2023-2024 HS Annual Report

ESC19 HEAD START IS AN EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT AND PRESCHOOL PROGRAM THAT PROUDLY SERVES THE EL PASO AND HUDSPETH COMMUNITIES. ESC19 IS ONE OF TWENTY REGIONAL SERVICE CENTERS LOCATED THROUGHOUT THE STATE THAT FUNCTION AS A LINK BETWEEN THE SCHOOL DISTRICTS AND CHARTER SCHOOLS THEY  SERVE AND THE TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY (TEA) IN AUSTIN, THE ADMINISTRATIVE UNIT OF TEXAS’ PUBLIC EDUCATION. ESC19 IS THE GRANTEE AGENCY FOR THE EL PASO HEAD START PROGRAM. HEAD START PROGRAMS ARE OPERATED BY NEARLY 2,695 GRANTEES AND DELEGATES WHICH INCLUDE PUBLIC, PRIVATE, AND FAITH -BASED ORGANIZATIONS IN  COMMUNITIES THROUGHOUT OUR NATION. THE ESC19 HEAD START ANNUAL REPORT IS PUBLISHED ONCE EVERY FISCAL YEAR AS DIRECTED BY THE IMPROVING HEAD START FOR  SCHOOL READINESS ACT OF 2007. THE ANNUAL REPORT DISCLOSES INFORMATION FROM THE MOST RECENTLY CONDUCTED FISCAL YEAR.

ANNUAL REPORT 2023-2024

Table Of Contents

Vision, Mission, About Us Message from the ESC19 Head Start Director Message from the ESC19 Executive Director Shared Governance Head Start Enrollment 2023-2024 Who We Are: The Head Start Journey Approaches To School Readiness Children's Assessment Summary Report 2023-2024 A Healthy Start Parent Involvement

2 3 4 5 6 7

8 9 10 11 12 13-14 15

Financial Report & Financial Audit Picture Perfect: Stronger Together ESC19 Head Start Center Locations

Administrative Office: 11670 Chito Samaniego Dr. El Paso, TX 79936 (915) 790-4600 www.esc19hs.net

ABOUT US

ESC19 Head Start is a federally funded early childhood program serving children and their families from birth to age four. The program provides children with the essential foundation to become successful learners. For 60 years, it has strengthened children's education, health, and well-being by preparing them for kindergarten and beyond. The Office of Head Start (OHS) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) administers Head Start and Early Head Start nationally. ESC19, one of 20 regional service centers in Texas, is the grantee agency serving El Paso and Hudspeth counties. The ESC19 Head Start Annual Report is published once every fiscal year as directed by the Improving Head Start School Readiness Act of 2007. It discloses information from the most recently conducted fiscal year. The report is available to the public online and distributed to partners, the Health and Mental Health Services Advisory Committee, and Head Start centers. The community may request printed copies by contacting prce@esc19hs.net.

OUR MISSION

Our premiere early childhood education program enriches the lives of children, families, and staff by providing high- quality comprehensive services that promote wellness and advance school readiness.

OUR VISION

Our program transforms and impacts the future success of children, families, and staff by empowering them to reach their full potential.

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MESSAGE FROM THE ESC19 HEAD START DIRECTOR

Dear Partners and Community Members,

One word stands out as we reflect on another year of service: community . At ESC19 Head Start, we believe that children and families flourish when a community comes together. This past year reminded us that our program is a robust network of families, educators, and partners working together to ensure children and families thrive. Our success is possible only because of the strength of these connections. We are deeply grateful for the many organizations and individuals who join us in this mission. Partnerships with our Health and Mental Health Services Advisory Committee (HMHSAC) ensure children and families receive the critical support they need to grow strong and resilient. Collaborations with PBS El Paso showcase the transformative benefits of early childhood education in a creative and accessible way. At the same time, our work with Early Matters El Paso helps advance early childhood education across the region. Together, these partnerships extend the reach and impact of Head Start well beyond the classroom. This 2023-2024 Annual Report highlights our progress and reflects the dedication of a community that believes every child deserves the best possible start. On behalf of ESC19 Head Start, thank you for your commitment, trust, and continued partnership. With your support, we look forward to building even stronger connections in the year ahead.

Socorro Rodriguez, M. Ed Director ESC19 Head Start

With gratitude, Socorro Rodriguez

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MESSAGE FROM THE ESC19 EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Dear Partners and Community Members, This year, ESC Region 19 Head Start celebrates another milestone in expanding and strengthening early childhood education across our region. We are proud of the addition of three Head Start facilities, bringing our total to 35 locations. This growth has enabled us to reach more children and families than ever before and to expand Early Head Start enrollment, ensuring we continue meeting the needs of the Region 19 community. At ESC Region 19, we know that when we work together, we create opportunities that transform lives. Head Start continues to shine as an example of how collaboration within our organization and community builds a foundation for lasting success. Our commitment to partnership is evident in the initiatives we lead together. Through professional development trainings, we invest in educators and administrators who lead, inspire, and empower those they serve. Through the Parent / Family Leadership And Community Engagement (PLACE) Project, we strengthen families by connecting them to vital resources, including our annual Health and Career Fair, ensuring parents are supported and engaged. With the Registered Teacher Apprenticeship Program (RTAP), we are cultivating the next generation of teachers while creating meaningful career pathways for our community. These efforts reflect who we are; one agency working alongside families, partners, and communities to ensure every child has the best possible start in life. This 2023-2024 Annual Report highlights the impact of that collective work and the shared commitment that drives us forward. To our dedicated staff, families, and partners: thank you for your unwavering belief in this mission. Together, we are building a stronger, more vibrant community that uplifts children and families across Region 19. Respectfully, Dr. Armando Aguirre

Dr. Armando Aguirre, Ed.D. Executive Director ESC19

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SHARED GOVERNANCE

Strong governance is essential to the success of every Head Start program. Head Start’s governance structure ensures broad representation and accountability through three key entities that work together to guide and oversee the ESC19 Head Start program. The ESC Region 19 Board of Directors serves as the policy-making and evaluative body for the Education Service Center, carrying out responsibilities defined by law and the State Board of Education. The Head Start Policy Council, comprised of parents and community representatives, provides a vital voice for families in shaping program direction and decisions. The Head Start management team oversees day-to-day operations, ensuring adherence to state and federal regulations and that services remain responsive to children and families. These entities form a shared governance model that promotes strong oversight, accountability, and meaningful family engagement.

ESC19 HEAD START Management Team 2023-2024

Ramona Huffman Comprehensive Services

John Alarcon Facilities, Maintenance, Transportation & Support

David Valle Human Resources & Risk Management

Dr. Guillermo Martinez Data Management & Evaluation and Technology

Socorro Rodriguez ESC 19 Head Start Director

ESC19 Board of Directors 2023-2024

Blanca Topete Board Vice Chair

Dr. Armando Aguirre Executive Director

Jose M. Limon Board Chair

David Sublasky Board Secretary

Adela Carr Board Member

Patricia Ramirez Board Member

Nellie Morales Board Member

Dr. Raul L. Muñoz Board Member

Fred Sanchez Board Chair

ESC19 HEAD START Parent Policy Council Executive Officers 2023-2024

Jose R. Legarreta President

Paloma Calvillo Vice President

Crystal Lopez Secretary

Raul Villareal Treasurer

Elizabeth Lozano Sergeant at Arms

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EARLY HEAD START (BIRTH TO 36 MONTHS) ENROLLMENT 2023-2024 The percentage of eligible children served (Eligibility Type)

Funded Enrollment: 392

1%

57%

2%

>1%

>1%

40%

57%

2%

Income below 100% of the federal poverty line

Status as homeless

40%

>1%

Public Assistance

Eligibility based on other types of need

Income between 100% and 130% of the federal poverty line

1%

Status as foster Child

>1%

515

574

92%

The total number of families served

The total number of children served

The average monthly enrollment (as a percentage of funded enrollment)

HEAD START – PRESCHOOL (3-4 YEARS-OLD) The percentage of eligible children served (Eligibility Type)

>1%

Funded Enrollment: 3983

57% 37%

1%

40%

8%

5%

47%

1%

Status as homeless

47%

Income below 100% of the federal poverty line

8%

37%

Eligibility based on other types of need

Public Assistance

Income between 100% and 130% of the federal poverty line

>1%

Status as foster Child

5%

3650

3934

74%

The total number of families served

The total number of children served

The average monthly enrollment (as a percentage of funded enrollment)

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At ESC19 Head Start, every child’s journey is unique. We focus on individual strengths and family connections, creating an environment where children and families grow together. Our services are holistic, weaving together educational, physical, social, emotional, and parental support. This approach prepares children not just for kindergarten, but for a lifetime of success. Wherever the journey begins, children and families benefit from comprehensive services that go beyond academics. Head Start builds a foundation for school readiness and lifelong well-being for children and their families. WHO WE ARE: THE HEAD START JOURNEY

THE HEAD START JOURNEY

Early Head Start – Care and early learning for infants and toddlers, building a strong foundation.

Pregnancy – Support for expectant mothers, helping families prepare even before birth.

Kindergarten Readiness – Children enter school confident, healthy, and ready to succeed.

Head Start Preschool – Classrooms that nurture school readiness through education, health, and family engagement.

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APPROACHES TO SCHOOL READINESS

ESC19 Head Start cultivates children’s early curiosity and learning by providing researched based teaching in settings that are rich and stimulating. The program establishes school readiness goals that are developmental and age-appropriate for enrolled children. Goals include objectives that define the skills and knowledge children will develop and learn while in the program.

Curriculum Supporting School Readiness Goals: Frog Street Toddler™ – Supports toddlers’ early learning, social-emotional, and language development. Frog Street Infant™ – Encourages infants’ cognitive, physical, and emotional growth through engaging experiences. Second Step® – Builds children’s social-emotional skills, including empathy, self-regulation, and problem-solving. Conscious Discipline® – Promotes safe, positive learning environments and teachers emotional and relationship skills.

Develop Social-Emotional Competencies Children will grow and improve in areas of self- awareness, self-regulation, and social relationships. Develop Cognitive Competencies Children will grow and improve in areas of science and mathematics, problem solving and numeracy. Develop Physical Competencies Children will grow and improve in areas of fine and gross motor skills. Develop Language Knowledge and Skills Children will acquire and improve in English language, Spanish language, vocabulary and communication skills.

Acquire Literacy Knowledge and Skills Children will grow, develop and improve in the areas of phonetic awareness, book appreciation, alphabet knowledge, early writing and printing concepts.

Approaches to Learning Children will exhibit interest, curiosity, and eagerness towards learning by exploring their world.

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CHILDREN'S ASSESSMENT - SUMMARY REPORT 2023-2024

Our program evaluates its efforts to prepare children for kindergarten by analyzing developmental outcomes to determine if progress is made towards meeting the established school readiness goals. The following graph illustrates aggregated assessment data in terms of program mean score for each of the six school readiness goals. Battelle Developmental Inventory, Third Edition (BDI-3) Standardized, individually administered assessment tool used to measure the developmental skills of infants, toddlers, and young children.

2023-2024 School Readiness Goals Progress 4-year-olds (Preschool) Transitioning to Kindergarten

N=900

80

70

58

60

57

56

55

54

53

52

52

52

51

50

50

49

50

49

47

48

46

45

40

30

20

SRG #1 Socio- emotional Development

SRG #2 Cognitive Development

SRG #3 Physical Development

SRG #4 Language Development

SRG #5 Literacy Development

SRG #6 Approaches to Learning

Baseline

Middle of the Year

End of the Year

Key Insights: - Strongest domains by end of year: Physical (58) and Language (57). - Most growth: Language development (+8) and Approaches to learning (+7). - Most improved from below-average start: Cognitive (+6) and Literacy (+6).

The data suggests the ESC19 Head Start program is effectively preparing children across all domains, ensuring that children not only meet but surpass national developmental expectations by the end of preschool. Head Start children were not only ready for kindergarten but also confident learners, prepared to succeed in school and beyond.

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A HEALTHY START A healthy beginning is essential for successful learning and growth in children. ESC19 Head Start supports this by providing health and dental screenings, nutritious meals, and daily opportunities for active play. The program also provides mental wellness and disability services, partnering with families to identify developmental milestones and address delays early.

Early Head Start (Birth to 36 months) 13% Enrolled EARLY HEAD START children who received MEDICAL EXAMS 65% Enrolled EARLY HEAD START children who received DENTAL EXAMS 20% Enrolled EARLY HEAD START children with a DISABILITY 43 12 EARLY HEAD START children on: special diets food restrictions

Head Start Preschool (3-4-Year-olds)

57% Enrolled HEAD START children who received DENTAL EXAMS

63% Enrolled HEAD START children who received MEDICAL EXAMS 13% Enrolled HEAD START children with a DISABILITY

HEAD START children on: special diets

222 118

food restrictions

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PARENT INVOLVEMENT ESC19 Head Start provides families with a wide range of opportunities to participate in their children’s education and to

strengthen their own skills. Parents are encouraged to take active roles in program planning, classroom activities, and leadership, while also accessing education and training that support their personal, career, and family goals.

2023-2024 PARENT INVOLVEMENT AND EDUCATION ACTIVITIES

• Monthly Parent Meetings • Center Open House Events • Read-to-Me Activities • Adult Education Classes (GED, ESL, CDL courses) • Vocational Training • Instructional Volunteer Training

• Classroom Volunteers • Job Readiness Seminars • Parent Policy Council • Fatherhood Sessions • Abriendo Puertas Sessions • Family Wellness Sessions • Sports Program

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FINANCIAL REPORT

2023 - 2024

HEAD START & EARLY HEAD START CHILD & ADULT FOOD PROGRAM

Budget Period: July 1, 2023 - June 30, 2024 (Liquidation Extension/Not a Closed Period)

October 1, 2023 - September 30, 2024 USDA Funds Authorized and Reimbursed USDA Funds Expended

3,417,663.75 3,417,663.75

Federal Funds Authorized Federal Funds Expended

50,732,030.00 50,730,343.20

% 45.50% 45.58% 2.92% 0.17% 5.83%

Category

Expenditures 1,555,241.84 1,557,764.54 99,654.80 5,661.00 199,341.57

Salaries Food & Contracted Meals Supplies Other Indirect Costs

%

Category

HS & EHS Expenditures 36,173,238.08 6,036,212.90 3,691,987.55 1,956,919.14 5,008.53 2,866,977.00

71.30% 11.90% 7.28% 3.86% 0.01% 5.65%

Salaries Other Supplies Equipment Travel Indirect Costs

3,417,663.75 100.00%

Projected Funding (Child & Adult Food Program) October 1, 2024 - September 30, 2025

50,730,343.20

100.00%

3,993,120.00 - 3,993,120.00

Reimbursement Claims Carry Forward Total Budget

Projected Funding (Head Start & Early Head Start) July 1, 2024 - June 30, 2025

· Program Operations Direct · Training & Technical Assistance Direct · Total Budget

49,191,811.00 467,707.00 49,659,518.00

Gibson Ruddock Petterson LLC conducted a single audit of ESC19 for the period ending August 31, 2024. Copies of the audit are available upon request by contacting the Office of the Director of ESC19 Head Start at chernandez@esc19hs.net. FINANCIAL AUDIT

FEDERAL MONITORING

In the 2019-2020 federal review, ESC19 Head Start received no areas of non-compliance in ERSEA (Eligibility, Recruitment, Selection, Enrollment, and Attendance).

COMMUNITY NEEDS ASSESSMENT

ESC19 Head Start uses a Community Needs Assessment to identify families most needing services in El Paso and Hudspeth counties. High poverty, low education, unemployment, and limited access to healthcare continue to highlight vulnerable populations. The latest CNA is available upon request at chernandez@esc19hs.net.

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PICTURE PERFECT: STRONGER TOGETHER

PBS Be My Neighbor Day

Head Start to Success Scholarship

Molina Healthcare

Registered Teacher Apprentice Program (RTAP)

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Parent / Family Leadership & Community Engagement (PLACE)

Texas Kids Dental

Rotary Club Holiday Show

Professional Development

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ESC19 HEAD START CENTER LOCATIONS Anthony 610 6th Street Anthony, TX 79821 James R. Vasquez* 1355 James Kelly El Paso, Texas 79936 (915) 790-4789

Remcon* 837 Huckleberry St. El Paso, TX 79903 (915) 791-4864

(915) 791-4929 Barcelona* 328 Barcelona

John E. Uxer I 9776 Kenworthy El Paso, Texas 79924 (915) 790-4729 John E. Uxer I EHS* 9776 Kenworthy El Paso, Texas 79924 (915) 790-4715 John E. Uxer II 9776 Kenworthy El Paso, Texas 79924 (915) 790-4702 John E. Uxer III* 9776 Kenworthy El Paso, Texas 79924 (915) 791-4920 Lyndon B. Johnson* 308 De Vargas El Paso, Texas 79905 (915) 791-4845 Montana Vista* 3550 Mark Jason El Paso, Texas 79938 9366 North Loop Dr. El Paso, Texas 79907 (915) 791-4893 Options* 12380 Pine Springs Dr. El Paso, Texas 79928 (915) 790-4799 Parkdale* 6105 Delta Dr. El Paso, Texas 79905 (915) 791-4848 Pete Duarte* 500 S Darrington Rd. Horizon, Texas 79928 (915) 791-4854 (915) 790-4749 North Loop* Ysleta ISD

San Elizario* 13705 Socorro Rd. San Elizario, Texas 79849 (915) 791-4866 Santiago Rodriguez* 6701 South Desert Blvd. Canutillo, Texas 79932 (915) 791-4806 Saul Kleinfeld* Socorro ISD 2857 Saul Kleinfeld Dr. El Paso, Texas 79936 (915) 791-4901

El Paso, Texas 79905 Phone: (915) 791-4801 Branon 5123 Branon Street El Paso, Texas 79924 Phone: (915) 791-4931 Cesar Chavez* 211 Prado El Paso, Texas 79936 Phone: (915) 790-4782 Clint* 13100 Alameda, Bldg E Clint, Texas 79836 Phone: (915) 791-4822 David Sublasky* 810 NE Camp Fabens, Texas 79838 Phone: (915) 791-4827 Dell City* 110 N. Main Dell City, TX 79837 Phone: (915) 964-2663/ (915) 808-4581 Fort Hancock 408 Turley Fort Hancock, Texas 79839 (915) 791-4832 Horizon* Clint ISD 14240 N. Horizon Blvd. Horizon City, TX 79928 (915) 790-4600 Houston* 2851 Grant Ave. El Paso, Texas 79930 (915) 791-4940 Isaac Camacho* 4102 Ellerthorpe El Paso, Texas 79904 (915) 791-4833

El Paso, Texas 79907 Phone: (915) 791-4816 Child Development Center* 11670 Chito Samaniego

Sierra Blanca 504 Cammack Ave. Sierra Blanca, Texas 79851 (915) 369-2910 Socorro Head Start* 693 N. Rio Vista Socorro, Texas 79927 (915) 791-4871 Southside Head Start* 609 Tays El Paso, Texas 79901 (915) 791-4877 Sparks* 12811 Sparks Rd. El Paso, Texas 79928 (915) 790-4763 Tornillo* 19200 Gaby Rd. Tornillo, Texas 79853 (915) 791-4881 Westside* 201 E. Sunset Rd. El Paso, Texas 79922 (915) 791-4885 Ysleta* 175 Midway El Paso, Texas 79915 (915) 791-4894 * Centers that also provide Early Head Start Services

Red Sands 4250 O'Shea El Paso, Texas 79938 (915) 790-4747

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