| News You Need to Know |
April 2024 | Monthly Newsletter from the Florida Head Start Association
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FHSA is seeking dynamic individuals who can energize and inspire the Head Start workforce. Special consideration will be given for topics within our key focus areas, and for speakers who provide hands-on or action-oriented insights for our attendees to implement.
The deadline to apply is April 30, 2024.
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FHSA would like to welcome our newest members to the FHSA Network:
Corporate Friends Members
FHSA understands the challenges Head Start programs face, and our services are devoted towards helping Florida programs succeed by providing strong leadership, advocating to increase public awareness, and expanding access to resources for children and their families. The Association's membership is comprised of Head Start programs, directors, staff, parents, and friends.
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Help FHSA Celebrate
Head Start Professionals
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FHSA would like to amplify Head Start's voice each month by recognizing FHSA members who are making Head Start's work happen! Tell us about your staff so we can spotlight the work in Florida to serve the most at-risk children and families.
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Accepting Award Nominations
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The FHSA nominating committee is accepting nominations for its Annual Awards program, which recognizes Head Start and Early Head Start employees, parents, alums, volunteers, and partners who have dedicated their time and talents to Florida's Head Start Community. The awards nomination deadline is June 3, 2024.
The Annual Awards program will be held during the FHSA Annual Conference in Orlando, Florida, and awards will be distributed then.
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Two Florida Programs Receive National Recognition
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FHSA is proud to announce that two of our State Award winners will receive recognition on the National stage by the Head Start Association
during their annual conference next week in Portland, OR. This recognition is a testament to the exceptional work and dedication to ensure Florida's Head Start/Early Head Start children and families receive the utmost care and attention while utilizing Head Start services.
The School Board of Brevard County Head Start team will receive the NHSA 2023-2024 Edward Zigler Innovation Award for partnering with the Florida Department of Health and Space Coast Health Foundation to eradicate oral health diseases among preschool children. Brevard County Head Start's Onsite School Dental program increased the number of screening or exams children received from 53% in the 2021-2022 school year to 98% in 2022-2023. In addition, 97% of children, totaling 469 individuals, benefited from Teledentistry exams, and 81% of children, or 391 individuals, received fluoride varnish applications, further promoting oral health and preventative measures.
The Head Start Director at Children First, Kathleen Sullivan, V.P. of Programs and Head Start/Early Head Start, will receive the NHSA 2023-2024 Aubrey Puckett Memorial Award for her dedication and passion for the Head Start module that helped her family become self-sufficient. Having worked in Head Start for over 36 years, she ensures the program continually advocates for future families by promoting equal education and opportunity in her community and for children and families across the nation.
FHSA is proud to have two phenomenal Florida programs recognized nationally for their efforts. If you are attending the NHSA Conference, please attend this year's awards ceremony to recognize these exceptional leaders in the Florida Head Start network.
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NHSA released their statement on March 25, 2024, about the FY 2024 appropriation Congress finally passed and President Biden signed after much hard-fought efforts. Head Start/Early Head Start programs received $12.27 billion for Head Start and Early Head Start a cost of living adjustment (COLA), equating to approximately a 2.3% COLA for Head Start staff. The funding package included $8 million for the Tribal Colleges and Universities-Head Start Partnership Program to prioritize enrolling children who are tribal members or who live with tribal members, regardless of family income, and expanding eligibility for Migrant and Seasonal Head Start (MSHS) programs, who have at least one family member primarily engaged in agricultural employment is now eligible for Migrant and Seasonal Head Start programs, regardless of income.
NHSA work now turns to FY25. The ask will be for a total funding increase of 27.7%, including additional funds for implementing the recent proposed Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM), Quality Improvement Funding, birth-to-five expansion, and the Tribal Colleges and Universities–Head Start Partnership Program.
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Office of Head Start Updates
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ICYMI: A Comprehensive Overview of the Updated Head Start Grant Application Instructions with Guidance.
On April 4, the Office of Head Start (OHS) hosted a webinar that provided current Grantee Recipients with an overview of the latest changes to the Head Start Grant Application. Heather Wanderski, Director, and Priscilla Hodge, Program Specialist, with the OHS Program Operations Division, conducted the webinar.
For grant recipients submitting applications for Fiscal Year 2025 (i.e., applications for grant awards that will be issued from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025), it is crucial to use the updated Head Start Grant Application Instructions with Guidance, Version 3.0. These instructions, available in the Head Start Enterprises System resource section under Financials, reflect the latest changes and are essential for a successful application.
If you missed this webinar, we encourage all Grantee Recipients to register here to view the webinar and download the slides to better understand these new changes that will assist you in writing your baseline or continuation application.
On March 14, 2024, OHS released approximately $102 million in available funding for the following:
Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. ET on May 14, 2024. Click here to learn more.
Job Alert: The Office of Head Start is seeking candidates for the Oversight Division Director position. This senior-level position is responsible for directing the analyses and reporting of national monitoring data that will be used to collaborate in developing national training and technical assistance resources and improving program performance. More information about the job, whose application deadline is April 12, 2024, can be found here.
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The FHSA monthly newsletter aims to provide you with important information about the Association, upcoming events, and national industry updates. We encourage you to make sure your information is up-to-date so you don't miss out on important information.
To login to your account make sure you've got your username and password handy!
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Important Upcoming Events
FHSA EVENTS
FHSA Collaborative Circle: Non-Federal Match
April 12, 2024
2:00 pm - 3:00 pm EST
Click here for info
2024 FHSA Call For Presenters
Deadline: April 30, 2024
Click here for info
REGIONAL TRAININGS or EVENTS
Emerging Leaders Academy (Invitation Only)
April 30, 2024
Gulfport, MS
Click here for info
FACA Annual Training Conference
May 13 - 17, 2024
Orlando, FL
Click here for more info
NATIONAL TRAININGS or EVENTS
NHSA 51st Annual Conference
April 15 - 18, 2024
Portland, OR
Click here for info
Grow Your Own ECE: Catalyst for Recruitment
April 17 - 24, 2024
12:00 pm - 1:30 pm EST
Click here for info
Developing Strategies to Restore Calm for Adults
April 15, 2024
3:00 pm - 4:00 pm EST
Click here for info
Tools for Creating High-Quality Change in Scope Applications
April 15, 2024
3:00 pm - 4:00 pm EST
Click here for info
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Information Updates
Change of address, email or any information? You will need to log in to your profile here.
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As we celebrate the Florida Head Start Association's 25th Anniversary, we look forward to welcoming you to our annual conference on October 1-4, 2024, at the DoubleTree by Hilton at the Entrance to Universal Orlando.
This year's theme is For the Record, Head Start Rocks!
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April is National
Child Abuse
Prevention Month
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FHSA joins our state partners Prevent Child Abuse (PCA) Florida, the Ounce of Prevention Fund of Florida, and the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF), in recognizing April as National Child Abuse Prevention Month. Everyone who works in a Head Start/Early Head Start program is a mandated reporter. The Head Start Performance Standards require programs to have internal procedures in place that train staff, consultants, contractors, and volunteers in Head Start programs on the signs, symptoms, and risk factors for abuse. Reporting suspected abuse or neglect is not just a responsibility; it's a potential life-saver. Reporting makes a significant difference in protecting a child, even saving their life. Moreover, such reports can lead to families receiving the essential social services they need.
When driving around the state, the blue and white pinwheels are the national symbol, reminding us of the safe and nurturing environment that every child desires.
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Things Happening Around the State
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FHSA's Executive Director, Wanda Minick, met with the St. John's County School District's Head Start Program and Early Childhood Services at First Coast Technical College to discuss their innovative partnership.
In the meeting, FHSA learned about the partnership Head Start has with the VPK, ESE, and Tech Tots Childcare programs with First Coast Technical College's Early Childhood Education Program, St. Augustine High School Teaching Academy, and the University of St. Augustine where students receive hands-on education to prepare them for a career in the early care and education sector.
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During the congressional recess, the Lutheran Services Florida (LSF) hosted Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna in Clearwater, FL, on April 2, 2024. Congresswoman Luna toured the Dr. Heidi J. Greenslade Head Start Center to learn more about Head Start programs' impact on her community, especially when serving the most at-risk children and their families.
FHSA Executive Director, Wanda Minick, was privileged to participate in this visit. She strongly encourages FHSA members, as key stakeholders, to engage with their Congressional members. Your role in sharing the innovative work that Head Start is doing and the lasting impact the programs are making in your communities are invaluable.
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FHSA Vision: We envision a future where all Head Start families thrive.
FHSA Mission: Empower members to advocate, lead, and enhance the education, health, and social services provided to families by Head Start.
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Join your State Association: FHSA provides members with access to tools, resources, and collaborative relationships empowering your agency's management team, staff, and parents. FHSA offers Individual and Corporate memberships too!
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Support your State Association: Help FHSA ensure Florida programs are supported through professional opportunities, research efforts, and legislation so they can continue to provide high-quality services to Florida's most at-risk children and families.
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