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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1992-04-21 - AGENDA REPORTS - HEAD START FACILITIES NEWHALL (2)NEW BUSINESS DATE: SUBJECT: DEPARTMENT: BACKGROUND AGENDA REPORT City Manager Approval Item to be presented by George Caravalho APRIL 21, 1992 HEAD START FACILITIES AT NEWHALL PARK CITY MANAGER On May 28, 1991, staff presented to Council a proposal for implementation of two Head Start program sites: 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. Council had previously approved allocation of.CDBG funds in the amount of $100,000 for the purchase of an .additional modular unit to be placed adjacent to the Head Start modular at Newhall Park in order to provide full-day child care for working residents of East Newhall. Council approved staff's recommendation to proceed with the implementation process of modular buildings for child care programs at Newhall Park. Since the May meeting, staff has worked with LACA and Head Start towards the completion of this project by July 1, 1992. The Head Start modular is to be located to the west of the new Boys and Girls Club gymnasium. At the April 2, 1992, Parks and Recreation Commission meeting, Commissioners requested that Council clarify the procedures that were taken to place these modular buildings at Newhall Park. Attached, for Council's review, is the letter from the Parks and Recreation Commission. RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that Council direct staff to proceed with this project. Letter from Parks and Recreation Commission Agenda Report, May 28, 1991, Report on Potential Head Start Facilities GC/CAB:mat PRCOUNC.106 too - Agenda Item: City of Santa Clarita 23920 Valencia Blvd. Suite 300 City of Santa Clarita California 91355 April 3, 1992 Phone (805)259-2489 Fax (805) 259-8125 Mayor Jill Klajic and City Council City of Santa Clarita 23920 Valencia Boulevard Santa Clarita, CA 91355 Dear Mayor Klajic and City Council: It has been brought to our attention that the Head Start Program modular buildings are currently scheduled to be placed behind the Boys and Girls Club gym at Newhall Park. The Parks and Recreation Commission was unaware of this proposed placement in the Park. The Commission is requesting clarification of procedures taken to placethese modular buildings at Newhall Park. It has also come to our attention that the public is unaware of this project. We ask that you give attention to these issues, as this project is scheduled for completion by July 1, 1992. Please advise your Parks and Recreation Commission on how we can be of assistance to you concerning these matters. Sincerely, Todd Longshore, hairman Parks and Recreation Commission TL:mat PRCOMMIS.597 AGENDA REPORT City Manager Approval •Item to be presented by: NEW BUSINESS Jeff Kolin DATE: MAY 28, 1991 j SUBJECT: REPORT ON POTENTIAL HEAD START FACILITIES DEPARTMENT: PARKS AND RECREATION BACKGROUND 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 ,J16 large budgetary allocations for Head Start. The City's Child Care Coordinator, in cooperation with the Latin American Civic Association, the grantee operator RIUov 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. Methodolopy - 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 school district 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 they policy as *additionally insured.* LACA will cover the cost of the addition 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 l will, provide. for a "model,.collaborative.. effort!. betweenCity 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. JK/MP:skh PRCOUNC 25 G�