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March 2024 | Monthly Newsletter from the Florida Head Start Association
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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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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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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 theFHSA Annual Conference in Orlando, Florida, and awards will be distributed then.
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Office of Head Start Updates
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Director Khari M. Garvin Reflects on Full Enrollment Initiative Feedback Programs
ICYMI: On February 9th, Director Garvin released a video regarding comments he has heard from programs about the challenges with staffing and other factors that make it difficult for programs to stay fully enrolled. The Office of Head Start will continue to work with programs on the Full Enrolment Initiative and be as flexible as the laws allow under the Head Start Act Section 641. The OHS is also changing the tone of the letters sent to programs and improving support.
Bookmark these resources:
New Rule to Improve Child Care Access, Affordability, and Stability in CCDF
The Administration for Children and Families (ACF), Office of Child Care (OCC) announces a new rule strengthening key policies in the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 2014. This rule will lower costs for families receiving childcare subsidies, improve payment practices to childcare providers, and increase families' childcare options. The changes make much-needed updates to the Childcare and Development Fund (CCDF), the nation's largest funding stream to help families afford childcare and improve childcare quality.
OOC hosted two related webinars on Thursday, March 7th. The first webinar outlines the final rule for all interested parties. The second webinar focuses on the rule's impact, specifically for tribal programs.
The recording of these webinars will be available to view within 1-2 weeks and posted here.
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Last week, the President signed yet another Continuing Resolution (CR) to allow Congress more time to complete its work on FY24 appropriations and avoid another government shutdown...at least for now. With this fourth CR, the deadline for half of the bills has been extended to March 8th. The deadline for the remaining six bills -- including the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies bill, which funds Head Start -- was extended until March 22nd. In other words, we have three more weeks to argue against the drastic cuts of Head Start proposed in the House version of the bill and to make the case in favor of (at a minimum) a cost of living adjustment (COLA) in line with inflation.
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TAKE ACTION: Your voice matters! We need our members to encourage their parents, staff, and supporters to take action by emailing their Congressional members today urging them to oppose the $750 million cuts the House proposes to Head Start and support a COLA aligned with inflation. A cut like this would mean that roughly 3,957 Florida Head Start/Early Head Start children and their families would lose access to education, health, and social services that these children and families would not have access to.
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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.
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Important Upcoming Events
STATE TRAININGS or EVENTS
The Future Call: Conversations on Florida's Early Learning Future
March 19, 2024
12:00pm - 12:45pm EST
Click here for info
The Discovery Source: Problem-Solving and Solution Kit!
March 28, 2024
1:00pm - 2:00pm EST
Click here for info
REGIONAL TRAININGS or EVENTS
Harnessing The Power of Data
March 12 - 14, 2024
Atlanta, GA
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. Your username is .
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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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Things Happening Around the State
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LSF Artwork at The Capitol
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Children's Week
Advocacy Award Recipients
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Celebration of the Hands Artwork
at Children's Week
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Children First Handmade Artwork
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Myra Ingram, RIVHSA; Ericka Lundy, RPM; OHS Director Khari Garvin; Wanda Minick, FHSA
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Support Staff of the Year
Bryan Ward at ECS
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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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