promoting head start and preschool collaboration: the full utilization process

Promoting Head Start and Preschool

Collaboration: The Full Utilization Process

Monday, June 16 3:30-5:00pm Bill Buchanan

TodayWe will learn about full utilization We will explore elements of collaborationWe will discuss how to strengthen Head Start and School District partnerships

Welcome!

In Kentucky school readiness means each child enters school ready to engage in and benefit from early learning experiences that best promote the child’s success. 2010 Governor’s Task Force

Ready to Succeed

Full Utilization

157.3175 requires that local school districts collaborate with Head Start and other existing preschool programs “to avoid duplication of services and supplanting of federal funds to maximize the use of Head Start funds to serve as many four year old children as possible.”

All state-funded preschool programs are required to complete an agreement with the local Head Start program, which specifies the number of at-risk four-year-olds served by Head Start.

What is full utilization?

Full Utilization Spring Documentation (Encouraged)

Full Utilization of Head Start Certification (Required)

Local Agreement for Cooperation on Full Utilization of Head Start School Year 2014-15 (Required)

What’s in the agreement?

Needs Assessment

RecruitmentFull UtilizationCoordination of Sites

Look More Closely

Coordination of Program Efforts

Non-Federal Matching Funds

Disability ServicesOther

In teams of 4, review and match criteria with their corresponding areas of agreement

10 minutes

Activity

What else can be included in the agreement (e.g., other areas of agreement)?

What are the benefits of completing this agreement each year?

What are the challenges with completing this agreement each year?

Discussion

Working Together

Sharing information Making referrals Coordinating schedules Listing each other’s events on

websites, newsletters

Adapted from NCHHS

Coordination

Common effort for purpose of common benefit

Developing trust and identifying better ways to do things

Working across several agencies to provide services to the same families

Adapted from NCHHS

Cooperation

• Involves key stakeholders•Establishes clear outcomes•Defines decision making processes• Includes conflict management•Sustains through policies and

procedures

Adapted from NCFL

Collaboration

At your table, mark your full utilization document:

A triangle beside criteria addressed through coordination

A circle beside criteria addressed through cooperation

A plus beside criteria addressed through collaboration

Activity

Which areas of the agreement are accomplished through coordination?

What about cooperation? Which areas absolutely require

collaboration?

Discussion

Types of Program

State Funded enhancement is the only exception to the rule that Head Start children are not included on the Kentucky Preschool Enrollment Count.

Head Start program must already fully fund and serve at least the minimum target enrollment of 4-year olds in an unduplicated count.

What is Enhancement?

Four year olds must be eligible for Head Start and most in need of services. The children receive comprehensive services; preschool services are state-funded and meet Head Start Performance Standards as well as state preschool regulations.

Option must be agreed upon in advance by the local school district and the Head Start program, as well as reflected in Full Utilization Agreement.

What is Enhancement?

Stand AloneSite sharingPartially BlendedFully Blended

How can we collaborate?

Strategies

Communication/Information Sharing Work Groups Building Enthusiasm by Solving

Problems Reinforcements Professional Learning—Growing

Together

Plan for Success

Early Learning Leadership Networks (ELLNs)

Drive with partners to events Invite others to “internal” meetings Include collaborative partners when

state and national individuals come in for a visit

Plan for Success

Regional Training Centers Child Care Aware Head Start State Collaboration Office Head Start Training and Technical Assistance Kentucky Head Start Association

Resources

Updates and Trends

New eligibility requirements for Head Start/Preschool entry

Expanding eligibility for preschool to 160% poverty in 2015-16

Restoration of federal Head Start funding Additional $18 million in preschool funding in

2015-16 Race to the Top Early Learning Challenge

Grant

What’s around the corner?

There’s always a way through things if you work hard and look close. It depends on your level of determination.

Liz Murray

Bill BuchananSchool Readiness Branch ManagerKentucky Department of Education502-564-7056Bill.buchanan@education.ky.gov

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