2013 Mississippi County, Arkansas Economic Opportunity
Transcription
2013 Mississippi County, Arkansas Economic Opportunity
2013 Mississippi County, Arkansas Economic Opportunity Commission, Inc. Annual Report Samuel Scruggs, Executive Director Central Office 1400 North Division Blytheville, Arkansas As an employee of the MCAEOC, Inc. since May 1, 1978 and Executive Director since March, 1979, I have seen many positive changes in our community. Unfortunately, one unchanging factor is the ever increasing poverty of a significant number of Mississippi County residents. Whether caused by economic downturns, aging without resources, or separation of families, the effects are overwhelming for those who find themselves in this grievous situation. Poverty is a very real fact of life which cannot be ignored. Poverty can inflict itself on any one, regardless of color, race, age, creed or nationality; and is one of the worst forms of discrimination. The continuing mission of the Mississippi County, Arkansas Economic Opportunity Commission, Inc. is one of great challenge. By utilizing funds from federal, state, and local sources, programs are developed and geared to assist the economically disadvantaged so that they may maintain a decent standard of life. Our programs have impacted the area of nutrition, fair housing, health care, education, employment, child care, fuel and food assistance. For over 30 years, this agency has met and will continue to meet challenges in Mississippi County. We look forward to assisting those in need, advocating on their behalf. Mississippi County, Arkansas Economic Opportunity Commission, Inc. has services in three counties in Arkansas and two in Missouri for our Migrant and Seasonal families. Samuel Scruggs Executive Director 2 MISSION MCAEOC is committed to alleviating poverty and assisting low-income individuals and families, to secure knowledge, skills, and opportunities which will enable them to become self-sufficient, and lead lives of dignity. Program Services Commodity Food Distribution Surplus foods such as rice, honey, beans and selected can goods are distributed to help supplement the diets of needy persons in eligible households. These foods are made available by the USDA and distributed periodically at various authorized sites. Emergency Food and Shelter Provides funds to low-income families in emergency situations to assist in obtaining food, shelter, and other necessities for a limited period of time. Employment Services Employment counseling and workshops, job referrals, employer contacts, and follow-up activities are provided to those seeking employment. Services for the Homeless This program is geared toward homeless or displaced families and individuals. Food, shelter/ housing, transportation, emergency medical supplies, and/or basic necessities are provided, as circumstances warrant. Referrals for assistance in employment, income maintenance, medical treatment, and other transitional support services are also provided. Early Childhood Education (Head Start, Migrant and Seasonal Head Start, Arkansas Better Chance School for Success, Early Head Start, Operation Parenting Edge, & School of the 21st Century of Yale University, HIPPY), The program provides child development services and activities, health services, nutrition assistance, special services for children with disabilities, parental involvement, volunteer participation, staff training and other social and support services to over 1,000 children and their families. Empowering Communities For Life Empowering Communities for Life is a research study that offers health information, disease prevention and screening for chronic illness to residents of Mississippi County. Home Energy Assistance Program Depending upon the availability of funds, payments are made on a one-time basis to energy suppliers to assist low-income households in paying their energy bills. 3 Program Services cont. Income Counseling Counseling sessions and workshops on income utilization issues, such as: planning nutritious and economical meals, family budgeting, managing utility costs, etc., areprovided. Youth Development Cultural enrichment, social development, and recreational events are provided for youths. Housing MCAEOC operates a Housing Rehabilitation Program and provides affordable rental housing for low income individuals. It also develops new multi-family units by using the HOME Program, low-income tax credits, and the Housing and Urban Development Program (HUD) as well as new single family Housing Down Payment Assistance. Housing Preservation Provides assistance to low-income home owners through USDA Housing Preservation program to bring houses up to 502 Standards. Community Participation Low-income persons are assisted in participation and in local community activities Healthy Start Works to reduce infant mortality and low birth weight babies. Good Samaritan Fund Good Samaritan Fund is an Emergency Assistance Demonstration Program funded by Blytheville First United Methodist Church. The funds are used to provide assistance on a case-by-case basis to alleviate emergency needs of residents of the Greater Blytheville area. Small Business Lending Program MCAEOC operates a micro-lending program for small business development and expansion in the Mississippi County Enterprise Community. One of the homes built through MCAEOC, Inc 4 Contents Through the neighborhood services centers and special projects, MCAEOC provides a community-based system of service provision to and advocacy for the poor to meet their needs and to enhance the quality of lives, regardless of race, religion, sex, age, disability or national origin. MCAEOC provides some services directly and refers people to other available services. Some of MCAEOC’s activities focus on meeting the immediate and basic needs of the poor (e.g., food and shelter); other activities facilitate long term effects (e.g., education and employment). ELIGIBILITY Eligibility is primarily determined by income guidelines established by the U.S. Office of Management and Budget. MCAEOC staff will assist families and individuals in determining their eligibility. RESOURCES MCAEOC is a non-discriminating, non-profit organization which receives local, state, federal, and foundation funds. Early Childhood Education Health and Nutrition Services Head Start Commodity Food Distribution Early Head Start Healthy Start Arkansas Better Chance Housing Services Arkansas Better Chance School for Housing Success Housing Preservation Migrant and Seasonal Head Start Social Services HIPPY Emergency Food & Shelter MIECHV HIPPY Employment Services Education & Training Services Services for the Homeless Income Counseling Small Business Lending Program Workforce Development Transportation Information and Referral Services Good Samaritan Food Toys for Children Energy Services Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) 5 Youth Development Community Participation MCAEOC Governing Board Public Sector Terri Brassfield Mayor James Sanders Mr. Sylvester Belcher Mrs. Marilyn Looney Mayor Sissy Winford Ms. Linda Donovan Private Sector Mrs. Faye Ford, Secretary Rev. Eddie Echols Ms. Beth Thomas Ms. Gloria Phillips Edward Richardson Jackie Seals, Finance Community Sector Mrs. Eloise Moore, Chairperson Ms. Mittie Carter Mr. Steven Ledbetter Ms. Saundra Greene Mr. Letroy Gathen Ms. Jennifer Alvarado Consultant Attorney Brent Martin 6 MISSISSIPPI COUNTY, ARKANSAS ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY COMMISSION, INC. COMBINED ANNUAL REPORT As of December 31, 2013 Asset . Cash in Bank . Inventory $1,035,931.00 11,073.00 . Cash Receivable Funnding Source . Accounts Receivable: Clients . Accounts Receivable: Other Programs 75,194.00 104,404.00 11,163.00 1,237,765.00 FIXED ASSESTS . Program Real Estate . Facilities Building . Accumulated Depreciation 2,567,509.00 1,758,719.00 -2,299,985.00 2,026,243.00 OTHER ASSETS Utility Depos. its 148.00 Total Assets: 148.00 $ 3,264,156.00 LIABILITIES AND NET ASSESTS Accounts Payable: Operations 205,872.00 Accounts Payable: Other Programs 103,178.00 Accounts Payable: Interest Income State Income Tax Payable State Unemployment Payable . Group Insurance Preminum Payable Cancer Insurance Payable-AI Cancer Insurance Payable -AF Employee Life Insurance . Benevolent Fundd Payable . Refundable Advances . Notes Payable: LISC Note Payable Other 1,884.00 18,838.16 22,317.20 26,448.94 16.24 1,517.10 52,761.54 3,758.82 420,906.00 17,672.89 22,475.11 Total Liabilities: Net Assets: $ 897,646.00 Net Assests: Unrestricted 278,934.00 Net Assets: Temporary Restricted 2,087,576.00 TOTAL NET ASSETS: $ 2,366,510.00 TOTAL LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS: $ 3,264,156.00 7 REVENUES INGRESOS GRANT INCOME INGRESO DE OTORGAMIENTO IN-KIND DONATIONS DONACIONES DE EN-BONDAD EXPENITURES GASTOS Personnel Fringe Equipment Supplies Training Others Personal Beneficios Equipo Suministro Entrenamiento Otros $ 3,191,616.00 FEDERAL FUNDS Head Start Early Head Start Healthy Start Commodities Home Entergy Assistance Housing Preservation Emergency Food & Shelter Community Service Block Grant CSBG Discretionary Grant MECHV (Hippy) TOTAL FEDERAL FUNDS: 13,790,455.00 STATE FUNDS Arkansas Better Chance Hippy LOCAL & PRIVATE FUNDS INKIND TOTAL AGENCY FUNDING: 8 $ 17,115,267.00 $ 13,762,933.00 6,963,263 2,501,205 60,256 1,367,821 59,269 2,811,119 TOTAL EXPENSED: TOTAL STATE FUNDS: 13,923,651.00 1,422,169.00 390,768.00 3,191,616.00 $ 18,795,008.00 Audit Report According to an independent auditors’ report dated May 2, 2014, from S & P Company, a Certified Accountants and Consultants firm located in Little Rock, Arkansas; Mississippi County, Arkansas Economic Opportunity Commission, Inc. had no findings or questioned cost in its audits performed on the fiscal year ending on December 31, 2013. Information from audits are shared annually with the Policy Council, staff and reviewed with the Governing Board. Según un informe auditoria independiente fechado el 2de Mayo del 2014, de S & P Company (Compañia S & P), una empresa de Contadores y Consultantes Certificados ubicado en Little Rock, Arkansas; Condado de Mississippi, Arkansas Comisión de Oportunidad Económica, Inc., no hubo conclusions en sus auditorías realizados el año fiscal terminando el 31 de Diciembre del 2013. Información de auditorías se comparte anualmente con staff, el Consejo de Póliza, y se revisa con el Consejo Gobernante. 9 Goal 1: Low-Income people become more self-sufficient National Performance Indicator 1.1 Total Employment The number and percentage of low-income participants in Community Action employment initiatives Unemployed and obtained a job Enrolled in Programs Planned Outcomes Percentages 39 55 39 National Performance Indicator 1.2 Employment Supports The number of low-income participants for whom barriers to initial or continuous employment are reduce or Obtained skills/competencies for employment Enrolled children in before or after school programs Enrolled in Programs 924.00 Planned 200.00 Outcomes Percentages Enrolled in Program 924.00 0.00 Planned 50.00 Outcomes 100.000 Percentages Obtained access to reliable transportation and/or driver’s license Enrolled in Programs 784.00 Planned Outcomes 300.00 796.00 Percentages Enrolled in Program Obtained health care services for themselves or family member Obtained safe and affordable housing Obtained non-emergency LIHEAP energy assistance 10 Planned Outcomes Percentages 2,021.00 800.00 2,021.00 Enrolled in Programs 9.00 Planned Outcomes Percentages Enrolled in Program 8.00 9.00 3,642.00 Planned 2,000.00 Outcomes Percentages 3,642.00 Planned Outcomes Goal 1: Low-income people become more self-sufficient. National Performance Indicator 1.3 41.00 0.00 Economic Asset Enhancement and utilization The number and percentages of low-income households that achieve an increase in financial assets and/or financial skills as a results of Community Action assistance, and the aggregated amount of those assets and resources for all participants achieving the outcomes, as measured by one or more of the following: Number and percent of participants in tax preparation programs who qualified for any type of Federal or State tax credit and the expected aggregated dollar amount of credits Number and percent of participants demonstrating ability to complete and maintain a budget for over 90 days Number and percent of participants pursuing post-secondary education with accumulated IDA or other savings Additional Measures Number of Households which obtain home ownership Number of Households which maintain home ownership Enrolled in Program Total 331.00 Planned Outcomes Percentage Enrolled in Program 300.00 331.00 Planned Outcomes Percentages Enrolled in Program 25.00 15.00 Planned Outcomes Percentages 32.00 18.00 Planned 4.00 Outcomes Progressing Planned 5.00 0.00 4.00 Outcomes Progressing 4.00 0.00 Planned 8.00 15.00 18.00 Goal 2: The condition in which low-income people live are improved National Performance Indicator 2.1 Community Improvement and Revitalization Increase in, or safeguarding of threatened opportunities and community resources or services for low-income people in the community as a result of Community Action projects/ initiatives or advocacy with other public and private agencies, as measured by one or more of the following: Jobs created, or saved, from reduction or elimination in the community. 11 Safe and affordable housing units created in the communi- Safe and affordable housing units in the community preserved or improved through construction, weatherization or rehabilitation Number of Projects or initiatives 6.00 Planned 55.00 Number of Opportunities and/or Community Resources preserved or Increased 41.00 Planned 4.00 Number of Projects or initiatives 6.00 Planned 8.00 Number of Opportunities and/or Community Resources preserved or increased 10.00 Planned 4.00 Number of Projects or initiatives 2.00 Planned 41.00 Number of Opportunities and/or Community Resources preserved or increased Accessible safe and affordable health care services/ facilities for low-income people created, or saved from reduction or elimination Accessible safe and affordable child care or child development placement opportunities for lowincome families created, or saved from reduction or 12 4.00 Planned 2.00 Number of Projects or initiatives 11.00 Planned 800.00 Number of Opportunities and/or Community Resources preserved or increase 2,087.00 Planned 3.00 Number of Projects or initiatives 3.00 Planned 15.00 Accessible before-school and after-school program placement opportunities for low-income families created, or saved from reduction or elimination Accessible new or expanded transportation resources or those that are saved from reduction or elimination, that are available to low-income people, including public or private transportation Accessible or increased educational and training placement opportunities, or those that are saved from reduction or elimination, that are available for low-income people in the community, including vocational, literacy, and life skill training, ABE/ GED, and post secondary education National Performance Indicator 2.2 Community Quality of Life and Assets The quality of life and assets in low-income neighborhoods are improved by Community Action initiative or advocacy, as measured by one or more of the following: 13 Number of Opportunities and/ or Community Resources preserved or increase 32.00 Planned 1.00 Number of Projects or initiatives 0.00 Planned 100.00 Number of Opportunities and/or Community Resources preserved or increased 0.00 Planned 2.00 Number of Projects or initiatives 7.00 Planned 300.00 Number of Opportunities and/or Community Resources preserved or increased 795.00 Planned 2.00 Number of Projects or initiatives 2.00 Planned 20.00 Number of Opportunities and/or Community Resources preserved or increased 9.00 Accessible before-school and after-school program placement opportunities for low-income families created, or saved from reduction or elimination Accessible new or expanded transportation resources or those that are saved from reduction or elimination, that are available to low-income people, including public or private transportation Accessible or increased educational and training placement opportunities, or those that are saved from reduction or elimination, that are available for low-income people in the community, including vocational, literacy, and life skill training, ABE/GED, and post secondary education National Performance Indicator 2.2 Community Quality of Life and Assets The quality of life and assets in low-income neighborhoods are improved by Community Action initiative or advocacy, as measured by one or more of the following: 14 Number of Opportunities and/or Community Resources preserved or increase 32.00 Planned 1.00 Number of Projects or initiatives 0.00 Planned 100.00 Number of Opportunities and/or Community Resources preserved or increased 0.00 Planned 2.00 Number of Projects or initiatives 7.00 Planned 300.00 Number of Opportunities and/or Community Resources preserved or increased 795.00 Planned 2.00 Number of Projects or initiatives 2.00 Planned 20.00 Number of Opportunities and/or Community Resources preserved or increased 9.00 Increase in the availability or preservation of community facilities Increase in or preservation of neighborhood quality-of-life resources Planned 8.00 Number of Projects or initiatives Planned 5.00 200.00 Number of Opportunities and/or Community Resources preserved or increased Planned 1,141.00 Number of Projects or initiatives Planned 11.00 Number of Opportunities and/or Community resources preserved on increased 7.00 275.00 399.00 National Performance Indicator 2.3 Community Engagement The number of community members working with community Action to improve conditions in the community Number of community members mobilized by Community Action that participate in community revitalization and anti -poverty initiatives Number of volunteer hours donated to the agency (this will be ALL volunteer hour Planned 675.00 Total contribution by Community Planned 496.00 5,775.00 Total contribution by Community 4,589.80 Planned 4.00 Outcomes 41.00 Progressing 4.00 Exited 0.00 Additional Measures Increase in value of homes as a result of rehabilitation projects (Reports number of homes with increased value) (Count walk-a-way as exited) Chart 15 Goal 3: Low-income people own a stake in their community National Performance Indicator 3.1 Community Enhancement through Maximum Feasible Participation The number of volunteer hours donated to Community Action. Total number of volunteer hours donated by low-income individuals to Community Action (This is ONLY the number of volunteers hours from individuals who are low-income). Planned 1200.00 Outcomes 2,083.50 National Performance Indicator 3.2 Community Empowerment through Maximum Feasible Participation The number low-income people mobilized as a direct result of Community Action initiative to engage in activities that support and promote their own well-being and that of their community, as measured by one or more of the following: Number of low-income People participating in formal community organization, government, boards or councils that provide input to decision-making and policy-setting through Community Action efforts Planned Outcomes Number of low-income people acquiring businesses in their community as a result of Community Action assistance Number of low-income people purchasing their own home in their community as a result of Community Action assistance Number of low-income people engaged in non-governance community activities or group created or supported by Community Action Planned 50.00 219.00 0.00 Outcomes 0.00 Planned 0.00 Outcomes 0.00 Planned 125.00 Outcomes 249.00 Goal 4: Partnership among supporters and providers of services to low-income people are achieved. National Performance Indicator 4.1 Expanding Opportunities through Community-Wide Partnership The number of organization, both public and private, that Community Action actively works with to expand resources and opportunities to achieve family and community outcomes Non-Profit Faith Based Local Government 16 Planned Number of Organizational Partnerships Number of Organizational Partnership Planned Number of Organizational Partnerships Number of Organizational Partnerships Planned Number of Organizational Partnerships 15.00 15.00 4.00 4.00 8.00 Number of Organizational Partnerships School Districts 8.00 Planned Number of Organizational Partnership 4.00 Number of Organizational Partnership 4 .00 CHART Goal 5: Agencies increase their capacity to achieve results. National Performance Indicator 5.1 Agencies Development The number of human capital resources available to Community Actions that increases agency capacity to achieve family and community outcomes, as measured by one or more of the following: Number of board members attending trainings Hours of staff trainings Hours of board members in trainings Planned 38.00 Actual 35.00 Planned 9,300.00 Actual 1,224.70 Planned 328.00 Actual 58.00 Goal 6: Low-income people, especially vulnerable population, achieve their potential by strengthening family and other supportive environments National Performance Indicator 6.1 Independent Living The number of vulnerable individuals receiving services from Community Action who maintain an independent living situation as results of those services: Senior Citizens (seniors can be reported twice, once under Senior Citizens and again if they are disabled under individuals with Disabilities, age 55-over) Planned 200.00 Actual 72.00 Planned 1.00 Actual 2.00 Planned 28.00 Planned 35.00 Planned 42.00 Actual 0.00 Planned 89 Actual 79 Individual with Disabilities Ages: 0-17 Ages: 18-54 Ages: 55-over Total individuals with disabilities 17 National Performance Indicator 6.2 Emergency Assistance The Number of low-income individuals served by Community Action who sought emergency assistance and the number of those individuals for whom assistance was provided, including such services as: Planned Emergency fuel or utility payment funded by LIHEAP or other public and private funding sources Number Seeking Assistance Outcomes 1,430.00 1,445.00 1,436.00 National Performance Indicator 6.3 Child and Family Development The number and percentage of all infants, children , youth, parents, and other adults participating in development or enrichment programs who achieve program goals, as measured by one or more of the following: Infant and children obtain age-appropriate immunization, medical, and dental care Infants and child health and physical development are improved as a result of adequate nutrition. Children participate in pre-school activities to develop school readiness skills Children who participate in pre0school activities are developmentally ready to enter Kindergarten or 1 st grade. Youth improve health and physical development Youth improve social/emotional development Youth avoid risk-taking behavior for a defined period of time Youth have reduced involvement with criminal justice system Youth increase academic, athletic, or social skills for school success 18 Enrolled in Programs 2,023.00 Planned 700.00 Outcomes 2,023.00 Enrolled in Programs 5,212.00 Planned 1,020.00 Outcomes 5,212.00 Planned 2,077.00 Outcomes 600.00 Planned 225.00 Outcomes 295.00 Enrolled in Programs 0.00 Planned 350.00 Outcomes 0.00 Planned 350.00 Outcomes 0.00 Enrolled in Program 0.00 Planned 350.00 Outcomes 0.00 Planned 350.00 Outcomes 0.00 Planned 350.00 Outcomes 0.00 Parents and other adults learn and exhibit improved parenting skills Parents and other adults learn and exhibit improved family functioning skills Parents and other adults learn and exhibit improved parenting skills Parents and other adults learn and exhibit improved family functioning skills. Planned 2000.00 Outcomes 2795.00 Planned 2000.00 Outcomes 2795.00 Planned 850.00 Outcomes 2,895.00 Planned 850.00 Outcomes 2,895.00 Enrolled 1,154.00 Planned 1,120.00 Outcomes 1,154.00 Enrolled 0.00 Planned 22.00 Outcomes 0.00 Planned 3.00 Actual 295.00 Planned 300.00 Actual 796.00 Planned 175.00 Actual 293.00 Planned 12.00 Outcomes 5.00 Planned 3,665.00 Outcomes 5,125.00 Planned 2,000.00 Outcomes 9,223.00 National Performance Indicator 6.4 Family Supports (Seniors, Disabled and Caregivers) Low-income people who are unable to work, especially seniors, adults with disabilities, and caregivers, for whom barriers to family stability are reduced or eliminated, as measured by one or more of the following: Obtained food assistance(Pg.59) Obtained non-emergency WX energy assistance( Pg. 60) National Performance Indicator 6.5 Service Counts The number of services provided to low-income individuals and/or families as measures by one or more of the following: Food Boxes (Pg. 61) Rides Provided (Pg. 61) Information and Referral Calls (Pg. 61) Number of participating families moving from homeless or transitional housing into stable standard housing Number of high consumption households realizing a reduction in energy burden (example: weatherization, assurance 16, regular HEAP) Other: Number of households realizing an increase in food-security (Example: senior centers, congregate meals, Head Start 19 Other: Number of persons who’s health has improved since participating in agency services (Example: dental clinic, family planning, home health care, and drug treatment centers) Planned 800.00 Outcomes 2,137.00 SUCCESS STORY Blytheville Growing Healthy Communities Initiative Second Quarter of 2013 The goal of the Blytheville Growing Healthy Communities initiative is to “increase awareness about having a healthy lifestyle”. The team members have made several presentations to organizations encouraging physical activity. They are also advocates for healthy eating. Tamika Jenkins, one of the team members, stated that, “We encourage people to eat five to nine fruits and vegetables every day and motivate people to take advantage of the community garden”. The Community Garden is located at 1100 Byrum Road, which is located beside one of MCAEOC’s Head Start centers. As of June 30th, dozens of community members have had the pleasure to getter and collect plentiful fruits and vegetables. The garden has an abundant of harvest fruits and vegetables such as corn, squash, zucchini, hot peppers, tomatoes, okra, crower peas, and watermelons. 20 MCAEOC IS PROUD TO ANNOUNCE ELIGIBILITY FOR 5 YEAR NON-COMPETITIVE GRANT AWARD FOR HEAD START AND EARLY HEAD START 21 Early Childhood Education Department Head Start Early Head Start Arkansas Better Chance for School Success Migrant and Seasonal Head Start Operation Parenting Edge School of the 21st Century of Yale University Home Instructions for Parents Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY) USA Maternal, Infant Early Childhood Home Visiting (MIECHV HIPPY) The Department of Early Childhood Education serves infants, toddlers, expectant mothers and preschoolers. Quality Initiatives Researched Based Curriculum Computer Learning In Each Preschool Classroom Abundance Of Classroom Supplies Appropriate Playground Equipment Low Staff:Child Ratio Qualified Staff with Degrees In Early Childhood Education & CDA Quality Individualized Education State Approved Quality Centers—Better Beginnings Low Family Caseload Ratio To apply, all applicants must have: Child’s Immunization Record Birth Certificate/proof of birth Verification of Family Income Social Security Cards Medicaid Card (if applicable) 22 Early Childhood Education Department Funding Sources Head Start, Early Head Start, Migrant and Seasonal Head Start, Head Start is a national program that promotes school readiness by enhancing the socialemotional, physical, language and cognitive development of children through the provision of educational, health, nutritional, social and other services to enrolled children and families. Mississippi County Arkansas, EOC serve 174 migrant and seasonal children as a grantee, 607 preschoolers, 352 infant/toddlers and 24 pregnant mothers, 36 HIPPY USA and 50 preschoolers in the HIPPY MIECHV. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION In 1964, MCAEOC, Inc. program established a Head Start program in Dell, Arkansas to provide comprehensive child development services to economically disadvantaged children and families, with a special focus on helping preschoolers develop the early reading and math skills they need to be successful in school. By 1981, the Migrant Head Start program was initiated for 100 children who were mobile over the past year and were involved in agricultural related work. In 1998, the Early Head Start program was established to serve children from birth to three years of age in recognition of the mounting evidence that the earliest years matter a great deal to children's growth and development. Head Start programs promote school readiness by enhancing the social and cognitive development of children through the provision of educational, health, nutritional, social and other services to enrolled children and families. They engage parents in their children's learning and help them in making progress toward their educational, literacy and employment goals. Significant emphasis is placed on the 23 HIPPY, USA The achievement gap appears well before children enter kindergarten. Children who begin school having missed critical early learning opportunities are already at risk for failure in school. Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY), is funded for 36 children. HIPPY is an evidenced-based early learning program, addresses these issues by supporting parents in their critical role as their child’s first and most influential teachers. In the HIPPY model, peer home visitors deliver 30 weeks of high quality school readiness curriculum directly to parents who then work with their own three, four, and five year-old children. Using the HIPPY books and curriculum, parents spend one-on-one time each day reading books with their children and teaching them school readiness skills. HIPPY helps parents empower themselves as their children's first teacher by giving them the tools, skills and confidence they need to work with their children in the home. The program was designed to bring families, organizations and communities together and remove any barriers to participation that may include limited financial resources or lack of education. involvement of parents in the administration of local Head Start programs. Toddlers during outdoor play Early Childhood Education Department Funding Sources MIECHV HIPPY The MIECHV program is designed to strengthen and improve programs and coordination of services for at-risk communities and to improve outcomes for those families. The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) see home visiting as one of several strategies embedded in a quality early childhood system that promotes maternal, infant and early childhood health, safety and development, as well as strong parent-child relationships. MCAEOC received funding for 50 children beginning April 2012. Based on our program research, HIPPY was named one of seven home visiting models that meets the evidence-based criteria of the Maternal, Infant, Early Childhood Home Visiting program (MIECHV). Because of the positive outcomes of our research, HIPPY is uniquely positioned to help states and communities Arkansas Better Chance For School Success MCAEOC participates in the Arkansas Better Chance (ABC) program. ABC is a state-funded preschool program that provides high-quality early care and education to Arkansas’ young children, 3 to 5 years of age. Currently, the program is funded for 316 children. MCAEOC’s ABC program provides preschool children with the skills, enrichment, and learning opportunities that increase their chances of future success in school. All ABC teachers are highly trained in developmentally appropriate practices for the education of young children. Teachers are required to meet higher education guidelines set forth by the Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education, Arkansas Department of Human Services and the State Board of Education. Classrooms are evaluated annually and must maintain high scores in 24 classroom environment and safety. Income eligibility for the ABC program permits a family to have an income of up to 200% of the federal poverty level. This higher income level allows MCAEOC to offer programming to families that otherwise would not qualify under the Head Start income guideline of 100% FPL. The ABC program at MCAEOC began in 1992 with 6 classrooms with funding for 111 children. Since that time, MCAEOC has continued to expand its ABC program and currently offers program services to 316students in 19 classrooms across Mississippi County, AR. Arkansas Better Chance classrooms are located in the following communities: Blytheville, Gosnell, Leachville, Luxora, Manila, Osceola, and Wilson.. Why Head Start? It may be noted that MCAEOC has been awarded three stars for its quality rating. High quality child care and early childhood education sets the stage for how well our children learn, how they think of themselves and how they interact with their world. We as parents, early childhood educators and a community have a responsibility to make sure all of our children have the very best experiences they can. Why Choose Quality? High quality child care and early childhood education sets the stage for how well our children learn, how they think of themselves and how they interact with their world. See more at: http://www.arbetterbeginnings.com/about-us/ why-choose-quality#sthash.SLkgcucb.dpuf Better Beginnings Centers With Three Stars Child Care Centers must complete all standards for Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 Administrator Requirements Accrues at least 135 clock hours of education and/or training in child development/early education and administration. Completes 25 clock hours or more each year of additional training in child development/ early education and administration. Completes a self-assessment of the program’s support for families. Tries new ideas to strengthen partnerships with families. Staff Requirements Accrues 15-45 clock hours or more of training in child development/early education. Completes at least 25 clock hours of additional training each year. Maintains a portfolio for each child that shows the child’s progress over time. A portfolio often includes samples of the child’s work, photographs and staff notes about the child’s activities. Facility Requirements Meets or exceeds a designated score on a rating of administrative quality. Meets or exceeds a designated score on a rating of classroom quality. Provides at least three interest centers in each classroom. Interest centers focus on a particular type of play and learning, such as blocks, art, books or pretend play. Develops a current written curriculum plan and daily activities that include learning goals. A curriculum plan gives direction to planning and activities for all classes. Daily activities in each class are planned to support the child’s learning and development. Shares with families’ information on nutrition and physical activity for children. - See more at: http://www.arbetterbeginnings.com/about-us/what-better-beginnings/centers/3star#sthash.UjtbSktE.dpuf 25 BETTER BEGINNINGS CERTIFICATIONS CENTER Date Certified 03.04.2011 ELIGIBLE FOR 3* APPLICATION LEVEL 3 CERTIFICATION EXPIRES Open A-1 CHILD CARE CENTER AEROPLEX MIGRANT 11.23.2012 LEVEL 3 Open ANC-CHILDREN CARE CENTER 12.14.2011 LEVEL 3 Open BUFFALO ISLAND CHILD CARE CENTER 11.23.2011 LEVEL 3 Open BLYTHEVILLE HEAD START CENTER 03.30.2011 LEVEL 3 Open EOC CHILDCARE CENTER CARUTHERSVILLE, MO HARRISON EARLY HEAD START JOINER HEAD START COMMUNITY CENTER KEISER MIGRANT HEAD START CENTER NO QUALITY SYSTEM IN MISSOURI CENTER 4-21-2014 12.15.2011 NOW LEVEL 3 LEVEL 3 Closed Open 12-15-2014 LEACHVILLE MIGRANT HEAD START CENTER LUXORA ABC CENTER 05-05-2014 LEVEL 3 Open 5-12-2014 05-19-2014 LEVEL 3 LEVEL 3 Open Open MCAEOC EARLY HEAD START CENTER 05-22-2014 LEVEL 2 Open MCAEOC WILEY CENTER 05-12-2014 LEVEL 2 Open OSCEOLA MIGRANT HEAD START CENTER 12-05-2011 06.15.2012 12-05-2014 ARKANSAS AEROPLEX REGIONAL 02.10.2014 LEVEL 3 02.10.2017 KEISER REGIONAL HEAD START LUXORA HEAD START CENTER 03.07.2014 NOW LEVEL 3 CLOSED 03.07.2017 MANILA HEAD START CENTER 01.15.2014 LEVEL 3 01.15.2017 WILSON CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER 12.16.2013 LEVEL 3 12.16.2016 4-21-2014 LEVEL 2 OPEN MCAEOC MIGRANT HEAD START CENTER BLYTHEVILLE PUBLIC SCHOOLS PRE-K (Early Childhood Partner) KEISER MIGRANT –EARLY HEAD START MCAEOC Early Childhood Education Program has obtained Level 3 certifications for 14 (70%) of its 20 operational facilities. Level 3 is the highest level of certification that can be achieved. Three other centers have achieved Level 2 certifications. One site is located in Missouri and does not participate in the Quality Rating System. The remaining two sites are partners. The agency is working closely with these two partners in support of them in their efforts to achieve a high level of quality as well. *Indicates certificates are forthcoming 26 Head Start children: Who are we? Head Start programs serve children and their families from a variety of backgrounds: 53% were 3 years old at program entry and 47% were 4. 100% attended “full-day” Head Start program. 29% were younger than 1 year old at program entry 36% older than 1 year old attended “Early Head Start” 35% were 2 year old. Children Come from Diverse Backgrounds 1% 0% 4% 3% 15% White African American 26% Hispanic/Latino American Indian or Alaskan Native Asian or Pacific Islander Multi-racial or Bi-racial Other 51% 27 Head Start Serves children of all Abilities By the end of their first year, approximately 10% of children are identified having disability defined as having had a professional indicate that the child had a development problem, delay, or other special need. The vast majority of children with disability had a speech and language impairment and 3.47% of children with an identified disability had multiple impairments. 52.08% of children with disability had an individual Education Plan (IEP) or individual Family Service plan (IFSP). Such plans create opportunities for teachers, parents, school administrators, and related services personnel to work together to improve educational results for each child in need. What Is a Special Need? Speech or Language Impairment includes difficulty in communicating. Cognitive Impairment includes mental retardation, autism/pervasive development delay, and other developmental delays. Behavioral/Emotional Impairment includes behavior problems, hyperactivity, and ADHD. Sensory Impairment includes deafness, other hearing impairment, blindness, and other visual impairment. Physical Impairment includes motor impairments. Types of Special Need 4% 3% 3% 2% 0% Speech or Language 28 Cognitive 0% 0% 0% Behavior/ Emotional Sensory Physical Feeling Good? Head Start Children’s Health Health and Wellness After completing 1 year of Head Start, 57% of children were reported by their parents as being in “excellent” or “very good” health, 6% were “good”, and 37% were considered in “fair” or “poor” health. After Healthy Habits, Healthy Children Promote physically active games and play activities Serve fresh fruit and water (rather than juice) Serve low-fat milk instead of whole milk Serve child-sized portions-a child’s fist=1 portion! Limit children’s TV and “non-active” time Weight and Obesity Childhood obesity is a growing health problem, linked to short– and– long– term negative physical, social, and emotional outcomes . In the spring, 57% of children were within normal weight ranges. However, more than 37% of children were considered “overweight” or “obese,” defined as having a Body Mass Index (BMI) at or above the 37th percentile for age and gender. When comparing children of different backgrounds, 65% of Hispanics/ Latino children were above the normal weight range. In contrast, approximately of African– Americans (51%) and Caucasian (15%) children were above normal weight range. Childhood obesity is a growing health problem, linked to short-and longterm negative physical, social, and emotional outcomes. 29 Obese 21% Overweight 16% Under Weight 6% Normal Weight 57% What Does a Typical Head Start Family Household Look Like? 4-5 family members 24% of children live with both of their biological/adoptive parents and approximately 76% live in single-parent households. 57% of fathers were employed and half work full-time. 40% of mothers were employed and half work full-time. 43% of mothers and 57% of fathers had at least a high school education. 30 2013 Required Budgets to Meet Head Start Act January to December Migrant and Seasonal 2013 Fiscal Year Arkansas Better Chance Head Start PY 02/1/13— 01/31/14 Support and Revenues BUDGET BUDGET Funding Sources 1,394,820 1,411803 Total Support and Revenue Expenses Personnel Cost Consultant & Contract Services Education & Training Travel 1,394,820 1,411,803 1,269,682 9,000 8900 7,182 1,128,453 23,504 1,800 47,796 Space Cost & Rental 38,012 103,688 Consumable Supplies 40,828 68,243 Equipment Maintenance and Rental 1,000 18,000 Communications 13,016 0 Other Costs 7,200 20,319 TOTAL EXPENSES 31 $ 1,394,820 $ 1,411,803 2013 Fiscal Year Head Start Early Head Start Support and Revenues Budget Budget Funding Sources 3,282,013 4,451,045 Total Support and Revenue 3,282,013 4,451,045 2,720,359 3,749,612 Consultant & Contract Services 25,000 63,000 Education & Training 56,592 134,470 Travel 88,100 77,009 Space Cost & Rental 127,667 145,679 Consumable Supplies 147,870 152,221 Equipment Maintenance and Rental 63,821 57,321 Communications 30,361 25,000 Other Costs 22,243 50,733 3,282,013 4,451,045 Expenses Personnel Cost TOTAL EXPENSES 32 2014 Fiscal Year Head Start Early Head Start Support and Revenues Budget Budget Funding Sources 3,282,013 4,451,045 Total Support and Revenue 3,282,013 4,451,045 2,720,359 3,749,612 Consultant & Contract Services 25,000 63,000 Education & Training 56,592 134,470 Travel 88,100 77,009 Space Cost & Rental 127,667 145,679 Consumable Supplies 147,870 152,221 Equipment Maintenance and Rental 63,821 57,321 Communications 30,361 25,000 Other Costs 22,243 50,733 3,282,013 4,451,045 Expenses Personnel Cost TOTAL EXPENSES 33 USDA Nutrition Assistance Program The USDA Nutrition Assistance Programs provide Head Start children access to a healthful diet and nutrition education through the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) and disaster assistance. CACFP plays an important role in improving the quality of services for Head Start children and their families by making meals more affordable. Through CACFP, more than 3.2 million children receive nutritious meals and snacks each day. CACFP reimburses centers at free, reduced-price, or paid rates for eligible meals and snacks served to enrolled children, targeting benefits to those children most in need. Through the USDA, CACFP provide breakfast, lunch and snacks for families enrolled in our Head Start program. 2013 Head Start and Early Head Start USDA Migrant and Seasonal Head Start USDA reimbursements are separate according to the State children are enrolled. MCAEOC operates a center in Caruthersville, Missouri. Therefore, you will find that the Migrant and Seasonal Head Start Program USDA report separated according to the State and number of meals served. 34 2013 Migrant & Seasonal Head Start USDA Reimbursement Missouri USDA Reimbursements Arkansas USDA Reimbursements 35 2013 Head Start USDA Reimbursements $90,000 $80,000 Lunch $70,000 Snack $60,000 Total Reimbursement $50,000 $40,000 $30,000 $20,000 $10,000 $- 36 Breakfast MCAEOC EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT END OF MONTH ENROLLMENT Section 641A(h)(2) of the Head Start Act requires all Head Start programs to report on a monthly basis their actual enrollment and, if their actual enrollment is less than their funded enrollment, the reasons for this shortfall. In order to facilitate this reporting, the Office of Head Start has established a new website in order to report enrollment each month. 700 600 500 400 300 200 100 0 37 Head Start Early Head Start Migrant & Seasonal Head Start Head Start parent graduation from Arkansas Northern College Family and Community Partnerships Head Start offer parents opportunities and support for growth, so that they can identify their own strengths, needs and interests, and find their own solutions. The objective of Family Partnerships is to support parents as they identify and meet their own goals, nurture the development of their children in the context of their family and culture, and advocate for communities that are supportive of children and families of all cultures. The building of trusting, collaborative relationships between parents and staff allow them to share with, and to learn from one another. Head Start serves families within the context of the community, and recognizes that many other agencies and groups work with the same families. The objective of Community Partnerships is to ensure that the program collaborate with partners in their communities, in order to provide the highest level of services to children and families, to foster the development of a continuum of family centered services, and to advocate for a community that shares responsibility for the healthy development of children and families of all cultures. What Does a Typical Head Start Family Household Look Like? 4-5 family members 24% of children live with both of their biological/adoptive parents and approximately 76% live in single-parent households. 57% of fathers were employed and half work full-time. 40% of mothers were employed and half work full-time. 43% of mothers and 57% of fathers had at least a high school education. 38 Parents attend End of Year Celebration at Head Start Center Composition of Head Start Families Working and/or in Training Head Start Migrant & Seasonal Head Start Early Head Start Families participating in a goal setting process resulting in a Family Partnership Agreement 100% 100% 100% Two parent families 22.79% 53.39% 18.06% Single parent families 77.21% 46.61% 81.94% Two parents employed 26.11% 100% 42.68% One parent employed 52.23% 100% 41.16% Both parents not working 21.66% 0% 15.85% Parents in Training 12.74% 0% 9.76% 39 Parent Activities Head Start hosts monthly parent meetings. Our parent meeting schedule includes our calendar for the year. The training calendar explains what training will take place and what month. Parents elect representatives to serve on the Policy Council/Policy Committee. We encourage male involvement every 2nd and 4th Friday of the month at different Head Start Centers. We support literacy by way of the Lending Library and Parent and Child Together (PACT) Time. We also had approximately 71 volunteers in our centers. We give our parents a monthly newsletter with Information on various activities. At the beginning of the year, each enter hosts an Open House. 40 41 Staff Education and Professional Development Since the success of MCAEOC Head Start depends largely upon the qualification of its staff, MCAEOC has implemented a system of professional development and educational opportunities. MCAEOC supports staff in meeting these challenges by providing adequate and appropriate supervision, regular feedback, and structured opportunities. It is important that staff are qualified to carryout curriculums to meet the appropriate child development needs. Management and administrative staff consist of highly qualified professionals with years of training and/or experience in their area of expertise. Currently, staff have begun pursuing degrees to meet the 2013 education mandates at least a bachelor degree in Early Childhood Education (ECE). With the largest employment placement demand for preschool teaching positions, preschool teachers currently exceed 90% degreed level and infant/ toddler staff creating a focus to attain more degrees in the infant/toddler teaching staff population. Staff are pursuing degrees from Arkansas State University, University of Arkansas, Arkansas Northeastern College, Ashford University and Franklin University. Arkansas State University Childhood Services and Arkansas Northeastern college has been awarded twelve (12) college hours for Child Development Associates (CDA). 42 43 7 Family Outcomes from PFCE Framework Family Well-Being Positive Parent Child Relationships Families as Life Long Educators Families as Learners Family Engagement in Transition Family Connection to Peers & Communities Family as Advocates and Leaders 44 45 Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS) Federal funding sources working together makes better School Readiness outcomes for our children. This six month pilot program for migrant staff will improve the teacher-child interaction. Region XII Training and Technical Assistance of the Migrant Branch providing 3 day training for CLASS to MCAEOC Migrant and Seasonal staff during 2013 Pre-service. 46 CLASS OBSERVATIONAL TOOL The Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS) is an observational tool that provides a common lens and language focused on what matters in the classroom which is interactions that boost children learning process. Data from CLASS observations are used to support teachers’ unique professional development needs and set agency wide goals. This system is used with our Preschool classroom only at this point. The agency has five staff members who are certified Trainer-of-Trainers. In addition, there are six staff members who have been certified as observers. In which case, any of the preceding qualify to conduct CLASS observation for the agency. During the prior program year, CLASS observations were conducted in all classrooms two times. Domains Fall Averages Spring Averages National Averages Emotional Support Classroom Organization Instructional Support 5.82 5.17 3.897 5.25 5.92 3.16 6.44 6.17 3.35 The chart above shows that the agency’s Spring scores are lagging behind the National Averages. In addition, the Spring Averages decreased in Emotional Support and Instructional Support. However, the agency is only two tenths of away from the National Average in Instructional Support. This is the area noted to be challenging nation-wide. It is expected that during the year to come that CLASS will be conducted in conjunction with the child outcomes checkpoint periods. This data will be used for future professional development planning. Training is planned for August and September prior to the start of our program year. 47 School Readiness In our efforts to address the educational needs of the children and families in our program, Head Start transitions children into public school. 48 Head Start provides each school district the following: immunization record, medical record, Social Security number, birth certificate, and a current physical. The constant flows of dialogue between school and Head Start is positive. Head Start teachers spending a day in a kindergarten classroom is a plus. The school librarian assisted with setting up Head Start’s library. The kindergarten teachers provide a list of materials that Head Start children will need to learn upon entering kindergarten. All Head Start children receive a Kindergarten Readiness Calendar at the beginning of the school year from the Arkansas Department of Education. Head Start participates with all school districts in Family Night. Booths hold displays for Pre-K through third grade that enhance math and literacy skills. Each school district provides a kindergarten teacher/principal to visit the Head Start centers to meet with parent. At the end of the year, each Head Start child receives a transitional packet. This packet include: ‘Parent’s Guide After Head Start, Kindergarten Readiness Indicator’, Coloring Book with print enriched activities, Preschoolers Get Ready to Read, and Kindergarten Learn to Read. Spring 2013 Migrant & Seasonal Head Start Child Outcomes Birth to Three Data Analysis The preceding are the results of the Child Outcomes data as recorded by teachers for the Spring marking period for the MSHS children in the birth to three age groups. The data shows that the children are matriculating as expected in more than the majority of the seven areas of assessment. Again, the agency has set as its goal for all children to be ranking at or above the 80% in all areas. The data shows that children are scoring at or above the 80% in Social-Emotional, Physical-Fine Motor, Cognitive and Literacy. The three areas identified as concerns and are in need of improvement are Physical-Gross Motor, Language, and Mathematics. The education team has worked on the school readiness goals to include these areas as part of the plan for improvement and deficit removal. Teachers will continue to be monitored closely to assure accuracy in the area of data input so that the reports may be pulled at the appropriate times at the end of each marking period. In addition, data will be analyzed in more detail to assure that each observation is inclusive of enough information and the appropriate time has been allotted in the observation of the skill to score children in the areas of met, exceed or below expectations. Education Coordinators and Education Specialists are slated for additional training in the Teachings Strategies GOLD assessment system as well as the Creative Curriculum. 49 Spring 2013 Migrant & Seasonal Head Start Three to Five Data Analysis Child Outcomes Report The results of the Spring Assessment period for the three to five year old children show that children are at or above the 80% in all areas with the exception of Mathematics. The cognitive area data shows that 78% of the students are functioning at the met or exceed with 22% falling in the below ratings. The data also shows that the language area shows a potential area of weakness with 19% of the children rated falling in the below ratings. As a precaution, this area was addressed as a weakness for the Spring reporting period. These areas of weaknesses have been addressed in our school readiness goals and a plan of action has been addressed. As a point of reference, this is the first marking period where teachers in the three to five, preschool, category have used the Teaching Strategies GOLD rating scale. This marks the official transition from the Core Knowledge CK-PAT tool to the GOLD. In the CK-PAT tool, children were assessed at two different levels, Level 1 and Level 2. With the GOLD, they are assessed on a continuum of growth, thereby, not warranting the need for two levels of reports. All children were measured according to what is developmentally appropriate for their age and stage of development according to research. Teachers working with the preschool age children have experienced more exposure to using such assessment tools than the infant and toddler age children. In addition, our more experienced staff has moved from the infant and toddler area into the preschool area, thereby, creating a continuous need to replace teachers in the infant and toddler area. Many of the infant and toddler teachers are less experienced whereas, the preschool teachers have Associates and Bachelors as opposed to CDA’s. I would like to attribute this to the better performance in the preschool area of growth. Fall 2013 Migrant and Seasonal Early Head Start Child Outcomes The Birth to Three Migrant and Seasonal Program Summer 2013 child outcomes assessment data shows that children ranked in the 80% or above in four of the seven areas in which they were assessed. Areas identified where children were assessed and found to be performing at or above the widely held expectations are: Social Emotional, Physical-Fine Motor, Cognitive and Literacy. Last marking period showed the agency performing well in these same four areas of development. Within these four areas, compared to each respectively for the previous and current marking periods, there was a two to three percentage difference in those performing below expectation in all four areas. This data shows that children assessed were performing between the 81-94% in these four areas over these two marking periods. These areas are considered to be the agency’s areas of strength for the Birth to Three Migrant and Seasonal population of children. The goal would be to continue with this line of assessment and daily activities that are being provided to the children by the program staff. The three areas that show children functioning below widely held expectations are: Physical-Gross Motor, Language, and Mathematics. As is with the areas of strength, these are the same areas identified as areas of weakness for the prior and current assessment period. 50 Further training is warranted for teachers in these areas. Teachers will be mentored by their respective members of the Education Team. The color bands will be examined in order that teachers may obtain a deeper understanding of what each level really means in connection with the actual assessed levels of performance. Additional information and materials will be explored in order to make sure that teachers are properly equipped to make accurate determinations of assessment levels of children served. Consultant and other resources will be utilized by Education staff members so that they are able to provide the support needed by teachers in these desired areas of growth. FALL 2013 Migrant and Seasonal Head Start Child Outcomes Report As shown in the preceding graph of child outcomes data for the Summer 2013 marking period, one area is noted to be below the targeted 80% goal which was previously set by the agency. The area of identified weakness is in Physical-Gross Motor skills where 33% of the children assessed in this area were found to be functioning below the widely held expectations for children of the same age category across the nation. The overall scores for all preschool-age children assessed for Summer 2013 shows that the agency’s children are performing as expected across the spectrum, with the exception of the area of gross motor skills. Also, noted from the preceding graphs, Language and Spanish Language assessment scores are right on the border of the 80% set by the agency. The remaining six areas shows more than 80% of the children assessed by the agency performing at the “met” or “exceed” the widely held expectations. Since these two areas are right on the border, they will be included in the agency’s areas that are in need of improvement. There were a total of four preschool classrooms in session during this marking period. The staff in three of the four rooms has remained at their assigned rooms for at least three summer periods. In addition, these children remain with the same teachers during the fall, winter and part of spring months when they are identified as Head Start instead of Migrant and Seasonal Head Start. This is one positive factor that may be attributed to the positive outcomes data for the Summer 51 marking period. One of the agency’s sites, located in Caruthersville, experienced quite an unusual need for staff change due to illnesses, staff vacations, and possibly other reasons. In addition, the children’s enrollment at that site resulted in number classes operated to be reduced from two to one. The preschool teachers are scheduled to receive additional materials and training on the Creative Curriculum. The ‘Daily Resources’, which is a part of the daily implementation of the Creative Curriculum for Preschool, is the new resource that they will be receiving. In addition, they will be properly trained on how to utilize all of the different tools included. This is the first time these teachers have used the Creative Curriculum GOLD assessment tool. They are to be commended on their diligence in getting all of the information into the software for the identified marking periods. It is the goal of the agency to have all teachers properly trained in the implementation of the curriculum during this coming year. Properly trained teachers should yield more favorable percentages of children performing in the ‘met’ or ‘exceed’ categories in the areas of PhysicalGross Motor, Language and Spanish Language. Fall 2013 Early Head Start Data Analysis and Summary The Early Head Start Fall 2013 data collection process shows that the agency did well in four of the seven areas of assessment and they are: Social-Emotional, Physical-Fine Motor, Cognitive and Literacy. It may be noted that these are the same areas of development as the Migrant and Seasonal Program where the agency is performing above the 80% according to the widely held expectations. Generally, children develop Gross Motor skills much easier than Fine Motor, yet Fine Motor is not a problem area. The education specialists will continue to support teaching staff in these areas while providing mentoring experiences for novice teachers. This assessment period data shows that the areas for improvement mirrors the data for the Migrant and Seasonal program as well in the areas of Physical-Fine Motor, Language and Mathematics. The data show that between 24-28% of our children are performing below the widely held expectations in these areas. In the evaluation of assessment outcomes, physical-gross motor is the skill that is first noted in the development of infants and toddlers, however; it is the area that shows no improvement from one marking period to another. This occurrence could be the results of children moving up to the preschool area and younger ones are being assessed. Possibly, the tool is not being applied properly in relation to what is being captured in the observations. Further examination of observations and linking to the appropriate skills will be done by the education coordinators and specialists. In the area of Language development, the best teacher is daily practicing the correct manner of communication. Teachers will be practicing proper communication and 52 language at all times. Teacher will practice scaffolding, use of extensions in conversation, parallel talk, relating to daily life experiences beyond dramatic play and reading stories, introducing new words, asking open ended questions and other research based activities offered in the assessment tool in order to facilitate rich language development in children. There shall be books in all areas of each classroom, words and pictures posted, and reading throughout the day. Parents will be involved in this skill because they have the greatest opportunities for expanding the child’s vocabulary and comprehension through daily interactions and extending classroom practices beyond the classrooms. Math will receive more attention in skills building. Teachers will be provided more materials to help in its development such as books, game ideas, and appropriate manipulatives. Counting will occur throughout the day. Teachers will be encouraged to use daily, routine activities to enhance the fact that math is all around us. They will be instructed of new ways to write observations in a manner that properly reflects what is happening during the desired skill acquisition. Head Start Child Outcomes Report Winter 2013-14 Data Analysis and Summary This is the second reporting period since the Head Start teachers have been using the Creative Curriculum Teaching Strategies GOLD for assessing children. The Fall numbers were not as pleasing as MCAEOC would like to see them to be as compared to prior marking periods when the program was still using the Core Knowledge Curriculum. During prior marking periods where the program was using the CKPAT as an assessment tool, they were thoroughly familiar with the process of assessment and documentation used with CK-PAT. Out of the thirteen areas of assessment used by that tool, there would routinely be two to three areas identified for improvement in any one marking period. This Fall, when the program switched from using CK-PAT to TS-GOLD, the data showed that six of nine areas assessed fell below the agency’s goal and were identified as needing improvement. This information was used as a stepping stone for improvement. All Education Coordinators are assigned to a center where they are to mentor the teachers at the sites. Education Coordinators were trained on how to use the assessment tool, how to view the data as teachers input observations while linking them to skills and how to support teachers by giving input on how to improve their skills. Implementation of the previously stated strategies reflects more favorable results in the Winter data. The outcomes data shows that the percentages of children being scored in the met or exceed the widely held expectations have increased by an average of 22% in seven of the nine areas of assessment. Children scored the same in Spanish Language but experienced a 21% decrease in Spanish Literacy. The why of the sharp decrease in the Spanish Literacy is yet 53 to be figured. One might also be interested to know that only 19 children were assessed in the Spanish Language and Literacy areas. While we applaud the staff for their hard work and dedication in the agency’s efforts to raise the percentages in all areas, it is noted that there are only three areas in which the agency scored above the previously set goal of 80%.These areas are Physical-Fine Motor, Literacy, and Spanish Language. Thus, there is a need for improvement in the areas of Social Emotional, Physical-Gross Motor, Language, Cognitive, Mathematic and Spanish Literacy Development. The strategic plan previously implemented by the agency will be continued with a focus on increasing acquisition of skill development in these areas. Spring checkpoint outcomes will be compared to Winter checkpoint outcomes to determine the effectiveness of these plans. It is the goal of the agency to increase performance data outcomes to or above the levels noted in the Spring 2013 data where Language and Math Development were the only areas identified as needing improvement. Head Start Child Outcomes Report Winter 2013-14 Data Analysis and Summary Attendance data was examined for the Head Start children as well. This data shows that 256 of the 531 children assessed during the Winter marking period missed 10 or more days from school. On the other hand, 224 of the children assessed missed 5 or less days during the assessment period. In our two classes that are located in the public school, children attendance data was more promising. Of the two classrooms with 19 children enrolled at any one time, 16 of those children missed 5 or fewer days during the Winter assessment period. Although the attendance in our regular in house Head Start classrooms had between 3 and 14 children in any one class to miss more than 10 days during the assessment period, it appears that parents of children attending ‘public school’ believes that regular attendance is important to their child’s education. 54 Early Head Start Spring 2013-14 Child Outcomes Report SUMMARY AND ANALYSIS The Spring Marking Period showed some improvement in some areas and some loss of percentages of students performing at or above the Widely Held Expectations (WHE). The Spring Marking Period showed that the agency fell below the previously set goal of 80% in three of the seven developmental areas. These areas are the same for all three reporting periods: Physical-Gross Motor, Language, and Mathematics. Physical-Gross Motor showed a one percent decline from the first to the second and the second to the third marking period. This was not such a devastating decline, but it so happens to be one of the areas identified as an area of improvement over a period of time. Language remained the same from the first to the second marking period but made a three percent decline between the second and third marking period. Mathematic percentages made a sharp seven percent drop between the first and second marking. The numbers reflected in Chart 1 below shows that there was a twelve percent favorable increase between the second and the third marking periods. 55 EARLY HEAD START FALL WINTER SPRING Social Emotional Development 86% 85% ▼ 88% ▼ Physical- Fine Motor Development 77% 76% ▼ 75% ▼ Physical-Gross Motor Development 89% 92% ▼ 90% ▼ Language Development 73% 73% ˭ 70% ▼ Cognitive Development 83% 87% ▼ 83% ▼ Literacy Development 85% 85% ˭ 82% ▼ Mathematics Development 72% 65% ▼ 77% ▼ Chart 1 Even though there was an increase of twelve percent for Mathematics Development between the second and third marking periods, it was not quite enough for agency to count this as an area where 80% of the students are performing at or above the WHE. The previously identified areas of for improvement have already been identified in the agency’s School Readiness Goals and will be updated to show this reporting period. Planning is in progress for the month of August that will address each of these identified areas. There has been a reassessment of the duties of the Education Coordinators as well. These changes will afford the coordinator the opportunity to provide more individualized attention to teachers who are in need of additional support and those who may be new to the program in the coming year. The agency will be adopting a mentoring model known as Practice Based Coaching which is a cyclical process for supporting teachers’ use of effective teaching practices that lead to positive outcomes for children. Early Head Start Spring 2013-14 Child Outcomes Report cont Head Start Spring 2013-14 Child Outcomes Report Attendance was also an area of concern which was addressed during the Winter Marking Period data analysis. The data showed that better that 54% of the children assessed during the Winter Marking Period were absent in excess of ten days. There was a decrease in the WHE for three areas of development during that period. Two of the areas show up to a 4% increase in the WHE and two areas showed no change. However, during the Spring Marking period, less than half, 27%, of the children assessed missed ten or more days during the marking period and the percentages of WHE decreased in five of the seven areas of development. It is strange that the data showed a very high increase in children attendance between the Winter and Spring Marking Periods and decreases in the percentages shown in the WHE were noted. Parents were given additional materials on bridging the achievement gap and it proved to have a positive effect. It was also noted that there were 53 new children enrolled during the Spring Marking period with entry dates as late as April 24. In addition, there was a number of children who enrolled as late as February 24. A great deal of the children assessed during the Spring Marking Period were new to the program. The agency will continue to educate parents on the effects of attendance and school achievement and parents as prime educators and advocated. 56 Lots of hard work and efforts proved to be quite rewarding over the last two reporting periods for the three to five, Head Start, population. As has been indicated in previous data analysis, this is the first year for implementation of the Creative Curriculum with this age group and teachers. From the beginning, the Fall Marking Period percentages of children performing at or above the WHE was less than what was desired. The Spanish Literacy and Spanish Language were the only two areas of development that were at the desired levels. However, only one child was being assessed in that area. The percentages of increase between the Fall Marking Period and Winter Marking Period increased as much as a remarkable 26% as noted in the Chart 2 below. Although the percentages of increase were impressive, it was not enough to bring the agency’s scores above the 80% goal in but two areas of development. Since the Head Start teachers were experiencing difficulties on implementation of the curriculum, plans were placed in motion to get the percentages up to the desired levels. Chart 2 HEAD START Social Emotional Development Physical- Fine Motor Development FALL 53% WINTER 73% ▲ SPRING 88% ▲ 48% 71% ▲ 85% ▲ Physical-Gross Motor Development 61% 86% ▲ 90% ▲ Language Development 49% 72% ▲ 84% ▲ Cognitive Development 50% 76% ▲ 86% ▲ Literacy Development 75% 90% ▲ 92% ▲ Mathematics Development 62% 73% ▲ 83% ▲ Spanish Literacy 100% 100%˭ 100%▲ Spanish Language 100% 79%▲ 81% ▲ The Education Team was trained further on the Teaching Strategies GOLD assessment tool. This provided an additional level of support in the classrooms. There were additional Daily Resources ordered and training on these resources was provided to the teachers. Documentation notes were printed out by the Education Team. These notes were discussed with the teachers and examples and pointer were given on ways to write notes more clearly and have them serve the purpose for which they were written. The results of all of the hard work and attention to detail resulted in all of the areas of development percentages being above the 80% for the Spring Marking Period. The attendance records of each child were reviewed. These records showed that there were 18.5% of children enrolled absent for more than 10 days during the Spring Marking Period as opposed to 45% during the Winter Marking Period. There was a noted increase in the percentages of children assessing at or above the WHE in the Spring as opposed to the remarkable difference noted between the number in the Winter opposed to the Fall. Parents will continue to be informed of the importance of their role as the primary and first educator of their children. Although there are no areas that are on record as being in need of improvement, the agency will remain on the same path of on-going training and mentoring in the classrooms. 57 ENERGY SERVICES Income Counseling Counseling sessions and workshops on income utilization issues, such as: planning nutritious and economical meals, family budgeting, managing utility costs, etc., are provided. Workforce Development Employment Services Employment counseling and workshops, job referrals, employer contacts, and follow-up activities are provided to those seeking employment. Information and Referral Services Community Participation Low-income persons are assisted in participation and in local community activities. HEAP Program Description The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) helps low-income households with home energy costs by administering Regular Assistance and Crisis Intervention Programs. Each program provides financial assistance to eligible households with a one-time per year payment to the household's energy supplier or, under certain circumstances, to the applicant. The Crisis Intervention Program provides assistance to eligible households facing energy-related emergencies. In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the State of Arkansas, you must need financial assistance for home energy costs and your household's annual income before taxes must not exceed $12,762 if one person lives in the household; $17,112 if two people live in the household; $21,462 if three people live in the household; $25,812 if four people live in the household; $30,162 if five people live in the household; $34,512 if six people live in the household; $38,862 if seven people live in the household; or $43,212 if eight people live in the household. For larger households, add $4,350 for each additional person in the home. 58 HEALTH and NUTRITION SERVICES Commodity Food Distribution Surplus foods such as rice, honey, beans and selected can goods are distributed to help supplement the diets of needy persons in eligible households. These foods are made available by the USDA and distributed periodically at various authorized sites. HEALTHY START Healthy Start Initiative Works to reduce infant mortality and low birth weight babies. Healthy Start Initiative 2013 Mississippi County has approximately half of its population residing in the principal towns, Blytheville and Osceola. African Americans are disproportionately residing in these two communities, while whites are moving out of the cities to newer developments in the surrounding rural areas and smaller towns. Poverty remains a pervasive reality in the county, especially for single parent families and children. African Americans consistently are two to three times more likely than whites to be living in poverty. 59 Housing Services MCAEOC operates a Housing Rehabilitation Program and Provides affordable rental housing for low income individuals. It also develops new multi-family units by using the HOME Program, low-income tax credits, and the Housing and Urban Development Program (HUD) as well as new single family Housing Down Payment Assistance. Single family home constructed with the help of the MCAEOC Housing One of many single family homes constructed with the help of MCAEOC Housing 60 Mississippi County Arkansas E.O.C., Inc. Housing Department The Mississippi County Arkansas E.O.C., Housing Department mission is to serve and educate housing counseling clients in a confidential , non-judgmental manner, empowering them to identify and attain individual and family housing goals within a positive, supportive counseling experience. All clients go through an initial intake with our Housing Counselors, who can determine which type of counseling would be most appropriate. Our Housing Counselors develop a counseling plan detailing what steps will be taken to help the client reach their goal. Mississippi County Arkansas E.O.C. Housing Department assist low-income, moderate-income and over-income families obtain the home of their dream. The Housing Department has been approved by Arkansas Development Finance Authority (ADFA) to build five single family homes to qualified low and low-to-moderate homebuyers in the Blytheville Area. The sales price for these newly constructed homes are $110,000.00 per house with the option of homebuyer subsidy for qualified buyers. The pictures shown below are two of the five houses Mississippi County Arkansas E.O.C. Housing Department has built with Arkansas Development Finance Authority (ADFA) funds. 61 Mississippi County Arkansas E.O.C. is a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) approved Housing Counseling Agency. The Housing Department offers pre-purchase housing counseling, post-purchase housing counseling, credit counseling, foreclosure counseling, financial counseling, homebuyer education classes, new construction, reconstruction, assist the clients with purchase existing homes and marketing. Housing Counseling Outcomes New Construction Started - 3 Existing houses purchased -89 Rehabilitation -1 Pre-purchase counseling 266 Financial counseling - 41 Client that attended the Homebuyer Education Class -256 One-on-One Counseling - 266 Foreclosure counseling – 1 62 HOUSING PRESERVATION MCAEOC proposes to rehabilitate eight (8) homes within Census Tract 101, 103, and the southern half of Census Tract 102 in the City of Blytheville. Approximately 40% of the homes in these two Census Tracts are owner occupied; however, many are in poor repair. Almost all the owner occupied homes in this area are over 25 years with most homes valued at under $50,000. Repair problems in these older homes include structural discrepancies, drafty windows, doors, and floors, incomplete or faulty plumbing electrical problems, leaking roofs, and access problems for owners with physical limitations. According to the 2000 Census, over 36.3% of households live below the poverty level in Mississippi County Enterprise Community. Within the targeted Census Tracts, the concentration of poverty within these neighborhoods is high. The target population for the Housing Preservation Grant (HPG) assistance are those very low-income families whose homes are substandard, but repairable. Basic health and safety needs, warmth, shelter, and sanitary plumbing concerns will be given priority, along with handicap accessibility. Due to the concern of local elected officials, area ministers, and residents of the target area; there is considerable support for a Housing Preservation Project. Without HPG assistance, the homes of these lowincome families will continue to deteriorate due to financial limitation of the homeowners. None of the housing units to be repaired by the Housing Preservation are on the Historic Register, nor do any appear to have potential for inclusion. The planned rehabilitation will not conspicuously change the exterior design of the residences. See Section 1944.683(b)(2) for information which will be maintained on file for each housing unit rehabilitated through this project. Project evaluation will include a quarterly review of the impact made by the Housing Preservation Grant activity in Census Tracts 101, 103, and the Southern half of Tract 102. SOCIAL SERVICES Mississippi County Neighborhood Service Centers The Mississippi County Services offers the following services based on income and household sizes: LIHEAP Utility Assistance Crisis Intervention Assistance Emergency Food & Shelter Salvation Army Program Commodity Food Assistance LI HEAP Utility Assistance This assistance starts in January each year and helps clients with electric, gas and propane bills. When Approved, the money is sent to the utility company of the clients’ choice. Emergency Food & Shelter Funds are received two times per year to assist low-income families in emergency situations to assist in obtaining food, shelter and other necessities for a limited period of time. 63 Employment Services Employment counseling and workshops, job referrals, employer contacts, and follow-up activities are provided to those seeking employment. Services for the Homeless This program is geared toward homeless or displaced families and individuals. Food, shelter/housing, transportation, emergency medical supplies, and/or basic necessities are provided, as circumstances warrant. Referrals for assistance in employment, income maintenance, medical treatment, and other transitional support services are also provided. Small Business Lending Program MCAEOC operates a micro-lending program for small business development and expansion in the Mississippi County Enterprise Community. Transportation Provides a means of affordable transportation to area residents for employment, health care, and educational services. Good Samaritan Food Good Samaritan Fund is an Emergency Assistance Demonstration Program funded by Blytheville First United Methodist Church. The funds are used to provide assistance on a case-by-case basis to alleviate emergency needs of residents of the Greater Blytheville area. Toys for Children Provides toys for needy children. Youth Development Cultural enrichment, social development, and recreational events are provided for youths. Community Participation Staff from UAPB visits local Schools and workforce 64