News Articles
October 31, 2023
TALLAHASSEE, Fla – Today, Governor Ron DeSantis recognized October as Safe Sleep Month in Florida. The Florida Department of Children and Families (Department), Florida Department of Health, and the Ounce of Prevention Fund of Florida focus special attention on this issue during October to raise awareness about how to prevent infant sleep-related deaths in our state.
“One of the most important ways parents can protect their babies is making sure they sleep in a safe environment,” said Department Secretary Shevaun Harris. “Through the promotion of Safe Sleep Awareness Month and our continuous education efforts to parents about safe sleep practices, we hope to help prevent infant deaths due to unsafe sleeping conditions and support strong and resilient families.”
JACKSONVILLE, Fla., October 18, 2023 - Episcopal Children’s Services and the Wagmore Foundation will host the grand opening of the newest playground in the ECS family. This playground will be housed at the Eastside Head Start Center in Gainesville, a newly renovated Head Start facility in the Alachua County community. The playground grand opening will occur Friday, October 20, 2023 at 10 a.m. at 1930 NE Waldo Road, Gainesville, FL 32609.
The playground at Eastside Head Start is the result of a $42,600 grant awarded to Episcopal Children’s Services from the Wagmore Foundation to support the outdoor play and learning project. This investment from the Wagmore Foundation will not only support outdoor play but also foster a collaborative learning environment, integrating art, music and nature experiences while building gross and fine motor skills for the preschoolers.
September 26, 2023
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Ahead of a potential federal shutdown, Executive Director of the National Head Start Association Yasmina Vinci released the following statement:
“No matter the length, a federal shutdown has the potential to unleash a wave of uncertainty and hardship on the children and their families who depend on Early Head Start and Head Start as well as further decimate the workforce that cares for them.
September 19, 2023
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, Department of Children and Families (Department) Secretary Shevaun Harris announced that the Department will implement the Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP). D-SNAP provides food assistance for individuals and families impacted by Hurricane Idalia who are not receiving food assistance benefits through the regular Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
September 18, 2023
Today, U.S. Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA) keynoted the National Head Start Association’s Fall Leadership Institute and, during his address, introduced the bipartisan HEADWAY Act (Head Start Education and Development Workforce Advancement and Yield Act).
The legislation, which is co-led by Senator Mike Braun (R-IN), is designed to address early child care workforce shortages by allowing Early Head Start classroom teachers to teach and earn their Child Development Associate (CDA) credential simultaneously.
September 18, 2023
Washington, D.C. – This week during the Fall Leadership Institute in Washington, D.C., the National Head Start Association (NHSA) recognized the outstanding performance of 11 Head Start grant recipients as part of NHSA’s 2023-28 Program of Excellence Accreditation.
The Program of Excellence recognizes and supports the outstanding performance of Head Start grant recipients nationwide who demonstrate excellence in program management and service and support robust positive outcomes for children birth-to-five, pregnant people, families, and the communities where they live.
September 13, 2023
TALLAHASSEE, FL — The Florida Chamber Foundation released a new report examining the impact of childcare challenges on Florida’s economy. This report is part of a national "Untapped Potential" research effort that reveals the cost of childcare challenges and opportunities to unlock economic potential for states, employers, and working parents.
September 5, 2023
Sarasota, FL - Children First, Inc. has, for the fifth consecutive year, been recognized as a top employer in the Sarasota-Manatee Top Workplaces competition.
The award is sponsored by Energage and the Sarasota-Herald Tribune and recognizes those organizations that demonstrate workplace excellence and are known for recruiting and retaining the best and brightest employees. Results are calculated by comparing the survey’s research-based statements, including 15 Culture Drivers that are proven to predict high performance against industry benchmarks.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, the Department of Children and Families (DCF) announced two additional flexibilities for SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) recipients impacted by Hurricane Idalia. The flexibilities include mass replacement of benefits for individuals in the counties listed below who normally receive their monthly benefit between August 15-28. This will eliminate the need for recipients to submit requests individually in the severely impacted areas. The second flexibility allows recipients in the counties listed below to use their EBT card to purchase hot foods at participating retailers. Typically, food assistance benefits can only be used to buy unprepared foods, such as breads, cereals, meats, fruits, vegetables, and poultry.
August 29, 2023
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, the Department of Children and Families (DCF) will be releasing SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits early in response to Hurricane Idalia for households that would normally receive their September SNAP benefit between the 1st - 14th of the month. Eligible recipients will have the benefits automatically added to their EBT card. There is no need for recipients to apply for the early release of benefits.
"We know how helpful the early release of food assistance benefits can be for our SNAP recipients in purchasing non-perishable items in preparing for the storm or in replenishing food losses after the storm,” said Secretary Shevaun Harris. “If you are in the path of this storm, it is important to finalize your preparations. The Department will do all that it can to support those impacted by this storm.”
July 27, 2023
Washington, D.C.–The Sen
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, the Department of Children and Families (DCF) will be releasing SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits early in response to Hurricane Idalia for households that would normally receive their September SNAP benefit between the 1st - 14th of the month. Eligible recipients will have the benefits automatically added to their EBT card. There is no need for recipients to apply for the early release of benefits.
"We know how helpful the early release of food assistance benefits can be for our SNAP recipients in purchasing non-perishable items in preparing for the storm or in replenishing food losses after the storm,” said Secretary Shevaun Harris. “If you are in the path of this storm, it is important to finalize your preparations. The Department will do all that it can to support those impacted by this storm.”
ate Appropriations Committee passed the Fiscal Year 2024 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill, which provides $12.3 billion for Head Start and Early Head Start programs, an increase of $275 million over Fiscal Year 2023.
July 13, 2023
Washington, D.C. — Earlier today, the House Committee on Appropriations released their Fiscal Year 2024 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Mark in advance of a mark-up scheduled for Friday July 14, 2023.
The proposal includes $11,246,820,000 for Head Start and Early Head Start which represents a $750,000,000 reduction from the current FY23 funding level, among other significant cuts to critical services for children and families. The proposed cut will result in 51,406 children losing access to Head Start and Early Head Start as well as the elimination of 16,224 jobs across the country. NHSA, July 13, 2023
June 9, 2023
Redlands Christian Migrant Association and Lipman Family Farms are partnering to build a $16.4 million campus that will feature two child development centers, a community center, charter school and two soccer fields.
May 22, 2023
JACKSONVILLE, Fla., May 22, 2023 - Episcopal Children’s Services (ECS) has been awarded a $23,000 grant from the Beaches Community Fund, giving the ECS Rhoda Martin Early Head Start Center the ability to now serve children up to the age of five.
The Rhoda Martin Center has served Early Head Start children (ages six weeks until the child turns three) for many years, however when children were ready to transition to the Head Start program, which assists children ages three to five, they must go to another location for services. To better serve the Beaches community, Episcopal Children’s Services is creating a Head Start classroom so children can be served at the same location from birth until beginning kindergarten.
Connie Stophel will step away from Episcopal Children’s Services at the end of 2023
May 1, 2023
JACKSONVILLE, Fla., May 1, 2023 – Following a long career of public service and leadership, Chief Executive Officer Connie Stophel has announced her retirement from Episcopal Children’s Services (ECS), the second largest nonprofit in Northeast Florida. Connie has informed the board of trustees of her decision to retire at the end of 2023.
Since 2003 Connie has been leading ECS as the Chief Executive Officer, however her career with the agency spans over 30 years. With most of her professional career dedicated to Episcopal Children’s Services, the agency has dramatically increased its revenues, from $13M to $98M, and expanded the service area to 14 counties in Florida after humble beginnings of a single childcare center in 1966. Her commitment to excellence, superb leadership, and dedication to innovation are only exceeded by her passion for the mission of creating opportunity for the children served by the agency to reach their full potential in life.
April 27, 2023
JACKSONVILLE, Fla., April 27, 2023 - Episcopal Children’s Services (ECS) has been chosen as the winner of the Northeast Florida Grant Challenge competition, sponsored by CareSource, a nationally recognized nonprofit health plan enterprise. The award of $50,000 will help support the essential Head Start, Early Head Start and School Readiness programing that is greatly needed in the 14 counties the agency serves.
“We are thrilled to receive this grant from the CareSource Foundation,” stated Connie Stophel, Episcopal Children’s Services Chief Executive Officer. “As a result, we will be able to better serve the children of this community who deserve the opportunity to reach their fullest potential.”
April 24, 2023
Washington, D.C. — Last week, House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) unveiled legislation designed to reduce federal spending while extending the federal debt limit. The debt limit proposal includes a decade-long series of austere spending caps that would apply to discretionary funds, which would likely mean steep funding cuts to programs like Head Start and Early Head Start.
April 18, 2023
Washington, D.C. — NHSA applauds President Biden for signing an executive order this afternoon directing federal agencies to marshal all possible resources available to improve access to high-quality, affordable early learning and child care, while increasing pay for those who provide it.
“We are deeply appreciative to see President Biden doubling-down on the vision laid out in his FY24 budget proposal, which aims to simultaneously stabilize the Head Start workforce and increase access for working parents and caregivers,” said NHSA Executive Director Yasmina Vinci. “It is commendable that the President is doing everything in his power to ensure the stability and ability of Head Start programs to continue providing high-quality services to our nation’s families and we now look to the 118th Congress to do everything in their power to move this vision forward.”
April 14, 2023
Orange County District 6 Commissioner Michael Scott served as the opening reader for Orange County Head Start’s 2023 Guest Readers Month, formally kicking off the annual campaign that encourages early childhood literacy. Orange County Head Start is Central Florida’s largest early childhood education program for low-income youth and families.
Scott, a former Head Start student, spent a morning with more than 60 students at the Lila Mitchell Center, one of six Head Start centers within District 6. In addition to reading children’s books, he shared his personal experiences with the students, many of their parents and more than a dozen Head Start staffers and County officials.
“We were honored to have Commissioner Scott as our opening reader,” said Sonya Hill, director, Orange County Head Start. “He has such an electric and energetic personality, which resonated with the children and speaks to the very spirit of this campaign.”
April 4, 2023
Washington, D.C. – The COVID vaccine mandate for Head Start and Early Head Start staff has been struck down nationwide.
Judge James Wesley Hendrix of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas vacated the mandate–meaning that it can’t be enforced in any state, territory, or tribal community–stating that the U.S. Health and Human Services Department lacked authority to impose a vaccine mandate on Head Start programs. We anticipate that we will hear a final word within days from the Administration about the court decision and next steps.
March 29, 2023
Episcopal Children’s Services (ECS) has been selected as a finalist for the CareSource Foundation Grant Challenge. ECS and other finalists now move on to a public voting stage. Beginning today, March 29, 2023, Episcopal Children’s Services supporters can vote for the organization they believe is making the biggest impact. The public can vote once a day for the voting period, which ends on Wednesday, April 12, 2023.
“We are very pleased to be a finalist for the CareSource Foundation Grant Challenge,” stated ECS Chief Executive Officer Connie Stophel. “The potential funding we will receive helps us continue to serve our children and families and make an impact on the communities we serve.”
March 24, 2023
The Florida Head Start Association (FHSA), a nonprofit organization representing Florida's Head Start /Early Head Start Programs, is thrilled to announce two of their state honorees will be recognized on the national stage by the National Head Start Association (NHSA). Miami-Dade County Community Action and Human Services Department (CAHSD) in partnership with Reach Out and Read Florida and Philip Tavill, President & CEO of Children First, Inc. in Sarasota, FL, joins a list of highly accomplished leaders making notable and significant contributions in our State to help improve the lives of at-risk children and families. "We are extremely proud of the work being done in Florida around the excellent partnerships and community support of Head Start (inclusive of Early Head Start, Early Head Start- Child Care Partnerships, Head Start, and Migrant and Seasonal Head Start. Receiving recognition at the national level amplifies our programs' commitment to ensuring our most at-risk children and families are at the forefront of the work they do every day", said FHSA Executive Director Wanda Minick.
March 20, 2023
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, the Florida Department of Children and Families announced the availability of $21.2 million through the Responsible Fatherhood Initiative. In 2022, Governor Ron DeSantis joined by the Legislature, national, and community leaders signed HB 7065 which created the Responsible Fatherhood Initiative and highlights the important and critical role that fathers have in their children’s lives.
Family relationships play an impactful role in shaping a child's well-being, and evidence shows that children with involved fathers are at lower risk for poor childhood outcomes, including emotional and behavioral problems, neglect and abuse, poor school performance, and criminal activity. This historic investment has the potential to change the course of families’ lives by shaping fathers and helping them to maintain an active role in the lives of their children. These initiatives will impact future generations and provide a wide spectrum of family support.
March 15, 2023
Washington, D.C. – NHSA and the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT) announced today that they will partner to increase on-campus Head Start and Early Head Start slots on U.S. community college campuses. This partnership is funded through a planning grant supported by ECMC Foundation and the Seldin / Haring-Smith Foundation.
Nearly 1 in 10 U.S. undergraduate students are single mothers—nearly all of whom have incomes at or near the poverty line. Though their children may be eligible for Head Start services, fewer than 100 of the 3,700+ community and technical college campuses have Head Start providers on-site. At the same time, Head Start programs are struggling with enrollment and workforce issues, leaving up to 180,000 federally funded child care and early learning slots unfilled.
March 9, 2023
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The National Head Start Association (NHSA) recognizes the commitment of support and funding in this year’s budget proposal from the President’s desk. The proposal increases funding for Head Start programs by over 9% for a total of $13.1 billion. Included in the proposed increase is funding dedicated to boost pay for Head Start teachers and staff.
“The Head Start workforce has faced decades of neglect and underfunding. Poverty-level wages—compounded by the complexity and emotional strain of this important work—has made recruiting and retaining qualified professionals incredibly difficult,” said NHSA Executive Director Yasmina Vinci. “We are deeply appreciative–and, frankly, relieved–to see how this budget proposal begins to embrace funding solutions to move toward stabilizing the Head Start workforce while focusing on long-term workforce sustainability.”
February 1, 2023
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced the Framework for Freedom Budget with $4.4 billion in funding for the Department of Children and Families (Department) to continue to support strong and resilient families. This funding includes investments in enhancing prevention services, increases access and availability of behavioral health services, and supports updates to the Department’s systems to increase efficiencies and program effectiveness.
January 26, 2023
Kathleen Sullivan, MACD, the Vice President of Programs at Children First, has been elected to serve on the National Head Start Association's (NHSA) Region IV Board of Directors. In her role, Ms. Sullivan will help to oversee Head Start’s Region IV, the southeastern United States, representing more than 170,000 children, 40,000 staff and 300 member programs. Representatives of the Florida Head Start Associaton (FHSA) and the Region IV Head Start Association (RIVHSA) Board of Directors are elected for a term of two years but no more than four consecutive terms.
January 24, 2023
WASHINGTON, D.C.–The National Head Start Association (NHSA) awarded Rep. Frederica Wilson (D-FL-24) with the PROMISE (Protecting Our Most Important Students Early) Award for her continued support of Head Start. “Over her entire career in Congress, Rep. Wilson has worked to provide early childhood educational opportunities to all families, regardless of income or zip code, in Florida and beyond,” said Dr. Maria T. Riestra, president of the Florida Head Start Association. “Rep. Wilson is a former Head Start teacher and coordinator who spent many years in the classroom in the Miami-Dade school district. She understands–first hand–that affordable, safe, and high-quality child care is not only important to working families, it’s important for the children who are our future leaders.
On-site D-SNAP Location in Orange County Open Monday, January 9 through Wednesday, January 11
January 6, 2023
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, Department of Children and Families (DCF) Secretary Shevaun Harris announced a Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP) location will be open for Orange County on Monday, January 9 through Wednesday, January 11 for applicants to complete their in-person interview on-site, and a telephone interview option will be available on Wednesday, January 11. D-SNAP provides food assistance for individuals and families impacted by Hurricane Ian and who did not receive food assistance benefits in October 2022 through the regular Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Households that already received DSNAP assistance for Hurricane Ian are not eligible for additional benefits.
January 5, 2023
Washington, D.C. — Today, the Administration released a Final Rule on the Head Start Interim Final Rule with Comments (IFC) issued in the fall of 2021. The Final Rule removes the mask mandate for all children, staff, volunteers, and contractors in Head Start programs and requires all Head Start programs to establish a COVID safety protocol moving forward. Disappointingly, it does not address the vaccination requirements.
December 23, 2022
The National Head Start Association (NHSA) celebrates the record investment of $11.99 billion for Head Start and Early Head Start in the Fiscal Year 2023 (FY23) budget, which is now on its way to the President’s desk. The FY23 budget includes a $960 million increase over last year for Head Start and Early Head Start.
“We are grateful to both Congress and the Biden Administration for recognizing American families’ need for high-quality, accessible early learning in order to rebuild and strengthen our economy,” said NHSA Executive Director Yasmina Vinci. “We thank them for their meaningful work to maximize the role Head Start plays in supporting the most vulnerable children and their families.”
December 16, 2022
WASHINGTON, D.C. – In response to the continuing resolution Congress passed yesterday evening to prevent a government shutdown and buy time to finalize the FY23 budget before the 117th Congress adjourns, NHSA released the following statement:
“If we expect high-quality early childhood education services for our nation’s systemically underserved children, it’s imperative to put the Cost-of-Living Adjustment outlined in both the House and Senate FY23 appropriations bills into the hands of the Head Start workforce as soon as possible,” said NHSA Executive Director Yasmina Vinci. “We must compensate Head Start teachers and staff at a level that allows them to pay their bills. They come to Head Start because they love children. They feel called to this work, and they are gifted at nurturing our young children. But often they can’t pay their rent or buy groceries. That is unacceptable and we urge Congress to take action.”
December 20, 2022
WASHINGTON – Today, Congressional leaders released their final FY2023 omnibus spending package, which includes prioritizing more than $2.8 billion in funding increases for core federal early learning and care programs, including the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) program, Head Start and Early Head Start and the Preschool Development Grant Birth through Five (PDGB5) program. The bill notably includes a 30% increase in CCDBG funding, the primary federal child care assistance program, at a time when parents need support the most.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – In response to the continuing resolution Congress passed yesterday evening to prevent a government shutdown and buy time to finalize the FY23 budget before the 117th Congress adjourns, NHSA released the following statement:
“If we expect high-quality early childhood education services for our nation’s systemically underserved children, it’s imperative to put the Cost-of-Living Adjustment outlined in both the House and Senate FY23 appropriations bills into the hands of the Head Start workforce as soon as possible,” said NHSA Executive Director Yasmina Vinci. “We must compensate Head Start teachers and staff at a level that allows them to pay their bills. They come to Head Start because they love children. They feel called to this work, and they are gifted at nurturing our young children. But often they can’t pay their rent or buy groceries. That is unacceptable and we urge Congress to take action.”
November 1, 2022
TALLAHASSEE, FL – November 1, 2022 – The Florida Head Start Association (FHSA), a nonprofit organization representing Florida's Head Start /Early Head Start Programs will honor eleven state award recipients during their annual awards luncheon in Daytona Beach, FL, on February 9, 2023. These award recipients were selected by a panel review and will go on to compete for regional recognition through the Region IV Head Start Association (RIVHSA).
November 1, 2022
TALLAHASSEE, FL – November 1, 2022 – Florida Head Start Association (FHSA), representing Florida's Head Start Programs, has selected Maria Somera as Parent of the Year at Children's First. She's been a Head Start parent for more than four years; her children, David and Anna, are enrolled in the program.
Mrs. Somera has served as Chair of Children First's Policy Council for the 2020-21 and 2021-22 school years, making decisions that directly improved the lives of our children, families, and staff during the most challenging moments of the pandemic.
November 1, 2022
TALLAHASSEE, FL – November 1, 2022 – Anthony Ray of Jacksonville has been selected as the Florida Head Start Association (FHSA) Father of the Year. As a child, Mr. Ray attended Head Start. Now a father of three, he helps support the Head Start community and the programs his children attend. He has said that the day his daughter was accepted into Head Start was one of the happiest of his life because it was a turning point for his family.
November 1, 2022
TALLAHASSEE, FL – November 1, 2022 – The Florida Head Start Association (FHSA), representing Florida's Head Start Programs, has named Autumn Tomas of Episcopal Children's Services Administrator of the Year.
Ms. Tomas was introduced to Head Start in 1998 when she enrolled her 3-year-old son into a Head Start classroom; she joined Episcopal Children's Services program in 2005. With more than 17 years of service, she's contributed to every department and built upon her first-hand experience to become the Vice President of Head Start/Early Head Start.
November 1, 2022
TALLAHASSEE, FL – November 1, 2022 – Florida Head Start Association (FHSA) proudly announces that it has named parents Erica Fernandez and Dillion Nations recipients of the Beating the Odds award. In 2019, Ms. Fernandez and Mr. Nations joined the program after becoming unemployed and facing homelessness with their children. In just three years, the family is now well on the path to self-sufficiency.
November 1, 2022
TALLAHASSEE, FL – November 1, 2022 – Azza Tawadros of Hillsborough County Public School Head Start program in Tampa, FL, receives top honors from the Florida Head Start Association (FHSA), Teacher of the Year.
Ms. Tawadros has been a Head Start teacher since 2011 and currently teaches 3-to-5-year-olds at Town' n Country Elementary, part of the Hillsborough County Public Schools Head Start program. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from the College of Education in Cairo, Egypt, as well as a Florida state-recognized credential in Early Childhood Education. She's attended various Head Start and Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) training courses.
November 1, 2022
TALLAHASSEE, FL – November 1, 2022 – The association representing Head Start programs in Florida selected Maria O'Donnell, Senior Director, Comprehensive Services of Episcopal Children's Services, as their 2022 Staff of the Year, Early Childhood Development/Health: Mental Health Emphasis for her thoughtful, methodical leadership and service to Head Start and the children and families.
November 1, 2022
TALLAHASSEE, FL – November 1, 2022 – Mr. Kenneth Davis of Episcopal Children's Services in Jacksonville, FL, has been named Support Staff of the Year by the Florida Head Start Association. Mr. Davis has worked as a Center Support Assistant for Episcopal Children's Services for seven years. He holds a Childhood Development Associate (CDA), has completed many trainings, and meets Voluntary PreKindergarten Education Program (VPK) lead teacher requirements.
November 1, 2022
TALLAHASSEE, FL – November 1, 2022 – Florida Head Start Association (FHSA) is proud to announce that Family Health Source of Deland is the winner of this year's Corporate Award. Family Health Source (FHS) provides foundational health services (including dental hygiene and routine childhood immunizations) to children enrolled in the Mid Florida Community Servcies, Inc. Head Start/Early Head Start programs to ensure children are healthy and ready to learn.
October 21, 2022
Tracy Guervil believes she would not be completing her final year of law school if it were not for Orange County Head Start. She credits the early-childhood education program with providing a safe, nurturing space for her children and allowing her to pursue her professional goals.
“Studying for the bar exam requires 12 hours of study, seven days a week, and with two small children that would be impossible if I didn’t have Head Start in my life,” asserted Guervil, who plans to graduate from FAMU Law School in the Spring of 2023. “In Head Start, I know my kids are well taken care of, and I see their growth as human beings every day.”
October 18, 2022
JACKSONVILLE, Fla- Episcopal Children’s Services (ECS) is honored to announce the 2022 Florida Head Start Association (FHSA) winners, a high honor recognizing the achievement and highlighting the outstanding and vital work of the Head Start and Early Head Start community. These awards acknowledge parents, volunteers, employees, alumni, and community partners. Of the established 15 categories, ECS is proud to celebrate five state winners with the organization.
October 19, 2022
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Department of Children and Families (DCF) Secretary Shevaun Harris announced that two Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP) locations will be open Friday, October 21 through Sunday, October 23 in Hardee and Polk counties for applicants who want to complete their interview on-site. D-SNAP provides food assistance for individuals and families impacted by Hurricane Ian and who are not receiving food assistance benefits through the regular Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
October 16, 2022
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, Department of Children and Families (DCF) Secretary Shevaun Harris announced that the second phase of the Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP) will open on Monday, October 17 for Flagler, Highlands, Manatee, Orange, Pinellas, and St. Johns counties. D-SNAP provides food assistance for individuals and families impacted by Hurricane Ian and who are not receiving food assistance benefits through the regular Supplemental Nutrition Program (SNAP).
October 4, 2022
This Friday, October 7th, Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, together with members of the Blue-Ribbon Commission for Children, will host a Children’s Summit at Miami-Dade College where business leaders, child and family stakeholders, educators, caregivers, and parents will unite for a collaborative session to develop a comprehensive Roadmap for Child Success in Miami Dade County.
October 1, 2022
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Today, Governor Ron DeSantis received a briefing at the State Emergency Operations Center and will continue to travel to areas impacted by Hurricane Ian. Yesterday, the Governor visited Sarasota and DeSoto counties to distribute hot food, meet with survivors, and issue updates.
September 30, 2022
WASHINGTON, D.C. – In response to the continuing resolution (CR), that Congress passed today to prevent a government shutdown and provide funding through December 16, NHSA released the following statement:
“While we are glad that Congress has averted a government shutdown, we urge passage of a new bill for Fiscal Year 2023 (FY23) and not let the continuing resolution stretch past December for a second year in a row. Programs are struggling and it is critical to put the FY23 Cost-of-Living funds as well as the additional Quality Improvement Funds into the hands of Head Start programs as soon as possible,” said NHSA Executive Director Yasmina Vinci. “An extended or full-year CR would trap programs in outdated spending priorities and deprive the Head Start workforce of a COLA that is aligned with the actual rate of inflation.”
August 30, 2022
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The newest Episcopal Children’s Services Head Start Child Care Partner (CCP) center opened its doors yesterday to the residents of Newberry, Florida. I Rise Performing Kids Academy is now enrolling for Head Start services for children and families in Southwest Alachua County.
I Rise Performing Kids Academy held an open house on Friday, August 26, to allow families to tour the center, learn about the program, and enroll their children. A parent attending the open house was eager to get her son enrolled at the center as the location of I Rise Performing Kids Academy is closer to home and better for her daily activities: “I live in Newberry, so when they told me they were opening a center in here, I said, ‘Good! I’ll transfer.’ It’s smaller and more engaged than other programs I’ve tried. Before this program, I was afraid he wasn’t getting what he needed, so I’m glad this resource is available,” Kara Oyarvide commented.
August 9, 2022
While Congress is steering support toward American families and households through the Inflation Reduction Act, the proposal falls short in our nation’s commitment to the success of our at-risk children and families. Despite more than 30 percent of Head Start programs reporting having to shut down classrooms due to lack of staff and the clear research proving the importance of high-quality early care and education, the proposal omits critical and much needed support for early care and education, including a long overdue reset on teacher compensation. We can’t afford to miss this opportunity to stabilize our workforce and ensure low-income families have access to reliable, high-quality learning options for their children through Head Start.
July 28, 2022
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The National Head Start Association applauds the draft fiscal year 2023 (FY23) Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies bill released today by the U.S. Senate Committee on Appropriations Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-VT). The draft includes proposed investment in Head Start for Fiscal Year 2023 (FY23) which nearly matches the funding level agreed to in the House Appropriations Committee earlier this year. This action by the Chairman moves the process forward and closer to negotiations with the House to complete funding legislation for Head Start and other federally-supported programs for the fiscal year that begins on October 1 of this year.
July 12, 2022
LEE COUNTY, Fla — The Lee County School District is making changes to the Head Start Program to make it easier for families to qualify.
Any family with a child that is receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will now be considered ‘income eligible’ for the Head Start Program. This change was initiated by the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
July 12, 2022
The Tallahassee Chapter of The Links, Incorporated is proud to help close the literacy gap in the community by donating more than 150 books to the Capital Area Community Action Agency’s Head Start Program.
This service project was part of a nationwide 7,500 Book Challenge to support the 43rd National Assembly of The Links, Incorporated, being held virtually, and in Baltimore, Maryland, from June 29-July 3, 2022.
June 30, 2022
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The National Head Start Association applauds the work of the House Appropriations Committee and the leadership of Chairwoman Rosa DeLauro and Ranking Member Tom Cole for including a record level of funding for Head Start in the FY23 Labor-Health and Human Services (HHS)-Education and Related Agencies appropriations bill. The bill provides an increase of $1.4 billion in Head Start and Early Head Start funding as part of an overall $34.4 billion in discretionary funding for the Administration for Children and Families. The funding legislation was adopted during Full Committee consideration today.
June 16, 2022
The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services has announced a sweeping change to the Head Start program that will allow families to more easily enroll eligible pre-school age children in the program. Called “categorical eligibility,” this change cuts through bureaucratic red tape that unnecessarily keeps many children out of the program by making young children in families participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) automatically eligible for Head Start. Head Start has several eligibility criteria, with family income being the primary determinant.
June 10, 2022
TALLAHASSEE, Fla – Today, First Lady Casey DeSantis announced that Hope Florida – A Pathway to Prosperity has now helped more than 30,000 Floridians on their road to economic self-sufficiency.
The Hope Florida – A Pathway to Prosperity program, spearheaded by First Lady DeSantis and implemented by the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF), utilizes Care Navigators to assist Floridians in need by identifying goals and removing barriers to economic self-sufficiency through local, community-based partners, including the private sector, faith-based institutions, and nonprofit organizations.
June 8, 2022
TALLAHASSEE, Fla – Last week, Governor Ron DeSantis approved over $400 million in funding for Florida’s child and family well-being, enhancing services to strengthen families and increase supports for foster parents and relative caregivers.
“Investments in our children are investments in our future,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “Children should have every opportunity to reach their full potential, and I am proud to approve a budget that will further Florida as a state where families can thrive together, and kids can grow up safe and happy.”
June 2, 2022
The Florida Head Start Association (FHSA) is pleased to announce its newest member to the FHSA Board of Directors, Temple DePlato, Episcopal Children's Services Chief Administrative Officer. FHSA members were sent an election ballot via email May 19 - 27, 2022, to fill the vacant Director At Large seat after Mary Grace Romo was promoted to the Head Start Director position at the Lee County Head Start program.
June 1, 2022
JACKSONVILLE, Fla., June 1, 2022 – Hundreds of guests slipped into their most fashionable shoes at the second annual Wine, Women & Shoes Jacksonville for an evening of shopping and fun, with the common purpose of supporting Episcopal Children’s Services (ECS). Colleagues, daughters, mothers and grandmothers, sisters and friends throughout the Northeast Florida area gathered at Timuquana Country Club on May 12, 2022, to raise over $90,000 net to benefit Episcopal Children’s Services.
First Coast News and First Coast Living anchor Jordan Wilkerson served as the host for the evening as guests sipped, shopped, and supported the agency which serves more than more than 25,000 children and their families in 14 counties in Florida offering School Readiness, Head Start and Early Head Start programs and services. Attendees were treated to a never-before-seen fashion show featuring fashions from Zags, Cedric Brown Collections and local business, An Unlikely Pear. They also enjoyed a sophisticated evening of wine tastings, a live auction featuring lavish trips and experiences, a silent auction featuring incredible products and retail goodies and a fun fashion marketplace.
May 23, 2022
CAPE CORAL, Fla. — Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced the June 1 launch of the Florida Hometown Heroes Housing Program to help Floridians in over 50 critical professions purchase their first home. The Hometown Heroes Housing Program will be available to Floridians including law enforcement officers, firefighters, educators, healthcare professionals, childcare employees, and active military or veterans.
May 23, 2022
Following the release of the findings from an NHSA poll, the Head Start community sent a letter to congressional leadership signed by NHSA, all 50 state Head Start associations, and all 12 regional and national Head Start associations. The letter urged Congress to boost compensation for the workforce by at least $2.5 billion per year.
May 18, 2022
Earlier this month, as thousands of early childhood educators and advocates gathered in Baltimore for the 2022 National Head Start Annual Conference, attendees exchanged first-hand accounts and anecdotes from the field, sharing what the last couple of years have been like for them and what it’s like right now.
May 2, 2022
TALLAHASSEE, Fla — Today, Department of Children and Families (Department) Secretary Shevaun Harris announced the creation of a Family Navigator initiative to enhance the safety and well-being of Florida children after a report of potential child abuse or neglect.
After reviewing past child welfare cases and reports to determine commonalities and further evaluating current practices, the Department developed a new model aimed at addressing deficiencies in the child welfare system, including enhanced engagement and ensuring families receive the right supportive services at the right time. This new model will enhance the Department’s engagement efforts with families, further promoting safe, resilient families.
May 2, 2022
JACKSONVILLE, Fla.,Set aside your slippers and dust off your stilettos—Episcopal Children’s Services will be hosting the 2nd annual Wine Women & Shoes event at Timuquana Country Club on Thursday, May 12, 2022, at 6 p.m.
An irresistible blend of fashion and compassion, Wine Women and Shoes events are all about putting the “fun” in fundraiser. Wine Women and Shoes (WW&S) events give women the opportunity to get glamorous with their girlfriends while enjoying incredible varietals from top winemakers––all for a good cause. Episcopal Children’s Services sip-sational event will feature wines from Justin, Vina Robles and Lapis Luna, a shoppable multi-designer marketplace with local and national clothing, shoe and accessory partners, and charming Shoe Guys™ ¬serving up this season’s must-haves on silver platters.
April 21, 2022
Washington, D.C. — This afternoon, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced via an Information Memorandum that children who qualify for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) can now be considered eligible for Head Start and Early Head Start prenatal-to-five services and supports, including school readiness, nutrition and family support. This administrative flexibility will supercharge Head Start’s work in local communities to prioritize service to families and children who most need it, especially those who are already eligible but are either unaware or reluctant to go through an additional administrative process
April 14, 2022
Washington, D.C. — Sen. Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and six of her colleagues, Sens. Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Bob Casey (D-PA), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Bernie Sanders (D-VT), and Tina Smith (D-MN) sent a letter to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) urging the Secretary to expand Head Start’s public assistance eligibility definition to include the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). This action, which is allowable under current law, would ensure that additional at-risk children and families can access Head Start and Early Head Start.
April 12, 2022
MIAMI — Today, Governor Ron DeSantis was joined by foster families and legislative leaders to sign Senate Bill 7034, furthering Florida’s support for foster families. Among its provisions, Senate Bill 7034 raises monthly payments for relative and nonrelative care givers, increases the monthly subsidy for child care and expands postsecondary education waivers for foster children. Through historic support, since 2019 Florida has added more than 4,000 foster families across the state.
April 4, 2022
Hawthorne, Fla., April 4, 2022 – Episcopal Children’s Services (ECS) has opened the doors to its newest Head Start/Early Head Start center in Alachua County in the city of Hawthorne. This early education center is the first ECS center in the city to serve children and their families with a variety of resources including early learning, health and mental health services, nutrition and disability services as well as parent and community engagement resources. The center will serve children from birth to the age of five, with two classrooms focusing on Head Start and Early Head Start curriculum.
March 28, 2022
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The National Head Start Association (NHSA) recognizes the commitment of support and funding in this year’s budget proposal from the President’s desk. The proposed budget increases Head Start’s budget by $1.16 billion over FY22, including a significant increase for expansion of infant-toddler care through Early Head Start (EHS) and EHS-Child Care Partnerships.
March 17, 2022
The Florida Museum of Natural History is opening its doors to Head Start families for a special before-hours educational experience.
The Florida Museum Family Discovery Time program has partnered with Episcopal Children’s Services, the leading provider for Head Start and Early Head Start education in the north and central Florida areas, to provide families and support staff an hour of hands-on exploration in the “Discovery Zone” exhibit from 9 to 10 a.m. every month.
March 11, 2022
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The National Head Start Association (NHSA) recognizes the record investment of $11.04 billion for Head Start and Early Head Start in the FY22 budget, which is now on its way to the President’s desk. The budget includes a modest increase of $286 million over FY21
February 24, 2022
TALLAHASSEE, Fla – Today, the Department of Children and Families released updated child care information in line with updated guidance from the Florida Department of Health. This update recognizes that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s guidance is antiquated and has forced Florida families to miss work and school even when it is safe to return
February 23, 2022
TALLAHASSEE, Fla – Today, the Department of Children and Families (Department) announced that more than $1 billion in rental and utility assistance has been distributed through the OUR Florida program, helping nearly 185,000 households. In the past two weeks alone, the program has distributed more than $100 million to more than 25,000 families. This program is supported by more than 1,200 team members who answer calls, process applications, manage cases and provide assistance.
“Nearly 185,000 families across Florida are able to maintain stable housing because of the OUR Florida program,” said Secretary Shevaun Harris. “Under the leadership of Governor Ron DeSantis, Florida’s economy is stronger than ever and programs like Our Florida have been instrumental in helping families experiencing financial hardships while also supporting property owners and small businesses.”
JACKSONVILLE, Fla.,THE PLAYERS Championship has awarded Episcopal Children’s Services (ECS) a substantial grant to support the organization’s Outdoor Play and Learning Project. This grant of $25,000 will fund the outdoor project at one of the organization’s Early Head Start centers in Northwest Jacksonville.
January 31, 2022
Washington, D.C. — As the Head Start Interim Final Rule with Comments (IFC) issued last fall goes into full effect today, the National Head Start Association once again urges the White House and the Administration to provide clear guidance and technical assistance to ensure Head Start children and their families retain access to critical services in a healthy and safe manner. The IFC requires masking for all children, staff, volunteers, and contractors in Head Start programs and requires vaccinations for all staff, contractors, volunteers, and partners who enter Head Start programs.
Sarasota, FL (December 17, 2021) – Children First staff member Bonnie Eskell and the agency’s entire Diamond Circle were honored for their incredible contributions to our community at the SRQ Good Hero Philanthropic Awards.
January 13, 2022
As schools struggle to handle COVID-19 outbreaks amid staff shortages, the U.S. Supreme Court Friday heard a lawsuit over an employee vaccine mandate that some experts suggest could stretch districts even thinner.
In November, President Joe Biden mandated that employees in organizations with at least 100 workers be vaccinated or wear a mask and test weekly. The requirement applies to about a quarter of the nation’s public school teachers and staff members, after factoring in the several states that have already imposed their own vaccine requirements for district employees.
December 27, 2021
WASHINGTON, D.C. – In response to the Head Start Vaccine and Mask Interim Final Rule with Comments (IFC) and as part of our mission to ensure children do not lose access to critical Head Start services due the IFC, NHSA filed comments with the Federal Register on December 27, 2021. The National Indian Head Start Directors Association (NIHSDA), ten regional associations, and 48 state associations joining as co-signers.
December 22, 2021
WASHINGTON, D.C. – In response to the Head Start Vaccine and Mask Interim Final Rule with Comments (IFC), Louisiana and 23 other states are suing the Biden administration. The IFC proposes adding new mask and vaccine requirements to the Head Start Program Performance Standards to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.
“Face masks and vaccinations play a critical role in reducing the spread of COVID-19. But the rule wants it all one way and the lawsuit wants it all the other way,” said NHSA Executive Director Yasmina Vinci. “Head Start leaders are seeking the middle ground. Local programs need the flexibility to work with their staff to achieve full vaccination, within local guidelines, and with appropriate accommodations to keep classrooms open. We can’t let children lose access to crucial services because of a mandate that may be impossible for many to operationalize.”
December 21, 2021
JACKSONVILLE, Fla., December 21, 2021 - After a weeklong review of Episcopal Children’s Services (ECS) Head Start and Early Head Start programs, the Administration for Children and Families found ECS compliant with the requirements of the Head Start Performance Standards. In October of this year, ECS completed the Focus Area One (FA1) monitoring review, which allowed the Office of Head Start (OHS) to understand how programs are progressing within the agency over a five-year grant cycle period. ECS received a perfect score.
December 8, 2021
Florida school districts and other organizations that operate Head Start children’s programs have been caught in the crossfire as the state and federal governments continue to set conflicting rules about masks and vaccinations.
Citing an ongoing need to stem the spread of COVID-19 variants, the federal Department of Health and Human Services issued a rule at the end of November that requires anyone age 2 or older to wear masks indoors, where the early education program is provided. The requirement took immediate effect.
November 25, 2021
The School Board of Lee County unanimously voted to move forward with changing the eligibility requirements for children entering the Head Start Program.
The selection criteria for the program is based on a point system with a committee meeting every year with parents to review the system and selection criteria, so it can be adjusted based on the community’s need.
November 22, 2021
Providing comprehensive Head Start services to the children and families who need them most is a driving focus for everyone in the Head Start community – at the federal level, at the agency level, and at the classroom level. To that end, I am sending this letter to share with the Head Start community an early update on the rule that will revise the Head Start Program Performance Standards (HSPPS) to include additional health and safety requirements. While we cannot share all the details until the rule is published, we want you to have as much information as possible now for planning purposes.
WASHINGTON, DC – After months of discussion and negotiation, NHSA applauds the House of Representatives for passage of the Build Back Better Act earlier today. The bill makes several critical investments in our nation’s youngest children including in Universal Pre-K and affordable, high-quality child care building off of the successes of Head Start and Early Head Start.
“When our nationwide approach to supporting children is aligned to meet the urgent needs of families, communities, and businesses, everyone benefits,” said NHSA Executive Director Yasmina Vinci. “This legislation ensures preschool programs nationwide can meet high demand with high-quality. Most importantly, it secures access to preschool for 9 million more children. At the same time, it contributes to increased parental—and, in particular maternal—employment, a better compensated workforce, and—as a result—a stronger economy.”
November 18, 2021
The School Board of Lee County unanimously voted to move forward with changing the eligibility requirements for children entering the Head Start Program.
The selection criteria for the program is based on a point system with a committee meeting every year with parents to review the system and selection criteria, so it can be adjusted based on the community’s need.
November 15, 2021
The largest grant made was $85,000 to the Suncoast Foundation in support of necessary repairs and capital improvements for Children First, Venice campus, and The Florida Center for Early Childhood, Sarasota and North Port campuses.
October 29, 2021
WASHINGTON, DC – Yesterday, President Biden released a revised framework of the Build Back Better Act, including a transformative $400 billion investment in universal preschool and child care. The $1.75 trillion legislation recognizes the essential role of early care and education in supporting children and their families, communities, and the economy.
October 25, 2021
JACKSONVILLE, Fla., October 25, 2021 - Episcopal Children’s Services (ECS) is honored to announce the 2021 Achieve Awards winners, a celebration of excellence by teachers, staff members, parents, and community partners who work with our Head Start and Early Head Start children and families. These awards are nominated and voted on by colleagues who work alongside the winners every day.
October 23, 2021
October is Head Start Awareness Month. In celebration, I want to shine a spotlight on Head Start and Lutheran Services Florida (LSF) Duval Head Start and Early Head Start program’s extraordinary efforts to meet our community’s needs.
Head Start provides critical services to children and families from vulnerable backgrounds, including high-quality early childhood education and developmental, health, mental health, nutrition, family services and services to children with special needs.
October 22, 2021
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, Department of Children and Families (DCF) Secretary Shevaun Harris highlighted that Governor Ron DeSantis has recognized October as Safe Sleep Awareness Month in Florida, an effort that is spearheaded by DCF and The Ounce of Prevention Fund of Florida to reduce sleep-related infant deaths in the Sunshine State.
October 12, 2021
Washington, DC – The National Head Start Association (NHSA), in collaboration with the National Indian Head Start Directors’ Association (NIHSDA) and the National Migrant/Seasonal Head Start Association (NMSHSA), and all ten geographic regional Head Start Associations, sent a letter to deputy assistant secretary for the Office of Early Childhood Development Katie Hamm addressing the challenges and structural dangers facing Head Start children, families, staff, and programs during the ongoing public health crisis and strongly encouraging the Administration to take all possible steps to alleviate bureaucratic burden and leverage administrative flexibility so that Head Start programs can best meet the needs of at-risk children and families in fast changing community contexts.
Tallahassee, FL., October 7, 2021 - The Florida Head Start Association board of directors is delighted to announce the recent election of their next president, Dr. Maite Riestra-Quintero, Assistant Director Early Childhood Programs - Head Start and Early Head Start Division Miami-Dade Community Action and Human Services Department and Treasurer Mrs. Heidi Rand, Director of Early Learning Programs, Mid Florida Community Services, Inc.
October 7, 2021
September 28, 2021
Tallahassee, FL., - The Florida Head Start Association (FHSA) is pleased to announce the addition of three new members to the FHSA Board of Directors: Akia Davis, Nacole Guyton, and Maritza Vazquez. Elections were held this month to fill the one Directors' seat in the Southeast Region being vacated by Dr. Angela Iudica and the two open Director At Large board seats being vacated by Mrs. Janet Ranaldi and Mrs. Kymberly Cook. The selected candidates will serve on the board for a two-year term with the option of seeking an additional two more years. FHSA still has one Director seat vacant in the Suncoast Region due to Dr. Jacquelyn Jenkins terming out. The FHSA Nominating committee will be seeking direction from the Board of Directors on the best avenue to fill this vacant seat.
On the Right Path
by Peter Proko, Orlando Family Magazine
October 2021
Any parent of a young child will tell you that while each day is its own adventure, what matters most to them is that they are raising a happy and healthy individual in a stable, loving environment. But for many families struggling with the complex challenges that arise in life, this is certainly easier said than done. When faced with major issues like poverty, food insecurity, homelessness, and domestic abuse, the family dynamic too often becomes fractured, resulting in child neglect and further suffering.
Recognizing how fragile these situations can be, the Children’s Home Society of Florida (CHS) strives to keep families together during the most trying of times, working to strengthen the bond between parents and their children by helping to create nurturing home environments.
September 13, 2021
During a virtual awards ceremony held Aug. 17, 2021, Gloria Barquin was honored as the “Above & Beyond Teacher of the Year,” and Otilia Penczak was named “Above & Beyond Outstanding Employee of the Year - Education Coordinator.” Combined, these two educators represent more than 50 years of service to children and families in South Florida.
Catholic Health Services’ Centro Mater also received an Above & Beyond award as Outstanding Agency of the Year for COVID-19 Response.
September 9, 2021
WASHINGTON, DC – The National Head Start Association (NHSA) welcomed substantial increases in federal funding for Head Start proposed in the House Committee on Education and Labor’s 289-page portion of the reconciliation bill released yesterday.
The Committee’s portion of the Build Back Better Act invests roughly $450 billion in securing universal pre-K for three- and four-year-olds and lowering the cost of child care while raising the quality.
July 22, 2021
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. - Orange County is working to recruit 500 children to its early childhood Head Start program before school starts in a few weeks.
Orange County Head Start Director Sonya Hill said normally in late July comprehensive childhood program for low-income students has reached its 1,500 student capacity and has a waiting list.
July 18, 2021
Since 1965, the goal of the Redlands Christian Migrant Association (RCMA) has been to serve migrant farmworkers and their families. We have continuously reached out to these families to enroll and keep their children in school. As your recent article titled “We had to work twice as hard': How the pandemic magnified inequities for Florida's migrant students” highlighted, the pandemic disrupted migrant students’ learning far more than for their counterparts.
July 14, 2021
The health and welfare of Central Florida’s children is one of the most important issues our society today — and no more so than for Andry Sweet, president and CEO of Children's Home Society of Florida.
That's why her nonprofit works with local communities as some parents find themselves facing mounting financial challenges, in addition to poverty, hunger, abuse and homelessness. As the issues continue to grow, the need to find viable solutions becomes even greater, and Children’s Home Society of Florida is one of the area’s nonprofit agencies helping provide that solution, Sweet said.
June 30, 2021
Washington, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) through the Office of Head Start (OHS) at the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) is awarding $1 billion in American Rescue Plan Act (ARP) funds to Head Start programs nationwide. These funds will help more than 1,500 local Head Start programs build back to fully operational, in-person comprehensive services this fall. This funding comes right in time for summer programming for nearly one third of Head Start programs across the country, and also supports vaccination of Head Start staff and families.
June 26, 2021
Children First, the exclusive provider of Head Start and Early Head Start services in Sarasota County, recently received nearly $50,000 in support for the community’s most vulnerable children, birth to age 5, and their families.
The agency received $15,000 from the Eluned & Edward Russell Charitable Foundation through the Community Foundation of Sarasota County for The Challenge for Changing Lives – Children First’s 60th-anniversary challenge match campaign.
June 9, 2021
On June 2, Governor Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis reinforced their unwavering commitment to strengthen Florida families through significant funding included in the 2021-2022 budget to support the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) as they continue bolstering access to life-changing behavioral health services.
Tallahassee, FL., June 3, 2021 - The Florida Head Start Association (FHSA) is pleased to announce the newest member to the FHSA Board of Directors: Bob Bialas. Elections were held on May 21 - June 1 to fill the open Director At Large board seat left vacant after the resignation of Mr. Angel Maldonado. Mr. Bialas will serve out his remaining term with an option to continue to serve in this seat for an additional two more years should he so desire.
June 2, 2021
TALLAHASSEE, Fla – With funding in the 2021-2022 budget signed by Governor DeSantis today, Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) Secretary Shevaun Harris highlights key funding secured to strengthen Florida families, enhance access to life-changing behavioral health services, and provide individuals with the necessary assistance to achieve economic independence.
May 27, 2021
MIAMI ( May 27, 2021 ) — Miami-Dade County Community Action and Human Services Department is the recipient of two 2021 National Association of Counties (NAC0) awards for outstanding achievement in the Children and Youth, and Human Services categories. The Children and Youth award is for CAHSD’s partnership with The Children’s Trust Book Club and the Human Services Award recognizes the Remote Inmate Assessment project. “We are extremely proud of the work our Community Action department has done on these projects, these are well-deserved awards," said Mayor Daniella Levine Cava.
In July 2020, the CAHSD Head Start program teamed up with the Miami-Dade Family Learning Partnership and The Children’s Trust Book Club, developing a Parent Guide for every book targeted to children 0-3 years old. The Book Club was designed by The Trust in 2011 to provide Miami-Dade County children with developmentally appropriate books, to build their home libraries. “Our work to ensure that low-income families, from young to old, have access to educational opportunities is pivotal. As a grandmother and a social worker, I know first-hand the positive impact reading books can have on a child's development and creativity, and how it fosters a positive environment for everyone in the family. Books will always open our minds to knowledge and joy, no matter our age," said Mayor Levine Cava.
May 25, 2021
WASHINGTON, DC – Today the National Head Start Association announced a partnership with Uber to provide 500,000 rides to and from COVID-19 vaccination sites for the Head Start and Early Head Start community.
“For many in the Head Start community, the barrier to ‘sleeve up’ is not hesitancy—it is opportunity,” says NHSA Executive Director Yasmina Vinci. “Right now families, staff, and educators find themselves in the ‘willing-but-hard-to-reach’ category and access to safe and reliable transportation is a key factor in determining whether they have access to vaccination sites. Our partnership with Uber leverages Head Start as a critical infrastructure connecting vulnerable communities to national goals, including vaccine appointments.”
May 10, 2021
TALLAHASSEE, Fla – Today, Department of Children and Families (DCF) Secretary Shevaun Harris announced the launch of OUR Florida, the Emergency Rental Assistance Program, that will benefit Floridians who have suffered due to the pandemic’s economic impact on working-class families. Earlier this year, the Department of the Treasury issued $1.4 billion to Florida in emergency rental assistance funds, with approximately $529 million distributed directly by local governments with populations over 200,000. The remaining funds, over $800 million, will be disbursed by the state. The department partnered with Tidal Basin, a disaster and recovery consulting firm, to administer the program.
May 3, 2021
WASHINGTON, DC – The National Head Start Association (NHSA) today applauded the 205 members of Congress from both sides of the aisle, who reaffirmed their commitment to America’s at-risk children and families by urging robust funding for Head Start and Early Head Start in fiscal year (FY) 2022. Both Republicans and Democrats signed onto letters to House leadership, one led by Congresswoman Katherine Clark (D-MA), Congresswoman Lauren Underwood (D-IL), and Congressman Joseph Morelle (D-NY) and the other led by Congressman Steve Stivers (R-OH). The requested $12.1 billion in FY22 funding in the letter led by Congresswoman Clark includes a cost-of-living adjustment for the Head Start and Early Head Start workforce and provides quality improvement funds to build on previous investments to promote healing from the trauma that has been compounded this past year.
April 29, 2021
WASHINGTON, DC — The National Head Start Association commends the Biden Administration’s American Families Plan for the high value it places on investing in children and families, particularly those of color and those in poverty. In addition to proposing expanded access to preschool in the likes of Head Start’s high quality, the plan proposes direct investment in Head Start’s workforce as a necessary pillar for growth, ensuring that all educators earn $15 per hour, and reach parity with kindergarten educators when equally qualified and valuing educator development, a necessity explored in NHSA's most recent report. “The Head Start community is encouraged to see the administration recognizing and acting on the need to support families and the critical role of early learning in creating clear trajectories out of poverty.” NHSA Executive Director Yasmina Vinci said. “In this pursuit, the research is clear: there is no better national program to meet the administration’s goals than Head Start, and we look forward to working with the Biden Administration in furtherance of our shared goal to expand access to Head Start and Early Head Start’s high-quality, comprehensive services.”
Vinci continued, “Any expansion of early childhood education can and should begin with a commitment to increased racial and economic equity by expanding access to Head Start and Early Head Start. We will continue to work with our Republican and Democratic champions in Congress to meet the needs of the most at-risk children—those in poverty, in foster care, those with disabilities, and those experiencing homelessness—the very individuals Head Start has successfully supported for more than five decades.”
April 9, 2021
WASHINGTON, DC – The National Head Start Association applauded President Biden’s fiscal year (FY) 2022 budget proposal which increases funding for Head Start and Early Head Start by $1.2 billion for a total $11.9 billion. More broadly, the President’s proposal amounts to a 16% increase in discretionary funding, which also includes notable increases in a number of areas affecting Head Start programs and families: the Child Care and Development Block Grant (+$1.5 billion), Preschool Development Grants ($450 million total funding), WIC, housing supports, and Pell Grants.
“As the President stated, more than ever we need bold ‘investments in working families who drive growth and prosperity,’ and there is no better program to deliver on that investment than Head Start,” NHSA Executive Director Yasmina Vinci said. “The Head Start community is encouraged that this high level of funding acknowledges the critical role Head Start plays in supporting families’ trajectories out of poverty and makes a marked commitment to expanding access to Head Start.”
March 25, 2021
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — LaTanya Wynn-Hall runs the Lutheran Services Florida Duval Head Start Program. She’s in charge of getting young children ready for kindergarten. The low-income eligibility program serves more than 1,400 of the most vulnerable children in Jacksonville. And with the pandemic, it’s been a year like no other at the school. “We have had to quarantine staff and children, we’ve had to close classrooms, close center, we had a program quarantine in November because it was just spreading,” Wynn-Hall said.
March 24, 2021
SARASOTA — Children First announced The Challenge for Changing Lives, a $1,060,000 matching gift challenge led by Children First’s 60th Anniversary Diamond Circle members.
The Diamond Circle is a dedicated group of extraordinary supporters leading the charge in advancing the mission of strengthening children and families together.
Their goal is to inspire the community to join them in giving by matching all gifts, dollar for dollar, up to $1,060,000, throughout 2021 as the focal point of the agency’s overall annual fundraising efforts. Their commitment is to increase support of early childhood education, family strengthening, and comprehensive services for families living at risk.
March 15, 2021
This week, HHS’ Administration for Children and Families (ACF) awarded new Early Head Start-Child Care (EHS-CC) Partnership and Early Head Start Expansion funds to 62 agencies in 32 different states and Puerto Rico. The grants will provide Early Head Start services encompassing early learning and development, health, and family well-being to 5,100 infants and toddlers and their families.
Early Head Start programs promote the physical, cognitive, social and emotional development of infants and toddlers through safe and developmentally enriching caregiving. Early Head Start programs support families, including mothers, fathers, and other adults in their role as primary caregivers and teachers of their children. Programs assist families in meeting their own personal goals and achieving self-sufficiency across a wide variety of domains such as housing stability, continued education and financial security.
Children First is proud to announce The Challenge for Changing Lives, a $1,060,000 matching gift challenge led by Children First’s 60th Anniversary Diamond Circle members. The Diamond Circle is a dedicated group of extraordinary supporters leading the charge in advancing the mission of strengthening children and families together. Their goal is to inspire the community to join them in giving by matching all gifts, dollar for dollar, up to $1,060,000, throughout 2021 as the focal point of the agency’s overall annual fundraising efforts. Their commitment is to increase support of early childhood education, family strengthening, and comprehensive services for families living at risk.
SARASOTA — After 13 years of leadership, Step Up Suncoast President and CEO Barbara Patten plans to retire.
Patten will step down from the role on Aug. 31. The board has started a regional search and would like to have a new president and CEO in place by the end of June, according to a press release.
Step Up Suncoast assists low-income families with crisis services and programs centered around early childhood development.
March 16, 2021
HOMESTEAD, FL: Le Jardin Community Center, Inc. is proud to announce that it has been awarded a 31.5-million-dollar grant. This grant is part of the Early Head Start Expansion Funding Opportunity that was awarded through the Department of Health and Human Services, Administration of Children and Families, Office of Head Start. Le Jardin was 1 of 62 applicants in the United States, 1 of 7 programs awarded in Region 4, and the only program awarded in Florida. The grant goes hand in hand with the launch of a Mobile Health Bus this fall which will facilitate access to an array of comprehensive services for children and families.
American Rescue Plan Act includes $1 billion for Head Start and Early Head Start
March 10. 2021
WASHINGTON, DC – The National Head Start Association (NHSA) today celebrated the passage of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARP), which includes $1 billion for Head Start and Early Head Start, among many other key provisions to address the devastating impact of COVID-19. The additional funding for Head Start will provide essential support for local programs’ continued delivery of safe, high-quality services to at-risk children and their families. NHSA Executive Director Yasmina Vinci applauded the passage of the ARP, including provisions affecting unemployment, health coverage, refundable tax credits, and student loans, which aim to address the needs of those living in poverty as the country recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic.
“As a proven tool in the fight against intergenerational poverty, the Head Start community appreciates Congress’ comprehensive approach to recovery from the pandemic,” NHSA Executive Director Yasmina Vinci said. “During this pandemic, Head Start has continually adapted to meet the needs of our nation’s at-risk children and families safely, and Head Start stands ready to support lasting change in order to eradicate childhood poverty.”
FY21 budget reconciliation bill recognizes Head Start’s critical role in addressing child poverty
March 3, 2021
WASHINGTON, DC – The National Head Start Association (NHSA) today underscored the critical importance of the $1 billion for Head Start that the U.S. House of Representatives included in their FY21 budget reconciliation bill, which passed on February 27th. NHSA Executive Director Yasmina Vinci encouraged the Senate to pass the bill and applauded several elements of the legislation, including funding for Head Start and Early Head Start, which directly address the needs of children and families living in poverty.
“Head Start was born out of the Civil Rights Movement as a tool to disrupt intergenerational poverty,” NHSA Executive Director Yasmina Vinci said. “More than five decades into this work, we know Head Start is successful in this mission. As we aim to heal from COVID-19, we must prioritize the needs of children and families living in poverty who have been increasingly destabilized by the devastating effects of COVID-19. Just as Head Start has done for over 55 years, this bill stands by the families who have been hardest hit this past year."
February 23, 2021
WASHINGTON, DC – The National Head Start Association (NHSA), a not-for-profit organization supporting the Head Start and Early Head Start community, today congratulated Dr. Bernadine Futrell, the association’s former senior director of effective practice, on her appointment as the Director of the Office of Head Start within the Biden-Harris Administration’s Department for Health and Human Services. Dr. Futrell is the first Head Start alumna to be appointed into this critical role overseeing the federal Head Start and Early Head Start program.
“The National Head Start Association congratulates our dear colleague Dr. Bernadine Futrell on her appointment to the helm of the Office of Head Start,” NHSA Executive Director Yasmina Vinci said. “Dr. Futrell, herself a Head Start graduate and a testament to the strong foundation the program lays for success in school and in life, is a mission-driven, innovative leader and we look forward to working with her to continue taking Head Start to new heights.”
February 08, 2021
WASHINGTON, DC – The National Head Start Association (NHSA) today expressed gratitude to the House Committee on Education and Labor for responding to Head Start’s needs by including $1 billion for the program in their FY21 budget reconciliation bill, released today. When passed and signed into law as part of President Biden’s American Rescue Plan, this additional funding would support Head Start programs’ efforts to deliver safe, high-quality services to children and families during the pandemic.
NHSA Executive Director Yasmina Vinci said, “On behalf of the nearly one million Head Start children and families and 270,000 staff, we thank Head Start’s allies in Congress for making our nation’s most vulnerable a priority in this critical moment. Even in the chaos of the pandemic, this immense support has been building thanks to vocal congressional champions on both sides of the aisle. Beneath the partisanship and public rancor is a sincere, serious commitment to Head Start that's attributable to proven programs, measurable results, and changed lives."
February 05, 2021
Tallahassee, Fla. – Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced the appointments of Simone Marstiller as Secretary of the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) and Shevaun Harris as Secretary of the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF). Marstiller has served as the Secretary of the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) since 2019 and Harris, who most recently served as the Acting Secretary for AHCA, fills the vacancy created by the resignation of DCF Secretary Chad Poppell.
“Florida is fortunate to have some of the most talented leaders in the nation and I’m proud to announce Simone Marstiller as Secretary of the Agency for Health Care Administration and Shevaun Harris as Secretary of the Department of Children and Families,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “Simone has top-notch credentials, is a former judge and knows how to build and motivate a team to achieve results. Shevaun has steadily risen through the ranks and secured historic wins for the people of Florida, paired with her background in social work and health care, I have no doubt she will build upon our foundation to serve Florida’s most vulnerable.”
Sarasota, FL (February 01, 2021) - Local philanthropists and recently published authors Mitchell Epstein and Mike Keebaugh are giving back to the children and families at Children First in unique ways that will not only provide support for comprehensive services but instill a
love of literacy and life-long learning.
After publishing his first book, ‘Mr. Lucky – My Unexpected Journey to Success,’ retired entrepreneur Mitchell Epstein decided to donate its total proceeds to support the missions of local non-profits benefitting our community, including Children First. "The more you give, the more you get. It's a pleasure helping an organization that does all the right things for families,” says Epstein.
Earlier this week we were at IBK Preschool in Broward County where students received dozens of free books through our “If You Give a Child a Book” Campaign. On Thursday, we went to a Head Start Center in Miami-Dade, where thousands of books were distributed to children in need.
Studies show the ability to read can help lift children out of poverty. South Dade Child Care Center in Homestead is one of the many schools receiving free books to help low-income students meet their educational goals. Researchers and educators agree that making sure kids have access to books is more important now than ever.
January 27, 2021
PGT Innovations, a national leader in the premium windows and doors category, has partnered with Children First, the exclusive provider of Head Start and Early Head Start services for Sarasota County, to kick off the agency’s 60th anniversary in a special initiative called "60 for 60."
In honor of Children First’s major milestone, the agency is hosting 60 volunteer projects with 60 community partners throughout the year. PGT Innovations began the yearlong initiative on Tuesday at Children First’s North Port campus with landscaping and mulching.
January 15, 2021
Dr. Melania Kesoglou, director of education at Children First, has been invited to serve on the National Head Start Association’s Region IV Foster Care Challenge (FCC) committee. In this role, Kesoglou will help oversee the FCC’s work in Head Start’s Region IV, the southeastern United States, representing more than 170,000 children, 40,000 staff and 300 member programs.
December 21, 2020
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The National Head Start Association (NHSA) today expressed gratitude to Congress for responding to the concerns of Head Start by including $250 million in critical funding to meet rising operational costs attributable to the COVID-19 pandemic. Combined with CARES Act funding from earlier this year, Congress has delivered an additional $1 billion to support Head Start programs nationwide in responding to COVID-19. The agreement, which also includes a $135 million increase for Head Start for fiscal year 2021, is scheduled to be considered by Congress later today and passed by tomorrow.
December 07, 2020
WASHINGTON, DC – The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) today released a report highlighting Head Start’s effective response in managing the spread of COVID-19. The report detailed Head Start’s success in implementing CDC-recommended guidance and other mitigation strategies that could serve as a model for the early care and education system across the country. The report also validated the critical role that increased funding, provided through the CARES Act, played in enabling Head Start programs to support families in a safe, healthy manner. NHSA Executive Director Yasmina Vinci applauded the study and noted that maintaining best COVID-19 practices will require additional resources for programs, as infection rates continue to rise across the country.
December 07, 2020
WASHINGTON, DC – In a statement today from National Head Start Association Executive Director Yasmina Vinci, the Head Start community congratulated California Attorney General and former congressman Xavier Becerra on his nomination as secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for the incoming Biden-Harris Administration.
“Mr. Becerra is a long-standing champion for Head Start children and families who has continuously demonstrated his commitment to supporting our nation’s most vulnerable throughout his laudable career, including his 24 years in Congress and most recently as Attorney General of California,” said Vinci. “We congratulate him on this nomination and look forward to working with him and his team to ensure that Head Start continues to thrive under his leadership.
December 07, 2020
It started in Jacksonville in 2005.
The Nemours Foundation, which specializes in children's health, set out to fund a program to raise the reading level of preschool kids.
Reading is the foundation of all education. Once behind, it's difficult for children to catch up. And if reading is difficult rather than fun, it's likely to affect education over a lifetime. There is research on that fact. The brain grows to about 80 percent by age 3 and 90 percent by age 5
November 23, 2020
WASHINGTON, DC – The Head Start community honored retiring Representative Nita Lowey (D-NY) last week for her leadership in Congress on early education, maternal and infant care, and women’s health issues. In a resolution passed by the Board of Directors of the National Head Start Association on November 18th, Chairwoman Lowey was applauded for her work as chair and ranking member of the House Appropriations Committee to improve the lives of children and families across the country by increasing funding for Head Start by nearly 40 percent over just eight years.
“A trailblazer and advocate, Ms. Lowey’s ability to lead with her values, work across the aisle, and achieve notable successes on behalf of children has endeared her to the Head Start community forever,” NHSA Board Chairman Damon Carson said in the resolution. “Ms. Lowey’s tremendous and steadfast congressional leadership has advanced the cause of early childhood education and Head Start programs nationwide. Her tenure in Congress is best captured by her ceaseless commitment to children and families, and among the Head Start community, her legacy is embodied by the countless lives she changed as she shaped Congress’ funding agenda for the betterment of our nation.”
November 10, 2020
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The National Head Start Association (NHSA) today applauded the U.S. Senate Committee on Appropriations proposed investment in Head Start for fiscal year 2021, which approaches the funding level agreed to in the House of Representatives earlier this year. This action by the Committee sets in motion negotiations with the House to complete funding legislation for Head Start and other federally-supported programs for the fiscal year that began Oct. 1 of this year.
The proposal includes $10.7 billion for Head Start and Early Head Start—the early childhood development program for infants, young children, and families from at-risk backgrounds. This includes an additional $100 million in Head Start workforce investment over last year’s funding.
November 09, 2020
WASHINGTON, DC – In a statement today from National Head Start Association Executive Director Yasmina Vinci, the Head Start community announced its commitment to working collaboratively with President-elect Joe Biden to strengthen support for America’s most at-risk children and families.
“This year’s election was the culmination of a long, divisive campaign season—one that split families, communities, and our country as a whole,” said Vinci. “Today, as we look to the future, we must turn our attention to the many ties that bind us together, including our nation’s commitment to Head Start.
October 21, 2020
TALLAHASSEE, Fla – Today, First Lady Casey DeSantis, the Department of Children and Families (DCF) and Prevent Child Abuse Florida recognized October as Safe Sleep Awareness Month, highlighting preventative measures to decrease sleep-related infant deaths, the leading cause of death for children under the age of one in Florida. In fact, in 2019, there were at least 69 confirmed infant deaths in Florida as a result of unsafe sleep.
October 20, 2020
CHICAGO (Oct. 20, 2020) –The National Center for Children’s Vision and Eye Health at Prevent Blindness (NCCVEH) and the National Head Start Association (NHSA) joined together to launch the new “Small Steps for Big Vision: An Eye Health Information Tool Kit for Parents and Caregivers.” The purpose of the new free resource is to provide parents and caregivers with the necessary information and assistance to care for their children’s vision and eye health, as well as their own.
According to the recent report, “Children’s Vision and Eye Health: A Snapshot of Current National Issues 2nd Edition,” vision plays an important role in children’s physical, cognitive, and social development. At least one in five children enrolled in Head Start has an uncorrected vision disorder. Uncorrected refractive errors (including significant near-sightedness, far-sightedness, and astigmatism) in preschool-aged children can negatively impact early literacy skills and school readiness. Early visual functioning is a strong predictor of academic performance in school-aged children.
October 16, 2020
FORT MEADE — As migrant farm workers make their way to Central Florida for the agricultural season, East Coast Migrant Head Start Centers announced they are reopening their early childhood education centers in Fort Meade, Dundee and Wauchula for in-person learning on Monday.
“We know that these essential farmworkers in Florida depend on ECMHSP to provide high-quality early childhood education services for their children,” Maria Garza, ECMHSP chief executive officer, said in a press release. “
October 15, 2020
By: Yasmina S. Vinci, Opinion Contributor
For 55 years, Head Start has stood by America’s children and families. Created as part of the War on Poverty, locally operated Head Start programs have prepared nearly 40 million children from at-risk backgrounds for success in school and life. Today, an unwavering bipartisan commitment from Congress enables Head Start programs across the nation to serve the educational, socio-emotional, health, and nutrition needs of more than 1 million children in safe, nurturing environments.
October 14, 2020
MIAMI, FL – Today, as Hispanic Heritage Month draws to close, U.S. Rep. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell (FL-26), the first South American immigrant elected to Congress and member of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, held a virtual ceremony to honor seven local Hispanic leaders who have made a lasting impact on the community. A group of students also attended the event to learn about Hispanic leadership and heritage, and receive a message of hope from awardees.
“I am proud that we have so many people in our district who trace their heritage to Latin America – they or their families are from Cuba, Colombia, Venezuela, Mexico, Nicaragua, Ecuador, and so many other places, but they all decided to grow our roots here, in South Florida,” said Mucarsel-Powell. “Across the country and in South Florida, the contributions of our Hispanic community are on full display. It is my commitment to recognize our local Hispanic leaders who have made significant contributions in the areas of education, business, sports, advocacy, community service, and arts and culture. We must continue to learn from them and uplift their stories.”
October 13, 2020
MIAMI, FL – Today, U.S. Rep. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell (FL-26), member of the Hispanic Caucus’ Education and Labor Task Force, announced a $2,387,473 Health and Human Services (HHS) Early Head Start grant for Le Jardin Community Center. Le Jardin Community Center provides low-income children and families of diverse backgrounds opportunities to learn, develop, and increase their likelihood of success in the future.
“I have seen firsthand the impact Le Jardin has on our community, and I could not be prouder to continue to bring funding for their important work for South Florida,” said Mucarsel-Powell. “Head Start programs have been critical in putting children across our district on a path to success through education, nutrition programs, and access to mental health resources. I look forward to seeing these funds boost those efforts and ensure Le Jardin can continue its critical work with our students through this crisis.”
October 07, 2020
Tallahassee, FL – The Florida Head Start Association is pleased to announce the hiring of the Office of Head Start's Collaboration Director for Florida is Ms. Mimi C. Jefferson, effective October 5, 2020.
"Mimi is an accomplished Early Childhood professional, entrepreneur, and advocate with significant Head Start experience. Florida is lucky to have someone with her talents to lead the Head Start Collaboration office as we continue to grow and serve young children from at-risk backgrounds the skills they need to be successful in school and life," stated FHSA President Kymberly Cook.
October 07, 2020
SARASOTA — Children First was recently recognized a top place to work the 25 “Best Places to Work” competition for Sarasota and Manatee counties.
Hosted by independent firm Best Companies Group and the Sarasota Herald-Tribune, “the competition identifies and recognizes the area’s top employers who demonstrate workplace excellence and are known for retaining and recruiting the best and brightest employees,” according to a news release.
“Selected for its mission-driven approach to employment, Children First was named the No. 12 top place to work in Sarasota-Manatee and was the top-ranked nonprofit organization out of the four recognized,” the news release said. “This is the second consecutive year that the organization, Sarasota County’s exclusive provider of Head Start and Early Head Start services, has been named to this prestigious list.”
September 29, 2020
WASHINGTON, DC – The National Head Start Association (NHSA) today welcomed revitalized COVID-19 negotiations in Washington that indicate strengthened congressional support for critical funding for community-based Head Start programs. In the updated HEROES Act (H.R. 6800) made public on Monday, leadership in the House of Representatives included $1.7 billion to fill the funding gap and provide safe in-person, virtual, and home-based education, health, nutrition, and family support services to America’s most vulnerable children and families. Based on extensive surveying of Head Start providers, NHSA estimates operational costs will increase by up to 20 percent this year as individual programs adapt and respond to the pandemic.
August 28, 2020
Suncoast Credit Union has awarded Children First a $10,000 grant to provide scholarships for at-risk children and families in Sarasota County. Scholarships are one of the agency’s highest priorities, creating opportunites for children living in poverty to make important cognitive, social and developmental gains so they are on par with their peers and ready for success in kindergarten and beyond.
August 27, 2020
WASHINGTON, DC – The National Head Start Association announced today that seven years of advocacy by the Head Start community for the removal of several arbitrary and ineffective policies has culminated in a significant regulatory change from the Administration for Children and Families (ACF). In a final rule that will be formally published Friday, ACF makes three changes to the conditions used to determine whether local Head Start grantees have to compete for continued funding. These changes will not only provide a consistent, stable target for Head Start programs to work toward, they will also encourage programs to approach this work through a quality improvement framework, ensuring the highest level of quality for children in Head Start.
August 6, 2020
Tallahassee, FL., August 6, 2020 - The Florida Head Start Association (FHSA) is pleased to announce that the FHSA board of directors elected Ms. Mary Grace Romo as the new Secretary. Ms. Romo will serve out the remainder of the term left vacant by Mrs. Angela Doucette- Lyon. Mary Grace Romo is the Supervisor of Early Childhood Programs at Pasco County Schools and has was elected to the FHSA board of directors in 2019 under the staff affiliate group seat. Since joining the board, she has served as chair of the awards committee. "The board is looking forward to working with Ms. Romo in this new role and appreciative of her dedication and support of FHSA", said FHSA President Kymberly Cook.
August 4, 2020
WASHINGTON, DC – The National Head Start Association (NHSA) today applauded the introduction of the Head Start Extended Duration Grants Act in the U.S. House of Representatives. The bill, led by Congresswoman Marcia Fudge (D–OH) and Congressman Steve Stivers (R–OH) would provide funds for Head Start programs to extend their hours of operation, providing quality care and education for children and increased flexibility for working parents and caregivers.
July 27, 2020
WASHINGTON, DC – The National Head Start Association (NHSA) today expressed immediate concern that supplemental COVID-19 response funding legislation proposed by Senate majority leadership fails to include support for Head Start. While the proposed legislation includes funding to support schools and child care providers in reopening, it does not include the $1.7 billion Head Start programs need to avert a devastating funding shortfall.
July 14, 2020
WASHINGTON, DC — The National Head Start Association (NHSA) today commended the U.S. House of Representatives’ Committee on Appropriations on making positive progress by increasing Head Start funding for fiscal year 2021, beginning October 1. The committee passed an annual appropriations bill that included a $150 million increase for Head Start, bringing the early childhood development program’s annual support from Congress to nearly $10.8 billion. Of particular interest, the bill includes a $135 million cost-of-living adjustment for Head Start staff and $15 million in additional funding for Migrant and Seasonal Head Start programs.
“Head Start appreciates the bipartisan support that underpins this funding increase from the committee,” NHSA Executive Director Yasmina Vinci said. “The $135 million in additional funding backstops the critical work of over 270,000 Head Start staff members nationwide who have gone beyond the call of duty to support children and families during COVID-19 with home visits, virtual learning initiatives, food distribution, and so much more. The increase is a clear recognition that Head Start programs help stabilize and strengthen communities and families, especially in this difficult time of racial tension and pandemic.”
July 3, 2020
The McCune Family Foundation has awarded Children First a $50,000 grant to provide scholarships for Sarasota County’s most economically vulnerable children. This grant will aid the agency in continuing to provide access to comprehensive care and education. Since 2017, the McCune Family Foundation has granted $180,000 to Children First through support of the agency’s Raise Your Hand Campaign and comprehensive services for children and families.
July 2, 2020
Fidelity National Information Systems awarded a $100,000 grant to Lutheran Services Florida to update technology for the Head Start and Early Head Start-Child Care Partnership programs in Duval County.
The FIS Foundation made the grant. In 2019, the foundation provided nearly $1.2 million in annual donations to charitable organizations aligned with the company’s giving priorities, according to a news release.
June 30, 2020
Three months into the COVID-19 pandemic, businesses, organizations and individuals have sought to bridge the gaps in daily life with technology.
But for the staff at the Early Head Start program in the Center for Prevention and Early Intervention Policy at Florida State University, technology isn’t a cure-all. Instead it’s laid bare the digital divide that exists amongst the state’s most needy.
June 14, 2020
Through all the trials and tribulations of the COVID-19 crisis, one word has reverberated through this community: Together.
Shining moments of good have brought us together to provide support, protection and comfort to those who need it most – our elderly, our young, our immune suppressed, our health care workers and others deemed at greatest risk.
Working 20 years in the nursing home industry taught me the importance of prevention. Prevention is key.
June 9, 2020
Tallahassee, FL., - The Florida Head Start Association (FHSA) is pleased to announce the addition of two new members to the FHSA Board of Directors: Brigette Davis and Gloria Gonazlez. Elections were held June 1 - June 5 to fill the two open Director At Large board seats left vacant after the resignation of Mrs. Angela Doucette- Lyon and Mrs. LaKysha Perskins. The selected candidates will serve out the remaining terms of Mrs. Lyon and Mrs. Perkins with an option to continue to serve in this seat for an additional two more years should they so desire.
MAY 19, 2020
Tallahassee, Fla. – Today, Governor Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis recognized May 2020 as Foster Care Month in Florida, bringing statewide attention to children and families in the foster care system, while encouraging all Floridians to continue supporting each other during the current public health emergency.
“Florida is blessed to have over 6,700 foster families that have opened their hearts and homes to 8,150 children and youth,“ said Governor Ron DeSantis. “Even in this time of stress and uncertainty, many families have committed to providing care for young people if they contract COVID-19 or they are exposed to the virus. That level of compassion and dedication is admirable, and as a father of three, I find it really moving.”
MAY 18, 2020
For more than five decades, the National Head Start Program has helped turn the graduation cap tassels of more than 37 million low-income children across the United States, instilling in each of them a solid foundation of how to thrive, grow and learn.
On Monday, May 18, 2020, Head Start celebrates its 55th anniversary, while the County program has open slots in registration for its 2020-21 academic year.
MAY 18, 2020
Tallahassee, Fla. – Today, First Lady Casey DeSantis announced that the Department of Children and Families (DCF) has received a $1.9 million emergency grant to address behavioral health disorders resulting from the current public health emergency. The funding, awarded by the United States Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), will provide crisis intervention services, mental health, and substance abuse treatment, and other related recovery supports for children and adults impacted by COVID-19.
MAY 13, 2020
MIAMI ( May 13, 2020 ) — COVID-19 has affected all aspects of our lives. Many children in need of an early education have found themselves at home without an option in the crucial months before they begin kindergarten. In order to make sure children are prepared for that first day of school this fall, Miami-Dade Head Start is partnering with Waterford.org to provide the Waterford Upstart Summer Learning Path.
The goal: to keep kids on track over the summer. This program aims to support the students and families who have been affected by COVID-19 either through personal economic hardship or due to the indefinite closure of many PreK and Head Start options.
MAY 1, 2020
Uust as the heavy rains began to calm down, the families arrived. One by one and far apart, each person wearing a mask. Some walked while others were dropped off by organizers with the Redlands Christian Migrant Association. Eight families gathered Thursday afternoon at the association's campus in Immokalee by a 24-foot enclosed trailer filled with supplies to help them get through the month.
MAY 1, 2020
Department of Children and Families Announces Faith-Based Partnerships Supporting Florida’s Child Welfare System
TALLAHASSEE, Fla – Today, the Department of Children and Families (DCF) announced multiple partnerships with faith-based organizations that are supporting Florida’s child welfare system during the current public health emergency. Established in coordination with Erik Dellenback, the Governor’s Faith and Community Based Liaison, and the Florida Coalition for Children (FCC), and DCF, these partnerships will extend specifically to children in foster care.
APRIL 14, 2020
COVID-19 spending bill gives an additional $3.5 billion to the Child Care and Development Block Grant to support families with child care options during this public health crisis.
On March 27, the President signed a $2 trillion emergency relief bill aimed at providing economic relief to the nation’s families, workers, and businesses. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act will provide the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) with $6.3 billion in additional funding that will aid in the continuation of work protecting, supporting, and uplifting our vulnerable communities during this public health crisis.
“President Trump has secured more than $6 billion in funding to help meet the needs of America’s most vulnerable during this time of crisis, including those who need assistance affording child care,” said HHS Secretary Alex Azar. “As part of the President’s all-of-America approach to combating the coronavirus, ACF is providing extra support for human services that Americans—including healthcare workers, first responders, and other essential workers—may rely on even more in this time of crisis.”
APRIL 14, 2020
TALLAHASSEE, FL – Today, the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) announced Florida will pilot a program for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients to purchase groceries online with the use of an EBT card. SNAP participants are automatically eligible to participate in this program and do not need to apply.
“Removing barriers and enhancing access to critical services, while supporting Florida's infrastructure, remains a top priority for this agency, " said DCF Secretary Chad Poppell. “I commend Governor DeSantis for taking yet another proactive action to equip Florida families with resources, while keeping their health and safety at the forefront. This is an innovative, common sense efficiency that will strengthen our families during this time of uncertainty."
APRIL 10, 2020
Tallahassee, Fla. – Today, Governor DeSantis directed the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) to begin developing plans to implement an online purchasing program for Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients. On Friday, April 10, 2020, DCF requested a federal waiver to permit the State of Florida to launch a pilot project that will allow Florida families to purchase groceries online with their Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card.
“After executing Executive Order 20-91 to limit outside activities to essential services, this commonsense policy approach is a no brainer,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “Allowing Florida families to purchase groceries online instead of venturing into a public store is a sound practice during this public health emergency and yet another step that will help Florida flatten the curve.”
MARCH 26, 2020
WASHINGTON, DC – The National Head Start Association welcomed Senate passage of legislation to help Americans weather the immediate and economic impacts of the COVID-19 public health emergency. The House of Representatives is expected to pass the bill in a couple of days. NHSA advocated for significant funding to help Head Start programs meet additional staffing needs, including those related to expanding operations later this year when the demand for services is expected to increase. NHSA also applauded funding included in the bill that will help stabilize the networks that are critical to Head Start children and families, including support for child care, nutrition, housing security, and the unemployed.
MARCH 24, 2020
Jacksonville, Fla. –As the country faces a health pandemic, social services organization like Lutheran Services Florida, is adapting its critical services to the most vulnerable Floridians. Following guidance from Federal and State officials to control the spread of coronavirus by practicing social distancing, LSF Duval Head Start yesterday launched a virtual learning program for our families. We are excited to report 65 percent participation among Head Start/Early Head Start Child Care Partnerships families in Duval County.
Leveraging ReadyRosie, a technology platform that enables educators to communicate with families and share early education content, LSF Duval Head Start is now providing remote learning to more than 1,400 children and families during this unprecedented time. Our Head Start programs were previously using ReadyRosie to help parents engage with their children and continue learning outside traditional classroom hours so with a few simple adjustments we were able to shift the focus to fit the new need.
MARCH 20, 2020
Tallahassee, Fla., The Department of Education and Commissioner Richard Corcoran are using executive authority to support the Florida Division of Emergency Management to ensure Florida citizens are kept safe.
“The containment of COVID-19 is essential, and this is not a decision we made lightly. Districts have taken action and have instituted distance learning as a necessary precaution to protect students, educators, families, and Florida’s overall public health,” said Commissioner of Education Richard Corcoran. “We are working with our local school districts to provide guidance and help children who need access to food during this time. Our number one priority is keeping our families safe and healthy and stopping the spread of this virus. These actions will help mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in Florida. I will continue to work with the Governor, Superintendents, Florida College System and the State University System to do whatever we can to protect our children, our families, and our communities.”
MARCH 19, 2020
Lutheran Services Florida’s Head Start and Early Head Start programs have been shut down in Jacksonville due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The program, which serves about 6,000 children and families in Duval, Hillsborough, Palm Beach and Pinellas counties, is preparing remote education programs for its students in need.
“Our teachers and staff may not be in the classrooms, but they are still connecting with parents and serving as a resource,” the Tampa-based program’s officials said. “Our educational leaders are designing remote learning plans and strategizing around the challenges that brings for families without computers, the internet and food while they are out of the classrooms.”
MARCH 18, 2020
TALLAHASSEE, FL – Today, the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) temporarily closed all storefronts and lobbies to safeguard the public and employees from the spread of COVID-19. While these facilities are used to serve customers of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and Medicaid programs, the department continues to use technology to ensure continuity of service.
FEBRUARY 11, 2019
We are pleased to share that Florida was selected as one of 20 states to receive the Preschool Development Birth to Five Renewal Grant (PDG-R). Through the initial Preschool Development Birth to Five grant, Florida has been working to implement measures that build on existing framework and infrastructure to increase the quality, alignment, and efficiency of Florida's early childhood care and education mixed-delivery system of programs and services.
JANUARY 30, 2020
RCMA announced that it received a $125,000 grant from the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative to strengthen communication efforts related to RCMA and its immigration family support program.
With the funding, RCMA will train staff, board members, alumni, students, and their parents as community ambassadors to tell their stories and discuss how RCMA, by helping families, improves education outcomes for children of immigrants.
Established in 1965, RCMA is Florida’s largest nonprofit provider of quality early childhood education and family-support services. RCMA serves people in rural areas living in poverty, primarily migrant and agriculture working families. RCMA operates 66 child development centers and three charter schools, and partners with 19 family childcare homes and several after-schools care programs in 21 Florida counties.
JANUARY 24, 2020
Tallahassee, Fla. – Today, First Lady Casey DeSantis urged Florida parents and schools to take advantage of more than 8,000 Reading Scholarships available through the Florida Department of Education to help public school students in grades 3-5 improve their reading skills. First Lady DeSantis said that more than 5,600 students and their parents have already taken advantage of these Reading Scholarships during the current school year.
First Lady DeSantis also announced that ABCmouse will be launching a pilot program for their Mastering Math app and will soon announce the launch of their Mastering Reading app. Both pilots, which allow students to learn basic skills at their own pace, will be offered at no cost to Florida students in prekindergarten through second grade.
JANUARY 20, 2020
Children First, Inc., the exclusive provider of Head Start and Early Head Start services in Sarasota County, is excited to welcome the new slate of board leadership for 2020.
Lisa Giglio is the former co-owner of Freedom Boat Club, and has served as an early childhood educator and director of education at Sylvan Learning Center. Michael Suarez, former executive director of Sarasota County Emergency Services, is also a life member, past president, and current treasurer of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Both have been named to the Board of Directors for 2020.
Both Mrs. Giglio and Mr. Suarez bring a great deal of governance experience, knowledge and expertise in the field of human services to Children First. They join the rest of the board in serving as pillars of support by helping the agency continue to provide the highest quality of services to those most in need in our community.
JANUARY 14, 2020
Tallahassee, FL – Today, the Department of Children and Families (DCF) Secretary Chad Poppell applauded Governor DeSantis’ commitment to mental health and child welfare reform.
During his State of the State address, the Governor emphasized the need for access to timely, meaningful mental health services, underscoring the work of the First Lady’s Hope for Healing initiative.
“Governor DeSantis is taking action and creating meaningful change for Florida’s families,” said DCF Secretary Chad Poppell. “With his and the First Lady’s leadership, as well as support from the Legislature, we can redefine child welfare and establish a performance-driven system that promotes transparency and improves outcomes for our state’s most vulnerable citizens – our children.”
DECEMBER 30, 2019
The Harry Sudakoff Foundation has recently awarded $20,000 in support of scholarships to Children First, the exclusive provider of Head Start and Early Head Start services in Sarasota County.
The agency also received $15,000 from the Bernard & Mildred Doyle Charitable Trust, $10,000 from the Evalyn Sadlier Jones Foundation and $750 from the India Benton Lesser Foundation for scholarships; while $1,000 from the Heron Creek Community Foundation will help to fund a variety of classes through the Families First Institute in North Port.
DECEMBER 20, 2019
Tallahassee, Fla. – Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced that Florida has been awarded an additional $63.2 million in federal disaster funding through the U.S. Department of Education (USDOE) to restore educational programs in counties affected by Hurricane Michael. The $63.2 million in funding includes $44.2 million under the Immediate Aid to Restart School Operations (K-12 Restart) program, $2.6 million for postsecondary education, and $6.3 million for Emergency Impact Aid.
“Since day one of my administration, we have used every resource at our disposal to ensure Northwest Florida completely rebuilds from Hurricane Michael,” said Governor DeSantis. “I’m grateful that we have been able to work with Secretary Betsy DeVos and the U.S. Department of Education to secure these additional funds that will provide much needed relief to local students and families who deserve to return to normalcy after Hurricane Michael. For the many families, educators, and schools who are still recovering from this storm, I can assure you that we are working every day to make sure you and your community recovers.”
DECEMBER 19, 2019
WASHINGTON, DC, December 19, 2019 – Following passage today in the U.S. Senate of the final fiscal year 2020 spending bill, the National Head Start Association thanked members of Congress from both parties for their steadfast support throughout the year in championing this historic investment in America’s most vulnerable children and families.
“Head Start has many champions on both sides of the aisle, but we would not be here without the amplifying work of many elected officials, most specifically Senators Dick Durbin (D - IL), Shelley Moore Capito (R - WV), Roy Blunt (R - MO), Patty Murray (D - WA), and the lifetime work of Representatives Nita Lowey (D- NY), Rosa DeLauro (D - CT), Tom Cole (R - OK), Steve Stivers (R - OH), and Chuck Fleischmann (R - TN) in support of young children and their families,” NHSA Executive Director Yasmina Vinci said.
DECEMBER 19, 2019
Every child deserves the opportunity to succeed in life, and Orange County Head Start helps to provide those opportunities to local residents. One Orange County employee, Lourdes Ramos, can personally attest to the benefits the program provides.
Lourdes, senior community services worker with Orange County Community and Family Services Division, moved from Puerto Rico to Orlando with her then-husband Hector, in 1991. They immediately enrolled their two small children, Yesenia and Hector Jr., in Orange County Head Start. Lourdes got involved with the program as a volunteer and has since served in various capacities, including as a teacher, a social worker and currently as a Disability and Mental Health Coordinator. She credits the program not only with her success but also the success of her children.
DECEMBER 17, 2019
WASHINGTON, DC – The National Head Start Association (NHSA) today applauded Congress’s proposed historic investment in Head Start, as detailed in the annual spending bill that would fund the government for the remainder of fiscal year 2020. The bill, which is the result of negotiations between both the House of Representatives and the Senate, includes a record-setting $10.6 billion for the early childhood development program for at-risk infants, young children, and their families. The bipartisan agreement also dedicates $250 million in new resources to expanding Head Start’s ability to provide trauma-informed care to the increasing number of children experiencing adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), responding to recommendations NHSA’s Opioid Working Group first laid out in the 2018 report, “A Head Start on Treating Our Nation’s Opioid Epidemic.”
"The Head Start community applauds Congress’ unified commitment to strengthening and expanding the impact of Head Start for our nation’s most at-risk children and families,” NHSA Executive Director Yasmina Vinci said. “This historic investment shows that both Republicans and Democrats in both chambers of Congress are serious about expanding Head Start's ability to meet the needs of America's most vulnerable children.”
NOVEMBER 18, 2019
Tallahassee, FL – Today, Department of Children and Families (DCF) Secretary Chad Poppell issued the following statement on Governor Ron DeSantis’ Bolder, Brighter, Better Future budget recommendations for FY 2020-21.
“Governor DeSantis’ budget recommendations prove his unwavering commitment to Florida’s children and his bold, transformative vision for the future of our state. The department is grateful for his leadership and the First Lady’s ongoing support as we transform from a crisis response organization to one that is fundamentally focused on prevention,” said DCF Secretary Chad Poppell. “In partnership with Florida’s child welfare stakeholders, DCF will implement a strong system of accountability and optimal funding for all of our community-based care lead agencies, ultimately achieving the department’s goal of reducing the number of families in crisis by 20 percent by Summer 2021.”
NOVEMBER 8, 2019
TALLAHASSEE, FL – November 8, 2019 -The Florida Head Start Association (FHSA) is pleased to announce seven of their 2020 FHSA Annual Award recipients have received region recognition from the Region IV Head Start Association (RIVHSA).
State award winners were honored during the FHSA Annual Awards Luncheon in Daytona Beach, FL, on October 11, 2019. The FHSA Annual Awards promote excellence in the Head Start/Early Head Start community through recognition of employers, parents, alumni, volunteers, and partners who have made extraordinary contributions to their programs and exemplifies the highest quality of standards in their communities. Award winners serve as inspirational leaders to FHSA; they embody the core values of serving children and families and being committed to Head Start. The state winners advanced as Region finalists in their categories. Four FHSA State award recipients will be recognized at the RIVHSA 2020 Awards gala on February 20, 2020, in Atlanta, GA.
OCTOBER 21, 2019
Children First has been recognized as one of the top 30 employers in Sarasota-Manatee in the “Best Places to Work” competition. Hosted by independent firm Best Companies Group and the Sarasota Herald-Tribune, the competition identifies and recognizes the area’s top employers who demonstrate workplace excellence and are known for retaining and recruiting the best and brightest employees.
OCTOBER 11, 2019
TALLAHASSEE, FL – October 11, 2019 – The Florida Head Start Association (FHSA) is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2020 FHSA Annual Awards:
Parent of the Year – Maritza Vasquez from Orange County Head Start, Orlando
Beating the Odds – Sharlene Singleton from Episcopal Children’s Services, Jacksonville
Teacher of the Year – Jennine Nolan from Hillsborough County Head Start/Early Head Start, Tampa
Staff of the Year – Indra Font from Polk County Public Schools Head Start, Lakeland
Support Staff of the Year – Parameshwari “Rani” Panchanathan from Miami- Dade Community Action and Human Services Department, Head Start/Early Head Start, Miami
Scholarship for Head Start/Early Head Start Staff, Higher Education – Princess Ortiz from Orange County Head Start, Orlando
Corporate Award – Smart City, Orlando
The state award winners were honored during the FHSA Annual Awards Luncheon in Daytona Beach, FL on October 11, 2019.
OCTOBER 02, 2019
TALLAHASSEE, Fla., October 1, 2019 – Today, Commissioner Richard Corcoran announced the Florida Standards Listening Tour dates and locations. The department also released the second draft of the revised standards for public input. The revised draft was crafted based on feedback the Department of Education received over the last several months from Florida teacher experts, national experts and the education community. In addition to the listening tour, the public can submit feedback on each of the second draft standards individually at www.floridastandardsreview.org or email at [email protected].
SEPTEMBER 19, 2019
Franklin Johnson has been hired as the new director of Head Start, according to the Economic Opportunities Council of Indian River County. Johnson, who will start Oct. 1, succeeds Natalie Sanders, who is retiring.
“We are confident that his considerable experience and leadership will continue to serve the agency well, as he and the management teamwork to strategically grow and continually improve our educational programs,” said Angela Davis-Green, EOC’s executive director.
Head Start is a holistic early childhood education program for children and families living at or near the poverty level.
“As the agency’s Early Childhood Education specialist for the last five years, Mr. Johnson has been instrumental in our education program’s growth and success,” said Sanders.
SEPTEMBER 13, 2019
Tallahassee, FL., September 13, 2019 - The Florida Head Start Association (FHSA) is pleased to announce the addition of seven new members to the FHSA Board of Directors: Sonya Hill, Angela Iudica, Dr. Maria Riestra-Quintero, Mary Grace Sabella Romo, Angel Maldonado, Cindy Kaier, and Janet Ranaldi. Elections were held August 15 - August 22 to fill the three open Regional Director and 4 Director-At-Large Seats. These board seats are for a two-year term.
The membership elects directors from a slate of self- nominations and vetted by the Nominating Committee in advance of the election to ensure a fair representation of the association and skills.
SEPTEMBER 10, 2019
Tallahassee, Fla., – Commissioner of Education Richard Corcoran announced that Florida remains ranked 4th in the nation for K-12 student achievement, according to Education Week’s Quality Counts 2019 report. The annual report compares state-by-state data and trends related to achievement levels, achievement gains, poverty gap, achieving excellence, high school graduation and Advanced Placement.
“Maintaining a top national ranking for student achievement for the second year in a row is a testament to our educators and students,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “The investments and policy changes we made this year in education will only continue to ensure our students’ success, regardless of income or zip code.”
SEPTEMBER 11, 2019
The national Head Start program is changing, but the Alachua County School District’s Head Start program has tools to meet the changes.
Natalie G. Strappy, executive director of the Alachua County School District’s Head Start and Early Learning Development and The Parent Academy programs, said the way Head Start is funded is transitioning to a competitive five-year grant model updated annually and awarded directly to public or private non-profit organizations. In the past, Head Start authorized funding every year to Head Start programs.
AUGUST 30, 2019
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – To assist families as they prepare for Hurricane Dorian, the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) has been approved by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to release September food assistance benefits to all 67 counties included in Governor Ron DeSantis’ Executive Order 19-190 declaring a State of Emergency.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) customers who were scheduled to receive their benefits between September 1 and September 14 will now be able to access benefits through their Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards starting August 31 at noon. This is an early release of regular benefits, not a distribution of additional funds.
AUGUST 28, 2019
Florida Times-Union: Opinion Bob Bialas, executive vice president of Children and Head Start Services for Lutheran Services Florida
Teachers and staff in the Head Start programs operated by Lutheran Services Florida are tragically familiar with the term “Adverse Childhood Experiences.”
They know that children living in poverty suffer Adverse Childhood Experiences at rates five times as high as others. They have seen children struggle with neonatal abstinence syndrome, deaths of family members, placement into foster care and instances of either witnessing or being victimized by violence. They also know that these traumatic childhood experiences persist long after the healing begins.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that at least one in seven children face Adverse Childhood Experiences each year; it also estimates that the economic burden associated with Adverse Childhood Experiences costs American taxpayers billions of dollars.
JULY 3, 2019
Tallahassee, Fla. – First Lady Casey DeSantis, Department of Children and Families’ (DCF) Secretary Chad Poppell, and the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles’ (FLHSMV) Executive Director Terry Rhodes are urging all Floridians and visitors to make safety a top priority during the summer months. Summer is especially dangerous with two-thirds of drownings nationwide occurring each year between May and August, and a national average of 38 child vehicular heatstroke fatalities per year.
“Our great state is known for its beautiful summer weather and abundance of natural waters – a place for families to make lasting memories,” said First Lady Casey DeSantis. “As a mother of two active young children, I know how critical it is to take the necessary safety precautions during the summer months. Active supervision, swim lessons, and safeguards for your home and vehicle are proven steps to ensure the safety of our children.”
JUNE 25, 2019
The Office of Head Start (OHS) at HHS’ Administration for Children and Families will bring together leaders from school districts and Head Start programs from across the country on June 24 and 25 to address the need for better coordination between Head Start and K-12 education. Comprehensive early childhood education like Head Start programs can prepare children for kindergarten, but children’s continued success requires the support of teachers and leaders in their next school environment.
“Head Start programs and the elementary schools our children will go to should work together to sustain the gains children have made. I believe the folks who show up daily to run Head Start programs can directly impact how children are prepared for life beyond Head Start—most typically, public school kindergarten,” said Dr. Deborah Bergeron, director of OHS.
JUNE 19, 2019
Bill Includes $750 Million to Aid Head Start in Addressing Surge in Childhood Trauma
WASHINGTON, DC — The National Head Start Association (NHSA) today applauded Head Start’s champions in the U.S. House of Representatives for passing legislation to increase Head Start funding in fiscal year 2020 (FY20) by more than $1.5 billion. At the urging of NHSA and the Head Start community, the bill includes $750 million to equip Head Start programs with additional training in trauma-informed care and provides access to increased mental health services for children and families. The bill also enables programs to adjust staffing levels to counteract the challenges of drug addiction, community violence, displacement and other forms of extreme trauma.
“On behalf of the more than one million children and families who benefit from Head Start’s community-based services every year, we thank the House for passing this bill,” NHSA Executive Director Yasmina Vinci said. “The House has demonstrated its strong support for Head Start’s whole-child, whole-family approach to early childhood development, and we urge the Senate to make a similar investment in America’s most vulnerable children and families.”
JUNE 11, 2019
RISE from Trauma Act Recognizes Vital Role of Head Start in Supporting Children and Families
WASHINGTON, DC – The National Head Start Association (NHSA) today welcomed the introduction of the RISE (Resilience, Investment, Support, and Expansion) from Trauma Act, bipartisan legislation in Congress that seeks to engage Head Start in supporting at-risk children and families exposed to trauma, including addiction and abuse. NHSA worked with the lawmakers leading the effort in the Senate—Senators Dick Durbin(D-IL) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV)—to leverage Head Start as a part of this community-coordinated response to trauma. The proposal, which has also been introduced in the House of Representatives by Rep. Danny Davis (D-IL) and Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-WI), would have a substantial, visible impact in the lives of Head Start children and families.
“Head Start is a safe haven for more than one million vulnerable children and families, many of whom are battling the storms of addiction and other traumatic experiences,” NHSA Executive Director Yasmina Vinci said. “The RISE from Trauma Act would better equip Head Start staff to respond to children and families in crisis. I urge all members of Congress to support this bill and engage Head Start’s family-centered approach in intervening to stop the ripple effects of trauma in our communities.”
JUNE 03, 2019
Congress Passes Bill with $55 Million for Head Start Programs
WASHINGTON, DC – The National Head Start Association (NHSA) today welcomed congressional passage of legislation providing $55 million to meet the recovery needs of Head Start programs with facilities impacted by natural disasters in 2018 and 2019. The Head Start funding is included in the 2019 Emergency Supplemental bill (H.R. 2157), which passed the House of Representatives this evening with overwhelming bipartisan support and is expected to be signed into law by the President without delay.
“Head Start programs ravaged by hurricanes, wildfires, floods, and other natural disasters are grateful to our champions in Congress for providing this emergency aid,” NHSA Executive Director Yasmina Vinci said. “This funding will help ensure that disaster-stricken Head Start programs can continue supporting at-risk children, families, and communities on their paths to success. NHSA is proud to serve as the voice of the Head Start community in Washington, both during and after storms.”
Programs are eligible for the disaster funding if they were impacted by Hurricanes Florence and Michael, Typhoon Mangkhut, Super Typhoon Yutu, or wildfires and earthquakes occurring in the calendar year 2018, or the tornadoes and floods that have occurred thus far in the calendar year 2019.
MAY 08, 2019
WASHINGTON, DC – The National Head Start Association (NHSA) today applauded forward progress on legislation to increase Head Start funding in fiscal year 2020 (FY20) by more than $1.5 billion, including $750 million dedicated to supporting children and families experiencing trauma—a top priority for NHSA and the Head Start community. The U.S. House of Representatives’ Appropriations Committee passed the bill, bringing Head Start programs nationwide one step closer to a major funding increase when the new fiscal year begins October 1.
“While Congress is still in the early stages of reaching an agreement on Head Start’s funding for the coming year, this bill and the strong support it received in committee are both giant leaps in the right direction,” NHSA Executive Director Yasmina Vinci said. “NHSA is especially grateful to Congress for listening to our community’s request for new funding dedicated to increasing Head Start’s capacity to support trauma-exposed children and their families. Head Start partners with families to provide more than one million at-risk children with education, health, and nutrition services each year, and we thank our congressional champions for their unwavering commitment to opening windows of opportunity in their lives.”
MAY 2, 2019
Children First and State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota (SCF) are proud to announce the formalization of an Early Childhood Education Partnership. Students in the Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education program will complete their final teaching internship in Children First Head Start and Early Head Start classrooms. These students will intern with teachers in early care environments serving children during the most critical period of child developmental -- birth through age 5.
The foundation established in these years is crucial to student success in kindergarten and beyond. Student teacher interns will be in an environment that will assist them in achieving the highest levels of success while working with the agency, children, and families.
APRIL 30, 2019
The Guest Reader program was brought to the Orange County Head Start classrooms more than 22 years ago by Literacy Coordinator with Orange County Head Start Katie Finnerty. Katie loved reading and books so much she encouraged everyone around her — staff, parents and children — to read. The program was initially started as a week-long event and grew so popular that it evolved into a month-long celebration.
It is a favorite time of year for children, teachers, parents, and staff. The event usually generates 500-plus volunteers in our centers, including elected officials, local athletics representatives such as those from Orlando City Soccer Club, Orlando Magic, and the best guest of all — our Head Start parents.
APRIL 26, 2019
Tallahassee, Fla. – Governor and First Lady DeSantis, along with Attorney General Ashley Moody and the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF), join the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and law enforcement partners across the state to promote this year’s National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day on Saturday, April 27.
First Lady Casey DeSantis said, “We must do everything in our power to fight back against the opioid crisis that is impacting families across the state of Florida. As Chair of the Children and Youth Cabinet, I am particularly concerned about how our kids are affected by the opioid crisis. We know that children often get their hands on prescription drugs in the home medicine cabinet. Governor DeSantis and I urge all Floridians to participate in Drug Take-Back Day and safely dispose of unused and expired prescription drugs to ensure that they stay out of the wrong hands and away from our children.”
APRIL 16, 2019
Palm Beach County - The Early Learning Coalition of Palm Beach County (ELCPBC) is pleased to announce it has been awarded a 5-year grant with an approximate annual funding amount of $1.6M from the Federal Department of Health and Human Services to expand their current Early Head Start-Child Care Partnership (EHS-CCP) program. The federal grant will be used by ELCPBC to increase the number of children served by the current EHS-CCP program from 150 to 270 children, all between the ages of 0 to 3. The providers participating in the EHS-CCP program are located in some of the county’s most vulnerable neighborhoods in West Palm Beach, Riviera Beach, Belle Glade, and Pahokee. With the additional award, this grant will provide funding to the existing zip codes and expand to include Lake Worth and Delray Beach. “We are beyond proud of this collaborative effort to provide comprehensive care for the most vulnerable and youngest children in areas of Palm Beach County,” said Warren Eldridge, CEO of the Early Learning Coalition of Palm Beach County. “It allows us to expand the continuum of care between community partners and to build upon the phenomenal work of Children’s Services Council of Palm Beach County.”
APRIL 4, 2019
More Than 200 Members of Congress Endorse Robust Funding for Head Start
WASHINGTON, DC – The National Head Start Association (NHSA) today applauded the more than 200 members of Congress who reaffirmed their commitment to providing America’s most vulnerable children and families with the Head Start Advantage. 216 members of the U.S. House of Representatives—both Republicans and Democrats—signed letters of support requesting that congressional appropriators provide robust funding in fiscal year 2020 for Head Start, our nation’s early childhood development program that serves at-risk children from birth to age five and their families.
"The more than one million at-risk children who receive education, health, and nutrition services through Head Start each year thank our congressional champions for their unwavering commitment to opening windows of opportunity in their lives,” NHSA Executive Director Yasmina Vinci said. “Research has found that Head Start children are more likely to graduate high school, go to college, avoid incarceration, and achieve a higher quality of life as adults. This strong bipartisan support for Head Start from Congress shows that the majority of our lawmakers are committed to investing in America’s future. ”
MARCH 13, 2019
Children’s Week honors Barbara Mainster for her long-standing dedication to public service benefiting Florida’s vulnerable children and their families.
Immokalee, Florida - RCMA (formerly Redlands Christian Migrant Association) is pleased to announce that Barbara Mainster, former Executive Director, will be presented with Florida’s top child advocacy award in Tallahassee. The ceremony will take place on March 25, 5:00 p.m. at Florida State University Center Club during the Children’s Week celebration.
The Chiles Advocacy Award, named in honor of former Governor Lawton Chiles and First Lady Rhea Chiles, commemorates dedication to public service and commitment to the children of our State. The award is presented each year to a Floridian whose leadership is recognized for promoting policies and programs that improve the lives of Florida’s children and their families.
FEBRUARY 12, 2019
- Recognizing Community Partners and Families -
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Governor Ron DeSantis proclaimed the second week of February as Florida Foster Family Appreciation Week, observed on February 11-15, 2019, to celebrate the enduring and invaluable contributions foster families provide to children in their care.
First Lady Casey DeSantis said, “Our state is blessed for the contribution of foster parents and the families they create. Whether a foster family is together for a short period of time or longer, the impact of the relationship is forever. As a mother, I am truly grateful for those who create a loving and nurturing environment for children and encourage all Floridians to find a way to help build and rebuild families in their own communities.”
“I applaud Florida’s foster families and every individual who plays a part in the fostering process as they help to change the life of a child in their community,” said Department of Children and Families (DCF) Secretary Chad Poppell. “It is difficult for us to imagine what a child must feel during such a difficult time, but a foster parent can change a child’s heart by providing the love, joy, and security they want and need.”
FEBRUARY 08, 2019
Edward F. Zigler, a pioneer in the application of developmental psychology to social policy and known by many as the “Father of Head Start,” a program that has served over 35 million American children and their families, died in his sleep on February 7 at his home in North Haven, Connecticut. He was 88 years old.
An eminent and rigorous scholar, Zigler was Sterling Professor Emeritus of Psychology at Yale University. He was passionate that science should be in the service of the public interest and had an extensive career in public service.
FEBRUARY 07, 2019
ACEs Documentary RESILIENCE Will Broadcast Throughout the State of Florida On Public TV
ACEs Documentary RESILIENCE Will BroadTallahassee, FL: RESILIENCE: The Biology of Stress and the Science of Hope will air on public TV Station throughout Florida on February 15th at 9:00 pm ET. The broadcast will commemorate the victims and survivors of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting which happened in Parkland, FL one year ago. Following the broadcast, KPJR Films will host a RESILIENCE National Twitter Town Hall with a discussion of aspects of trauma, toxic stress and resilience with professionals and subject matter experts including James Redford, Director of Resilience; Alice Forrester, Ph.D. CEO Clifford Beers Foundation, Jane Stevens, ACES Connection and other experts from Florida. Join the Twitter Town Hall at @DocResilience using #ResilienceFL.cast Throughout the State of Florida On Public TV
FEBRUARY 04, 2019
The New York Times
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — When federal officials inspected this city’s Head Start program five years ago, they found moldy classrooms, exposed wires, leaking sewage, a sagging roof and trash-strewn playgrounds littered with safety hazards. A teacher had jerked a student so hard she dislocated the girl’s shoulder.
The visitors were so alarmed at the neglect that they began changing diapers themselves. What they did next was even more unusual: They fired the nonprofit running the program, the Urban League, and chose a new one.
DECEMBER 06, 2018
Roll Call | Opinion: Yasmina Vinci is the executive director of the National Head Start Association; Sarah Rittling is the executive director of the First Five Years Fund.
OPINION — The intensity of this fall’s midterm election campaigns could make it easy to forget that there is one priority both political parties have consistently come together to support: early childhood education.
Despite the growing partisan divide, which seems to be worsening by the day and has left Washington unable to reach consensus on even routine items, lawmakers from across the political spectrum in Congress and the 50 states still view advancing early childhood education as a critical objective.
Voter support for this objective manifested itself on Election Day; for example, the vast majority of governors-elect have previously expressed support for early learning and care initiatives in their respective states.
NOVEMBER 01, 2018
Child Trends
Documenting and understanding the long-term impact of early childhood programs on child and family well-being, particularly on child abuse and neglect, is a challenge. Programs that serve families with infants and toddlers, such as Early Head Start (EHS), typically strive for positive outcomes while children are enrolled in the program, but also after they have left. Unfortunately, most research on programs for infants and toddlers focuses exclusively on immediate impacts on child development, school readiness, and family functioning without follow-up over time to understand their longer-term well-being.
SEPTEMBER 26, 2018
NHSA Press Release
WASHINGTON, DC, – The National Head Start Association (NHSA) today welcomed final passage by Congress of legislation making a significant increase in the federal investment in Head Start.
“Head Start remains one of the most effective early intervention programs for children from at-risk backgrounds from birth to age 5, and this funding increase validates that track record,” NHSA Executive Director Yasmina Vinci said. “From early math and reading skills to confidence and resilience, Head Start helps children build the abilities they need to be successful in school and life. The bipartisan support for this funding bill further demonstrates that even leaders who have trouble agreeing on much concur that Head Start is a worthwhile investment in building our nation’s future.”
SEPTEMBER 18, 2018
By Wanda Minick, FHSA Executive Director
TALLAHASSEE, FL – the Florida Head Start Association (FHSA), representing Florida’s Head Start Programs will honor State award recipients during their annual awards luncheon in West Palm Beach October 31, 2018. These award recipients were selected by a panel review and will go on to compete for the Region IV Head Start Association (RIVHSA) annual awards.
SEPTEMBER 18, 2018
By Wanda Minick, FHSA Executive Director
TALLAHASSEE, FL – the Florida Head Start Association (FHSA), representing Florida’s Head Start Programs has selected Latanya Wynn-Hall of Lutheran Services of Florida in Jacksonville as the Administrator of the Year for her outstanding services and contributions to Head Start and the children and families she serves.
Mrs. Wynn-Hall is the Head Start Director of the Duval County Head Start/Early Head Start program, serving at its maximum capacity of 1,812 children. As a member of FHSA, she has volunteered in many roles of the association, including representing FHSA on the Region IV Head Start Association Board of Directors. She is also a Leadership Jacksonville alum of 20 years and a member of the Board of Directors of the Early Learning Coalition. Most recently, she was selected to receive training through the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce Social Enterprise Executive Leadership Training program.
SEPTEMBER 18, 2018
By Wanda Minick, FHSA Executive Director
TALLAHASSEE, FL – Daniel Grant of Orlando has been selected as the Florida Head Start Association (FHSA), Father of the Year for his ability to serve as a role model for his children and make a positive difference in the community.
Mr. Grant has been an active volunteer for the past two years at the Community Coordinated Care for Children, Inc. Orlando Head Start/Early Head Start Program. As a Policy Council Representative, he has facilitated parent meetings, involved in planning activities and participated in Guest Readers week where he read to the children in the classrooms. He has also taken the initiative to better himself by taking educational training being offered at the program like an eight-week nutrition course and an eight-month Fatherhood Curriculum. His goal is to speak with fathers in the program and in the community to encourage their active participation in their children’s lives. He is a prime example of what family engagement is all about.
SEPTEMBER 18, 2018
By Wanda Minick, FHSA Executive Director
TALLAHASSEE, FL - Brevard Public Schools (BPS) Head Start program receives the Oral Health Award is given to Head Start grantees by the Florida Head Start Association for outstanding demonstration of support for oral health outreach and education initiatives in the community for the second consecutive year. BPS Head Start parents participate in school-based activities, receive dental hygiene education, and learn how healthy eating and healthy snack choices support and maintain strong teeth and gums and lead to broader academic gains.
