rockingham county head start community assessment report, 2012- 2013

1

2012

Prepared and Submitted Week of

Rockingham County Head Start Community Assessment Report

591 Hwy 65

Reidsville, NC 27320

336.349.4762 (telephone)

336.342.6634 (fax)

www.rockinghamcountyheadstart.org

Prepared February 2011

2

I. Executive Summary Page 3

II. Methodology Page 4

III. Geographic Location Page 5-7

IV. Program Overview Page 8-12

V. Overview of Rockingham Co. Page 13 - 39

(Situational Analysis)

VI. Overview of RC Head Start Page 40 - 53

VII. SWOT Analysis Page 54

Strengths – Weaknesses – Opportunities – Threats

VIII. Appendix Page 55 -

Table of Contents

3

Using a holistic approach fastened in research on Rockingham County, its government, school system,

economic and political climate along with other relevant areas, Rockingham County Head Start was able

to develop a document that would allow the program to determine fourteen recommendations the program

would begin to develop and implement before the end of school year 2013.

The recommendations were developed at the nexus of the program’s strengths and weakness and the

opportunities and threats presented in the external environment.

The fourteen recommendations prove to position Rockingham County for success moving forward in the

areas of program quality, fiscal control and licensing and operations.

1. The program should implement a performance based budget process beginning school year

2012-2013 to coincide with the grantee’s financial management goals.

2. Rockingham County Head Start should educate the community at large on the services, programs

and relevancy of Head Start.

3. The program should undergo cost evaluations to maintain a work environment faced with limited

resources.

4. The program should increase the number of community partnerships and collaboration with both

the nonprofit and business sector.

5. Rockingham County Head Start should develop and implement a comprehensive monitoring plan.

6. A system that documents outcomes and requires a timetable for report submission should be

developed.

7. The program should develop a school readiness policy that incorporates all service areas of Head

Start.

8. The program should increase the understanding of all staff in the CLASS initiative.

9. The program should strategize a plan to increase parent involvement in all areas.

10. The program should strategize a plan to increase families/staff’s involvement and knowledge in

healthy living.

11. The program should seek other streams of revenue to sustain program operations and services.

12. The program should establish a culture and develop policies that support and increase

communications between staff, staff and families and staff and community partners.

13. The program should maximize the professional development plan to increase professionalism in

all areas.

14. The program should determine the use and functionality of the website for all key stakeholders.

Executive Summary

4

Under the direction of the program director, Mr. Ricky Graves, the management staff of Rockingham County Head Start

met to construct a working document that would assist the program in moving forward. At some level, parents, policy

council, management and staff assisted with the construction of the document through participation in surveys,

assessments, meetings and other applicable activities where information and feedback could be obtained.

The director and management team took approximately one week to gather information inclusive of but not limited to:

1. Socio-Economic Data

2. Demographic Information

3. Health Information

4. Emerging Trends

5. Strengths-Weakness of the County

6. Opportunities and Threats of the County

7. Crime Statistics

8. Educational Data

9. Program Performance and Outcome Measurements

Documents retrieved included research and data delineated in the following documents:

1. Rockingham County Competitive Assessment Report

2. Healthy Carolinian’s Report

3. Past PIR Data

4. Internal and External Advisory Board Meetings

5. Local Newspaper

6. County Commissioner and Departmental Minutes

7. 2010 Census Report

8. Parent Surveys

9. Past Self Assessments

10. Latest Monitoring Review

In addition, data was retrieved from the websites of key county departments and other organizations. Key websites were:

1. Department of Social Services

2. Public Health Department

3. County Government at Large

4. NC North Star

5. Rockingham County Schools

6. N.C. Department of Justice

7. Bestplaces.com

After all data had been retrieved, the director and management staff scheduled a two day and a half retreat to compile

and discuss all findings and begin the development of the Rockingham County Head Start’s 2012 Community

Assessment Report.

Methodology

5

Rockingham County is rectangular in shape measuring approximately 29 miles East and West and 20 miles

North and South. The total area is 572 square miles bordered by Virginia to the north, Caswell County to

the east, Guilford County to the south, and Stokes County to the west. Located at 36’ 40” N latitude and

79’ 78” W longitude, Rockingham County has a land mass of approximately 364,000 acres. Five hundred

and sixty-six (566) square miles of the county is land and six square miles is water. Elevations range from

660 feet to 841 feet above sea level. The Dan River and the Mayo River flow through the north and

northwest part of the county. The climate in Rockingham County is as follows:

Because of the strategic location, Rockingham County has easy access to Interstates 40 and 85, making

Rockingham County a major logistical hub in the U.S. economy. Rockingham county is also traversed by

a network of U.S. (220 [future 1-73], 158, 311 and 29 [future 1-785]) and NC (87, 65, 68, 14, 135, 150,

700, 704, and 770) highways. A major four lane, north/south route from Washington, D.C., to Atlanta,

Georgia; U.S. Highway 29 (future I-785) links directly to Interstates 40 and 85 in Greensboro, North

Carolina.

Though Rockingham County is mostly rural, its communities still offer small-town living balanced with

21st century amenities. The county is divided into eleven townships: Huntsville, Leaksville, Madison,

Mayodan, New Bethel (Bethany), Price, Reidsville, Ruffin, Simpsonville (Monroeton), Wentworth, and

Williamsburg. Six townships are considered the municipalities which forms Rockingham County. Those

municipalities are Wentworth, Eden, Madison, Mayodan, Stoneville and Reidsville.

1

1 Rockingham County Community Health Assessment, Chapter 3

Situated in the middle of the state, Rockingham County is

just a 2-hour drive to either the breathtaking mountains in

the west or the sandy beaches in the east. Dubbed as North

Carolina’s North Star, Rockingham County is nestled at

the tip of the Northern Piedmont Triad region and cradled

by the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Rockingham County is one of the 12 counties that make

up North Carolina’s Piedmont Triad region. Other

counties include: Alamance, Caswell, Davidson, Davie,

Forsyth, Guilford, Montgomery, Randolph, Stokes, Surry

and Yadkin Counties. According to Piedmont Triad NC,

every region is measured by what it offers it citizens and

corporate partners. The 12-county Piedmont Triad region

is a region of rich resources and vast potential.”

Geographic Location – Recruitment and Service Area

6

REIDSVILLE

Reidsville, population of more than 14,500 people is located near the center of Rockingham County.

Tobacco was a mainstay of the local economy for many years, with the history of the city tightly woven

with that of American Tobacco Company. With the sale of American Tobacco in 1994, city leaders have

diversified the local economy and established Reidsville as a city that lives up to its motto, “Focused on a

better tomorrow” and focused, they are. In 2008, Reidsville was one of ten cities to receive the “All-

American City” Award from the National Civic League. This highly prestigious award recognizes

communities whose citizens’ work together to identify and tackle community-wide challenges and

achieve uncommon results. Reidsville also welcomed the newly constructed local office of the Division

of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

EDEN

Eden is the county’s largest city with a population of approximately 16,000 citizens. In 1967 the city was

incorporated through the consolidation of three separate towns: Leaksville, Spray, and Draper. Eden’s

economic progress is due in large part to water, its major resource, provided by the Dan and Smith

Rivers. The Smith and Dan Rivers have their confluence on the south side of Eden. The River flows

along Eden’s southern border while the Smith River flows from the north bisecting the city on its route to

meet the Dan River. Therefore, Eden is also known as the Land of Two Rivers. In April 2011, Eden

received the “All-American City” Award from the National Civic League. This highly prestigious award

recognizes communities whose citizen’s work together to identify and tackle community-wide challenges

and achieve uncommon results. As mentioned above, Reidsville was a recipient in 2008. Rockingham

County is proud to have two cities recognized for their dedication to perseverance. 2


WENTWORTH:

Located in the center of the county, the Town of Wentworth,

population slightly less than 3,000, is the county seat and the hub

of the county’s governmental and judicial activities. In addition to

being the home of the Governmental Center and the newly

constructed Rockingham County Courthouse, Town Hall and

Emergency Management System facility, Wentworth is also the

location of Employment Security Commission and Rockingham

Community College.

7

MADISON

Madison was named for the 4th

president of the United States, President James Madison. Centrally

located with a population of just under 2,250, Madison is within 30 miles of major cities such as

Greensboro, NC, Winston-Salem, NC, Martinsville, VA, and Danville, VA. Madison is the home to the

corporate headquarters of Remington Arms. It is the oldest company in the United States which still

makes its original product, and is the oldest continuously operating manufacturer in North America. It is

the only U.S. company which produces both firearms and ammunition domestically, and is the largest

U.S. producer of shotguns and rifles. Madison is also the home of the only legal moonshine distillery in

the state of North Carolina.

MAYODAN

With a population of approximately 2,478 people, Mayodan is nestled in a valley along the Mayo River,

one of the best whitewater rafting and canoeing rivers in the Piedmont. Representing a success story of

what was old being made new; Autumn Creek Vineyards is situated along the beautiful rolling hills of

Mayodan. Located on a former hay, cattle, and tobacco farm more than 100 years old, Autumn Creek

Vineyards currently grows red and white French varietal as well as the North Carolina native Muscadine

grape.

STONEVILLE

With a population of approximately 1, 056 and total area of 1.2 square miles (3.1km2), Stoneville is the

county’s smallest town.

On March 20, 1998, Stoneville was struck by a Category F3 (max. wind speeds 158-206 mph) tornado,

destroying much of the business district. Two people were killed and 27 were injured. However from

the moment the debris settled, plans were made to rebuild. Nothing can replace the lives lost, or the

historical buildings completely destroyed, but Stoneville united in an effort to rebuild their beloved

town.

Known for its many antique stores, Stoneville is treasured by residents as a place with ideal living

conditions, wonderful scenery, business opportunities and a community where the people are considered

to be “the salt of the earth.”3

3 Rockingham County Community Health Assessment

8

Rockingham County Head Start is a standard-full day preschool program that is funded to serve 252 children.

The main source of funding is received through the Head Start grant, but for the past five years, the program

has received additional funding through the state of North Carolina to serve additional four year olds. The

amount of revenue received through the State of North Carolina varies year to year depending on the

availability of funds and the number of qualified staff that meet state requirements. Finally, through our

grantee, a vast amount of in-kind is received from managing the program. In addition the LEA contributes

tremendous in-kind through disability services and classroom space.

The service area of the program is Rockingham County only. When residency is questioned, the Head Start

program solicits the assistance of the Tax Department or Zoning and Planning to verify all addresses.

The Head Start program has 14 classes located in 12 centers throughout the county. Classrooms are located

in elementary schools, churches, housing authorities and private childcare establishments. Head Start

classrooms are assessed by the state of North Carolina through a “star-rating” process. As of today the

program has 10 out of 12 centers rated with the highest rating of 5-star. The remaining centers are ranked 4

and 3 star.

Historically, the top races enrolled into Rockingham County Head Start are Afro-Americans, Caucasians and

Hispanics. It should be stated the number of Hispanic families enrolled into the program has been growing over

the past years although the number of families classified as “migrant” has decreased. For the past 3 to 4 years,

the program has enrolled 1 to 2 families of Pakistani decent.

Historically, the program has without any challenges, been able to meet the required 10% of funded enrollment

allotted for children with diagnosed disabilities. The majority of these enrollees are diagnosed with speech and

language deficiencies. This is due in part to the Rockingham County School System’s preschool program that

is structured to serve the more severe disabled children. Head Start and the preschool program has a working

partnership that allows the preschool program to work with any disabled child enrolled in the Head Start

program. This allows Head Start to effectively serve the child and their family.

Progam Overview

9

A five-member Board of Commissioners, elected at large to serve four-year terms, governs

Rockingham County Head Start. The Commissioners enact policies such as establishment of the

property tax rate, regulation of land use and zoning outside municipal jurisdiction, and adoption of the

annual budget. Commissioners meet on the second Tuesday and fourth Monday of each month, unless

the meeting date is changed due to holidays or other reasons. Meetings begin at 6:30 p.m., with public

hearings scheduled for the second Tuesday meetings at 7:00 p.m. There is a Public Comment

Period at both meetings and citizens wishing to address the Board will be asked to sign up to speak.

All meetings are conducted in the Commissioners' Chambers in the Governmental Center in

Wentworth, unless otherwise stated, and are open to the public. Under the leadership of the County

Manager, the Commissioners' plans and objectives are carried out. Day-to-day operation of

Rockingham County Government is the responsibility of the Manager and his staff. The County

Manager has a variety of responsibilities, including the implementation of policies formed by the

commissioners, the organization and administration of county departments, and the preparation of the

recommended annual budget.4

The Head Start Director is supervised by the Health and Human Services Director who answers to the

county manager who in turns answers to the county commissioners. Rockingham County Head Start

has approximately 60 employees on staff.

This document known as the “Community Assessment Report” will be the foundation for all decision

making within the current fiscal year.

4 Rockingham County Community Health Assessment

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1966- Children in Rockingham County were first served in a summer program in Reidsville at Franklin and Moss Street

Schools. The program operated under Rockingham County Fund located in Wentworth, NC. The program served 70

children.

1974/1975 - Became a half day program serving 40 children. Still operated under Rockingham County Fund. The

office moved to Reidsville, NC and employed three central staff persons.

1976-Established a collaborative program with Rockingham County Enrichment Center to serve more severely disabled

children. This initiative lasted until 1994 when schools began serving children 3 years old with disabilities.

1980- Served 80 children in half day programs in Eden, Reidsville and Madison. Four central staff were part of

Rockingham County Fund. Reidsville City Schools and Rockingham County Fund applied for and received the 1st

incentive grant for the program to provide speech/language services to Head Start pre-school children.

1982- Eden City Schools and Rockingham County Fund signed an agreement in which the school system screened and

evaluated Head Start children in the area of Speech and Language.

1986 - Rockingham County Fund closed and the Rockingham County Youth Involvement Program applied as the

grantee. The Youth Involvement Program was a department under the Rockingham County Government. The Youth

Involvement Program operated for two years as the grantee. At this time, Head Start became an independent department

under the Rockingham County government and became known as Rockingham County Head Start. The county

government was now the grantee for the Head Start program. The program had grown to a program serving 152

enrollees. There were seven central staff employed at the central office located in Reidsville, NC. When Head Start

became part of the local government, the program began increased collaborations with the local Health Department.

The health department provided a registered dietitian to oversee the program’s menus and WIC assisted with follow up

in nutritional areas. In addition, the health department clinic helped provide physicals, hemoglobin, hematocrits and

lead levels for Head Start children. The Rockingham County Mental Health Center began providing many of the

mandated Head Start mental health services.

1993- With the consolidation of the school systems in the county, Rockingham County Schools and Head Start

increased collaboration to screen and evaluate all Head Start enrollees in the area of speech and language. Children

needing services received services (IEP and all needed therapies) through the school system. The School System

provided certified BK teachers to provide all services. Head Start central staff and teaching staff were involved in all

areas of services. Rockingham County Head Start and Rockingham Community College joined together to serve 17

children in the community colleges childcare center. Rockingham Community College provided the facilities and staff.

Rockingham County Head Start paid salaries and the insurance of 2 teachers located at the childcare center until 2010

when the community college discontinued the childcare facility.

2000- North Carolina started the “Star Rating” for all daycare classrooms. At this time we started serving 18 children in

all classrooms to comply with NC mandates.

TODAY - Since the beginning, Rockingham County Head Start has been awarded funding to serve at various levels.

Since being established as a summer program, the program has enrolled children at levels 152, 234 and 252. Today the

program is funded to serve 252 children and families in a standard full day program.

11

HEAD START CENTERS

1. Lawsonville Elem. School Head Start I 2. Lawsonville Elem. School Head Start II

212 Lawsonville Avenue, Reidsville NC 212 Lawsonville Avenue, Reidsville NC

(336) 349-2071 (336) 349-3467

(Gina Dorsett-Teacher) (Annette Galloway - Teacher)

(Tamela Davis Slade-Teacher Asst.) (Linda Bullock - Teacher Asst.)

3. Williamsburg Elem. School Head Start 4. Stoneville Elem. School

2830 NC Hwy #87, Reidsville NC 203 Stone Street, Stoneville NC

(336) 342-8586 (336) 573-9865

(Etta Nicky Washington-Teacher) (Doris Minter-Teacher)

(Davida Watlington-Teacher Asst.) (Robin Mansfield-Teacher Asst.)

5. Moss Street Elem. Head Start 6. Wentworth Elem. School Head Start 419 Moss Street, NC 27320 8806 NC Hwy #87, Wentworth NC

(336) 342-0751 (336) 634-3250 ext. 2824

(Charryse Jones-Teacher) (LaTasha Dalton-Teacher)

(Kenyana Turner-Teacher Asst.) (Wenona Simpson-Teacher Asst.)

7. Lincoln Elem. School Head Start 8. J.A. Bell Head Start

2660 Oregon Hill Road, Ruffin NC 1316 Mizpah Church Road, Reidsville NC

(336) 348-2929 (336) 349-1006

(Monica Stubblefield-Teacher) (Angela Elliott-Teacher)

(Sharon Broadnax-Teacher Asst.) (Phyllis Neal-Teacher Asst.)

9. Draper Elem. School Head Start I 10. Draper Elem. School Head Start II 1719 E. Stadium Drive, Eden NC NC Pre-K

(336) 635-1269 1719 E. Stadium Drive, Eden NC

(Henrietta Sparks-Teacher) (Colette Broadnax-Teacher)

(Valerie Ellis-Teacher Asst.) (Jennifer Giles-Teacher Asst.)

11. Kid’s World Head Start 12. Trinity Wesleyan Head Start (NC Pre-K)

445 W. King’s Hwy, Eden NC 186 E. Aiken Road, Eden NC

(336) 623-9230 (336) 627-5489

(Leigh Ann Slaughter-Teacher) (Sherry Broadnax-Teacher)

(Camika Martin-Teacher Asst.) (Gloria Hendley-Teacher Asst.)

13. St. Paul Church Head Start 14. Madison Head Start 104 W. Harrison Road, Reidsville NC 112 Fern Street, Madison NC

(336) 349-4663 (336) 427-4681

(Brittany Parker-Teacher) (Amanda Hairston-Teacher)

(Karen Robin Bridges-Teacher Asst.) (Debra Geer-Teacher Asst.)

12

Bus Staff

BUS 228 – Cathy Long (Driver) and Fleecie Ellington (Monitor)

Lincoln/Lawsonville I & II, Moss St)

(336) 613-6776

BUS 226 – Johnnie Jones (Driver) and Lorie McLaughlin (Monitor)

Williamsburg, J A Bell, St. Paul, Wentworth

(336) 613-6795

BUS 227 – Robert Slagter (Driver) and Christine Slagter (Monitor)

Stoneville and Madison

(336) 552-4548

BUS 229 – Diane Hill (Driver) and Margie Grant (Monitor)

EDEN AREA (Trinity, Kid’s World, Draper I & II)

(336) 613-6804

CENTRAL STAFF

Ricky Graves, Director

Angela Johnson, Office Assistant IV

Kim Moyer, Education Manager

Amy Bradshaw, Education Assistant

Joan Spain, Health Manager

Andrea Barker, Disability/Mental Health/Nutrition Manager

Miranda Dalton, SS/PI Manager

Charlene Royster, SS/PI Assistant

Amber Cruz, SS/PI Assistant/Translator

Emily Dillard, SS/PI Assistant

Sharon Yates, SS/PI Assistant

Rosa Becerra, SS/PI Assistant/Translator

Nadia Smith, SS/PI Assistant

Jasper Moyer, Custodian

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Mission of Rockingham County5

The mission of Rockingham County Government is three pronged. First, the county government will serve

citizens with efficient and quality services. Second, provide open government for all citizens to participate.

Finally, promote opportunities for citizens to reach their best attainable quality of life.

Challenges Facing the County6

The county commissioners determined that the following are challenges facing the county:

Jobs and economic development for businesses large and small

Mental Health System

Cooperation and collaboration between political units(cities, state, etc..)

Preparing workforce for the 21st century

Aging population

Brain Drain – youth leaving

Money to meet needs

5 Board of Commissioner’s Meeting Minutes Dated 1.30.12


Overview of Rockingham County

An in-depth analysis called a “situational analysis” of Rockingham County was conducted to determine the emerging

trends and changes that faced the agency. Rockingham County was assessed through the following areas:

Demographics

Economic Trends

Social Trends

Infrastructure and Transportation

Technology

Political Climate

Criminal Activity

Education

Health

Mental Health

Nutrition

From the information mentioned above, the organization could surmise the opportunities and threats that could be

capitalized upon and overcame respectively strategic planning.

14

Communication between county entities (board, staff, etc…)

Gang activity/violence

Direct communications to citizens

Solid waste/recycling – State mandates

Keeping taxes low

Funding what is needed

Successes of the County7

The county determines that the following lists are some of the items that are successes for the

county:

Highway infrastructure

Knowledge of staff

Methane Project

Economic Development Staff

Citizen’s Academy

Project S.A.F.E. (gang violence)

Recycling Project

Water supply (rivers, infrastructure, capacity)

Quality education system

Rural character

Natural resources

Parks, environment

Population

Land Development

Installation of new county manager

Demographic Information

Between 2000 and 2009 Rockingham County experienced a population gain of 235 citizens.

This is an increase percentage of 0.3% which pales in comparison to the statewide population

growth rate of 16.1%. The areas of Mayodan and Reidsville account for the modest growth

experienced in the county. Table 1 below reveals the population change for each city in

Rockingham County. 8


8 Rockingham County Competitive Assessment Report January 2011

15

Population Change for NC and Rockingham County 2000-2011

Area 2009 Population Absolute Change

2000-2009

Percent Change 2000-2009

2010 2011

North Carolina 9,380,884 1,3021 16.1% 93,643 N/A

Rockingham County

92,252 253 0.3%

Eden 15,350 -502 -3.2%

Madison 2,246 -17 -0.8%

Mayodan 2608 110 4.5%

Reidsville 14,723 71 0.5%

Stoneville 971 -34 -3.4%

Wentworth 2,758 -21 -0.8%

Table 1

According to quickfact.census.gov, the overall population for Rockingham County has been

estimated at 93,643 individuals for the year 2010. The population estimate for 2011 had not been

revealed at the date of this assessment.

When studying the population mix of Rockingham County between 2000-2009, the number of

blacks and whites declined. This has been offset by the migration of Hispanics and other groups

of color into the county. Table 2 below reveals detailed information about the racial mix of

Rockingham County between 200-2010.9


16

Rockingham County Population Change by Race and Hispanic Origin 2000-2010

Area 2009 Population Absolute Change

2000-2009

Percent Change

2000-2009

2010

Population

Total 92,252 253 0.3% 93,643

Non-Hispanic 87,117 -2043 -2.3% 88,484

White 68,211 -1900 -2.7% 70,875

Black 17,403 -621 -3.4% 17,655

AIAN 270 39 16.9% 345

Asian 438 176 67.2% 430

NHPI 32 7 28.0 60

Two or More

Races

763 256 50.5% 1,670

Hispanic 5,135 2,296 80.9% 5,159

Table 2

At the date of this report 2011 estimates were not available.

Migration has been a driving force behind the county’s changing racial and ethnic composition

during the first decade of the new millennium. Table 3 below reveals the number of migrants

arriving and departing from Rockingham County. When the racial composition is factored into

the migration discussion, the Hispanic population is the key driving force.10

Number of Arriving and Departing Migrants, Rockingham County 2004-2008

Origin/Destination Arriving Migrants Departing Migrants Difference in Number

of Arriving and

Departing Migrants

Total 6,226 6,202 +24

Same State 3,688 4,131 -443

Different State 2,515 2,038 +477

Northeast 383 161 +222

Midwest 234 171 +63

South 1,153 1,059 +94

West 200 17 +183

Abroad 23 33 -10

Table 3

The increase in net migration has been offset by the net out migration of Rockingham County

Residents.

10

Rockingham County Competitive Assessment Report January 2011

17

Table 4 and 5 delineates the makeup of Rockingham County by age. From the information

below, it can be surmised that greater demand has been placed on the working population, age

18-64, to generate the tax revenues to take care of residents who are too old or too young to

contribute to the tax base. The population 65 years old, generally known as a non-income

generating population increased more rapidly than the working age population. This is opposite

from the trend seen state wide which reveals that the working age population increased by 15%

between 2000 and 2009. Rockingham County’s decline in the working age population may be

due to the lack of availability of jobs in the area.11

Rockingham County Population Change by Age 2000-2009

Age 2009 Population Absolute

Population

Change 00-09

Percent

Population

Change 00-09

2010

Population

<25 27,827 -650 -2.3 27,903

25-44 22,768 -4,171 -15.5% 22,637

45-64 26,905 3,996 17.4% 27,932

65+ 14,752 1,078 7.9% 15,171

Total 92,252 253 0.3% 93,643

Table 4

Dependency Ratios for Rockingham County 2000-2009

Indicator 2000 2009 Percentage Change

Total Dependency

Ratio

.62 .63 1.6

Old Age Dependency

Ratio

.24 .26 8.3

Ratio of Seniors to

Children <5

2.4 : 1 2.7 : 1 12.5

Table 5

11


18

2010 Preschool Age Data12

Number of Males

Under the Age of

4 Years Old

Number of

Females Under

the Age of 5

Years Old

Total Number

of 5 Year Old

% of Males % of Females

2,638 2,567 5,205 51% 50%

Table 6

Number of Households with Children Under the Age of 18 years Old13

Tot. # of

households

In Rockingham

County

Average

Household Size

Average

Family Size

2 Parent

Homes

Male One

Parent Home

Female One

Parent Home

38,693 2.39 persons 2.90 persons 6,400 965 2,817

Table 7

Housing Occupancy14

Tot.

Housing

Units

Occupied Vacant For Rent Rented

but not

occupied

For sale

only

Sold, Not

Occupied

Seasonal,

Recreational

Occasional

Use

Other

Vacancies

43,696 38,693 5,003 1,618 63 673 136 391 2,122

Table 8

Economic Data

Rockingham County continues to suffer from both the national economic recession and the local

economic decline in our agricultural, tobacco and manufacturing base. All three of our major

revenue sources (property taxes, sales taxes and investment earnings) remain below historic

levels of growth, although sales tax revenue is projected to grow by 4 % in the coming year. For

the first time in recent history the tax base value declined 0.64%

12

Rockingham County Quick Facts From the US Census Bureau

13 Rockingham County Quick Facts From the US Census Bureau


19

from 2010. Investment earnings were expected to decline from $350,000 budgeted in the 2011

to only $100,000 in 2012. The county use to expect close to $1 million in investment earnings

per year. Interest rates are at near record lows and as County investments mature, they are

unfortunately being replaced with extremely low yielding investments.15

For the past nine years Rockingham County has been in “budget reduction mode.” The major

source of revenue for the county has been the ad valorem tax growing at a rate of 1% to 1.5% per

year while expenses have been growing at 3% to 4% per year. Five years ago the general fund

was approximately 94 million dollars with 780 employees compared to the 82.6 million dollars

with 658 employees recommended for the 2011 fiscal year. The county manager at that time

was very concerned that if expenses continued to outgrow revenue that the county had to face the

difficult decision to determine the level of services to its citizens over the next two or more

years. As of June 2011, the county’s current tax base per capita was only 66% of the State’s

average. HE is quoted as saying “ it is very difficult, if not impossible, to provide the services

our citizen’s have come to expect and hold their tax rate down when available revenues are so

inadequate.” 16

In recommendations for the 2010-2011 fiscal year the previous county manager recommended a

2% midyear, cost of living increase for all county employees. At that time he was concerned that

the county’s pay plan had fallen so far behind market value that the potential for key department

heads and other professionals would leave the county for greater opportunities.17

Over the past two decades, Rockingham County has not been a major hub for major employment

or job generation. Between 1990 and 2007, the state of North Carolina created approximately

one million jobs. During this same time period, Rockingham County only created 2,609 jobs.18

Employment Trends in North Carolina and Rockingham County 1990-2007

Area Total Jobs Created Total Jobs Lost Net Employment

Change

North Carolina 6,476,262 5,481,467 994,795

Rockingham County 50,479 47,870 2,609

Table 9

15

Budget Message to the Rockingham County Board of Commissioners and Citizens Dated 6.1.11

16 Budget Message to the Rockingham County Board of Commissioners and Citizens Dated 6.1.11

17 Budget Message to the Rockingham County Board of Commissioners and Citizens Dated 6.1.11


20

Between 1990 and 2007, the North Carolina economy created 6.5 million jobs but lost 5.5

million jobs between 1990 and 2006. This is a net difference of approximately one million jobs

stated earlier, more specifically, 995,000 jobs. The majority of the jobs created in North

Carolina, 61% was due to firm expansion.19

When Rockingham County is examined during the same time period, 50,479 jobs were created.

Approximately 58% of these jobs were the result of employment generated by newly created

firms. The remaining percentages of jobs were mostly created by existing firms expanding

their operations. When the number of jobs losses are examined, data reveals that 47, 870 jobs

(66%) disappeared between 1990 and 2007. The majority of losses were due to what is known

as “firm death.” Firm Death is defined as firms going out of business. Research reveals that the

majority of these jobs in Rockingham County are manufacturing jobs.20

Research reveals that Rockingham County has a strong entrepreneurial spirit which is reflected

in the number of firm births in the area. The down side of this statement is that there is a high

failure rate of firms among newly created firms. To counteract the problem, the Rockingham

County Technology and Business Center is available to assist business owners with their

business plan needs.21

Finally, Rockingham County has been unsuccessful in recruiting new firms to the county. This is

evident in the fact that only 2% of in-migrating firms relocated to Rockingham County between

1990 and 2007. 22

Jobs Created Jobs Lost Net Employment Change

Firm Births

29,373 Firms Deaths

34,487 Births-Deaths

-2,114

Firm Expansions

20,192 Firm Contractions

16,383 Expansions – Contractions

3,809

In-Migrant

914 Out-Migration Firms

0 In-Migration – Out-

Migration

Firms

914

Total Jobs Created

50,479 Total Jobs Loss

47, 870 Total Created –Total Loss

2,69

Table 10

19





21

At this point in the assessment it is now appropriate to discuss the unemployment rate in

Rockingham County. According to the Rockingham County Competitive Assessment Report, the

county has been severely affected by both structural (ex. plant closings) and cyclical (ex.

recession) changes in the U.S. economy.

The table below will detail the civilian labor force estimates.23

Labor Force and Unemployment Rate of Rockingham County 2011

Jan Feb Mar Apr May June July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec

Labor Force 42586 42450 42586 42602 42408 42825 43037 42651 42925 43028 43157 43146

Employed 36974 37117 37673 37697 37757 37915 38158 37618 37949 38191 38345 38219

Unemployed 5612 5333 4913 4905 4651 4910 4879 5033 4976 4837 4812 4927

Rate % 13.2 12.6 11.5 11.5 11.0 11.5 11.3 11.8 11.6 11.2 11.1 11.4

Table 11

Historical data reveals that the unemployment rate in the county has steadily increased over the

past decade. In 2000 the unemployment rate was approximately 2.8% and jumped as high as

15.1% in February 2010. The figure below gives a pictorial description of the unemployment

trend in Rockingham County over the past decade.24

Figure 1 23 Employment Security Commission -

http://eslmi40.esc.state.nc.us/ThematicLAUS/clfasp/CLFSAAYResults.asp

24 The Capitalist Manifesto -http://www.economagic.com/em-cgi/data.exe/blsla/laupa37140003

22

The N.C. Department of Commerce annually ranks the state’s 100 counties based on economic

well-being and assigns each a tier designation. The 40 most distressed counties are designated as

Tier 1, the next 40 are Tier 2 and the 20 least distressed as Tier 3. The rankings are based on an

assessment of each county’s unemployment rate, median

household income, population growth, and assessed

property value per capita.25

Rockingham County continues to be

Designated as a Tier I county meaning an economically

distressed county

The table below will provide data demonstrating median family, household and disposable

incomes and income per capita for Rockingham County compared to North Carolina for years

2000, 2010 and 2015 projections.26

Location 2000

Median

Household

Income

2010

Median

Household

Income

2015

Median

Household

Income

2010

Disposable

Income

2000

Per

Capita

Income

2010

Per

Capita

Income

2015

Per

Capita

Income

Rockingham

County

$33,915 $41,806 $47,798 $34,508 $17,120 $20,607 $22,680

Table 12

25

Rockingham County Community Health Assessment, Chapter 3


Figure 2

23

Poverty estimates for Rockingham County are revealed below.27

According to the 2010 U.S. Census Bureau, there were 38,693 households in Rockingham

County. This is an increase of 1,693 (4.4%) households since 2006. Households owned with a

mortgage or loan were 16,871 (43.6%), owned free and clear 10,149 (26.2%), and renter

occupied were 11,673 (30.2%). The average household size was 2.39 and family size was 2.9.28

Rockingham County Household Type

Household Type Number Percent

Total Households 38,693 100%

Family Households [1]

26,168 67.6%

Male Householder 17,728 45.8%

Female Householder 8,440 21.8%

Nonfamily Households

12,525 32.4%

Male Householder 5,652 14.6%

Living Alone 4,725 12.2%

Female Householder 6,873 17.8%

Living Alone 6,166 15.9%

Table 14

27



The homeless rate in Rockingham County

According to the Homeless count conducted

February 2012 revealed 236 individuals.

According to Rockingham County Schools,

Homeless Liason, Ken Scott, the school

system has served 53 homeless students thus

far in the 2011 school year. The number of

students served this time last year by the

school system was 36 students. This is a 47%

increase.29

Table 13

24

The Department of Social Services for the County released the following information on Public

Assisted families and Foster Care/Child Protective Services.29

Recipient count for Workfirst: 481

Recipient count for Child Support: 4534

Recipient count for Adult Medicaid: 2,016

Recipient count for Food Stamps: 4,669

Recipient count for Food Stamps, Medicaid, and WorkFirst: 8,257

Recipient count for WorkFirst and Medicaid: 3,582

Recipient count for children under 5 recieving WIC: 1289

Number of child abuse and neglect suspected cases as of June 2011: 822

Number of suspected sexual abuse: 36

Number who is in need of services: 182

Foster Care Placement: 129

Based on reports given above and the reports given at the 2010 Social Service Advisory Board

Meeting, the number of children entering into foster care has been increasing over the past

several years. Professionals in this area are attributing the rise in the number of foster care

placements to increasing substance abuse usage and the economic strain on families. The number

of families receiving TANF, called Workfirst North Carolina is decreasing. This is attributed to

North Carolina’s “pay after performance” policy implemented October 2009. This means that

individuals receive their money after they complete 35 hours in the current month instead at the

beginning of the month. This policy came as a result of the budget shortage in North Carolina

and “pay after performance” was a strategy implemented by the state.30

The Partnership for Economic and Tourism Development and the Reidsville Area Foundation

recently hired Dr. James Johnson with the UNC School of Business to conduct an assessment of

the County and to help determine the most important things that the County as a whole needs to

do to promote a prosperous future. These six areas are as follows.31

1. Develop sustainable community economic development strategies

– rebrand Rockingham County as a sustainable community

2. Embrace diversity and make talent recruitment a core element of the sustainable community

economic development re-branding effort

3. WEB based re-branding and marketing strategy

4. Re-engineer K-12 education – especially around intellectual entrepreneurship

5. Nurture and grow the local elder care economy

6. Aggressively pursue regional collaborations.

29

Rockingham County Department Social Service as of February 2012

30 Minutes From 2011 Social Service Advisory Board Meeting


25

The former county manager stated ‘”these recommendations will take bold and community-wide

thinking and effort to bring about, but they are so important to reversing the downward course

the County is on now. The County government has a leadership role in helping to bring about

these strategies through responsible budgeting. The easy thing to do is to retrench, but the thing

that is needed most is to invest in the county’s future with responsible budgeting.”32

Social Climate

Rockingham County has recreational activities, restaurants, antique shops and other. The area

has two main rivers – The Mayo and Dan Rivers in Eden- that offer canoeing, rafting and other

boating type activities. There are several parks, local and state parks located within the boarders

of the county also. Unique antique shops are fluent in Reidsville, Eden and Madison-Mayodan.

Many chain restaurants and local ones are available for family dinning. The Reid House was

recently visited by President Obama for lunch on his return trip to the White House.33

Despite not having any major transportation system within the county, Rockingham County has

two cities of All American Cities status – Reidsville and Eden. Reidsville has been since 2008

and in 2011 Eden joined the ranks of the All American Cities Status.34

According to City-Data- 2012, the total number of adherents (individuals who hold a particular

belief in a faith or church) in Rockingham County is 35,686 compared to the state total of

3,651,416. The total number of congregations in Rockingham County is estimated at 162

compared to 11,132 in North Carolina.35

32

Budget Message to the Rockingham County Board of Commissioners and Citizens Dated 6.1.11

33 www.ncnorthstar.com

34 www.ci.eden.nc.us


26

Adherents

39%

6%24%

31%

S outhern B aptis t Wes leyan C hurchUnited Methodis t O ther

Religion Profile in Rockingham

County

Historically, the faith community has served as a vital institutional structure in Rockingham

County communities. Because leaders from faith and public health share the goal of improving

suffering to advance community health and wholeness, the faith community is a critical partner

in shifting social, behavioral, political, and economic determinants of health.36

According to Rockingham County Partnership for Economic and Tourism Development, the

terrain of Rockingham County is the perfect place to experience nature’s playground and the

numerous recreational activities that are found in our six municipalities. In Rockingham County,

you can play a round of golf, hit the lakes, go horseback riding, paddle the rivers, stroll along

greenways and trails, play in a park, visit historic sites or simply soak up the sun.37

In addition to providing amenities suitable for a day of fun for you and your family, Rockingham

County is equipped with facilities to host a variety of recreational and sporting events, whether

that is a baseball tournament, bike tour, golf tournament, canoe race or a team building event.

Table 17 will provide additional information of the types of recreational facilities/opportunities

available in Rockingham County.

36


37 http://www.ncnorthstar.com/

Number of Adherents

Southern Baptist 14,130

United Methodist 8,421

Wesleyan Church 2,114

Other 11,021

Table 15 Table 16

http://www.ncnorthstar.com/

27

Amenity Reidsville Wentworth Eden Madison Mayodan Stoneville

Parks and Recreation 14 1 11 5 4 1

Walking Trails and

Greenways

4 2 6 2 3 1

State Parks 0 0 0 0 1 0

Lakes and Rivers 2 0 4 2 2 1

Golf Courses 5 0 2 0 0 3

Equestrian Facilities 5 0 0 1 0 0

Local YMCAs offer family scholarships for memberships and after school care. Head Start has

benefited from these scholarships and water safety programs

In addition to the Rockingham County Sports and Recreation Facilities Guide, Rockingham

County Healthy Carolinians Partnership has provided a Physical Activity Resource Guide for

many years. This pocket size resource guide provides a listing of available physical activity

opportunities throughout the county and is updated annually.

Infrastructure and Transportation

The counties infrastructure allows access by two major by passes.

By pass 29 and 220, support commercial trucking. 220 is also the

future juncture for I73 and 29 and future I 785. When businesses consider

locating their business in the county, the infrastructure of the county,

plays a key role in the decision to relocate.38

Public transportation is limited in the county. The public transportation that is available to

citizens in the county consists of two taxi services in the county – Central Taxi Service in

Reidsville and Hamptons in Mayodan. Other providers are Pelham Transportation, Aging,

Disability, and Transit Authority and C&J Medical Transportation. These transportation

providers assist primarily in medical appointments. Unless individuals have their own methods

of transportation, they must rely on family, friends or one of the other methods.

38


Table 17


28

Technology

Citizens of Rockingham County have access to the internet if it is not available in their homes.

Libraries, job training centers and business centers throughout the county have computers

available for individuals use. There are hotspots throughout the county that allows citizens to

access the internet through a public network. An ongoing challenge of the county is its ability to

stay current with technological trends. For example, most neighboring counties have upgraded

to 4G network and Rockingham County still operates in 3G. In addition, cell phone coverage for

most of the major carriers is spotty both in town and in rural areas.

The Rockingham County Technology and Business Center is available to assist business owners

with their technology needs.

Political Climate

According to the Rockingham County Competitive Assessment report developed by the

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, it stated that sectionalism was a deterrent of

economic growth in Rockingham County. Sectionalism is defined as excessive regard for local

interest and possessing regional and local prejudices.39

Rockingham County has 58,706 registered voters. Of that number, 27,745 are registered

democrats and 18,430 registered republicans. Sixty-eight registered voters are Libertarians and

12,463 are unaffiliated.40

39



29

Criminal Activity

According to the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, There were a total of 155

registered sex offenders in Rockingham County in 2011.41

Table 8 will show Rockingham County’s County Offence Rates –Ten Year Trend and Table 9

will provide an Index Crime for each law enforcement agency in Rockingham County, 2009-

2010.42

Table 18

41

North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, 2011

42 42


Rockingham County, NC

County Offence Rates – Ten Year Trend

Year Index

Rate

Violent

Rate

Property

Rate

Murder

Rate

Rape

Rate

Robbery

Rate

Assault

Rate

Burglary

Rate

Larceny

Rate

MVT

Rate

Arson

Rate

2001 3,562.6 292.1 3,270.5 4.4 19.8 53.8 214.2 914.8 2,220.6 135.1 16.5

2002 4,169.1 305.0 3,864.1 4.4 12.1 91.4 197.1 1,285.1 2,412.7 166.3 6.6

2003 4,418.3 306.8 4,111.5 8.7 14.2 88.4 195.4 1,096.1 2,844.0 171.4 8.7

2004 4,466.9 274.5 4,192.3 9.8 6.6 96.2 161.9 1,180.2 2,829.5 182.7 17.5

2005 4,437.6 277.6 4,160.0 4.4 16.5 68.0 188.7 1,325.6 2,640.2 194.2 20.8

2006 4,718.4 258.7 4,459.7 6.6 6.6 68.3 177.2 1,301.2 2,922.8 235.6 14.3

2007 4,388.4 343.4 4,045.0 5.5 13.2 98.0 226.7 1,196.4 2,625.1 223.4 25.3

2008 4,606.6 339.7 4,266.9 5.5 15.4 75.0 243.7 1,288.1 2,752.7 226.1 9.9

2009 4,100.7 402.4 3,698.3 2.2 16.4 74.2 309.7 1,156.1 2,379.7 162.5 19.6

2010 4,051.0 318.9 3,732.1 3.3 8.7 63.1 243.8 1,159.1 2,389.0 183.9 7.6

30

Table 19

The information above reflects that most of the crimes committed in Rockingham County over

the past ten years were property rate, larceny and burglary with an average of 3980, 6202 and

1190 respectively. When individual cities are examined, larcenies and burglaries occurred the

most in the county region and in Reidsville years 2009 and 20010.43

Our research indicates that gang violence is increasing in the county.

43

43


Agency Year

Total

Index

Crime

Murder Rape Robbery Agg.

Assault Burglary Larceny

MV

Theft

Rockingham Co. Sheriff 2009 1,480 1 2 22 83 542 754 76

Rockingham Co. Sheriff 2010 1,367 1 2 16 54 480 721 93

Eden 2009 808 1 5 27 55 204 482 34

Eden 2010 925 5 19 68 232 556 45

Madison 2009 251 1 66 40 144

Madison 2010 190 45 36 107 2

Mayodan 2009 179 0 1 21 16 138 3

Mayodan 2010 261 1 4 17 24 212 3

Reidsville 2009 994 8 16 54 242 639 35

Reidsville 2010 941 2 0 19 36 279 579 26

Stoneville 2009 48 0 1 5 16 25 1

Stoneville 2010 38 4 14 20

Offense Totals 2009 3,760 2 15 68 284 1,060 2,182 149

Offense Totals 2010 3,722 3 8 58 224 1,065 2,195 169

31

Education

Rockingham County education system offers parents the opportunity to send their children to

preschool to secondary education. Besides Head Start there are two other major preschool

programs that are offered at no costs to parents. Preschool which is offered through the school

system, serves children mainly with a diagnosed disability. NC Pre-K is a state supported

program that serves four year old children entering kindergarten the following year. It should be

stated that Head Start, Preschool and NC Pre-K have working partnerships to serve the children

and families of Rockingham County. There are a number of private childcare facilities in the

county in which Head Start has a working partnership with one establishment n Eden, NC. The

Rockingham County School System has several schools recognized as schools of distinction.

The school system is a major player in the role of housing Head Start classrooms. The

Rockingham Community College offers local training and two year degree programs. After an

absence for years, there are several athletic programs to attract more students to its campus. The

woodworking and industrial technology programs are two of the main programs for the college.

There are job training facilities in each major city through Goodwill Industries. They offer

training in Reidsville and recently Eden. Plans are to do the same in Madison in the near future.

Also in Madison is the JRTC location. All of these sites also provide employment readiness/ job

search opportunities. Area universities and colleges in surrounding counties and states also

contribute to the educational opportunities.44

Rockingham County school system consists of 26 schools that

cover the Reidsville, Eden, Madison, Wentworth, Ruffin

and Stoneville areas. There are 16 elementary schools (K-5),

4 middle schools (6-8), high school (9-12), alternative (1).

Student enrollment for the 2010-2011 was 14,500.45

The Rockingham County Schools ethnic composition is comprised of the following: Multiracial-

4.9%; American Indian-0.3%; Asian-0.5%; Hispanic-9.9%; Black-20.8%; White-63.5%. 25 of

the 26 schools met their expected growth and the graduation rate from 2010 to 2011 was down

by .5%. The dropout rate decreased from 5.15% in 2009-2010 to 4.58% for the 2010-2011

school year.46

44

http://www.rock.k12.nc.us/site/default.aspx?PageID=1

45 http://www.rock.k12.nc.us/site/default.aspx?PageID=1





32

Average SAT Scores

Table 20

Reading Math Writing Total

2011 471 487 456 1414

2010 472 494 457 1423

2009 464 488 457 1409

Graduation Rate

Table 21

2010 - 2011 72.4%

2009 - 2010 72.9%

2008 - 2009 68.0%

Further examination of the charts below delineating the performance of Rockingham County

Schools, reveal that three of the four schools identified as priority schools during the 2010-2011

school year were elementary schools in which Head Start classrooms are located.47

2010-2011 School Performance Results

School Met

Expected Growth

Met High

Growth Met AYP Target Goals ABCs Status % Prof

Bethany Elementary X 12 out of 13 School of Distinction 80.8

Central Elementary X 11 out of 17 School of Progress 69.6

Dillard Elementary X X 13 out of 13 School of Progress 70.9

Douglass Elementary X 14 out of 19 School of Progress 70.4

Draper Elementary X X 13 out of 13 School of Priority 59.0

Huntsville Elementary X 13 out of 17 School of Progress 77.1

Lawsonville Avenue Elem. 9 out of 15 School of Priority 53.8

Leaksville-Spray Elem. X X X 17 out of 17 School of Distinction 80.2

Lincoln Elementary X X 14 out of 19 School of Progress 67.4

Monroeton Elementary X 10 out of 13 School of Progress 77.2

Moss Street Elementary X 10 out of 13 School of Priority 59.2

New Vision School X X 9 out of 9 School of Distinction 84.3

South End Elementary X X 11 out of 17 School of Progress 70.7

Stoneville Elementary X 9 out of 17 School of Progress 66.7

Wentworth Elementary X 12 out of 13 School of Distinction 80.9

Williamsburg Elementary X X 21 out of 23 School of Progress 71.6

Holmes Middle 18 out of 29 No Recognition 63.2

Reidsville Middle X 18 out of 29 School of Progress 62.7

Rockingham County Mid X X X 25 out of 25 School of Progress 79.4

Western Rockingham Mid X 17 out of 25 School of Progress 70.5

McMichael High X 9 out of 13 School of Progress 75.8

Morehead High X 15 out of 17 School of Progress 69.3

47



33

Reidsville High X X 12 out of 17 School of Progress 68.4

Rockingham County High X X 12 out of 13 School of Distinction 84.8

Rockingham Early College X X 9 out of 9 Honor School of Excellence 92.8

The SCORE CENTER X X X Special Eval. ---------------------- ----

RCS District-wide X 37 out of 60 ----------------------- ----

Table 22

SCHOOL STATUS LABELS48

PERFORMANCE LEVEL

Based on Percent of Students' Scores at or

Above

Achievement Level III

ACADEMIC GROWTH

Schools Making Expected Growth or High

Growth

Schools Making Less than Expected

Growth

90% to 100% Met AYP Honor Schools of Excellence

No Recognition AYP Not Met Schools of Excellence

80% to 89% Schools of Distinction

60% to 79% Schools of Progress

50% to 59% Priority Schools

Less than 50% Priority Schools Low-Performing*

Table 23

Rockingham County Schools-- CURRICULUM/ACADEMIC STANDARDS

All 26 schools in Rockingham County are part of the North Carolina's ABC's Testing and

Accountability Model. Rockingham County Schools have a strong emphasis in reading. These

fundamental concepts are integrated in all core and co-curricular areas. Math and science are

taught using inquiry based instruction with hands-on activities for students. In addition, they

have a well-rounded Cultural Arts Program and Career and Technical Education Program for all

students. Furthermore the schools offer a wide variety of instructional and extracurricular

programs to students. In addition to the North Carolina Standard Course of Students, students

have the opportunity to enroll in electives to enrich their educational experience.49

The Rockingham County Schools use the North Carolina Standard Course

of Study, the state's standards that teachers are required to teach at each

grade level. These are the standards that are assessed on the Literacy and

Mathematics Assessments in kindergarten through second grade and on the

End-of-Grade tests in grades three through five. The following link will lead

readers to NC Standard Course of Study. NC Standard Course of Study

48



http://www.dpi.state.nc.us/curriculum



34

The information below defines the school board’s educational goals. Rockingham County Head

Start fully supports the goals and academic standards of the Rockingham County Consolidated

Schools and has worked to align its academic goals with those of the school system in order to

ensure a smooth transition between agencies.50

North Carolina Public Schools' State Goal:

North Carolina Public Schools will produce globally competitive students.

Rockingham County Schools' Goals:

1. Develop and maintain career technical pathways which are designed to meet the

economic needs of the area.

2. All students achieve academic proficiency at the end of each grade level (K-12).

3. Continue to improve under-performing schools by providing the necessary resources.

4. Eliminate the achievement gaps (race, gender and socioeconomic).

5. Increase the number of schools that meet both federal and state academic goals.

6. Define measurable achievement goals for each individual school as well as the district.


North Carolina Public Schools will be leading twenty-first century professionals.


7. Every effort will be made to retain twenty-first century professionals to meet the

demands of a global economy.

8. Maintain a strong induction program for beginning teachers, as well as new teachers to

the district.

9. Focus recruiting efforts on attracting high quality personnel.


North Carolina Public Schools students will be healthy and responsible.


10. Continue to implement Character Education Programs for all students K-12.

11. Continuous planning and development of programs to promote schools which are free of

drugs, weapons, and disruptive behavior.

12. Create a customer-friendly environment for our students, parents, staff, and community.


Leadership will guide innovation in the North Carolina Public Schools.

50



35


13. Educational professionals will make decisions in collaboration with parents, students,

businesses, education institutions, faith-based organizations, and other community/civic

organizations to impact student success.

14. School leaders will create a culture that embraces change and promotes dynamic,

continuous improvement.

15. Continue to develop twenty-first century teaching and learning skills to promote a global

understanding as well as preparation for post secondary education.


North Carolina Public Schools will be governed and supported by twenty-first century systems.


16. Continue to move schools toward improving student achievement through alignment of

resources that are prioritized.

17. Begin work on Phase III construction projects, which are designed to provide twenty-first

century access to technology within a safe learning environment for students and staff.

There are challenges that affect service delivery of the school system as it pertains to Head Start.

Severe budget cuts in the school system may affect the amount of money charged for space

rental and other services received by Head Start students, which will mean a reduction in

available funds needed for daily classroom operations. Our research indicates that the school

system currently spends $4582.00 per student and if the funds are cut, Head Start will be

required to pay additional fees which may not be reflected in the program’s budget. The

diagrams below outlines the financial data for Rockingham County Schools outlined in their

2010-2011 Annual Report.51

Because of the economic situation and resulting issues in staff reduction, new teachers are not

attracted to Rockingham County. New teachers have a tendency to gravitate toward the bigger

school systems located in nearby counties such as Guilford and Forsyth because of greater

opportunities. As a result, competition for talent is increased. Staff reduction also affects the

frequency of services from professionals other than the regular teaching staff such as exceptional

child specialists, etc.

51


Figure 3


36

On a brighter note, the collaboration between the Rockingham County Head Start and the

Rockingham County Schools has been a beneficial one. Many of our classrooms are housed in

the school system which provides access to extracurricular activities and other services with little

to no costs as of the date of this report. The transition to Kindergarten is also smoother because

the families are already familiar with public school policies. However, the connection between

Head Start and kindergarten staff can be enhanced to ensure total success of not only the child

but the family as well.

Health/Nutrition/Mental Health/Disability

Rockingham County has two hospitals that serve Rockingham County. Morehead Memorial

Hospital located in Eden, NC and Annie Penn Hospital located in Reidsville. Annie Penn

Hospital no longer has a birthing center. Patients that have doctors in the Reidsville area are

forced to drive to Women’s Hospital in Greensboro to deliver.52

This becomes a problem for mothers who have limited transportation and income. The table

below outlines the number of births in Rockingham County and surrounding areas.

52

Community Health Assessment – Physical Health – Chapter 7

37

Number of Births Between 2002-200553

Hospital & County

Where Birth

Occurred

Total # of Births

for 2002-2005

% of All

Births

Morehead Memorial

Hospital

(Rockingham)

1572

36.97%

Annie Penn Hospital

(Rockingham)

1257

29.56%

Women’s Hospital

(Guilford)

1157

27.21%

Forsyth Memorial

Hospital (Forsyth)

165

3.88%

Other Rockingham 101 2.38%

Total 4252 100%

Table 24

Our research indicates that Rockingham County has a lower infant mortality rate than the state’s

average.

A major player in services is the Public Health Department provider. Citizens without family

physicians can go there for medical and dental services. Certain services are still provided to all

citizens and little or no cost, for example, students needing certain immunizations can get them

there for free until they become 18 years old. In Reidsville, the Free Clinic aids in assisting those

without any medical insurance coverage. Through faith based efforts, such as Reidsville First

Baptist Church on Main Street in Reidsville, NC, a free dental clinics help hundreds receive the

necessary dental care. Due to lack of dentists who accept Medicaid, referrals are often made to

dentist in neighboring counties.54

In Rockingham County the uninsured rate is 18%. These residents are using the free clinic and

health department as their primary-care doctors. Residents often have to commute 30 miles or

more to surrounding counties for specialized healthcare. Rockingham County is limited in the

53


54 Community Health Assessment – Progress – Chapter 2

Our research indicates that

Rockingham County has a lower

infant mortality rate than the state’s

average. In Rockingham County

there are 1,545 Primary Care doctors.

Among county residents surveyed,

84.7% of the population reported that

they have a primary-care doctor

while 15.3% reported that they didn’t

have a primary-care doctor.

38

number of physicians offering specialized care. For residents with transportation issues, this can

be a life threatening or life altering consequence.55

Residents of Rockingham County are unhealthy compared to

the state’s Human Development Index according to the County’s

Competitive Assessment Report. The leading cause of death among

citizens is heart disease. Today’s current obesity rate for 2 to 20 year

olds is 19.4%.56

According to DayMark Recovery, reported at Rockingham County Head Start’s 2010 Social

Service Advisory Board Meeting the following information was revealed:57

Increase in substance abuse, domestic violence, mental illness/personality

disorders, and child behavior problems

Mental illness/personality disorders are often undocumented due to no/limited

access to health care/resources

Child behaviors results from what is going on in the home.

There’s an increase in children living outside of the home with relatives; many

with grandparents.

Increase in young mothers with substance abuse issues and/or pregnant

More cases of aspergers syndrome which is similar to autism; and there’s been an

increase in 6yr/7yr old cases of bipolar diagnoses

During the last fiscal year (July 1-June 30), there were 1750 adults/children walk-

in cases to the Emergency Services

Rockingham County Schools has extensive programs to meet the needs of students with

disabilities. As of April 1, 2010, the school system identified and served 1,997 special needs

students ranging between the ages 3-21. About 12.5% of school age students are identified as

having a disability. Services for students with disabilities ranged from minor classroom and/or

therapy supports to extensive full time programs. According to the Department of Public

Instruction, the November 2007 edition amended June 2010, services in the school system are

provided under the following categorical designations:58

Autistic Hearing Impaired Intellectually Disabled - Severe

Multihandicapped Speech/Language Impaired Visually Impaired Behaviorally Emotionally Disabled Intellectually Disabled - Mild Orthopedically Impaired Traumatic Brain Injured Deaf/Blind Other Health Impaired Developmentally Delayed – Specific Learning Disabled – Intellectually Disabled(moderate)

55


56 Community Health Assessment – Physical Health – Chapter 7

57 Minutes From 2011 Social Service Advisory Board Meeting


Through Vocational Rehabilitation

Services, adults with disabilities can

receive job training to enter the

workforce.


39

Demographically

Aging community

Working class leaving the

county

Increased migration of the

Hispanic community

Increasing foster care cases

Decreasing TANF cases

Economically

Economically distressed

region

High unemployment rate

County budget shrinking

Socially

Religious

Small town appeal

Limited activities for

children, youth and

young adults

Infrastructure/Transportation

Near major highways

Limited public

transportation

Technology

Slower implementation of

technology advancements

Political Climate

Disunity and sectionalism

among certain sectors of

leadership

More registered democrats

in the county

Criminal Activity

Property damage,

burglaries and

Larcenies the largest

crimes committed

Gang violence

increasing

Educationally

The three elementary

schools identified as

“schools of priority” have

Head Start classrooms

3 of the 4 schools identified

as “schools of distinction

do not have Head Start

classrooms

3 of the 9 schools identified

as “schools of progress has

Head Start classrooms

School System

experiencing major budget

cuts

Working partnership with

the two major preschool

programs in the county

Health

Unhealthy compared to the

state in the Human

Development Index

Leading cause of death is

heart disease

Limited dentist who accept

Medicaid

Limited doctors who offer

specialized care

Nutrition

Increasing obesity rate

Mental Health

Increasing substance

abuse, mental illness,

personality disorders,

domestic violence and

child behavior problems

Disability

Resources in the

county to serve adults

and children with

disabilities.

A Snapshot of Rockingham

County

40

A Closer Look at Rockingham County Head Start

Mission Statement

We will provide a safe, nurturing, engaging, enjoyable, secure learning

environment, provide comprehensive child development services

(education, health, nutrition, disability, social services, and parent

involvement services) for children from three through five years of age.

The program will provide adequate, formally trained professional staff who are loving and

caring, and who focus on meeting the needs of all of our children and assisting families in

becoming self sufficient by addressing goals, concerns and their individual needs.

Staff will collaborate and establish partnerships with county agencies, schools, the community

college, and other county resources, to carry out the mission of Rockingham County Head Start.

Overview

Rockingham County Head Start has been progressive in its approach to serve the children and

families of Rockingham County. This is reflective in the programs last triennial review

conducted 5/1/11 to 5/6/11. The review indicated that Rockingham County Head Start was in

compliance with all applicable Head Start Performance Standards, laws, regulations and policy

requirements. Our 14 classrooms are designed to promote a safe, educational and fun learning

environment that enhances social-emotional growth. The teaching staff uses the Teaching

strategies Gold as a development guide when writing lesson plans, setting goals, and charting the

progress of each child. They also us the Be Active Kids Curriculum which allows an integration

of physical activities and food into the lesson plan. This also aids in the staff’s approach to

combating obesity. A Head Start Body Start grant was received in 2010-11 to increase physical

activity, outdoor play and healthy eating among Head Start children and families. More than

90% of the program staff continued to participate in some aspect of the County Wellness

program. This has enabled staff to be healthier and be examples to Head Start children and

families. Conscious Discipline is the approach used to direct and monitor behavior.

Staff Education, Skills and Training

To better serve and educate Head Start children, Rockingham County Head Start is taking the

needed steps to ensure all teachers and teacher assistants have the required degrees mandated

by the federal government. The table below outlines the teaching staff’s credentials. four year

and two year degrees respectively. The Education Manager continues to work close with

teaching staff to help them meet their goals. It should be stated that the program is on target in

meeting the educational requirements of both lead teacher and teacher assistants.

Overview of Rockingham County Head Start

41

Teacher Staff Educational Attainment

At least a Four

Year in Related

Field

Graduate

Degeree

At Least at Two

Year in Related

Field

Working

Towards a Two

Year Degree in a

Related Field

Working

Towards a Four

Year Degree in a

Related Field

Out of 14 Lead

Teacher 8

2 of which have a

Birth to

Kindergarten

Licensure

1

5

n/a

n/a

Out of 13

Teacher

Assistant

1

6

6

1

Table 25

There is one teacher vacancy, but all vacancies are filled with teachers with a four year degree in

a related field.

The Social Service/Parent Involvement staff are the individuals responsible for the Family

Partnership Agreement. The staff have undergoes ongoing training in the areas inclusive of but

not limited to parent involvement, effective case management, fatherhood and factors that place

families at risk. The staff’s educational attainment and skills are listed below.

Social Service Parent Involvement Education and Skills

High School

Diploma

At least a

Four Year

Degree

Family

Development

Credential

Graduate

Certifications

Fluent

Spanish both

written and

verbal

Out of 6

Family

Workers

4

2

4

1

2

Table 26

Currently there are two family service workers who are fluently both written and verbally in

Spanish. The issue in hiring more ESL staff is due to the limited pool of applicants with legal

standing and the competitive wages offered by the school system to employ ESL staff.

The management staff of Rockingham County Head Start has a plethora of trainings inclusive of

but not limited to: effective case management, parent involvement, health related issues, child

development, nutrition and federal monitoring reviews.

Management Education

High School Diploma At least a

Four Year

Degree

Graduate

Degree

Currently

enrolled

courses related

to management

Credential in

Childcare

Health

Advocate

Out of 5

Family

Workers

1

4

1

2

2

Table 27

42

Parent Involvement and Volunteerism

Head Start values the volunteer participation from the parent/guardians, other individuals and

support agencies. The in-kind that is received is generally better than the required rate. The

program usually generates around 25% from volunteers. These funds are required to help offset

non-federal related costs.

One area of concern in volunteering is the lack of male participation. Although the male

participation has not become as strong as the program would like, over the past three program

years, there has been an average of 35 fathers/males participating. One success of our program is

that parent involvement from our Hispanic parents is very high. Our Hispanic mothers enjoy

attending parent workshops and support groups. The program has headsets that our parents use

to hear the translation of the workshops and trainings. The parent involvement of our English

speaking parents is not as great or consistent as our Hispanic parents. The program continues to

seek new ways to get English speaking and fathers involved. The Head Start directly provides

parent trainings each month and conducts parent meetings each month at each center location.

Community Partnerships

Rockingham County Head Start has a great rapport with other support agencies. Currently, we

partner with the Rockingham County School system, NC Pre-K, North Carolina Senior Rural

Program and other human service agencies/churches in order to meet the needs of the families at

little or no cost. Collaborating with Rockingham Community College, Partnership for Children

and other training facilities, enable the staff to stay abreast of the latest trends in preschool

education. The program is exploring avenues to capture all community partnerships in a

informal contract by delineating the strengths of both programs and how each program will

benefit each other and the shared clientele.

Key Current Community Partnerships

This provided list is not the programs comprehensive list of community partners. The program’s

software, childplus, houses the information of all partners or agencies the program works with

throughout the year.59

Emergency/Crisis

Salvation Army- Medical prescriptions, food, rental assistance, utility assistance, clothing and

other emergency needs

Rockingham County Department of Social Services- Financial services to children and

families, food stamps, medical aid, rent assistance, and utility assistance

Northwestern Rockingham Ministries (Hands of God)- Food, medical prescriptions, utility

assistance, and other emergency needs

59

Rockingham County Community Resource List 2012-2012

43

Crisis/Counseling Services

Help Inc.- Safe shelter for domestic and sexual assault, counseling, and legal aid services

Daymark- Counseling, mental illness, developmental disabilities, substance abuse, and

psychiatric services

Youth Services (ages 7-17)- Individual and family counseling, teen court, Students of Success

program, Students of Promise program, parenting classes, and many others services

Youth Haven (ages 3-18)- Individual and family counseling, day treatment, respite services,

residential treatment, and many other services

Childcare Services

NC pre-K- Early childhood education for children ages 4-5

Rockingham County Department of Social Services- Financial assistance with daycare

expenses

Regional Child Care Resources and Referral- Referrals and information to daycare centers

throughout the county

YMCA- Before & afterschool car and summer camp

Employment & Training Services

Employment Security Commission- Career planning, training placement services, job search,

and many other services free of charge

Rockingham Community College- Job training, continued education, career readiness,

colleges courses, and many other services

Goodwill Industries- Job training, continued education, ESL classes, computer training, career

readiness, job search, and many other services

Health/Pregnancy/Medical

Rockingham Pregnancy Care Center- Pregnancy care services and assistance

Rockingham Public Health Dept- Health services at a low or no cost for families and children

Free Clinic of Reidsville- Health services at a low or no cost for adults

WIC- Nutritional services for pregnant women and children under 5 years old

Parenting/Education Services

Rockingham Pregnancy Care Center- Parenting classes for pregnant women or with infants

under one year of age

Parents as Teachers- Early childhood parent education and family support program

Parent Resource Center- Free material and resources to help children succeed in school, Tot-

N-Training program, and many other services

Housing

Reidsville Housing Authority- Subsidized housing assistance

Madison Housing Authority- Subsidized housing assistance

Help for Homeless- Housing assistance and shelter for homeless

families

44

Recreation & Youth Services

Reidsville Parks and Recreation Dept- Provides recreational and leisure activities for the

entire community

YMCA- Athletic programs, community outreach, water activities, fitness awareness &

education, and many other services

Boys and Girls Club- Athletic programs and supervised activities

Agencies that provide operational services to the Head Start program at little to no cost:

Rockingham County Schools

Cheshire Center

Rockingham County Schools Migrant Office

Rockingham County Partnership for Children

Doctors that serve the majority of Head Start Children

Belmont Medical Associates

Dayspring

Dr. Knowlton

Dr. Tapper

Piedmont Occupational/General Medicine

Premier Pediatarics

Reidsville Family Medicine

Rockingham County Health Department

Triad Medicine and Pediatarics

Western Rockingham Family Medicine

Dentist that serve the Primary of Head Start Children

Smile Starters

Dr. Cobb

Dr. Jefferies

Dr. Chrisp

Atlantis Dentistry

Dr. Barrett

Dr. Kallem

Eden Family Dentistry

Rockingham Family Dentistry

Rockingham County Dental Clinic

Monitoring and Communication

Monitoring of the program requires support of all staff. A more comprehensive monitoring tool

will be developed to ensure program success. This new comprehensive monitoring tool will

review the program in all areas to ensure all areas are in alignment with Head Start Performance

Standards/Regulations.

Effective communication is key to this process. Our goal is to maintain a communication system

that will enable the program to facilitate and share data as needed between staff and parents,

governing body, and other agencies/community partners. Currently, the program conducts what

45

we call in Rockingham County a “Risk Assessment.” This is a time for all staff to come together

to determine the factors that places the child and/or his family at risk. A plan of action is

developed and responsible staff are assigned for various tasks. Within the 30 to 60 days, the team

reconvenes to give status updates and reports. This does not mean that communication is not

occurring between Risk Assessment meetings. As it relates to our parents, a end of the year

survey is conducted. Our parents are asked to give honest feedback on the programs and services

received through the program. The monthly parent meetings are another structured way in which

parents have an opportunity to give feedback to the program.

Finally, in January 2012, the program established a teacher advisory committee to increase the

communication between the classroom and the central office. In addition, this advisory

committee assists the program in planning activities for staff and parents. The committee was

established based on the feedback on an employee survey completed December 2011. The

survey revealed that staff felt more communication was needed between staff and that

responsibility/quality of work by management should be increased. Although the program has

made efforts to increase communication between staff, silos still exist within the program.

Emerging Populations and Categorically Eligible Children

ESL will be an effective tool used to work better with families lacking English Proficiency. Head

Start has staff on board to address the needs of the Hispanic community. Although there are two

full time employees who speak and write Spanish fluently, the workers are stressed. This is due

to the increasing number of Hispanic families enrolling in the program and the limited number of

services available to the families. One key factor related to the limited number of resources has

to do with the fact that a large number of enrolled families are undocumented. The number of

foster children in Rockingham County is on the rise; therefore, the program is developing

stronger relationships with the Foster Care Department. The program is expecting to receive

automatic referrals from the foster care agency if there is a child 3 to 5 years old that has been

placed. The program is currently formalizing a working relationship with the school system’s

homeless liaison to receive any families identified as homeless with preschool age children. The

program continues to identify public assisted families but realizes the number of families

receiving TANF in the county is dwindling due to the current policy change of pay after

performance.

Advisory Boards

The selection and enrollment of children in the program is based upon the Enrollment,

Recruitment, Selection, Eligibility and Assessment (ERSEA) criteria are being met. The

selection criteria is reviewed annually and includes areas that affect the needs of the children and

families in Rockingham County. The selection criterion is used to assure that children and

families with the greatest needs are enrolled in the program first. The Social Service Advisory

Committee which reviews the selection criteria has great participation from community partners

and parents.

The Health Advisory Committee is one of the mandated groups that need to be implemented in

Head Start each year. This committee meets at least once a year; if not twice as scheduling

46

permits. The committee has very good attendance by professionals, staff, community partners,

and parents. Some of the items discussed at past meetings have included health fairs, problems in

the Head Start classrooms and new forms that are used for health data. The group helps

determine the programs health objectives, advises in all areas such as problem solving,

developing policies and identifying need. The HAC provides overall support for the program.

The program’s Education Advisory Committee is comprised of teachers and parents. The

objective of the Education Advisory Committee is to receive input on best practices for

classroom instruction and management. The committee always has parent representation at

meetings.

Transportation

Transportation is also offered to families showing the greatest need for transportation. It should

be stated that the number of families requesting bus services has been increasing over the years.

This is in direct relation to increasing unemployment rate in the county. Although the program

offers transportation, it is limited. The program has four buses that serve the entire county. Bus

drivers and monitors receive on –going training. At the beginning of the each year, all required

training is scheduled prior to transporting children. They also perform a daily a.m. and p.m.

inspection prior to beginning their routes. Any problems affecting the safety of the children are

reported immediately to the Head Start office where it will be handled immediately. A plus for

the program is that the business that services the program’s vehicles will donate some services as

in-kind to the program. The rising cost of gas is an issue for the program, but the program is

charged a reduced rate by the county which is much cheaper than if the program had to handle

the issue on its own. It must be stated that our transportation department receives the majority of

the complaints by our parents in the end of the year survey. The program realizes that most of

the complaints are a result of the limited services offered in this area.

Program Design and Management

Because the Head Start program is a county agency, the program benefits from the services of

the county. Fiscal and Human Resource Management are two key areas that benefit from the

governance of the county. Fiscal responsibility is ensured the county’s plethora of checks and

balances in this area. In addition, the program is in accordance with all policies related to Human

Resources. It should be stated that the county’s finance department received an award

recognizing their accomplishments in financial management.

When parent involvement is examined from the perspective of governance issues, parents start

off strong in the beginning but lose interest typically after the holiday season. Another issue that

the program is examining is the level of understanding parents possess of Head Start in order to

make informed decisions. Parents undergo training at the parent committee and policy council

level to learn about the program.

Strengths and Weaknesses of Rockingham County Head Start Families

In Rockingham County Head Start we have 30 children that have been labeled with a Disability and have

an IEP (Individual Education Plan), 4 of those children being labeled Developmentally Delayed, 1 with

47

Autism, and 25 with Speech/language delays. These children receive services through Rockingham

County Schools and also The Cheshire Center which provides speech therapist for the Medicaid children.

These children receive services directly in the classroom.

With the increase of Hispanic population in Rockingham County, one of the major needs is more

bilingual therapist. Currently, there is one bilingual therapist available in the county. Because of this

shortage, the process of evaluation is slow especially for Hispanic children who may need a full

evaluation. There is also a need for more occupational therapist in our county. There are only three

occupational therapists which results in a delay in evaluations and delivery of services. Finally, there is a

big need in our county for support groups for parents of children with disabilities.

When a formal discussion was held with the Social Service/Parent Involvement staff (Family Service

Workers), the staff determined that the following were strengths and weaknesses of the Head Start

Families.

Strengths:

1. More Hispanic parents are attending ESL classes to improve English proficiency

2. An increased desire by all parents to obtain job training and education at all levels

3. Increased ability by all parents to access transportation

4. More Hispanic families with two parent homes

5. Increased desire by parents to see their child prepared for kindergarten and taking an interest

through the Family Partnership Agreement

Needs:

Better employment opportunities, especially with individuals with a criminal record

Better affordable housing

Hispanic families receiving legal status to remain in the United States

Increased parenting skills especially in dealing with challenging behaviors

Placement homes for children in foster care

Rockingham County Head Start analyzed program data reflecting school years 2007-2008, 2008-

2009, 2009-2010 and 2010-2011.60

As data was analyzed

The total number of families enrolled in the program has fluctuated over the years. This reflects the

programs turnover rate. It must be stated that the program has instituted an attendance policy and

procedure that monitors attendance carefully. If it is deemed that the absences are not warranted and

interventions have been made to keep the family enrolled, the program has no choice to drop the family in

order to enroll a family where services can be extended.

60

PIR Reports School Years 2007,2008, 2009 and 2010

48

School Year Total

2007 255

2008 269

2009 281

2010 256

Table 28

The number of families experiencing unemployment in two parent homes has seen modest

fluctuations where both parents are unemployed. It should be stated that some of these families have

a parent that chooses to stay at home. When the data from one parent homes are analyzed, the

number of parent unemployed has increased between 2007-2010. The most significant increase in

unemployment stats are seen between the years 2007-2008 for both one and two parent homes.

School

Year

Number

of

Families

Two Parent

Families Both

Parents

Unemployed

Two Parent

Families

One Parent

employed

Two Parent

Families in

Job Training/

School

One Parent

Families

Unemployed

One Parent

Families Job

Training/

School

2007-

2008

255 15 51 2 70 21

2008-

2009

269 15 71 1 81 19

2009-

2010

281 14 74 3 86 25

2010-

2011

256 16 68 0 90 7

Table 29

Public Assisted Families

School Year SSI TANF

2007 20 27

2008 17 30

2009 N/A n/a

2010 23 23

Table 30

Total number of families enrolled in

Rockingham County Head Start, 2007-2010

49

The total number of children who left the program and did not re-enroll was as follows:

2007-2008 = 26

2008-2009= 38

2009-2010= 48

2010-2011= 25

Our population of Hispanic children has continually increased each year.

2007-2008=57

2008-2009=70

2009-2010= 85

The number of families having emergency crisis/intervention has decreased for the year of

2010.

2007-2008=99

2008-2009= 146

2009-2010= 81

The total number of families served through the Family Partnership Agreement has

increased each year.

2007-2008=255

2008-2009=269

2009-2010=281

2010-2011 = 256

School Year Number of

Identified Goals

Percentage Goals Met

Fully

Number of Identified

Needs

Percentage of

Needs Met

Fully

2007-2008 n/a 47.10% n/a 93.1%

2008-2009 246 55% 878 92%

2009-2010 254 69% 786 93%

2010-2011 347 55.6% 899 93.9%

Table 31

50

The number of fathers involved has changed a small amount from the previous years.

2007-2008 = 47

2008-2009 = 33

2009-2010 = 38

Housing assistance has decreased over the years.

2007-2008 = 51

2008-2009 = 27

2009-2010 = 7

The number of children at enrollment with no insurance was higher in 2010 than in the

years prior.

2008 = 21

2009 = 8

2010 = 35

Children who have an IEP (individual education plan) has decreased over the past years.

2009 =18.65%

2010 = 15.87%

2011 14%

Children in 2010 needed less professional dental treatment compared to 2009 stats.

2010 (8.77%)

2009 (10.95%)

WIC families has fluctuated over the years.

2007-2008 =112

2008-2009 =162

2009-2010 =143

51

Transportation has increased for the most part for our Head Start children.

2007-2008=110

2008-2009=154

2009-2010=150

Children who are transitioning into Kindergarten have varied. This is due to North

Carolina’s initiative to serve four year olds entering kindergarten the next year. This new

program has caused Head Start to enroll fewer four year olds due to their enrollment in the

State’s NC Pre-K program. Head Start has been able to counteract this area by partnering

with our local program to serve a percentage of these four year olds in the county.

2007-2008= 160

2008-2009=122

2009-2010=146

A medical home for children is a must. The children who had a medical home at the end of

the enrollment years were higher.

2007-2008=274

2008-2009=280

2009-2010=288

Mental Health services has been on the increase in the past years.

2007-2008 = 8

2008-2009 = 4

2009-2010 = 4

Medicaid children at the end of the enrollment year:

2007-2008=257

2008-2009=251

2009-2010=286

52

Children diagnosed with Asthma are definitely on the increase.

2007-2008 = 11

2008-2009 = 17

2009-2011 = (35).

The outcomes of children as of 2010-2011 data. Information prior to 2010 was not

available. 61

Out of 13 items in social-emotional, 59% of enrolled children meet 50% or less of the benchmarks

Out of 16 items in cognitive development, 72% of enrolled children meet 50% or less of the benchmarks

Out of 29 physical development benchmarks, 71% of enrolled children meet 50% or less.

Out of 13 language development benchmarks, 87% of enrolled children meet 50% or less

Preschool classroom teachers that have met degree/credential requirements have increased.

2009=21.43%

2010=35.71%

Based on the Survey from the 2010 school year, our parents overall feel that Head Start is

meeting the needs of our families through efficient and effective service delivery. 115

parents participated in the end of the year survey, which represents 45.6% of families

enrolled that year. The information below indicates the areas that need improvement.62

Unacceptable Needs improvement

General Questions 1 8

Health Services 0 10

Mental Health / Disabilities 0 9

Parent Involvement 0 5

Education 0 10

Transportation Services 3 15

Total 4 57

61

Creative Curriculum Assessment 2010

6262 End of the Year Survey School Year 2010

53

A Snapshot of Rockingham

County Head Start

Great Hispanic Parent

Involvement

Limited services in all areas

for Hispanic children and

their families

Increased incidences of

asthma and obesity

Great operational support

and benefits from the county

government (Grantee)

Barriers in communication

still exist

More parents taking their

children to receive dental

services

Well-trained and educated

staff in the classroom and in

the main office

Most if not all enrolled

children have a medical

home

Low parent involvement

from English speaking

parents and fathers.

Timely documentation of

child outcomes

Not all records are

computerized

Education and behavior

management curriculum that

aligns with the local school

system

Systems in place to receive

feedback from parents and

staff

Increasing Hispanic

population enrolled in the

program

High percentage of parent

engaged in the Family

Partnership Agreement

Outdated or no computers

and software in classrooms

and main office

Great community

partnerships

ESL staff in place who can

speak and write Spanish

54

SWOT ANALYSIS

The management staff of Rockingham County Head Start utilized the SWOT Analysis method to

determine the strengths and weaknesses of the program. In addition, the external environment,

Rockingham County was evaluated to determine any opportunities or threats that faced the program.

Based on the information below, the fourteen recommendations outlined in the executive summary were

developed to:

1. Maximize program strengths to capitalize upon opportunities and minimize threats

2. Minimize program weaknesses to capitalize upon opportunities and minimize threats

Strengths Weaknesses

1. Mission statement in place 2. Strong partnerships 3. Low staff turnover 4. Consistent delivery of services 5. Access to the internet 6. Overall parents are satisfied with the program 7. Long standing in the community 8. A strong culture for continued training 9. Ability to provide transportation 10. Classrooms with exceptional star ratings 11. Systems in place to receive feedback from staff and

parents

1. Not all records computerized 2. Outdated or defective computers and software 3. Not all staff well versed in the policies and

procedures of Head Start 4. Timely delivery of services can be questioned at

times 5. Comprehensive marketing plan 6. Comprehensive monitoring plan 7. Lack of Birth to Kindergarten teachers 8. Management not included in all areas of planning 9. Limited knowledge of the CLASS initiative 10. Limited knowledge of the School Readiness

Initiative 11. Communication still exists in silos

Opportunities Threats

1. Pool of potential applicants in foster care placement

2. Grants on the local, state and national level 3. Continued pool of potential applicants below the

poverty line 4. To educate families on health related matters 5. To educate families on matters related to the

county and cities within Rockingham County 6. To connect parents to resources related to job

training and continued education 7. To hire parents as potential staff members 8. Merger of all the three major preschool programs

in the county 9. To partner and/or collaborate with businesses and

agencies to share delivery of services and costs

1. Lack of employment opportunities for parents 2. Current services rendered free or at a reduced rate

may cease due to continued budgetary matters with the school system and county government

3. Loss of Grantee – Rockingham County Gov. 4. Loss of revenue streams, NC Pre-K 5. Rising costs of gas, health insurance and other

vendors/services 6. Key leaders lack of knowledge concerning Head

Start 7. Increased rental costs of classroom space not

located in the school system 8. New standards related to re-competition in Head

Start 9. New Reauthorization standards 10. Continued disconnect between school system and

preschool 10. Merger of all the three major preschool programs

in the county

Table 32

ASSESSMENT

55

Table 1. Population change for North Carolina and Rockingham County, 2000-2011

Table 2. Rockingham County population change by race & Hispanic origin, 2000-2010

Table 3. Number of arriving and departing migrants, 2004-2008

Table 4. Rockingham County population by age, 2000-2009

Table 5. Dependency rations, 2000-2009

Table 6. Preschool-aged data, 2010

Table 7. Number of households with children under age 18 years old

Table 8. Housing occupancy

Table 9. Employment trends in North Carolina and Rockingham county, 1990-2007

Table 10. Jobs created and jobs lost

Table 11. Labor force and unemployment rate, Rockingham County, 2011

Table 12. Household income data 2000, 2010, 2015

Table 13. Poverty estimates, 2000, 2010

Table 14. Rockingham county household type

Table 15. Religious profile of Rockingham County

Table 16. Religious profile of Rockingham County

Table 17. Recreational facilities and opportunities, Rockingham County

Table 18. Rockingham County offenses rate, 10 year trend

Table 19. Rockingham County offenses rate, 10 year trend

Table 20. Average SAT scores

Table 21. Average graduation rate

Table 22. School performance report, 2010-2011

Table 23. School status labels

Table 24. Number of births between 2002-2005

Table 25. Rockingham County Head Start -teacher/staff educational attainment

APPENDIX

56

Table 26. Rockingham County Head Start Social Service/Parent Involvement education and

skills

Table 27. Rockingham County Head Start management education

Table 28. Total number of families enrolled in Rockingham County Head Start, 2007-2010

Table 29. Rockingham County Head Start parent employment, job training/school data, 2007-

2010

Table 30. Total number of public assisted families, Rockingham County Head Start, 2007-2010

Table 31. Percentage of family goals & needs met fully

Table 32. SWOT Analysis

57

Figure 1. Unemployment rate, Rockingham County, 2000-2012

Figure 2. North Carolina (by county) economic well-being

Figure 3. Financial data, Rockingham County Schools

rockingham county head start community assessment report, 2012- 2013

Documents

achieve uncommon

national civic

american city

school head

head start

working age

rockingham

head start