS Coordinator 'framing Logs providers to increase their knowledge and skills in resource/service coordination and advocacy for children and families. 2. Strengthen relationships, which will Director Increased resources tor accommodate additional families, with families. agencies, business, and community resources that support and provide services to families. 3. Maintain a comprehensive listing of tamily EHS Coordinator Resource list and community services, resources and supports within each community of Weld County. 4. Increase parent awareness regarding PA 1' Educator FPA documentation & availability of community resources and Pre-Natal+Visitor resource list support them through agency/system processes. 5. Initiate and develop a Family Partnership PAT Educator FPA documentation Agreement (WA) for all newly enrolled Pre-Natal+ Visitor families. Each family will partner with their service provider to identify strengths, challenges, and goals they want to address during the next year,including income support, literacy needs, employability skill enhancement, etc. 6. Implement and secure needed services PA 1 Educator FPA documentation for each newly enrolled family. Families will Pre-Natal+ Visitor identify the services and resources they will want to access to support them in reaching their prioritized goals. Service Coordinators will assist families access resources and cervix eg identified 14 Goal C: Enhance the sense of community through immersion of staff and families into community based activities that will create a strong relationship between the Early Head Start Program and the community to meet the needs of enrolled families. rersongianiail lvaluahon 1. Identity community based agencies,businesses, EMS Community resource services,and natural supports that exist in the area. Coordinator directory 2. Identity shared goals, services, and visions. EMS Copies of plans Coordinator Meeting minutes Agreements 3 Expand, enhance & develop partnerships and Director Agreements plans that will support and strengthen community involvement. 4. Integrate key statt and parents into community Director Meeting Minutes committees of networks that share a vision for supporting families. 5. Develop local networks in areas with limited Director Agreements resources of family service providers, businesses Meeting Minutes and community members to promote and support activities for families. 6.Involve the program in strategic planning within Director Strategic Plans the various networks,committees and coalitions to Agreements develop a community vision for services relative to children and families. I. Work with key community agencies to Director Increased number expand capacity for infant/toddler child care. of infant/toddler lntc 15 Goal D: Ensure a comprehensive self-assessment is completed.y' ip N KMM 1.Have all families participating complete a Director Completed evaluations pre-evaluation and annual evaluation. Utilize the PAT standardized tool. 2. Staff complete pre and post and annual Director Completed evaluations evaluations. 3. Establish a peer review and coaching Director Established system evaluation system to address improving Early Head Start services. 4. Compile data, attendance records, Director Annual Report evaluation results in an annual report. 5. Utilize the compiled information for Director Written plans continuous improvement plans, strategic planning and project revision. 6 Partner with other agencies impacting Director Surveys &evaluations families that are Early Head Start eligible to compile results from surveys and evaluations from the services they have rendered. 7. Utilize the Parent Policy Council to assist Director PC minutes and support the program evaluation process and implementation. 16 Objective #2: Support the physical, social, emotional, cognitive, and language development of children. Goal A: Continue partnerships, on behalf of newly enrolled families, with local Early Childhood Education Agencies and Local Education Agencies to assure smooth transitions from Early Head Start into Head Start and other Early Childhood Education Programs based on individualized needs. 1. Plan and implement a systematic Disabilities Written policies & approach to transition families with children Specialist procedures with disabilities into appropriate placements for Head Start & other Early Childhood Programs. 2. Conduct penodic information shanng EHS Coordinator Meeting minutes times to assure all providers have current knowledge of service delivery systems within a variety of agencies and can support families. 3. Expand arrangements that will Director Signed agreements accommodate Early Head Start children with Head Start and other Early Childhood Education programs that will enhance transition services. 4. Provide training to parents on transitional PA 1' Educator training log activities and behaviors to assist their child's transition from Early Head Start into Head Start or other Early Childhood Education Ealgram Goal B: Provide community based learning groups and activities for families that will maximize their child's development and expand their knowledge as parents. TASK PERSONpatSOWEBEENININI ) YAI1A ION RESPONSIBLE 1. Establish and expand sites within PAT Educator Agreements communities that are accessible to families and provide weekly activities for learning and networking. 2. Equip each site with materials and classes PAT Educator Agreements that promote adult learning. 3. Hold community based learning groups. PAT Educator Sign-in logs 4. Ensure consistent participation by all PAT Educator Sign-in logs families. File documentation 17 Goal C: Provide on-going family education opportunities that equip parents with knowledge and skills necessary to raise children who will be contributing� community members. n 1. Enrolled families will receive 5 hours of PAT Educator Family contact logs PAT/ECE support via home visits & Pre-Natal Plus socialization groups. The home visit will Home Visitor include learning about child development and activities to stimulate their skills. 2.Families will have the opportunity to receive PAT Educator Family Partnership education and support around issues that impact Pre-Natal Plus Agreement family life (employment issues, behavior Home Visitor management, medical/dental, nutrition, finances, early literacy skills, and adult learning). 3. Encourage parents to incorporate activities PAT Educator Family activity logs that will promote the value of family through Pre-Natal Plus functional daily routines, such as; bedtime, Home Visitor reading,outings,and extended family contacts. 4. Minimize the barriers which may prevent PAT Educator Family Partnership families from reaching their identified goals. Pre-Natal Plus Agreement This may include language barriers, Home Visitor transportation, child care or other areas. 18 Objective 3: Help parents move toward self-sufficiency and support their efforts to fulfill their parental roles. Goal A: Provide on-going family education/literacy opportunities that will equip newly enrolled parents with the knowledge and skills necessary to raise children who will eventually be contributing community members. lack Person l ypt41>Fpn G 'I . r, r :r� :1114'0144441144"11141,14,l 1, 4 .:: ' ..: iii 1. Expand the opportunities which address a PAT Educator Family Partnership variety of issues that impact family life Pre-Natal Plus Agreement (employment issues, normal development, Home Visitor behavior,medical/dental,nutrition,financial, literacy, early literacy skills, advocacy/reciprocal skills). 2. Encourage and promote the value of PAT'Educator Family Activity Log family, education, and community through Pre-Natal Plus home activities and routines, such as: Home Visitor reading, family time, nutrition, health and safety. 3. Identity and minimize bamers that may PAT Educator Increased parent prevent newly enrolled families from Pre-Natal Plus participation. attending and actively participating in Home Visitor employment and educational/literacy opportunities and community activities (transportation, child care, etc.). 4. Refer newly enrolled families to PAT Educator Referral forms appropriate educational/literacy programs and Pre-Natal Plus assist in the enrollment process if necessary. Home Visitor 3. Follow-up on progress. PA Educator TPA documentation Pre-Natal Plus Home Vicitnr 19 Objective#4: Provide comprehensive health services to children and families through prevention and early identification of health and developmental concerns. Goal A: Provide comprehensive screening and evaluations of children that include developmental (Ages and Stages), medical, hearing and vision components, and other appropriate intervention supports that meet the needs of the child and family, and provide necessary on-going services. `lasiciiiirimanotoiStopiregmaiNinmigi rerspa:SilleglIMES lrr'valua loa E , , ... 1. Continue coordinating screenings and EHS Coordinator Children screened and assessments with the existing county-wide referred if needed child identification /child find system to ensure newly enrolled students are promptly placed. 2. Assure that there is a service provider to EHS Coordinator EPA documentation assist families in navigating systems and agencies. 3. Provide necessary support including EMS Coordinator EPA documentation transportation and childcare to ensure PAT Educator families will attend all scheduled appointments, evaluations, and follow-ups their child may need. 4. Provide specialized consultation and EHS Coordinator Children's tile tic direct therapeutic intervention services to PAT Educator documentation children requiring services as indicated on an Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP). 5. The lESP will be developed using the Disabilities 1ESP multi-disciplinary team approach that Specialist includes parents. EHS Coordinator PAT Frinratnr 20 Objective #5: Promote healthy prenatal and postpartum services for pregnant women which enhance the development of their child. Goal A: Provide support education for the health needs of enrolled prenatal mothers to include, well baby care, diagnosis,treatment, immunizations, nutrition, preventive health care and follow- up. 'LlaSkiNHOMittifeliiianagesinsiconamt Yersun« lvvalu on ......_.. ......R : ._.v.. .rzul.._ I.Identify health care and nutntion resources Pre-Natal Plus Resource list within the community and develop a health Home Visitor care resource list. 2. Include health care and nutntion needs on Pre-Natal Plus Family Partnership the family's Family Partnership Agreement Home Visitor Agreement (FPA). 3. Establish ongoing medical homes/health Pre-Natal Plus Documentation in file care for the families, as needed. Home Visitor 4. Ensure follow-up services for the family, Pre-Natal Plus EPA & tile and provide assistance for any issues that Home Visitor documentation may inhibit them from following through S. Provide prenatal home visit and Pre-Natal Plus Pile documentation educational support to families expecting Home Visitor children 6. Identify medical provider/home for Pre-Natal Plus Medical Home family and children to assure preventive Home Visitor documented in file. health care needs are met Staff involved in the Early Head Start Program will be able to support monolingual Spanish speaking families. Fifteen percent(15%)of the students enrolled in Greeley/Evans School District 6 speak Spanish as their primary language. In the Head Start program, county wide, fifty-one percent (51%) of the enrolled children are monolingual Spanish speaking, up from forty-eight percent (48%) in program year 2000. Approximately twenty-percent (20%) of the families who have children with special needs are served through Family CONNECTS (the Part-C provider) and receive service through Parents as Teachers in Spanish. Our proposal includes a seamless continuum of services, supports and resources that maximize families' participation and success in reaching their individually identified goals. The program will have a home-based service model that addresses the family's need for self-sufficiency planning, as well as developing parenting skills. The model includes: 1. A home and community based system of supports that incorporates home education visits for families utilizing the Parents as Teachers Curriculum and weekly parent toddler learning 21 groups. This model will provide a minimum of five hours per week, per family, of home education visit activities and socialization/play groups that children and parents participate in together. Depending on the age of child involved,there will be education support classes for parents to attend to learn about the unique needs for their age child. If a family is in need of child care due to employment or educational needs, the home visits will meet at a time convenient for the family.If a family is in need of child care,families will be provided with assistance in securing necessary care for their children. 2. The Pre-natal Plus Program is a prenatal case management and education program that supports families who are expecting a child and may not be connected to medical care or education supports. Pre-natal Plus provides prenatal education and case management that promotes a healthy, full term delivery of babies without complications. The services are provided in the home. The program monitors the general health of the mother during the pregnancy and encourages that routine prenatal visits occur. Pre-natal Plus provides monthly home visits that last one to two hours in duration and focus on promoting a healthy outcome at delivery and transitioning back into a normal schedule and life after birth. RESULTS OR BENEFITS EXPECTED A "single-entry referral point" system will be developed to provide the most comprehensive continuum of services for pregnant women,infants and toddlers. As stated earlier,there exist many services in Weld County, however; a consistent mechanism is not in place to ensure services are easily accessible to families. Families involved in the program will receive service coordination to help them develop individual goals, priorities, and activities that will move them toward family self-sufficiency, enhanced parenting skills and early literacy and learning for their children. The service provider will develop a Family Partnership Agrement and/or IFSP(Individual Family Service Plan), for all families that identifies strategies to access medical, dental, immunizations, mental health, and other services required to meet their individually identified goals. Parenting during the early years of childhood requires an array of supports for families. These services and supports include: general awareness of resources in the community, education about immunization and well child care schedules, prenatal care and education,nutrition,developing stress management and coping skills to deal with multiple changes or transitions,promoting developmental growth in children through nurturing and stimulating interaction and creating a sense of family stability. The partnerships which will be created between the Family Educational Network of Weld County (FENWC) will focus on streamlining services and coordinating care for children and families. Partnerships will be forged with agencies that currently work with children and families within Weld County to simplify family/child entry into systems, increase the range of services available to families and ensure continuity of care from prenatal to preschool. Again, this flexibility allows for the Early Head Start Program to meet the unique and cultural needs of families in a timely fashion. 22 Families and children will receive the full range of health services to include; prenatal care and education,nutritional services,preventive health care and mental health. Children will enter school healthy and will have completed the mandatory series of immunizations. Ensuring routine well- child medical visits will promote children who will suffer from fewer illnesses and disease, therefore, increasing their attendance rate, allowing for future educational successes. Through the proposed coordination of comprehensive early childhood programs, children will develop the social/emotional, cognitive and physical skills necessary to ensure that their future educational experiences are positive. As well as providing the aforementioned skills,the children's language and literacy skills, problem solving skills, and self-esteem will increase. All early childhood programming will be developmentally appropriate according to The Head Start Program Performance Standards(CFR 1304),The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), and the nationally endorsed and certified Parents as Teachers Program. Children participating in the program are expected to successfully graduate from high school, participate actively in appropriate extracurricular activities and become contributing members of the community. Studies indicate that children receiving quality early childhood programming are more likely to succeed in their adult life. It has also been proven that for every one dollar spent on early childhood education and intervention that four to six dollars are saved on remedial and special education. Based on recent early brain development research and findings,the ages from birth to five years are considered the optimal years to provide support and services. A report by the Colorado Children's Trust Fund identified home visitation programs for all new parents as the most effective method of reducing child abuse and neglect. The Colorado Trust went on to report that there are multiple studies revealing that the problems of low birth weight babies, child abuse and neglect, child injuries, unplanned pregnancy, and other issues identified in the Community Assessment may be reduced with comprehensive prenatal and infancy home visitation and early childhood center programs. A study in the Journal of the American Medical Association reports on the positive effects of home visitation on children's criminal and antisocial behaviors.The National Parents as Teachers Center completed a twenty year study of "at risk" families that had been involved in Parents as Teachers programs, below are a few of the findings from this report: O Children had increased academic test scores in 3'd and 5th grades. O There was a higher percentage of high school graduates among this group. O Parents were more active in school activities and volunteerism. O Children entered kindergarten with basic readiness skills that were higher than students not involved in PAT. 0 There were decreased reports of child abuse and neglect in families involved with Parents as Teachers. O Children had enhanced socialization skills as reported by kindergarten and first grade teachers. O Reading and literacy levels were consistently higher for children at all testing levels. O Children received more consistent well child health visits and immunizations. 23 These studies all support the intent of this Early Head Start proposal which is to ensure eligible families have the supports and services to help them succeed in life. Families will receive parent education and support services to include,at a minimum;mental health, self-esteem, and parenting classes that emphasize; nutrition, child development, behavior management,communication skills,child abuse prevention techniques,and appropriate health care practices. There will be socialization groups/classes(parent/toddler learning groups)where parents will have the opportunity for "hands on" experiences with their children. Parents will receive instruction in their home using the Parents as Teachers Curriculum to enhance their parenting abilities. By providing the families a variety of resources and support systems,it is anticipated that parents and their children will be provided with the tools and skills needed in order to lead healthy, productive and independent life-styles. Parents will also develop the skills necessary to work with their children to develop their cognitive and developmental levels to their highest potentials, and facilitate their educational successes. National longitudinal studies completed by the National Parents as Teachers Program,St.Louis MO.,found the window of opportunity for maximizing the overall development of a child occurs between the ages of birth to three. This was also supported in a News Week article, "Your Child: Birth to Three". Literacy education and activities will be encouraged for adults as well as General Education Diploma (GED) support , English as a Second Language (ESL), or basic skills for employment. Participants lacking a high school education will be enrolled in GED/ABE classes or Remediation activities. The need for literacy enrichment will be determined through the Family Care Plan, and all families will receive the service coordination and support necessary to reach identified goals. The FENWC/Employment Services " Literacy in Technology Program" can provide adult educational services. FENWC and Employment Services of Weld County have implemented a Wide Area Network, which includes adult literacy programs and General Education Diploma (GED) programs. The project uses the highly successful INVEST-Destinations Curriculum/Program,which has a successful rate of educational gain. Studies indicate a full grade- level gain for eight hours of study, using the Destinations approach. Current FENWC sites have the system in their centers. Monolingual non-English speaking families will be provided with English as a Second Language classes either through the "Literacy in Technology Program's" Rosetta Stone Curriculum or referrals to appropriate agencies in the community . Upon mastery in the English language, the families will proceed into remedial and vocational education to promote self-sufficiency and employability retainment,if the need is indicated on the Family Partnership Agreement. The adult educational level will be a minimum high school graduation or GED, or equivalent grade level at the end of the program. Many will move on to vocational or higher education. With an increased literacy level, it will be possible for parents to continue their education and/or receive vocational or other training leading to gainful employment, and leave the welfare and public assistance rolls. Data will be collected based upon the Family Partnership Agreement and the families progress in meeting their goals. In particular data will measure progress in educational attainment and literacy 24 skills, self-sufficiency activities, employability skills (if appropriate), child developmental and educational achievement, mental health/wellness, child and family child outcome measurements, and well-child health indicators such as, well baby medical visits, birth weight, mother's health, prenatal care, immunizations. All data gathered (see approach for specific information) will be analyzed and included in the overall annual program assessment. Once strengths and challenges are identified, those will be included as part the program's planning systems and continuous improvement plan. Data will also be included in the Community Assessment and shared with parents, staff, and the community. Information will be used as an avenue for community planning and advocating for social and policy change within the community on behalf of children and families. APPROACH The Family Education Network of Weld County believes in a high quality early childhood program that provides a safe,nurturing environment which promotes child development on an individualized basis. We believe that families play the primary role in the development of their child and are intricately involved in all processes. We believe in developmentally appropriate practices in which children learn through exploration and play. The Family Education Network of Weld County would create infant and toddler environments that would ensure safety,promote health,provide comfort, maximize flexibility, encourage development and allow for individualized learning. The planning chart for the initiation of the Early Head Start Program is outlined in the Organizational Profile. The planning process includes the identification of a planning team that will consist at a minimum of members from the following agencies and/or organizations: Family Educational Network of Weld County, Family CONNECTS, Weld County Health Department, Department of Social Services,Family Day Care Home Providers Association, Child Care Center Association, Child Find Parts B & C, Community Health Centers, United Way -Child Care and Referral Agency,Local School Districts,North Range Behavioral Health-Multi Cultural Services, Aims Community College, Employment Services of Weld County and Learning Lab, Program Parents-Policy Council(from all programs-Regional,Migrant&Early Head Start),program staff, and other identified participants. The planning team will have bi-weekly planning sessions during the first quarter,and thereafter on a monthly basis or more often if needed,to identify the systematic changes and additional activities needed to be able to ensure seamless continuity of services for families and children. Work plans will be developed to include policy and procedures, time frames, specific training and program activities, interagency agreements, points of responsibility, program marketing and development, identification of unforeseen barriers for implementation of the project, and identification of additional financial and community supports. Policy and implementation plans will be approved by the Parent Policy Council and the grantee board. Planning will also include discussion between the contracted agencies and grantee to implement effective procedures relative to program implementation, monitoring, evaluation, communication, and disbursement of and accountability of funds. 25 Services of a start-up program planner will be secured to assist the team to successfully implement the Early Head Start program. The planner will facilitate the process of program planning,research methods of best practice and make recommendations based upon findings, act as an adviser to the planning committee,evaluate proposed systems to ensure effectiveness,assist in the establishment of monitoring and evaluation methods, and review policies and procedures for completeness and Performance Standard compliance. Large marketing efforts will take place to inform the community of the services available to eligible Early Head Start participants. The marketing strategies will include use of the local media, communication with the local non-profit agencies,as well as with the private sector(pediatricians, OB Gyn physicians), and school districts. Based upon the community assessment, our targeted enrollment population will be: • Families with limited English proficiency, specifically seasonal farm workers, and recent immigrant families. • Families who have children identified with special needs, or pregnant mothers at risk for giving birth to a child with a disability. • Teen parent families. • Families dealing with drug and alcohol addictions, or living in abusive situations. • A maximum of 10% of the families may be over the income eligibility guidelines. Low-income infants, toddlers and pregnant women will be recruited using various methods to ensure that those who have the highest need for services are enrolled into the program. FENWC will rely heavily on referrals from partnering organizations and other community agencies providing services to the "at-risk" population in Weld County. We are proposing to serve 15 pregnant women, 15 infants 0 - 12 months, 15 toddlers 13-24 months, and 15 toddlers 25-36 months. Per current policies of the Family Educational Network of Weld County,no child is denied services based on disability. The Early Head Start Program will adhere to this policy and provide services to a minimum of 10% identified children with a disability in either the center-based model or the home-visitor model,regardless of disability. Children will be referred for Early Head Start services if deemed appropriate according to the IFSP. FENWC has a close working relationship with local school district Child Find teams and Family CONNECTS,the Part C coordinating agency. An Early Childhood team,which includes FENWC, meets bi-weekly to identify children with risk conditions, and to transition children from Part C services into Head Start and other early childhood education programs. Family CONNECTS and the Child Find teams also provide evaluative services to identify children with possible disabilities for the Migrant and Seasonal Head Start program operated by FENWC during the summer months. This relationship will be expanded to support children birth to three in the Early Head Start Program, and be the primary referral source for children with disabilities. Our close working 26 relationship with Family CONNECTS,the Part C agency will ensure that children with disabilities are identified and enrolled in the program. The Weld County Health Department will also identify pregnant women who are at risk of having babies with disabilities through their prenatal programs and will refer these clients to the Early Head Start program. The Early Head Start program will ensure families have a comprehensive system of supports, education and mentorship that will promote self-sufficiency. Families will be involved with in- depth planning to identify needs, strengths,outcomes and resources that will support them towards their goals. All families will receive service coordination from a certified Parents As Teacher (PAT) educator from the Early Head Start Program. See attached flow chart. Once families have been identified, an intake application will be taken by the Early Head Start Coordinator using a modified version of the Parents as Teachers Intake which fully meets the requirements of the Head Start Program Performance Standards. At the point of intake and eligibility determination, comprehensive family and child information will be gathered and a preliminary assessment of their strengths and challenges will be identified. Initial goals will be formulated and established with the family. Once this process is complete, the family will be partnered with an appropriate PAT Educator or Pre-Natal Plus Home visitor and services will commence. To ensure a smooth continuum of support, a system of regular formal communication will be established between all entities providing services to a family. Great consideration will be given to streamlining Family Partnership Agreements/Care Plans to optimize support to the family. Concerted efforts will be made to ensure confidentiality of information and that appropriate information is shared on a"need to know basis", with appropriate permission from the family. Parents As Teachers home-based educators will conduct weekly home visits with each family. The PAT home visit curriculum (attached)provides families with an understanding of what to expect as their child develops and grows, gives parents activity ideas to do with their child and teaches them parenting skills that encourages a child's overall education and social development. The educator reminds parents of the importance of well-child health visits and immunizing their child on schedule. The PAT educator promotes early literacy by providing a reading/book activity for the parent and child to do together and models how to enhance early literacy skills. The educator will conduct periodic developmental screenings to monitor and record a child's development and health using the standardized "Ages and Stages" screening tool (attached), which is explained further in this proposal. Parents as Teachers provides a weekly socialization group for children and parents to attend together. These groups are offered at different locations throughout Weld County and will be staffed with certified and bilingual educators and therapists. Groups are informal and provide child activities that promote large motor movement skills,hands-on manipulation skills,expressive and receptive language,general learning skills and socialization skills. In addition to the early learning for children, parents are able to meet other parents, share stories and learn activities that can help during these physically demanding years of parenting. 27 In addition to the hands-on interactive learning groups, Parents as Teachers through Family CONNECTS will provide parent classes that focus on general learning for adults around parenting topics of interest specific to children birth to 15 months, and 15 months to three years. Other resources available to parents in need of parenting skills include: North Range Behavioral Health Center- Multi-Cultural Services, and c.a.r.e. (Child Advocacy Resource and Education). Parents who are identified as having child care needs because they are working, involved in job related activities or are attending school will be referred to child care providers to provide early childhood education and care. The Parents as Teachers educators and prenatal visitors (if applicable), will communicate with the child provider a minimum of one time per month to ensure coordination of services. As noted in the Community Assessment in the Objective and Need for Assistance, infant and toddler care is at a premium. Due to inadequate availability of infant/toddler child care, FENWC will convene a work group to study the barriers of infant/toddler care. From this work group, solutions and recommendations will be formulated and shared with appropriate community agencies and leaders. Participants in the group will include child care centers,family day care homes,as well as other stake holders in the community. Child care centers and family day care homes providing care to Early Head Start enrolled children will be offered support from FENWC. The support systems will include training coordinated with Aims Community College and other agencies providing Early Childhood Education Training at no cost to the child care providers. If providers choose FENWC will support them in the implementation of the Active Learning Series Curriculum (attached is the curriculum for one year olds, there are also curricula for two's and three's) and make resources available for the use of the curriculum. The Active Learning Series can be easily interfaced with family child care or child care center programs. The curriculum consists of four sections; Activities for Listening, Activities for Physical Development, Creative Activities and Activities for Learning from the World Around Them. All developmental domains are integrated into four activity categories and account for differences in individual learning and developmental levels. The curriculum is user friendly and easy to implement with few materials required. Each activity is broken down into developmental stages per age group, including how long the activity should take, verbal suggestions, and the preparation needed. These activities can be easily integrated into daily routines and used with other children of the same age level. Some activities are teacher directed and some are self directed based upon the age level of the children. Activity boxes and resources will be provided to the child care provider to implement activities from all four of the activity categories. The activity boxes will incorporate materials for related activities that may not be available in the home or in child care situations such as a musical activity box, a dramatic play box, a small muscle toy box and a language/literacy box. The care provider will be able to keep the activity boxes between visits by the Early Head Start Coordinator to continue building skills. Activity boxes and resources .will be rotated on a regular schedule as determined by the child care provider. 28 The Ages and Stages Questionnaire is the screening tool already used by the Family Educational Network of Weld County and Family CONNECTS, the Part C agency. The Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ)consists of parent questionnaires every two months up to the age of twenty- four months and every three months after two years of age. Each questionnaire has thirty developmental items divided into five areas: communication, gross motor, fine motor, problem solving, and personal social. The ASQ is written between a fourth and sixth grade reading level, is available in Spanish,and provides illustrations for complicated tasks,which makes the tool very parent friendly. The parent, with the assistance of the Parents as Teachers educator,will complete the screening tool every two months to monitor the child's developmental progress. The ASQ screening focuses on involving the families and gaining vital information from the child's primary care givers. The implementation of this process helps the parents become responsible for the monitoring of their child's developmental progress and increase the bond between child and parent. The results of the Ages and Stages and Questionnaire will help parents, the PAT educator, and other applicable partners (mental health provider) create an Individualized Development Plan for each child. An Individualized Development Plan will work collaboratively with the curriculum, each child's developmental level and individualized learning styles. The PAT educator and parents will work to establish developmental goals(approximately two or three)goals for each child based upon observations, parent concerns and the results of the Ages and Stages Questionnaire. The curriculum activities would then be developed around the needs of the individual child. The care giver and the parent would work to choose activities that would stimulate a variety of skills, but concentrate on activities to help the child accomplish the chosen goals of the Individual Development Plan. For children receiving services for disabilities on an Individual Family Services Plan (IFSP), the goals established by the family and PAT educator will supplement those all ready identified on the IFSP, if appropriate. Parents and the PAT educator will monitor each child's developmental progress using a locally designed Assessment Checklist in order to monitor child out come measurements and progress, along with updated ASQ data. There are three different Assessment Checklists: 0-9 months, 9-18 months, and 18-36 months. The Assessment Checklist uses four developmental domains: self- help/physical, language, cognitive, and social/emotional. The items on the Assessment Checklist are monitored and marked off with the date the item was accomplished. The data from the Assessment Checklist will be collected three times throughout each year and entered into a Microsoft Excel Program to determine percentages and numbers to guide program planning as part of the program self-assessment process. Pre-natal services will be provided to pregnant moms eligible for the Early Head Start Program via the Pre-Natal Plus program supported by the Weld County Department of Health. The Pre-Natal Plus Program is a prenatal case management and education program that supports families who are expecting a child and may not be connected to medical care or education supports. Pre-Natal Plus provides prenatal education and case management that promotes a healthy,full term 29 delivery of babies without complications. The services are provided in the home and include: education about the changes occurring in a mother's body, nutrition during and after pregnancy, accessing medical care during and after birth, breast-feeding or other feeding needs for the infant, planning for the changes in the family before and after the birth of a baby,sibling issues and general financial and health care issues for the entire family. Pre-Natal Plus staff are nurses. The staff is able to monitor the general health of the mother during the pregnancy and encourage that routine prenatal visits occur. The results of Pre-Natal Plus intervention has been higher birth weight babies and mothers accessing prenatal care and follow up medical care for themselves and their babies. Pre-natal Plus provides monthly home visits from the point of referral until after the birth of the child. Home visits last one to two hours in duration and focus on promoting a healthy outcome at delivery and transitioning back into a normal schedule and life after birth. The home visitors are Registered Nurses and trained in home visiting techniques that support the parents in their role and in developing self sufficiency plans to address education,employment and financial independence. The nurses focus on the importance of providing routine health and immunization care for children and supporting all areas of development. Bilingual nurses are also employed through this program to ensure that the Spanish speaking population can benefit from these services. Prenatal Plus bases family goals on the following objectives: A To foster healthier pregnancies. - Nurses help new mothers-to-be improve their diet and nutrition, utilize proper obstetrical care, and avoid use of tobacco or other harmful substances. A Improving the health and development of children.-First-time parents learn how to provide responsible and competent care, particularly in the areas of children's physical and emotional health and safety. Nurses help parents build a strong support network of family and friends. A Encouraging self-sufficiency. - Together, nurses and parents create a vision for the future that includes a plan for future pregnancies,steps toward continuing education,and securing adequate employment. FENWC will contract with the Pre-Natal Plus program to provide supplementary services as needed for a family to continue with the Pre-natal Plus program. Other programs supported by the Weld County Health Department include: Early Periodic Screening Diagnostics and Treatment (EPSDT), presumptive medicaid eligibility, immunization clinics, and well child clinics, which will be accessed through the Prenatal Plus program as necessary. 30 Health Care and Education for families and children will also be coordinated with public and private health care providers, such as Plan de Salud del Valle Community Health Center, Sunrise Community Health Center/Monforts Children's Clinic, and local doctors and dentists. The emphasis of care will be on the importance of prevention. Services will include yearly physical examinations,immunizations for the children,dental examinations,developmental screenings,etc. North Range Behavioral Health Center (NRBH) is the mental health agency for Weld County. NRBH provides a full range of services for all ages of clients. Service can involve home based family preservation counseling to center based individual and group counseling. Services are determined by the family and therapist based on the needs of a family. The duration and frequency of services are based on what the concerns are and how quickly progress can be made to resolve the issues and developing new or different coping strategies for the future. North Range Behavioral Health Center(NRBH) has also added a Multi-Cultural Services Program in order to better meet the needs of the growing Hispanic population in Weld County. NRBH has the capacity to service families whose primary language is Spanish via qualified bilingual staff.The Family Educational Network of Weld County will partner with North Range Behavioral Health Center, Multi-Cultural Services to provide mental health services to children and families of the Early Head Start Program. Mental Health currently provides the following mental health services to FENWC Head Start and Migrant Seasonal Head Start eligible families, children, and staff: • Assist in planning and administering bilingual/multi-cultural mental health program activities and services. • Train Head Start Staff. • Observe children and consult with teacher and other staff. • Assist in providing special help for children with atypical behavior or development. • Orient parents and work with them to achieve the objectives of the mental health program. Provide group and individual therapy, as appropriate. • Take appropriate steps in conjunction with health and education services to refer children for diagnostic examination to confirm that their emotional or behavioral problems do not have a physical basis. • Provide mental health related services to FENWC staff. These services will be expanded to meet the needs of the Early Head Start program to include: parenting classes, assisting parents to maintain healthy marriages and relationships by enhancing communication and conflict resolution skills,providing services to the isolated rural areas of Weld County, and regularly scheduled visits and support to the child care centers and family day care centers. Fatherhood Initiatives will also be a piece of the relationship with North Range Behavioral Health. Parenting classes will be developed specifically designed to address the challenges facing fathers 31 in supporting their children. The Parents as Teachers Curriculum will be modified as needed to ensure that fathers are an integral part of the home-based services. Every attempt will be made to ensure that socialization groups are scheduled so that fathers may participate. Support groups for parents will be designed to meet the varied needs of the families and may include: mothers groups, fathers groups, couples groups, and other primary care giver groups. Fathers will also be heavily recruited and encouraged to actively participate in the Parent Policy Council. The Family Educational Network of Weld County in partnership with Employment Services of Weld County has installed a wide-area network,which includes adult educational curricula. Within this model there is computerized educational curricula (GED and ESL, along with remedial education and computer literacy), at each of our centers. Depending upon the needs identified on the Family Partnership Agreement, parents can receive remedial, vocational, and basic education as well as employment training to ensure employability. We will provide resources for monolingual non-English speaking families in order to engage in English as a Second Language classes. Upon mastery in the English language, families can proceed into remedial and vocational education to promote self-sufficiency and employability. Adults can achieve the educational evel of high school graduation or GED. Many of our families will move onto vocational or higher education. With an increased literacy level, it will be possible for parents to continue their education and/or receive vocational or other training leading to gainful employment and leave the welfare and public assistance rolls. Employment Services of Weld County also has numerous youth programs targeting low-income adolescents and teens. These programs focus on drop-out prevention and working with youth at risk of being or are in the juvenile justice system, support post secondary education, and job skills development. The AmeriCorp program through Employment Services in Weld County is unique in that focuses on disenfranchised youth and is committed to reconnecting them to the community and changing their behaviors so that they become productive adults. Once the youth complete the program they are provided with support and financial aide to enter an institution of higher education. Americorp is supportive of the Family Educational Network of Weld County they provide facility maintenance and repair to the centers and work on projects that enhance the quality the centers. Youth connected with the Early Head Start will be referred to and supported by Employment Services. Nutritional Services for children and families will be provided for by referrals to the Food Stamp Program; Food Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC); and The Commodity and Supplemental Food Program (CSFP). An important piece of the nutritional services will be nutrition counseling which will be integrated through home visits,parent activities,and classroom experiences. Children will receive nutritious snacks at the socialization groups in accordance with the Head Start Performance Standards. FENWC also has on staff a nutritionist who will review the menus for the snacks,provide nutritional educational materials to the home visitors,and necessary home visits and training for parents. 32 The Division of Human Services works closely with the Department of Social Services to provide families with assistance in obtaining needed income support. Due the close relationship of Division of Human Services and the Department of Social Services via coordination of employment services families will be readily accepted into appropriate programs. Placement of families in the Early Head Start program will be facilitated because of the unique relationship of the two agencies. The Family Educational Network of Weld County currently works closely with the child support unit through Social Services to assist parents in receiving child support payments due to them. Parents from the Early Head Start will receive assistance within our current system. In the initial year of the program the programs self-assessment, will evaluate the systems and procedures that have been designed or enhanced to accommodate the needs of the Early Head Start program. Data to be collected will include formal measurement tools,informal surveys,attendance and activity rosters, parent, agency and community feedback as well as information gathered from the developmental screening tools and child assessments. The Head Start Family Information System (HSFIS) will track and report on enrolled Early Head Start families. At the end of the first year the planning team will convene to review the data and evaluation reports to address changes that will need to occur in implementation for year two. Families,Policy Council and staff will be an integrated into the planning and review committee to assure that all stakeholders are actively involved in the program evaluation and assessment. The Parents As Teachers curriculum has a pre and post evaluation component that measures changes in parental skills, knowledge and interaction style. Each family will complete annually with their PAT educator this evaluation tool, a family satisfaction survey and an administrative program evaluation. The Parents as Teachers curriculum also has a monthly goal planning form that families use to identify strengths,challenges and activities for learning.This monthly planning form tracks progress,changes needed in goals and resources the parents are accessing. In addition to the PAT tools, we will develop a risk scale that measures changes in: parental interaction, education and job stability, home environment, accessing community resources, socialization, medical and health maintenance needs. The focus of the Early Head Start program is to build on existing skills and encourage new skill acquisition as the needs of family's change. These formalized tools will allow the Early Head Start program to assess progress and identify positive changes and potential challenges. At the onset of the program a small number of families will be identified to be part of a more comprehensive evaluation process for at least five years. These families will be involved in more feedback,planning and monitoring of success on identified goals. The children will also be tracked into elementary school to look at academic test results and social skills as perceived by the school staff involved with the child. Each year of the program, a small number of families will be identified and added to the group. This will allow for examining any program changes that were beneficial to families that entered the program after the initial year. Measuring progress towards the programs goal of maximizing a family's self-sufficiency will need to be systemic over a three to five year period. The data to be collected will include: 1)Family's 33 achieving goals on their IFSP's/FPA's, 2) Children entering preschool and kindergarten ready to learn, 3) Positive changes in a family's situation, i.e.; new job, additional education, improved literacy,4)Less support time needed by families to access resources and support in the community, 5) Academic testing scores on children in primary grades. Data will be tracked and collected for children entering the Head Start program and analyzed to measure any differences between children with Early Head Start experiences and those who have not had the same exposure. Students completing internships and practicum's in the Family Studies and Early Childhood Departments of the University of Northern Colorado will be utilized to assist in gathering, compiling and analyzing data. Annual reports will be completed and distributed to the families and agencies involved as well as the Parent Policy Council, and governing body (Weld County Board of County Commissioners). As more in-depth reports are available, this information will be disseminated and focus groups will be used to evaluate and plan using the data. The Weld County Division of Human Services has also under its umbrella a transportation system which serves children and families enrolled in the Head Start programs. As well as providing transportation to FENWC enrolled children the transportation system provides transportation for the Area Agency on Aging, Meals on Wheels,clients involved in Employment Service programs, and to other agencies in the community. Services will be secured with Weld County's transportation services for the Early Head Start program as needed for them to attend meetings, appointments,classes,weekly socialization groups, and if necessary to child care centers or family day care homes. ORGANIZATIONAL PROFILES/STAFF AND POSITION DATA The Division of Human Services (DHS), a governmental umbrella agency for FENWC, is a comprehensive, integrated human service agency under the Weld County Board of County Commissioners. The Weld County Division of Human Services has served the Weld County Community as a public Community Action Agency since 1978. It is the designated agency under the Community Services Block Grant. The Division of Human Services has under its umbrella: The Family Educational of Weld County (Head Start,Migrant Head Start Programs,and State Funded Early Childhood Education Programs), Employment Services of Weld County, and the Area Agency on Aging. See appendices. The Division of Human Services, Family Educational Network of Weld County has operated the Head Start Program since 1974. Since its inception, it has grown from serving 85 children yearly to serving 547 Head Start eligible children in 2002, 266 eligible Migrant and Seasonal Head Start children (serving infants and toddlers as well as preschoolers), and 75 state funded preschool children. With all programs in place,FENWC now provides services to more than 900 children and families per year in sixteen different centers. Two of the Migrant and Seasonal Head Start centers are located approximately 250 miles from FENWC's administrative office. In addition, FENWC currently has in place the structures and linkages, which when expanded and augmented by this proposal,will be able to provide quality services while minimizing start up and administrative costs. 34 The Family Educational Network of Weld County(FENWC)as mentioned previously is engrossed in community activities relative to children and family. As well as operating Early Childhood Educational programs, FENWC has also operated programs funded by the local Department of Social Services, Family Preservation, and a training grant secured in cooperation with the local community college. The Division of Human Services,because of its unique comprehensive nature,should be considered a strong candidate for the receipt of this grant. As mentioned previously under the umbrella agency, there exist adult and youth employment,education and remediation programs,early childhood and family programs, and programs for the aging population. As well as having many pieces in place to carry out the services stipulated in this grant, The Division of Human Services has the linkages within the community to accelerate participant progress. With the linkages of this organization,the Family Educational Network of Weld County has the ability to identify gaps, and strengthen collaborative efforts within Weld County, and to work with families in need or at risk of being in need. The Division of Human Services has developed a favorable reputation within local, state and federal circles for its ability to administer creative programs that have proven to be successful. Many programs under the auspices of The Division of Human Services are and have been considered model programs because of their effectiveness and high quality. The Migrant and Seasonal Head Start Program operated by the Family Educational Network of Weld County has served infant and toddlers for fifteen years demonstrating their experience and ability to manage comprehensive child and family services for this age group. FENWC's presence in the community affords them the opportunity to forge the relationships necessary to operate successful comprehensive early childhood services. In the appendices is a list of current agreements the Family Educational has in place to support it's current operations. The agreements include arrangements with local school districts, health care clinics, and Child Find agencies both parts B and C. Appropriate agreements will be expanded and enhanced to meet the needs of the Early Head Start program. Due to the diversity of funding streams found within the Weld County Division of Human Services, there are mechanisms in place to monitor, track and allocate multiple funding streams. Included in the appendices is our Cost Allocation Plan that discusses the agency's process of fund allocation, and most recent Federal audit review. Having the Weld County Board of County Commissioners as our grantee also assures that funds will be spent accordingly. Weld County's policies and procedures regarding procurement and fund expenditures have many safeguards in place to assure that funds are spent appropriately. FENWC is involved in many planning and coordination activities in the community. These activities include: Weld County Childcare and Youth Supervision Task Force, Conducting a Community Youth Health Care Needs Assessment in conjunction with the Children's Clinic and the North Colorado Medical Center, and attending many coalitions/committees at the local level including the Immunization Coalition,Weld County Health Coalition,Early Childhood Advisory 35 Councils for three school districts, Weld County Capacity Building Grant Advisory Committee, Child Care Resource and Referral Agency,Northern Colorado Migrant Coalition,Local Interagency Coordinating Council/Child Find, Aims Community College Early Childhood Advisory Council as well as other local and state boards and councils. These groups work at analyzing gaps and needed services in the community to develop plans by which they can create services and resources to better meet the demands of the community. One of the structures to be expanded is the FENWC Parent Policy Council. FENWC currently has an active Parent Policy Council,which is comprised of parents from the Regional and Migrant and Seasonal Head Start Programs as well as the state funded program. The council works in assisting FENWC regarding programmatic issues and with successful programmatic planning and operations. The Early Head Start program will recruit parents to support the program with issues distinctive to the Early Head Start Program to be active participants in Policy Council. The Policy Council will be active in the hiring of Early Head Start staff,policy adoption,program evaluation,and planning. Parents will be involved in formal parent meetings one time per month in conjunction with the socialization groups. Each socialization group will elect members to the Parent Policy Council. The"Socialization Committees"will be actively involved in planning of Early Head Start curricular activities, and policy recommendations directly related to Early Head Start. All parent meetings and trainings are scheduled to be convened at times that meet parent/family needs. The responsibilities of the Parent Policy Council include, but are not limited to: a) assistance in the coordination and development of services where gaps exist; b) monitor fiscal and client activity; c) on-going monitoring and evaluation; d)act as a liaison to the community to represent the program on community boards, task forces, etc.; e) approve program policy, hiring and firing; and f) actively participate in program planning. Family CONNECTS, an affiliate of the North Colorado Medical Foundation, who will be contracted to provide the Parent as Teachers home based services, has for the past eighteen years coordinated multiple community-based interagency activities on behalf of young children (0-5 years). Family CONNECTS has a strong base of community organization and program operation skills and successes relative to children and families. Family CONNECTS is the agency responsible for ensuring the implementation of Part C- IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act). Family CONNECTS is a recognized affiliate by the National Center of Parents as Teachers for Weld County. The Family Educational Network of Weld County currently utilizes the Head Start Family Information System (HSFIS) to collect data and will expand the data base to include Early Head Start information. Other avenues of data collection include the annual Program Information Report, 36 on-going program monitoring and evaluation reports,child outcome measurements,family progress in meeting goals, and other information as required by the Head Start Bureau. Tere Keller-Amaya,the Director of the Family Educational Network of Weld County,will assume responsibility for the implementation and operation of the Early Head Start program (see attached resume). Ms. Keller-Amaya has been the Program Director for fourteen years. In her tenure as director, the program has expanded from total funding of 250 children to its current enrollment of 900 children. The program has also received favorable Federal Program Reviews from Region VIII and the Migrant and Seasonal Head Start Branch as well as financial audits as required by the Federal Government The Early Head Start Project will be supported within the current structure of the Family Educational Network of Weld County (see organizational chart). The outreach and recruitment functions will be coordinated by the Family Partnership Community Partnership Specialist,Leticia Galindo, who has been employed by the program for seventeen years. Ms. Galindo began her involvement with the program as a parent and,therefore,has an extraordinary understanding of the issues surrounding children, families, and the community. Jennifer Vigil the Education Specialist has been with the program for four years and has her Masters degree in Early Childhood Special Education. Ms Vigil will work with the Early Head Start Specialist and assist her in the establishment of systems to support Early Head Start. Julie Mallory, Health Speciliast has been with the program for a total of four years. Julie holds a B.A. in Community Health. Ms. Mallory will support the health needs of the program and expand the Health Services Advisory Committee so that the health needs of the Early Head Start program can be fully supported by the program. The Disabilities Services/Mental Health Specialist, Danielle Burden, holds a degree in Human Rehabilitative Services. Ms. Burden is the primary contact with the Child Find Agencies, school districts, and North Range Behavioral Health Center. Ms. Burden will continue as the liaison with these agencies and coordinate services with the Early Head Start Coordinator. An Early Head Start coordinator will be hired to coordinate the Early Head Start program, as well as to monitor and evaluate all program activities. See attached job description and requirements. Janis Pottorff,will be the Parents as Teachers lead for Family CONNECTS to work with the Family Educational Network of Weld County Early Head Start program. Ms. Pottorff has been the Part C Coordinator for Weld County since 1994, as well as the Parents as Teachers Coordinator. Ms. Pottorff will work closely with Tere Keller-Amaya to coordinate services and ensure that comprehensive support is provided to children and families. The Parents as Teachers educators will meet, at a minimum, the qualifications recognized by the Department of Health and Human Services/ACF/Head Start Bureau (see attached Position 37 Descriptions). Teachers will have the minimum qualification of the CDA or equivalent,preferably an AA in Early Childhood Education as well as Parents as Teachers Certification. Parents as Teachers requires that each educator pass an initial 40 hour competency based certification course. The first year employed as a Parents as Teachers educator,they are required to have 20 clock hours of additional training in related courses or workshops. Thereafter, Parents as Teachers educators must complete 15 hours of training annually.To stay certified,the PAT must continue to work with a minimum of 5 families and keep up required training. The staff at the Weld County Department of Health who administer and provide direct services for the Pre-Natal Plus program are all registered nurses. The Weld County Health Department is supported by the Weld County Board of County Commissioners, and have been instrumental in providing health and environmental support, education and research for Weld County. To ensure that Early Head Start Services are effectively implemented within twelve months of the receipt of the grant, the following chart illustrates the planning process and activities to be undertaken. EARLY HEAD START PLANNING CHART ST AR T UP Months: 12 3 Months:4 5 6 Months: 7 8 9 Months: 1011 12 A E INDICATORS Start-up planning team. Identify team to carry out implementation Hire start-up consultant Identify start-up Establish TA plan Commence TA TA needs Time lines & Finalize Plan PC approval of responsibilities plan Negotiated award Ensure budget reflects start-up timelines. Staff&partners Update on Finalize progress collaborative systems Visit operating EHS Visit two with programs similar models 38 ORGANIZATIONAL INDICATORS Policy Council Restructure Revise by-laws Train parents existing council to incorporate EHS Community needs Compare Update services Update services Commence reflected in model program design according to according to services to ensure community needs community and community family needs needs met Health Services Identify Convene first Review health- Implement plan Advisory Committee composition and meeting related issues incorporate into and develop current HSAC plan to address identified needs 39 ORGANIZATIONAL Months: 12 3 Months:4 5 6 Months: 7 8 9 Months: 1011 12 A E INDICATORS(cont.) Collaborative Develop Adjust agreement Finalize Start services arrangements with Part preliminary based on needs agreement C agreement Child care subsidies to Explore options Establish Finalize Access funds as support child care and develop monitoring agreement necessary options preliminary procedures agreements Training & Technical Determine needs Develop T/TA Commence Assistance plan to support training t h e implementationof services Job description Write job Revise as needed Review with descriptions staff and Policy Council Management staff Advertise and Hire E H S Recruit staff Coordinator Direct service staff Selection & Advertise and Qualified staff recruitment Recruit staff hired strategy identified Salaries&benefits Assure salaries Ensure salaries and benefits are and benefits are competitive in line grantee within similar structure. positions. Staff supervision & Reflect in Tr a i n Implement support organizational supervisory Re f l e c t i v e chart s t a f f in Supervision Reflective Supervision Recruit children & Establish criteria Approve criteria Commence Continuous process families and recruitment and recruitment recruitment strategy strategy Enroll children & B e g in 75% complete mo. families enrollment 8 100%month 11 40 SERVICE Months: 12 3 Months:4 5 6 Months:7 8 9 Months: 10 11 12 A E INDICATORS Service delivery model Planning team to Model approval Staff & On - going for EHS services finalize and fine by PC provider implementation tune model. training and and necessary initial revision implementation Curriculum for child Finalize PC approval Staff& Implementation of development services. curriculum provider curriculum training Developmental Finalize process Train staff & Necessary referrals screening, assessment for screening & providers. to Part C &tor tool and outcomes. assessment medical providers. System for tracking Research Select tracking Train staff& Gather baseline assessment data and tracking system. providers data outcomes. methods. Services for pregnant Finalize service PC approval Staff& Implement women. plan forpregnant provider services women. training Transition plan for Develop plans PC approval Policies in place, children&families and policies train staff & providers Medical home,access to Identify Meet with Finalize health,dental and mental providers providers. contracts. health Child care partnerships Identify child Establish policies Finalize Place children as care center and and procedures contracts. needed family day care with PC approval partners. Parent involvement Identify parents Parent Parents inolved in across services. as part of start- orientation. all areas of up team. planning and implementation Strategies for family I d e n t i f y PC approval. Train staff& Implement. partnerships. strategies . providers. Develop policies and procedures. Family Identify Identify needs Parents receive development/parenting resources. of parents, services and services. establish follow-up support services and is provided. make referrals as needed. 41 SERVICE Months: 12 3 Months:4 5 6 Months:7 8 9 Months: 10 11 12 A E INDICATORS(cont.) Parents as Negotiate Finalize contract. Train provider Commence home Teachers/Home Based contract visits-90 minutes per week, with group socialization 2x/month On-going Program De v e I o p Finalize protocol. PC approval Implement Monitoring monitoring monitoring process protocol. to include Health &Safety checklist. Program Self- Develop Finalize protocol. PC approval Implement self- Assessment monitoring assessment protocol. process. Develop continuous improvement plan. A = accomplished activity E = emerging activity THIRD PARTY AGREEMENTS In the appendices are interagency agreements between the Family Educational Network of Weld County and Family CONNECTS, and North Range Behavioral Health Center, Multi-Cultural Services; letters of commitment from the Weld Chapter of the Colorado Child Care Association, Weld County Family Day Care Association,Employment Services of Weld County,Weld County Department of Health-Pre-Natal Plus,Aims Community College,United Way of Colorado which also houses the Child Care Resource and Referral Agency for Weld County; and letters of support from Sunrise Community Health Center, Inc., Salud Family Health Centers, Weld County Department of Human Services, Colorado Department of Education. 42 BUDGET NARRATIVE PROGRAM ACCOUNT 25 Early Head Start Personnel: $29,399.00 Pays for the annual gross salary for an Early Head Start Coordinator Fringe Benefits: $8,820.00 Pays for fringe benefits for regular employees at the following rates: . RCA .0620 x salary . Medicare .0145 x salary . Disability .0075 x salary . Life Insurance .0029 x 3 x salary . Retirement .10 x salary . Workman's Compensation .0049 x salary . Health and Dental $3,011.00/staff/year Travel: $2,500.00-pays for the costs associated to send two staff members to an Early Head Start Conference in Washington D.C. Supplies: $10,000.00 Office/Copying/Postage-Cost of program office supplies,copying and postage used by the Head Start staff. $1,500.00 Home Base - Pays for consumable supplies to include teaching materials, construction paper, paint, etc., also pays for replacement costs associated with wear and tear of books, manipulatives, etc. We provide Medical/Dental supplies that include first aide kits, toothbrushes and other necessary medical equipment that may be necessary for home based activities. Also includes any special equipment necessary to adapt to children with disabilities within this line item,i.e.,special spoons,chairs,etc. The budget amount for this proposal was based on historical costs incurred by the FENWC Programs. $8,500.00 43 Contractual: $326,900.00 The cost of the contract with Family CONNECTS to operate the Parents As Teachers Program, includes staff salaries 6 FTE, benefits, and travel. $98.26 x 60 families x 48 visits = $283,000.00 Contract with North Range Behavioral Health for mental services, includes staff salaries, benefits, and travel time. $29.95 per unit x 1,303 units = $38,500.00 Pre-Natal Plus contract for supplemental pre/post-natal visits. $90.00 per visit x 4 visits x 15 = $5,400.00 Other: $70,481.00 Parent Activities-Covers the cost for Parent Meetings and Parent Trainings which include travel reimbursements and child care costs. Pays for 2 parents to attend the Region VIII Head Start Training Conference and 2 parents to attend the NHSA National Parent Training Conference. Parent literacy and educational activities are included in this amount. $5,000.00 Maintenance/Repair - Pays for labor and maintenance costs for the upkeep and repair of office equipment. $500.00 Child Travel - Vehicle Operating Expenses - the Weld County Department of Transportation will be providing transportation for the children and parents who do not have transportation to attend socialization groups, medical appointments, parent meetings and trainings, and other appointments deemed necessary for the family to accomplish their goals.. Charges for this service are based on the number of miles and the time we are transporting a child/family. These costs include; driver time, maintenance and repair, and gas. The cost was figured based upon historical information of the average cost per child/family for transportation is $700.00 x 10 families = $7,000.00 Nutrition and Food-Pays for meal costs at the socialization groups. Also includes kitchen supplies which may be necessary for the creation on meals. $1,000.00 Local Staff Mileage - at $.345 per mile for staff to travel to the sites for monitoring and training purposes. Also reimburses staff for recruitment of eligible Early Head Start participants, home visits, in-state training, meetings, etc. Approximately 1500 miles = $500.00 44 Subscriptions/Memberships -Professional and early childhood related publications, and memberships to professional organizations related to early childhood and Head Start. $250.00 Printing/Advertising-These funds are used for printing enrollment and attendance forms, brochures, etc. Also used for advertising related to program marketing, hiring and recruitment. The cost is based on historical costs associated with program operation. $1,000.00 Administrative Overhead - This cost is the administrative cost that the program incurs through DHS. These costs are compiled in an Internal Service Pool and are charged to the programs based on the number of hours the administrative staff spends on each of the programs it serves. The budgeted amount is based on past experience. During the past the administrative staff has spent an average of 25%of its time servicing the FENWC. Included as administrative staff are the Executive Director,Fiscal Officer, Accountant, and 2 Fiscal Specialists who are responsible for the purchasing and contract maintenance. The personnel manager and PBX Operator are also associated with this cost. This line item also includes overhead charges at the administrative offices and data processing and communications supports. $55,231.00 IN-KIND CONTRIBUTIONS $114,525.00 Pre-Natal Plus $90.00 per home visit x 5 home visits x 15 mothers $ 6,750.00 Parent hours @ home visits 48 visits x 7.50/hour x 1.5 hours X 60 families $32,400.00 Family CONNECTS staff time & donated space for socialization groups $54,200.00 Volunteer hours for Health Services Advisory Committee, Policy Council, 5,000.00 Planning Committee, etc. Reduced costs and donated medical services 5,000.00 Weld County Support Services $11,175.00 45 BUDGET NARRATIVE PROGRAM ACCOUNT 11 Early Head Start Training & Technical Assistance Training $10,000.00 The training costs will pay for staff(Parents as Teachers home visitors) to participate in classes offered by Aims Community College Early Childhood Professions degree,toward their CDA/AA, to meet the 2003 mandate that 50% of Head Start staff have at a minimum of an AA.. 6 (staff) x 5 (credits) x $30.00 (tuition & fees) x 4 (quarters) = $3,600.00 6 (staff) x $50.00 books/supplies x 4 (quarters) = $1,200.00 Additional learning opportunities such as conferences workshops, also includes training for the Early Head Start Coordinator. $5,200.00 46 BUDGET NARRATIVE START-UP COSTS START-UP COSTS $51,500.00 Start-up costs include initial supplies and materials necessary for the implementation of the Early Head Start Program. These items will include home base supplies and materials,office equipment, gross motor apparatus for socialization groups. Also included in this line item is the purchase of toys and resources for the Active Learning Curriculum (for child care providers who choose to participate in this curriculum) $10,000.00 Initial staff training and certification in the Parent as Teachers Curriculum including the Early Head Start Coordinator. $1286.00 x 7= $9,000.00 Program Planner - pays for a contract for year one of the Early Head Start grant for a program planner. $30,000.00 Capacity Building Planning Team - pays for meeting funds for the capacity building work group. $2,500.00. IN-KIND CONTRIBUTIONS $12,875.00 Weld County Support Services - $1,285.00 Training through local agencies (CAEYC) $2,000.00 Donated supplies 410.00 Volunteer time on Capacity Building Work Group $9,180.00 15 members x $12.000 x 51 meetings 47 Hello