HomeMy WebLinkAbout980894.tiff RESOLUTION
RE: APPROVE APPLICATION FOR FEDERAL ASSISTANCE FOR HEAD START
EXPANSION 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 Head Start Expansion Grant from 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, to the Department of Health and Human
Services, commencing January 1, 1998, and ending December 31, 1998, with further 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 Head Start
Expansion Grant from 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, to 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 27th day of May, A.D., 1998, nunc pro tunc January 1, 1998.
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
WEED COUNTY, COLORADO
ATTEST: . , fi ti��� /�l�!► '' t4�J� r .�
Constance L. Harbe , Chair
Weld County CI:r to �a° `� ' •��='
p
/ W. H. 1/V bster, o-Temz
BY: -_i. y� _ %tee^ �'�►/
Deputy Clerk t.
orge . Baxter
APP D A FORM:
Dale K all ty Att mey bilat
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Barbara J. Kirkmeyer
980894
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APPLICATION FOR ' 2 DATE SUwITTED IAOCMan" meta,FEDERAL ASSISTANCE p8CH0020
it. TTP!OF SUEMISSnOM. 3 DATE"ECEIYCD iv STATE I Stale ACOlcsian amnia.08CH0020
/oD CSI'O Proeodreation
OCansuudt'n auuctO a Con
VV a DATE RECEIVED ET FEDERAL AOENCY I Felton Idrtbn eer
tXMo construction O Non.Con,rrucrran 08CH0020
S APPLICANT JNFOaSAPON
dganttatrpul Unit
Legal Name
Weld County Division of Human Services Family Educational Network of Weld County
Name and tortor number 01 the arson to be contacted On matters ut.Ol• Wu
Aaaresf(P'••urv. :metre. stage end up code) iv Ins.00ralnn (w y ant cadet
P.0. Box 1805 Walter J. Speckman
North 17th Ave. (970) 353-3800
P.O.
Greeley, Co 80632 Li
EMPLO.ER iOEIRIFICAT MS OM MUER Met 7. TYPE OF APRKANT:lento,.00monaie loiter HI ban
A Slab M Mdeardent Schaal Oral8 1 4 - (6 1 0 1 0 1 01 8 11 13 ( 9 County PI
Cannoned Irtimulion a , Lf.
C uuntclnal J Pr.r.t<Unners.ry
L TYPE OF APPLClfCPt D Tawnsnio K. Indian TRW
6 R.V.smn E. Misrelate L I dredual
O Se. Continuation M Profit Organrsatcn
F Inl.omtrnCa.i
II Re.nun truer aouODrwq 4n.rlfl m boxiest.
® El G SALFAal OgUcI N Otner ISoecil'7I
A Inc...,.Award a. Oecr<ase A-Na C Increase Dur.l.on
0 D.cr.ase Ouratun Other/soacrtyl' a. MALE OF FEDERAL ACEMCT
DHHS
— I1. DESCRIPTIVE TITLE OFAPPUCAMT'3'PROJECT;
It CATALOG OF FEDERAL ASSISTANCE Nuaat[l!DOMESTIC 9 3 • 6 . 0 0
TTrtZ Head Start Expansion
PY98 Head Start Grant
t2. AREAS AFFECTED EY PROJECT(cities.counnef. (tales. etc.? Basic, T & TA, & Startup
Weld County, Colorado
i2. PROPOSED P.oJEcv ` l.. CONOMESSIONAL DISTRICTS OF.
b Peogct
Start Cate Ending Dau a Applicant
1/1/98 12/31/98
IS.ESTIMATED FUNDING: Ia.IS APPLICATION SUBJECT TO REVIEW EV STATE EXECUTIVE ORDER 12377 PROCE3ST
.00 XaX YES STATE EXECUTIVE OADES �27 2 PROCESS FOR REVIEW ON
tO THE
' Federal = 233,165
n Aodurn 3 58,291 00 DATE
c Stale f .00 b NO El PROGFIAM IS NOT COVERED ST E O. 12372
d Loch $ '0•3O OR PROGPAU NA$NOT BEEN SELECTED 0T STATE FOR REVIEW
e Ome S .00
I Program intmNte I 5
.00 I?. IS THE AMR-CAPE;DELINQUENT ON AMY FEDERAL 01117
.
® No
YES It 'Yes.'attach an explanation.
g TOTAL I S -CO291 ,456
i a. TO THE SCSI OF St twowLEDCE AMC BELIEF.ALL DATA IN 1,IS aPPUCATION.PaEAPri1Cf.7IOM ARE TRUE AM0 CORRECT.TH1 DOCUMENT MS SEEN DULY
AUTNORIZE0 BT INC GOVERNING SOOT OF TOE APPLICANT AOO TNf APPLICANT WILL=Malt WIT$me ATTACHED ASSURANCES If TYE ASSISTANCE IS AWaaOED
b Tine a TeleONe<q number
a Typed Name du AnOtIZS R.u.tenbiny f G7n .w156_d!]C)fl�
Constance L Ha h + Chair Weld County Boara of County Cnmmiccinnerc u
d Signal. dle
di :.d Rep<w l e liaiSired
.
/� ., 05/27/98
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Authorized for Local Reproduction 9pCit/7�
PART III-BUDGET INFORMATION
SECTION A-BUDGET SUMMARY
Grant Program Estimated Unoblgated Funds New or Revised Budget
Function Federal
or Activity Catalog No. Federal Non-Federal Federal Non-Federal Total
(a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (t) (g) ,
1. PA22 93.600 $ $ 5220,765, $55,191 $275,956
2. PA20 93.600 $1,400 $350 $1,750
3.STARTUP 93.600 $11,000 $2,750 $13,750
$0 $0
5. TOTALS
$ $ $233,165 $58,291 $291,456
SECTION B-BUDGET CATEGORIES
-Grant Program,Function or Activity Total
6. Object Class Categories (1) PA22 (2) PA20 (3) USDA ,(4)STARTUP (5)
a. Personnel $95,207_ $95,207
b. Fringe Benefits $29,514 $29,514
c. Travel $1,175 51,175
d. Equipment _ SO
e. Supplies $10,585 S11,000 521,585
f. Contractual $11,754 $11,754
g. Construction $0
h. Other $72,530 $1,400 $19,910 $93,840
1. Total Direct Charges _ — $0
$0
i. TOTALS $220,765 $1,400 S19,910 $11,000 $253,075
7. Program Income $ $ $ $ $
(i5091/
HSBIJD8R.WK4
SECTION C-NON-FEDERAL RESOURCES
(a)Grant Program
(h)APPLICANT (c)STATE (d)OTHER SOURCES (e)TOTALS
8.PA22
$55,191 $55,191
$350
9.PA20 $350 1
$2,750 $2,750
10.STARTUP 1
11.
$58,291
12. TOTALS $58,291 _
SECTION D-FORCASTED CASH NEEDS
Total for 1st Year 1st Quarter 2nd Quarter 3rd Quarter 4th Quarter
13. Federal
$233,165 $69,9511 $23,315 $69,950 $69,950
14. Non-Federal $58,291 $17,487 $5,829 $17,487 $17,487
15. TOTAL $291,456 $87,437 $29,144 $87,437 $87,437
SECTION E-BUDGET ESTIMATES OF FEDERAL FUNDS NEEDED FOR BALANCE OF THE PROJECT
FUTURE FUNDING PERIODS(YEARS)
eFOURTH
(a)Grant Program (b)FIRST (c)SECOND (d)THIRD
$233,165 $244,823 $257,064 $263,917
16.
$0 $0 $0
17.
18.
19.
$233,165 $244,823 $257,064 $263,917
20. TOTALS
9w /
HSBUDIR.WK4
FAMILY EDUCATIONAL NETWORK OF WELD COUNTY
HEAD START EXPANSION PROPOSAL
Project Summary/Abstract
The 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(Region VIII)supported by the Head Start framework. FENWC currently serves 477 Head
Start eligible children(September through mid-June),386 Migrant Head Start children(June through
September), 88 State funded eligible children and 12 students who pay for services. We are asking
to increase our enrollment by 70 children, for an additional $233,165.00 to our current Head Start
budget. FENWC will provide $58,291.00 in matching contributions.
The increase in children will occur in the City of Greeley, including; Evans, Kersey, Eaton, Ault,
Pierce, and our Frederick Center, which includes the towns of Frederick, Firestone, Dacono, Erie,
Mead and parts of Platteville. Greeley is located in South Central Weld County, while Frederick is
located in the southern area of Weld County (see attached map). The program will operate the
expansion with it's current double-session model
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.
Education Services. Individual Development Plans are implemented to stimulate social,
emotional, motor and intellectual learning experiences, self-reliance, self-esteem and self-
confidence are encouraged, thus a solid ground work is established for future educational
success.
Medical/Dental 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/Mental Health 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) is developed using a multi-disciplinary team
approach. Once the IEP is developed appropriate services, resource and supports are
provided to meet the needs of the child and family, in conjunction with the Local Education
Agency.
c goj 94
Family Services. Family Services works directly with various social agencies to obtain
needed assistance for families, and provide them with social services, educational and
employment training,to enable them to improve the quality and condition of their lives. A
Family Partnership Agreement is completed with each family so that they may receive the
support, resources and services necessary to assist them to reach the goals they have for
themselves and their families.
Parent Involvement. Parent Involvement works with parents to promote self-sufficiency,
create a healthy home environment, assist parents 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 children.
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.
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, Colorado Preschool Program, passed through
local school districts. FENWC is also operating a training grant through the State of Colorado,
Department of Human Services,to provide assistance to TANF recipients to provide child services
in their home or at day care centers. The intent of the grant is to increase that capacity of child care
services in the county. FENWC is also receiving funding through the Weld County Department of
Social Services, Family Preservation Program,to enhance family support for families and children.
Children may qualify for services through the following funding sources; The Head Start and
Migrant Head Start Programs, Colorado Pre-school Program, School District' Special Needs Funds,
and families paying for services. FENWC currently has twelve sites located throughout Weld
County.
The Division of Human Services (DHS) - the umbrella agency for FENWC, 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 Head Start Programs,and State Funded Early Childhood Education Programs),
Employment Services of Weld County, and the Area Agency on Aging. See Appendices.
9894
OBJECTIVE AND NEED FOR ASSISTANCE
The Family Educational Network of Weld County(FENWC)is committed to providing low-income
children and families with a developmentally appropriate comprehensive program to promote self-
esteem, social competence and help children reach educational success. To children top develop
high self-esteem and be successful in school it is important that our program work with the parents
so they understand the important role they have as their children's primary educators. The Family
Educational Network works with parents so they may gain the confidence to work with their children
at home, feel comfortable in a school setting to support their children, enable them to further their
own educational and skill levels, assist them in finding employment, and provide or refer out any
support services needed. Therefore, it may be stated that primary objectives of the Family
Educational Network are to provide the following services to Head Start children to foster a higher
degree of social 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 manners: 1) Parent Policy Council, 2) in the classroom as paid volunteers or observers,
3) volunteers in the component areas, 4) working with children at home, and 5) taking the lead as
the primary educator of the 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, providing services to 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.
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. School District RE-1,
is providing preschool classrooms in the elementary school, at no cost to the program.
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 to children in the towns and rural areas of Hudson, Keenesburg,
Prospect Valley and Roggen. These classrooms are also located on elementary school
campuses.
9st59t1
STATISTICAL DATA
Weld County Population
There are 28 incorporated towns in Weld County, which are statutory towns, governed by elected
councils and mayors. 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 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. According to 1990 census figures the last decade's growth rate was 6.8%,
since then it has been estimated that Weld County's population has increased an average of 2-3%
annually. This current increase will add up to an increase estimated at approximately 15.3%by the
end of the decade. With the development projected along Interstate 25 and with the new Denver
International Airport in 1995, this anticipated growth rate is likely.
The 1990 census showed that among all 63 counties in Colorado, Weld County ranks 9th in total
population and population density. The county is classified as an urban county by the Demographic
Section of the Colorado Division of Local Government.
Ethnic Distribution
White 71% Black/Other 2%
Hispanic 27%
Economic/Income Profile
The most current complete statistics reflect the income levels and profiles from 1996 The economy
has changed from a predominately agricultural economy to a more diversified economy, including
an increase in the service and manufacturing industries. Service Industries personal income has
increased from 9%in 1969 to 25%in 1993 and manufacturing personal income has increased from
12% in 1969 to 27%in 1996 Meanwhile, agricultural personal income has decreased from 22% in
1969 to 8% in 1996
Per Capita Income 17,468.00
Median Family Income 30,800.00
Unemployment Rate
Weld County 3.6%
Greeley 3.7%
Colorado 3.4%
National 5.0%
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 (attached)
revealed that Greeley's wages are well below the state average.
gsat91
Cost of Living Summary
The average cost of living for a family of four is $28,236.00 per year. The break out of costs is as
follows:
Rental Housing (3 bedroom house) $ 750.00
Gas & Electricity 85.00
Phone 76.00
Cable 30.00
Food 541.00
Clothing 70.00
Medical (one office visit) 48.00
Automotive (Insurance, maintenance,
gas &payments) 494.00
Recreation 32.00
Miscellaneous 227.00
Total expenses per month 2,353.00
Public Education (There are 13 public school districts in Weld County.)
District Common Name # of Students # est. 0-5 SPED children
RE-1J St. Vrain Valley 2,840 4
RE-I Gilcrest 1,965 11
RE-2 Eaton 1,363 6
RE-3J Keenesburg 1,372 12
RE-4 Windsor 1,952 14
RE-5J Johnstown/Milliken 1,236 6
Dist. 6 Greeley/Evans 13,239 140
RE-7 Kersey 981 4
RE-8 Ft. Lupton 2,636 22
RE-9 Ault-Highland 861 14
RE-10J Briggsdale 103
RE-12 Grover 124
Total Student Enrollment 28,672
Total Est. Children with Disabilities . . . 233
Data gathered by the Goals 2000 Advisory Team on public school student enrollment reflects the
following information for Weld County: 29.4% of student families qualify for free lunch program
as compared to the State average of 21.8%, twenty-two point four percent(22.4%) of students live
in single parent households; four point one percent (4.1%) of students lack employment; seven
percent(7%) of teen students become pregnant; and 4.7% of students drop out.
The Colorado Children's Campaign, "Kids Count!" revealed the following statistics for Weld
County's children in their recent assessment:there are 11,873 children ages 0 to 5, 18.9%of children
live in poverty, 73.3 children out of 1000 receive TANF (7%), and 27.5% of the births are to single
moms who have an annual median income of$13,609.00.
Weld County Department of Social Services reports: There are 636 families receiving TANF (down
from 1,802 in 1993),there are 2217 families receiving Medicaid(up from 1543 in 1993),2,142 food
stamp recipients (down from 2465 in 1996), and 569 families receiving child care assistance (up
from 421 in 1997). There are also approximately 750 migrant seasonal farm worker families not
receiving supplemental assistance from the Department of Social Services who have children from
ages birth through six years old.
In 1996 the Colorado Department of Education, Early Childhood Initiatives completed a
comprehensive on site evaluation called the "Community Child Service Review. A team with
representation from around the state organized interviews with over 22 agencies and facilitated 5
family focus groups throughout Weld County. The following concerns were identified:
• Families want more inclusive supports within their own communities.
• Inclusion is happening on a small scale, but needs to increase.
• Transportation continues to be a barrier that prevents families from accessing supports,
resources and services.
• The language barrier and lack of culturally sensitive professionals have isolated many
families. (51% of the children currently enrolled in FENWC programs are monolingual
Spanish speaking).
• Weld County has a history of strong interagency and business collaboration.
• More funding needs to be available to establish consultation and intervention to meet the
needs of the disabled child.
Weld County's Interagency Early Child Find Network has seen over 720 children last year (birth to
four), 233 children have been referred to specialized services and 250 were referred for on-going
monitoring of their development, Part H, IDEA, count was 204 eligible children in need of
comprehensive services. There continues to be a lack of community resources for families not
qualifying for Part H, but in need of support, learning opportunities and resource management
These recent Community Assessments and Planning Teams Reports have reinforced the assumption
that despite good interagency collaboration and networking, Weld County still does not meet the
needs of families identified with risking factors.
FENWC itself, is in involved in many planning and coordinated activities in the community. These
activities include: Conducting a Community Youth Health Care Needs Assessment in conjunction
with the Children's Clinic and the North Colorado Medical Center; and participating on many
coalitions/committees at the local level including;the immunization coalition, Weld County Health
Coalition, Early Childhood Advisory Councils for three school districts, Weld County Capacity
Building Grant Advisory Committee, Weld Information and Referrals Services - Child Care
Resource and Referral Agency, Northern Colorado Migrant Coalition, Local Interagency
9g0S94
Coordinating Council/Child Find,Aims Community College Early Childhood Advisory Council and
many state boards and councils. The aforementioned groups work at analyzing gaps and needed
services in the community, and developing plans by which they can create services and resources
to better meet the demands of the community.
There are many child care options for the residents of Weld County. There are currently twenty-
eight (28) licensed large day care centers in the county and 292 licensed family day care homes
caring for 2336 children. There is a need for day care for an estimated 4000 children, (50%or more
are school age). Ninety percent of the day care settings accept reimbursement from the Child Care
Assistance Programs, administered by the Weld County Department of Social Services.
Seven local school districts provide services to preschool children through the Colorado Preschool
Program(CPP). The Family Educational of Weld County coordinates services with three of these
school districts. As a rule,the children served by CPP are Head Start eligible who are on the wait
list and cannot be served by Head Start slots. If FENWC were to receive the additional 70 slots, 70
additional at-risk children would be able to receive services by CPP, therefore; increasing the
capacity of Weld County to serve preschool age children. As well as, increasing preschool capacity,
the ability of the school districts and FENWC to coordinate services will be enhanced.
FENWC has agreements with local child care facilities in Greeley to provide wrap in services for
children in need of extended care. The current Community Assessment/Parent Survey indicated that
only 13% of FENWC children need extended care. Of the 13%, 85% are cared for by family,
neighbors or family day care homes, while the additional are cared for in large day care facilities.
FENWC assists family receive child care subsidies from the local Department of Social Services,
provides transportation for children to their child care locations and communicates regularly with
the day care provider regarding child and family issues,to ensure a continuum of care.
A recent assessment completed by the Colorado Child Care Association,revealed that Weld County
day care centers have a 19%vacancy rate for child care. It has also been determined by the Policy
Council (see attached minutes,for the Policy Council Meeting dated 5/14/98)that for our program
to provide full-day/full year services we would have to reduce the number of children and families
served. This will decrease the number of eligible families benefitting from the comprehensive
services of Head Start. Because of these determinations we will continue in our current double-
session model and coordinate day care services within the community. However, we evaluate our
model annually to ensure that we are truly meeting the needs of the family and the community.
The site at Frederick has maintained a consistent wait list for Head Start. The wait list has averaged
forty to fifty children consistently, for the past three years. Our center currently has three extra
classrooms,therefore; 30 additional children can be easily accommodated. In Greeley,we also have
space available to accommodate 40 additional children. Thirty children will be served at the Dos
Rios Center and ten will be served at our Island Grove Center. The wait lists in Greeley have
consistently averaged 75 children. Children will be served four days per week, using the double-
session model. There will be 15 children per session,with the exception of the Island Grove Center
there will be 20 children per session.
950 9ti
Each classroom will have one teacher and one teacher aide for an adult child ration of 1:8. The
Island Grove Center will have one teacher and two teacher aides, in order to maintain the same
adult:child ratio. Every classroom per FENWC policy has at a minimum one hired adult who speaks
Spanish.
Children will prioritized based on the Head Start guidelines of income and age eligibility. FENWC
Parents will receive remedial, vocational and basic education as well as employment training to
ensure their employability. Monolingual non-English speaking children will continue to be actively
recruited, due the increasing need for non-English students to be proficient in English. Currently
51%of FENWC Head Start eligible children speak Spanish as their primary language. FENWC also
serves many "seasonal farm worker" children due to the large agricultural base in the community.
If these children qualify under the Migrant Head Start definition,they will receive services during
the summer months. Also Migrant Head Start children whose families wish to remain in the area,
receive priority enrollment into the Regional Head Start Program.
Per current policies of the Family Educational Network of Weld no child is denied services based
on disability. The Early Head Start Program will adhere to this policy and provide services to
children in either the Center-based model or the Home Visitor model, regardless of disability. The
Family Educational Network of Weld County currently coordinates services for children with
disabilities with the local education agencies and the Child Find Agency. If therapeutic services are
not available to children via these agencies, contracts will be written with therapists to ensure that
appropriate services are provided to the child and family.
The Division of Human Services(the umbrella agency for FENWC)is involved in many community
efforts to promote self-sufficiency for low-income families. The efforts of the Division of Human
Services include, employment and training programming and coordination, Welfare Reform
Initiatives with the local Department of Social Services,joint planning with the Weld County Health
Department, coordinates the Private Industry Council, and various other activities which promote
employment and training.
FENWC in partnership with Employment Services of Weld County is installing a wide area network,
which includes adult educational curricula. Within this model there will be computerized
educational curricula(GED &ESL along with remedial education & computer literacy), at each of
our centers. Depending on the needs identified on the Family Partnership agreement, parents can
receive remedial, vocational and basic education as well as employment training to ensure
employability. Monolingual non-English speaking families will be provided with English as a
Second Language classes. Upon mastery in the English language the families can proceed into
remedial and vocational education to promote self-sufficiency and employability retainment. Adults
can achieve educational levels of 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.
91091
APPROACH
The goals of the program are as follow:
1. Provide comprehensive programs to the family which will address the intellectual, social,
emotional and physical need to encourage a healthy environment for the growth and
development of the child and family.
2. Implement an immersion program which will provide case managers to be advocates for the
family and assist the family in obtaining the services and support necessary to become self-
sufficient while providing the family with the skills to make healthy decisions to promote
self-sufficiency.
3. Provide parents and other family members the opportunities to gain the skills to encourage
a healthy learning and growing environment for the infant and all family members.
The related objectives for the project is as follows:
1. To expand Head Start enrollment on a county wide basis to Head Start eligible families.
1.1 Identify and recruit (through advertising, employment services, and referral) and
train culturally and socio-economically sensitive individuals as certified educators, as
specified in the Head Start Performance Standards(a minimum of a CDA). Program parents
and the community will be involved throughout the recruitment and hiring process. Hired
staff will not be discriminated against due to sex, race, disability, etc.
1.2 Disseminate availability and purpose of Head Start to local agencies,churches,health
clinics, employment resource and training programs, and through neighborhood venues.
1.3 Recruit eligible families, including families with children with disabilities. Children
will be recruited by referral from the Department of Social Services (TANF Participants),
the local hospital, Child Find Agency and Part H, school districts, physicians and the local
Health Department and Health Clinics, current enrolled Head Start families, drug and
rehabilitation programs.
1.4 Enroll, establish and formalize an on-going caseload of families participating in the
program.
1.5 Initiate the Individual Family Partnership Agreement(FPA)process for all families.
1.6 Develop and implement an FPA to ensure that families' needs, priorities and goals
are identified and addressed. An FPA will be written for all families.
1.7 Implement and secure needed services for each enrolled family.
2. Provide family education opportunities which will equip parents with the knowledge and
skills necessary to raise children who will eventually be contributing community members.
2.1 Develop, enhance and/or expand upon the opportunities which address a variety of
issues that impact family life (employment issues, normal development, behavior,
medical/dental,nutrition, financial, literacy, early literacy skills, advocacy/reciprocal skills).
2.2 Encourage and promote the value of family and community through functional daily
activities.
2.3 Minimize barriers which may prevent families from attending and actively
participating in employment and educational opportunities and community activities
(transportation, child care, etc.)
2.4 Support parents literacy needs using the computer based literacy program(on each
individual site) currently being implemented by FENWC and Employment Services.
3. Provide on-going resource/service coordination to families that will increase their abilities
to access comprehensive community resources and services.
3.1 Train, supervise and support the center based service coordinators to increase their
knowledge and skills in resource/service coordination and advocacy for families.
3.2 Strengthen relationships with agencies, business, and community resources that
support and provide services to families.
3.3 Maintain a comprehensive listing of family and community services, resources and
supports within the communities of Weld County.
3.4 Increase parent awareness regarding availability of community resources,and support
them through agency/system processes.
4. Continue partnerships with local Early Childhood Education Agencies and Local Education
Agencies to assure smooth transitions from early childhood programs into Head Start and
from Head Start into kindergarten, based on the individualized needs..
4.1 Plan and implement a systematic approach to transition families into the appropriate
program.
4.2 Conduct periodic information sharing times to assure all providers have current
knowledge of service delivery systems within a variety of agencies and can support families.
4.3 Provide training to parents on transitional activities and behaviors to assist their
children transition from the preschool on to the public school system, or from the early
childhood program into Head Start.
4.4 Develop arrangements with the agencies, to enhance transition services into the Head
Start Program. For children exiting Head Start into the public school system, develop
arrangement to augment transitional activities.
5. Provide comprehensive screening and evaluations of children which include developmental,
medical,hearing and vision components,and appropriate intervention supports that meet the
needs of the child and family, and provide necessary on-going services.
5.1 Continue coordinating with the existing county-wide child find system.
5.2 Assure that there is a primary resource/service coordinator to assist families in
navigating systems and agencies.
5.3 Provide the necessary supports including transportation and child care to ensure
families will attend all scheduled appointments, evaluations, and follow-up their child may
need.
5.4 Coordinate specialized consultation and direct therapeutic intervention services with
the Local Educational Agencies for children requiring services as indicated on a Individual
Education Plan(IEP).The IEP will be developed using the multi-disciplinary team approach.
6. Provide and support the health needs of the child and family, including prenatal, well baby
care, diagnosis,treatment, immunizations, nutrition and preventive health care.
6.1 Identify health care resources within the community and develop a health care
resource list.
6.2 Include health care needs on the family's Family Partnership Agreement (FPA)
6.3 Establish medical homes for families, as needed.
6.4 Ensure follow-up services for the family,and provide assistance for any issues which
may inhibit them from following through with treatment, i.e., transportation, and child care.
7. Build a sense of community through immersion of staff and families into community based
activities, that will create a strong relationship between the Head Start Program and the
community.
7.1 Identify community based agencies, businesses, services and natural support that
exist in the area.
7.2 Identify shared goals, services, and visions.
7.3 Develop potential partnerships and plans that will support and strengthen community
involvement and strengthen existing partnerships.
7.4 Integrate key staff and parents into community committees of networks that share a
vision for supporting families.
7.5 Develop local networks in areas with limited resources of family service providers,
businesses and community members to promote and support activities for families.
7.6 Involve the program in strategic planning within the various networks, committees
and coalitions to develop a community vision for services relative to children and families.
A brief description of each core service to meet the aforementioned objectives is as follows:
• Resource/Service Coordination will assist in the development of a comprehensive Family
Partnership Agreement(FPA) for each family that reflects the family's individual strengths,
needs,priorities and goals. There will be one Service Coordinator per 60 families. They will
be assisted with the supports of the Specialist Management Team.
• Education In Child Development will be provided by FENWC and other local parent and
family educational agencies, as identified. The areas of education will include, but not be
limited to: Infant Stimulation, Child Development, Behavior Management, Home Safety,
Language Stimulation and The Importance of Play.
• Health Care and Education for families and children will be coordinated with public and
private health care providers. 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.
• 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 meals in accordance
with the Head Start Performance Standards, and the USDA Child and Adult Care Food
Program. Contracts currently exist with local school districts for meal service.
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• Mental Health Services and assessments will be provided with Weld Mental Health, via
contracted services. Counseling and therapy will be available and offered to the families as
deemed appropriate by the mental health care giver and the clients case manager. Services
that are available but not limited to, are: individual, family and group therapy, substance
abuse care, and support groups. The Family Educational Network of Weld currently holds
a contract (40 hours per week) for their Head Start and Migrant Head Start Programs, this
contract will be expanded to include the Early Head Start Program. Mental Health (self-
esteem) issues will be integrated throughout the curriculum.
• Employment and Training Assessments will include,as appropriate,a General Aptitude Test
Battery (GAT-B) to provide a complete assessment of aptitudes, abilities, skills and
interests. A Vocational Preference Inventory will be used to diagnose vocational preference
and training interests. The ABLE tests will be used for a diagnostic evaluation of the
education performance level. A short and long range plan will be developed to assist the
family member develop strategies to reach their goals. There are two certified state
counselors available for test interpretation and vocational counseling.
• Employment Services, Employment Counseling, Vocational Training and Education will
occur through existing programs. All employment and training programs will follow
established federal, state and local standards.
► Basic Education and Remediation is strongly encouraged for all clients who lack a GED or
the basic skills for employment. Participants lacking a high school education will be
enrolled in GED/ABE classes or remediation activities. These will be provided by the
FENWC/Employment Services -Literacy in Technology Program. FENWC and the
Employment Services of Weld County are currently implementing a Wide Area
Network, which includes adult literacy programs and General Education Diploma
(GED) programs, as well as English as a Second Language program. All twelve
FENWC sites will have the system installed.
• Occupation Skill Training provides individuals with specific occupational skills both of a
cognitive nature, as well as manual skills necessary to perform a specific job or group of
jobs.
• Supportive Services are available to assist clients participate successfully in the programs.
These services include assistance with child care and transportation. The Division of Human
Services operates a county-wide transportation system which will be at the disposal of all
families participating in the program.
All of the activities and services discussed previously will be age and developmentally appropriate
and meet the individual needs of the family to support the realization of their family goals. The
Head Start and Parents as Teachers models' and philosophies' will be the fundamental guiding
principles to ensure comprehensive child and parent development programs are consistent with
established standards.
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In addition to adhering to the minimum rules and regulations as have been established by HAS/ACT/
Head Start Performance Standards, Developmentally A.propriate Practices For Children Birth
Through Age 8, established by the National Association for the Education of Young Children
(NAEYC) will be followed.
The teachers and home visitors employed will have minimum qualifications of the Child
Development Associate (CDA) as recognized by the Department of Health and Human
Services/ACF/Head Start Bureau. As well as having the minimum qualification of the CDA
Certification all staff will meet the minimum requirements of The State of Colorado Department
of Social Services, licensing requirements. All classrooms are staffed with a person fluent in the
primary language of the child and all staff are culturally sensitive.
Training needs will be identified for each center-based employee and documented and tracked
through their performance appraisal (see attached Professional Development Plan). Once the
supervisor has approved the training plan it will go to the Career Development Council for approval
of the training, so that financial support may be provided to the employee. The Family Educational
Network of Weld County has always promoted and supported the professional growth and
development of it's employees.
Parents will be involved at the center level as volunteers, observers, members of the Center
Committee which elects members to the Head Start Parent Policy Council. The Center Committees
are involved directly in program planning and makes recommendations to the Parent Policy Council
(via their center representative) for approval and ratification.
The responsibilities of the Parent Policy Council will include, but not be limited to:
a) assistance in the coordination and development of services where gaps exist;
b) yearly monitoring and evaluation;
c) act as a liaison to the community to represent the program on community boards,
task forces, etc.
d) approve program policy, hiring and firing
e) actively participate in program planning
The Family Educational Network of Weld County (FENWC as mentioned is engrossed in
community activities relative to children and family activities. As well as operating Early Childhood
Educational programs, FENWC also operates programs funded by the local Department of Social
Services,Family Preservation,and a training grant secured in cooperation with the local community
college.
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ORGANIZATIONAL CAPACITY
The Division of Human Services (see attachments) because of its unique comprehensive nature
should be considered a strong candidate for the receipt of this grant. As mentioned, 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 Head Start Program has the ability to identify gaps and strengthen collaborative
efforts within Weld County,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 Resources are and have been considered
model programs because of their effectiveness and high quality.
The Division of Human Services intends to capitalize on two successful programs and delivery
systems, within the agency, to incorporate many of the concepts of this proposal. The Family
Educational Network of Weld County (FENWC) and Employment Services.
The Division of Human Services, Family Educational of Weld County has operated the Head Start
Program since 1974. Since its inception it has grown from serving 85 children yearly to serving 477
Head Start eligible children in 1997, 386 eligible Migrant Head Start children (serving infants and
toddlers as well as preschoolers),and 88 state funded preschool children. With all programs in place
FENWC now provides services to more than 950 children and families per year. 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 issues, and
administrative costs.
Employment Services of Weld County has historically provided comprehensive and coordinated
services to the unemployed and underemployed. It currently offers employment and training
programs under the Job Service,Job Training Partnership Act Program, the Jobs Opportunities and
Basic Skills Program and the Employment First Food Stamp Program. Employment Services has
in place the structure to provide employment and training programs under this proposal for families
determined to be in need of these services. Employment Services also has contracts with the local
Department of Social Services,to implement educational and job training services as established by
Welfare Reforms mandates, and TANF programming.
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MI-ICI ;;I.. MEMORANDUM
iTO: Weld County Board of DATE: May 27, 1998
W C County Commissioners
• FROM: Walter J. Speckman, Executive Director, I of- CL
COLORADO Division of Human Services �f
SUBJECT: Proposal to the Division of Health and Human
Services/Head Start Bureau for Expansion of Head
Start in Weld County
Presented before the Weld County Board of County Commissioners for approval is a proposal for
expanding Head Start Services in Weld County. This proposal allows FENWC to serve an
additional seventy (70) Head Start eligible children. Thirty (30) children will be served in Frederick
and forty (40) children will be served in Greeley.
For further information please contact Tere Keller-Amaya at extension 3342.
•
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