Texas Head Start Assoc.

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NEWS RELEASE - AUGUST 6, 2010

FEDERAL REVIEW TEAM FINDS

PARENT/CHILD INCORPORATED (PCI) EARLY HEAD START PROGRAM “EXEMPLARY” 

San Antonio, Texas (August 6, 2010) –When parents enroll their children into Parent/Child Incorporated’s Early Head Start program, they can be assured that their children will receive services stamped with the highest approval from the Federal Government.  That’s because after a rigorous Office of Head Start (OHS) monitoring review in May, PCI’s Early Head Start was determined to be in compliance with all Head Start Program Performance Standards and applicable laws, regulations, and policy requirements.  

“It’s gratifying to receive the recognition that acknowledges our strong commitment to provide high-quality services for our community’s children and families,” said Dr. Sharon Small.  “This is the highest seal of approval given to Early Head Start and Head Start programs by ACF.”

Head Start monitoring reviews assess the performance, compliance, and accomplishments of local Head Start and Early Head Start programs in meeting statutory and regulatory requirements. 

The monitoring review focuses on the delivery of services as well as the management systems that support services, accountability, and fiscal integrity.  The review is performed on a triennial basis.  Throughout the week of the review, a team of federal reviewers visited Early Head Start classrooms and examined children’s files, fiscal records, program policies and procedures and facilities.  The team also conducted interviews with Early Head Start staff, parents, the governing body and the policy council. 

“This was a rigorous examination of our program,” said Dr. Small.  “These reviewers were given a task to review our program’s compliance and accountability.  Their findings validate all the work our  dedicated staff are doing day in and day out and to have this happen right after the significant reduction in force and transition of the Head Start program to the City of San Antonio just makes it that much more special.”

In 2000, the PRISM (Program Review Instrument for Systems Monitoring) was implemented to reflect the new program performance standards from the 1998 reauthorization of Head Start. 

The Office of Head Start has since modified the review instrument, now called the Head Start Monitoring Protocol.  The Protocol for fiscal year 2010 incorporates requirements of the 2007 Head Start Reauthorization Act and places a greater emphasis on the quality of the delivery and management of program services.

“An effective monitoring system is essential to Early Head Start programs,” said Dr. Small.  “Our program has in place a self-monitoring system that promotes quality and supports service delivery for children and families in a holistic manner.  As a result, our children and families leave this program better prepared to face challenges and to succeed beyond Early Head Start.”  

The Parent/Child Incorporated Early Head Start program is a federally funded program that provides educational opportunities and service to enhance the quality of life for teen parents and economically challenged children and families.  It is home to infants and toddlers and over 3,000 children fed through its Child and Adult Care Feeding Program (CACFP) and the Day Care Homes (DCH) throughout San Antonio and Bexar County.

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Early Head Start Centers

WOULD YOU LIKE TO HELP SHAPE PCI’s FUTURE?

APPOINTMENTS TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Parent/Child Incorporated is now seeking committed and experienced people to help us shape the strategic future of the agency by joining its Board of Directors.

Persons of interest must possess at least one of the following requirements:

PCI is committed to the promotion of equal opportunities in all aspects of its work, including the Board of Directors, and would welcome expressions of interest.

To apply , download this application: Board Application