HomeMy WebLinkAbout1991-05-28 - AGENDA REPORTS - HEAD START FACILITIES (2),
AGENDA REPORT
City Manager Approval
Item to be presented by:
Jeff Kolin
DATE: MAY 28, 1991
SUBJECT: REPORT ON POTENTIAL HEAD START
DEPARTMENT: PARKS AND RECREATION
In the 25 years since its inception, more than 11 million economically
disadvantaged children and their families have benefited from the health,
educational, and social services provided by Head. Start (National' Head Start
Association 1990). It is estimated that over one-half million children attended
Head Start in 1990 alone (Committee on Labor and Human Resources 1990). Both
the Bush Administration and Congress are showing their support by proposing
large budgetary allocations for Head Start. The City's Child Care Coordinator,
in cooperation with the Latin American Civic Association, the grantee operator
for the Santa Clarita Valley, has initiated action in order to respond to the
community's need for expanded Head Start availability.
Head Start State Preschool is a Federal and State funded child .development
program serving low income families free of charge. There are seven components
that make up this comprehensive community service including:
• A partial day education program
. Parent involvement in planning and evaluation
. Physical and dental examinations as well as health education
. Service to special needs and developmentally disabled (State mandate)
Mental health
Nutrition education, meals and snacks
Social services to families
The programs in the Santa Clarita Valley would be provided by the Latin American
Civic Association (LACA), a private, non-profit community-based organization.
LACA specializes in providing 82 Head Start preschool programs throughout the
greater San Fernando Valley.
Methodolo¢v - Several means of assessment, including a community meeting with
residents of East Newhall; a petition of residents.and migrant population in the
target areas (requested by Head Start Office); and ongoing communication with
the Los- Angeles County Community Service Center, have been used to determine
that there is a definite need and community support.for Head Start Programs in
this valley.
Proposal - With the approval of the Santa Clarita City Council, the Child Care
Coordinator is ready to move forward to implement the following proposal:
It is requested that -allocation of park space be shared with LACA for
the provision of a modular structure; fenced play area with equipment ;
and a.funded, staffed program. All structures are state approved with
APPEED
rict approved earthquake protective measures. Agenda Item:
All land development, including sewer, water hook-ups, play area, and
landscaping will be provided by LACA. All hook-ups will be done
according to County and City code requirements. There will be no
additional cost to the City.
State required space for the facility (structure) is 4,875 square feet,
and 1,275 square feet of outdoor space in order to provide a higher
quality, supervised play area for low income children.
Under the current Head Start expansion,' LACA will be granted funds for
multiple sites. In order to access these funds for the benefit of the
most children possible,, two program sites are proposed. The sites would
be developed concurrently at Newhall Park and at one of the new park
sites in the recently incorporated areas of Canyon Country.
Sixty children would be .serviced at each facility; half .in a morning
program and half in an afternoon session. A total of 120 families would
be serviced with a high quality program designed to meet their needs.
Liability for this endeavor will be covered by LACA with the City listed
on the policy as "additionally insured." LACA will cover the cost of
theaddition of the City to their policy.
It should be noted that the recently approved Community Development
Block Grant Funding of $100,000 for a modular structure in Newhall Park
will provide for a "model collaborative effort" between City and State
to ensure working residents of East Newhall with full-day child care for
their children. This cooperative effort between LACA, Head Start, and
the City will give even more families a chance at accessible,
affordable, quality child care.
It is recommended that the City Council authorize placement of a Head start
modular structure on City land.
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State Preschool/Head Start
T 1248 KEWEN STREET
SAN FERNANDO, CALIFORNIA 91340
361-8641
RALPH ARRIOLA
Project Director
May 21, 1991
Mr. John Kolin, Director
Parks and. Recreation Department
City of Santa Clarita
23920 Valencia Boulevard
Santa Clarita, CA 91355
Dear Mr. Kolin:
This letter is to reassure you and the City of Santa Clarita
that we would prefer to enter into a lease agreement with the
City for a. minimum of five (5) years with an option of five (5)
additional years. It is my understanding that the lease
agreement will be at a minimal cost or no cost to our Agency.
We will place a new portable building in your park and look
forward to providing years of preschool service to your
community. The current estimates for our.Agency to -purchase and
install the portable building is in excess of $125,000.00.
Further reassurance to your office and -the City is that the
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (Federal Government)
who funds our program annually has increased the funding level
for 1991-92 in the amount of $399,800,000.00 for the total
nation. As indicated in our proposal to you, we have been funded
by the Federal government for the last 26 years and look to
continue such funding in years to come.
We hope that you will consider the above factors in making
your decision.
If you should need any further information and/or documents,
please call Mr. Dennis Kira in our office.
i rLrri
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Executive Director
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MAY 2")1991
E CITY Of SAMTArCLAR TA