HEAD START OMAHA PUBLIC SCHOOLS DISTRICT MISSION STATEMENT COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS: PROGRAM YEAR. Annual Report to the Public

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1 COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS: Charles Drew Dental Program Charles Drew Healthy Families Program Child Saving Institute - 'Kids Squad' Creighton University Dental Program Creighton University Pediatric Dental Program Douglas County Childhood Lead Prevention Program Douglas County Health Department Foster Grandparent Program / Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging Holistic Health Program Mobile Dental Center Omaha Healthy Start - 'Fathers for a Lifetime' One World Community Health Center Parent Training & Information Center of Nebraska (PTI NE) University of Nebraska Nutrition Education Program UNMC Pediatric Dental Program Urban League of Omaha PROGRAM YEAR OMAHA PUBLIC SCHOOLS DISTRICT HEAD START OPS HEAD START 2906 NORTH 30TH ST OMAHA, NE Annual Report to the Public PHONE: FAX: MISSION STATEMENT TO ENSURE THE DELIVERY OF HIGH QUALITY, COMPREHENSIVE SERVICES TO A DIVERSE POPULATION OF CHILDREN AND FAMILIES THROUGHOUT DOUGLAS COUNTY. Omaha Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, age, genetic information, citizenship status, or economic status in its programs, activities and employment and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following individual has been designated to address inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Superintendent of Schools, 3215 Cuming Street, Omaha, NE ( ). Budget period: to

2 Message What We Do The Head Start program of the Omaha Public Schools is dedicated to providing the highest quality services to our children and their families. It is with that in mind that we present to you our accomplishments for the program year ending in It is through perseverance that we have implemented high quality early learning environments that stimulate children s learning and development. We take pride in knowing that we provide opportunities for parents to become involved in their child s education, prepared to advocate to their child, and on track to reaching their full potential. We look forward to continued partnerships with the confidence that we will embrace new challenges as opportunities to improve upon our services to children and families. We want to thank our parents/guardians, our staff, all volunteers, the Omaha Public Schools Board of Education, and our community partners for their contributions, knowledge and expertise. We hope you will join us as we strive towards excellence in the coming years. The Omaha Public Schools (OPS) Head Start Program is a federally funded center-based program that provides services to children 0-5 years of age who are from predominately low-income families. OPS is the Early Head Start (EHS) and Head Start (HS) grantee for Douglas County, Nebraska. OPS provide services to children 3-5 years of age and their families. Our delegate, Educare Center of Omaha, provides the Early Head Start services to infants and toddlers ages 0-3 as well as some Head Start services for preschoolers ages 3-5. Our objective is to: provide children and their families with comprehensive services that will allow them to succeed in school and in life, work with 3-5 year old children in an effort to equip them with readiness for school, and Sincerely, Cindy Rasmussen Supervisor assist all families by helping them to set achievable goals in areas of most concern to them. 1 2

3 Parent Engagement & Fatherhood Parent Engagement & Fatherhood Family involvement activities and events were planned using parent feedback on interest surveys completed during parent orientation at the beginning of the school year. Fathers were also encouraged to complete a male involvement survey, offering ideas to get more males involved in Head Start, throughout the school year. Head Start Parent Committee meetings were conducted at school sites on a bi-monthly basis. Parent meetings were limited to one hour or less and interactive parent/child activities were planned for each meeting. Parents were encouraged to inform Family Support Workers when they wanted to have a speaker do a presentation, on a topic of interest at their meetings. Most parent meetings were scheduled from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. Fatherhood Advisory Coalition Team (FACT) meetings were scheduled on a monthly basis to give Head Start dads and interested male community representatives an opportunity to share ideas to encourage more father/male involvement in Head Start. Classroom participation gave dads an opportunity to read a story to their child, play a game or participate in a classroom or playground activity. In addition, OPS Head Start dads were included in the Nation-wide Million Father March, by escorting their children to the first day of school. Over 200 Head Start and EHS dads or other significant males escorted their young children to school on the first day of classes and certificates of participation were available for all dads who participated in the Million Father March. A Family Story Night literacy activity was offered to Head Start families, at the spring Town Hall family event. The purpose of this program was to encourage parents to read and tell stories to their children, based on real-life events, using felt storyboards to help children visualize the stories. Upon completing the program, families were allowed to take their storyboards and materials (scissors, glue sticks and felt pieces) home. Parents who participated in this family event indicated that this opportunity helped them develop an interest and a routine habit of reading to their children. Town Hall Family Events are offered in the fall, winter, and spring, during the school year. The purpose is to offer interactive family activities, community resources and information to raise awareness regarding several of the topics selected on the parent interest surveys. The October 2012 Family Safety Night included a variety of information and activity tables. Over 13 community agencies participated. Door prizes were also provided for families that attended. Four parents (2 mothers + 2 dads) and two staff attended the NHSA Annual Head Start Parent Conference in Grapevine, Texas in December The trip was an enlightening experience and gave parents an opportunity to interact with parents and staff from other Head Start programs throughout the United States (49 of 50 states were represented), Guam and Puerto Rico. 3 4

4 Health and Well-Being The OPS Head Start program recognizes that children who are healthy and receiving proper nutrition will perform better in school. Parent education is provided to ensure parents understand the educational and personal benefits of a healthy lifestyle for their entire family. Parents are educated about the benefits of preventative health care and the importance of a Medical and Dental Home. Family Support Workers help families obtain all preventative health care services and choosing a Medical and Dental Home within the first 90 days of entry into the program. Preventative health care includes an annual Well Child Physical, Vision and Hearing screenings, Dental Exams, and Lead and Hemoglobin testing. Head Start offers hearing and vision screening and the option to have Dental Exams and Lead and Hemoglobin testing at the schools. OPS Head Start partnered with local community agencies and businesses to help with these exams and screenings. Douglas County Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program conducts Lead and Hemoglobin screenings. Mobile Dental Center and One World Care Mobile to provided free Dental Exams. The chart below shows the percentage of our families who were up to date on medical services, dental exams and immunization status at the end of the school year (Child Plus PIR Report). Health and Well-Being con t Many families have barriers when trying to get exams or treatment completed. Barriers included: transportation, lack of education about benefits of preventative medical care, work schedule and assistance available which includes Medicaid, Kids Connection or WIC. Families have a Family Support Worker assigned to them. The Family Support Workers help families with many needs including preventative health care services. Family Service Workers provide referrals to providers or programs to assist with High Lead levels, Asthma, Hearing and Vision difficulties, Weight concerns and Dental Treatment. OPS Head Start continues to improve services and resources available to our families. This year we are excited to add new partnerships. In addition to our current community partnerships with One World Community Health Center, Charles Drew Community Health Center, Creighton School of Dentistry, Coventrycares, United Health Care, Douglas County Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program and OPS School Based Health Centers and Building Healthy Futures. We are partnering with UNMC Pediatric Dental to ensure we offer and provide dental exams at each Head Start classroom. 5 6

5 High Quality Classrooms and the Early Learning Framework The Head Start program of Omaha Public Schools maintains high quality classroom environments at our school sites. Effective and engaging interactions and environments are the foundation for all learning. Each year selected classrooms are assessed using the Early Childhood Environmental Rating Scale (ECERS). Our average ECERS score for the classrooms assessed during the school year was 5.99 on a scale of 0-7. Classrooms are also assessed using the Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS). This tool measures the impact teachers may have on a child through classroom interactions. Our average CLASS scores for the school year were above the recommended Head Start levels that determine quality. The program utilizes the Creative Curriculum, a play based curriculum that is fully aligned with our Teaching Strategies GOLD assessment system. GOLD is aligned both with Nebraska Early Learning Guidelines and The Head Start Early Child Development and Early Learning Framework. According to Teaching Strategies data reports, 3 and 4 year olds in our program on average were functioning at or above widely held expectations for their age at the end of the school year in all developmental areas. Head Start School Readiness Children are born ready and eager to learn. Our school readiness goals and plan is to support all children as they are entering kindergarten with the skills, knowledge, health, and attitude to be successful lifelong learners. School readiness is about more than what a child knows. Ready children are healthy, rested, and able to pay attention, follow directions and communicate their thoughts and needs without being disruptive. Children enter kindergarten with a wide variety of skills and knowledge. There is not just one thing, nor a list of skills, that makes a child ready for school. All areas of a child s development should be considered when determining if a child is ready, not just her/his academic skills. Ready children have families who support their learning, and schools that are prepared to meet their individual needs. OPS Head Start Family Support Workers and Teachers begin to discuss transitioning to kindergarten during parent meetings, conferences, and through take-home flyers. Kindergarten transition meetings are provided in January that focuses on what to expect during the transition and information about Kindergarten Round Up for neighborhood schools. Head Start offers high quality early childhood education that provides opportunities for children to develop the skills related to school readiness and success through play. 7 8

6 Community Impact - A Year in Review The total number of children and families served: In the program year, we were federally funded to serve 1013 (including our Delegate, Educare) families. Six hundred ninety-three single parent families and three hundred and five two parent families benefited from the program during the year Program Year Percentage of eligible children served: According to the program s Community Assessment, 8078 children are eligible for Head Start services in Omaha. The average monthly enrollment (percentage of funded enrollment) August 97% September 99% October 99% November 100% December 100% January 100% February 100% March 100% April 100% May 100% Financial Report Amount of public and private funds received and the amount from each source: Regular Grant: Budget Period to Federal Funds (80%): Non Federal Funds (20%): 6,570, ,642, An explanation of budgetary expenditures and proposed budget for the fiscal year: Personnel: 3,064, Fringe Benefits: 1,086, Out of Town Travel: 45, Supplies: 33, Contracts: 2,274, Facilities /Construction: 0.00 Other: 65, Direct Costs: 6,570, Indirect Costs: 0.00 Total Approved Budget: 6,570, *In 2012, a fiscal audit was conducted by Seim Johnson. There were no deficiencies for the Head Start program. 9 10

7 Who We Served in Policy Council Policy Council meetings are scheduled on a monthly basis, to empower parents to make decisions about program policies that may enhance services to children and families. Childcare is provided for families by Head Start Staff concentrating on literacy and fun. OPS School Board representatives are actively involved with the Policy Council, to assure that the governance process remains in compliance with HS Performance Standards. By Eligibility: 65% Within 0-100% of the Poverty Guideline 11% % of the Poverty Guideline 13% Receiving TANF or SSI 3% In Foster Care 3% Homeless 5% Over the Poverty Guideline By Parent s Education: 10% Advanced Degree 11% Associate Degree or some College 46% High school grad or GED 33% Less than high school grad 11 By Race: 1% American Indian 4% Asian 45% African American/ Black 41% Caucasian/White 9% Biracial/Multi-racial By Age: 35% 3 years old 65% 4 years old By Gender: 47% Female 53% Male Policy Council Child Care Activity 12

8 Educare is Educare Centers of Omaha An innovative partnership between the public and private sectors to create a more efficient, more effective early learning program. A research-based program that prepares vulnerable, young children for school. A specially designed place that nurtures early learning and sends a bold message about the value of investing in the first five years. And a compelling platform to drive change among policymakers, business leaders and early childhood providers by demonstrating what quality early learning looks like Inclusive Early Childhood Model The Head Start Program of the Omaha Public Schools works collaboratively with the district s Pre-K and Early Childhood Special Education programs. In the school year, there were 13 early childhood inclusive classrooms and 2 Co-Taught classrooms at 6 district sites. The project has been designed to: 1) provide integrated preschool services among the school district and Head Start, 2) meet Nebraska Department of Education standards and Head Start Performance Standards, and 3) develop tools and technical assistance which can be used to blend Pre K, Head Start and Early Childhood Special Education into this model. The continuation of this project is enhancing our existing preschool programs into better high-quality evidence based systems which will impact children s school readiness, children s social, emotional and physical health, as well as families needs for more seamless extended services. Results of Recent Review All Head Start Programs are reviewed every three years by the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), Department of Health and Human Services. Our past Federal Head Start Review was conducted in October of Our program received zero deficiencies and only a handful of suggestions. As a part of our continuous improvement practices, we are currently working to strengthen our communication with our Governing Body (The Omaha Public Schools Board of Education) and our Policy Council. Our program will receive a review during the school year. 14

9 Governing Body Our Current Locations The Omaha Public Schools Head Start Program has established and must maintain a formal structure of shared governance through which parents can participate in policy making or in other decisions about the program. This structure consists of the following groups, as required: Belle Ryan 1 FD 1807 South 60th Street Belvedere 1 FD 3775 Curtis Avenue Boyd 1 FD 8314 Boyd Street Chandler View 2 FD 7800 South 25th Street Conestoga 4 FD 2115 Burdette Street Dodge 1 FD 3520 Maplewood Boulevard Governing Body The OPS District s Board of Education Policy Council Members (over thirty members) Policy Committee (Educare/delegate agency level) Parent Committee Established at each school where HS services are offered Druid Hill 2 FD 4020 North 30th Street Edison 1 FD 2303 North 97th Street Franklin 2 FD 3506 Franklin Street Gateway 6 FD 5610 South 42nd Street Kellom 4 FD 1311 North 24th Street Kennedy 2 PD 2906 North 30th Street King 1 FD 3706 Maple Street Liberty 2 FD 2021 St. Mary s Avenue Lothrop 1 FD 3300 North 22nd Street Since its inception in 1965, Head Start has recognized the value of including parents as FULL PARTNERS in making decisions that concern THEM, THEIR CHIDREN, and THE PROGAM. Shared governance of the program may, in fact, be one of Head Start s most unique contributions. The practice of shared decision-making in the Omaha Public Schools Head Start program promotes shared responsibilities. It gives a voice to all concerned with the health, education, and well-being of the children served. Shared decision-making allows everyone opinions to be heard and considered. Miller Park 2 FD 5625 North 28th Avenue Mount View 2 FD 5322 North 52nd Street Oak Valley 3 FD 3109 Pedersen Drive Saratoga 2 FD 2504 Meredith Avenue Spring Lake 3 FD 2 PD 4215 South 20th Street Standing Bear 1 FD Taylor Street Wakonda 2 FD 4845 Curtis Avenue Washington 1 FD 5519 Mayberry Street FD=full day site PD=part day site 15 16

10 Family Survey Feedback What did our Head Start parents have to say about how we are doing? 97% of our families felt welcomed in the program 99% of our families felt their child s vocabulary ability improved after attending our program 97% of our families felt their child benefited from participating in the program 92% of our fathers felt welcomed to participate in the program 98% would recommend the program to a friend 92% of the families felt the meals and snacks were nutritious Percentages based on Satisfaction Survey taken at the end of the school year 17