News Articles
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.
