ENGLISH Head_Start_Annual_Report_2021_2022

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 2021-2022

Vision, Mission, About Us Message from the ESC19 Head Start Director Message from the ESC19 Executive Director Shared Governance Our Enrollment School Readiness Disabilities-Inclusive Learning Environments Child Assessment Summary Report

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5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16

Parental Engagement Activities Academically Enriching Play and Experiences Notables and Highlights Financial Report & Financial Audit Federal Monitoring ESC19 Head Start Center Locations

11670 Chito Samaniego Dr. El Paso, TX 79936 www.esc19hs.net

OUR VISION

We transform and impact the future success of children and families by empowering them to reach their full potential.

OUR MISSION

We enrich the lives of children and families in our community by providing high-quality comprehensive services, featuring an early childhood development program that emphasizes school readiness and family well-being.

ABOUT US

ESC19 Head Start is a federally funded early childhood development and educational program for families. The program provides children from birth to four years of age with the essential foundation to become successful learners. For more than 50 years, the program has helped improve children’s education, health, and well-being, preparing them for kindergarten and beyond. Head Start and Early Head Start are administered by the Office of Head Start (OHS) within the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). ESC19, one of 20 regional service centers in Texas, is the grantee agency for the Head Start program in El Paso and Hudspeth counties. Head Start programs are operated by nearly 2,695 grantees and delegates which include public, private, and faith-based organizations in communities throughout the 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.

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MESSAGE FROM THE ESC19 HEAD START DIRECTOR

I am thrilled to share with you the fantastic accomplishments of our organization over the past year! From the addition of brand-new playgrounds and security systems at our Head Start centers to the opening of our second interactive children’s museum – The NatureZeum, it has been a year full of growth and progress. None of this would have been possible without the support of our Head Start parents, Head Start Policy Council, community partners, and our partner in education, ESC19. Together, we have created opportunities for the children, families, and educators in the El Paso and Hudspeth communities for over 30 years. As Head Start director, it is my greatest joy and privilege to witness the shaping and blossoming of young minds at the earliest stages of their development. At Head Start, we adopt the same spirit of enthusiasm with which a child’s mind embraces new information and possibilities in the world around them, and we bring it into every classroom. Our greatest testimony is our children, from the little ones currently enrolled to our graduated alums who share their success stories. We are humbly grateful to the thousands of parents who embrace us as partners in their child’s education and shaping the most critical years of their young lives. As we enter the 2023 school year, we continue our commitment to increasing school readiness in our most vulnerable children, providing them with the tools they need to reach their highest potential, and increasing their opportunities for success in school and later in life. Please take a moment to read through the information and inspiring stories in this report and share in our great pride. It is the collective effort of all of us – our staff, parents, volunteers, and community partners – that makes a difference in the lives of children and continues to make Head Start the best place for children to begin!

Socorro Rodriguez, M. Ed Director ESC19 Head Start

Go Head Start!

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MESSAGE FROM THE ESC19 EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

In the past three years, our ESC19 staff has made impressive progress despite the formidable challenges presented by Covid-19. Their collective handling of these obstacles was grounded in the belief that the safety of our employees and Head Start children was paramount, and this belief strengthened our resolve to do right by our children. Our dedication to this belief was reaffirmed through the delivery of services to those students most in need. As the Executive Director of ESC19, I am incredibly proud of the accomplishments of our staff over this past year. This pride is shared by our ESC19 Board of Directors and the Head Start Policy Council, who have offered unwavering support and guidance throughout our endeavors. The quality work provided by our ESC19 Head Start program is further validated by the testimonials of the parents of our Head Start children. Our focus on what is essential, or non-negotiable, has allowed us to move forward, and we continue to be the largest Head Start program in the State of Texas. The circumstances we faced over the past year and a half were transformed from obstacles into opportunities that strengthened our resolve. Our staff’s proactive approach to problem-solving has led to student success, and as we move forward, we must acknowledge and appreciate our accomplishments while continuing to exceed expectations. The future looks bright for our ESC19 Head Start program, which relies on the partnerships we have strengthened between parents, staff, community organizations, and local community members. All parties have rallied around our shared goal: to do what is best for the Birth to Four- year-olds in Region 19’s Head Start program.

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

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Effective Program governance is an important part of any successful Head Start program. Head Start has created a governance structure that allows for broad representation and strong oversight. The structure includes three distinct entities that come together to form a solid whole; each effectively contributing to the operations of the ESC19 Head Start program. The ESC19 Board of Directors serves as the policy- forming and evaluative body of the Regional Education Service and performs those functions specified in law and in State Board of Education rules. SHARED GOVERNANCE

ESC19 HEAD START Management Team 2021-2022

Socorro Rodriguez ESC 19 Head Start Director

Ramona Huffman Comprehensive Services

John Alarcon Facilities, Maintenance, Transportation & Support

David Valle Human Resources & Risk Management

Dr. Guillermo Martinez Data Management & Evaluation and Technology

ESC19 Board of Directors 2021-2022

Fred Sanchez Board Chair

Jose M. Limon Board Vice Chair

Blanca Topete Board Secretary

John Elder Board Member

Dr. Armando Aguirre Executive Director

David Sublasky Board Member

Patricia Ramirez Board Member

Melodya Salaices Board Member

Kathy Becker Board Member

ESC19 HEAD START Parent Policy Council Executive Officers 2021-2022

Shawn Dyer President

Jackie Triana Vice President

Samantha Padilla Secretary

Yadira Guerra Treasurer

Janeth Vargas Sergeant at Arms

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ENROLLMENT 2021-2022

HEAD START

EARLY HEAD START

3,453 3,173

615

The total number of children served

The total number of children and pregnant women served

The total number of families served

546 99%

The total number of families served

67%

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

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

The percentage of eligible children served (Eligibility Type)

The percentage of eligible children served (Eligibility Type)

82%

5%

92%

5%

9%

3%

2%

>1%

>1%

>1%

Income below 100% of the federal poverty line

Income below 100% of the federal poverty line

82%

92%

9%

0%

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

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

Public Assistance Eligibility based on other types of need

Public Assistance Eligibility based on other types of need

5% 3%

0% 5%

>1% >1%

2%

Status as foster Child

Status as foster Child

>1%

Status as homeless

Status as homeless

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SCHOOL READINESS GOALS

Develop Social – Emotional Competencies Develop Language Knowledge and Skills

Children will acquire and improve in English language, Spanish language, vocabulary, and communication skills. Children will grow, develop, and improve in the areas of phonetic awareness, book appreciation, alphabet knowledge, and early writing and printing concepts. Acquire Literacy Knowledge and Skills

Children will grow and improve in self-awareness, self-regulation, and social relationships.

Children will grow and improve in science and mathematics, problem-solving, and numeracy. Develop Cognitive Competencies Children will grow and improve in areas of fine and gross motor skills. Develop Physical Competencies

Approaches to Learning

Children will exhibit interest, curiosity, and eagerness toward learning by exploring their world.

OUR LEARNING IS ABOVE AND BEYOND! ESC19 Head Start supports children in acquiring the essential skills and knowledge required for success in kindergarten and beyond. The program employs a research-based curriculum along with both traditional and advanced classroom instruction and technologies to create innovative learning environments, which maximize the early learning experience of children at every developmental stage. By providing a diverse range of experiences, ESC19 Head Start fosters the development of vital skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and decision- making, which are crucial for school readiness and long-term academic achievement.

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DISABILITIES - INCLUSIVE LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS

STRONG MINDS

DISABILITIES-INCLUSIVE LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS ESC19 Head Start provides safe, nurturing, and inclusive learning environments for children with physical and mental learning disabilities. Strategies include Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) developed for children with disabilities to identify their unique needs and set goals to help them succeed in the program.

The program’s research- based curriculum and assistive technologies are inclusive and flexible, allowing children with disabilities to participate in all learning, activities, and socialization aspects. The program provides ongoing professional development to teachers and mentors to enhance their knowledge and skills in working with children with disabilities. Our collaborative team approach to ensure a successful Head Start to Kindergarten transition for every child, regardless of disability,

includes Head Start disabilities & mental health professionals, mentors, teachers, parent’s therapists, and the receiving Individual School Districts (ISD). Children with disabilities comprised 11% of the total number of children enrolled in Head Start and 18% of the children enrolled in Early Head Start for the 2021-2022 school year.

STRONG BODIES

MEDICAL & DENTAL EXAMS

Physical health is essential for academic success as it enables children to be fully engaged and alert, performing at their highest potential in the classroom. ESC19 Head Start’s comprehensive Health Service Area offers children medical, dental, vision, and hearing exams and screenings, while also connecting parents with medical resources and services available in the community. Additionally, the Health Service Area provides training and workshops to empower and educate Head Start parents, ensuring a safe and healthy environment at home. 40% 45% 8% 34% Enrolled HEAD START children who received MEDICAL EXAMS Enrolled HEAD START children who received DENTAL EXAMS Enrolled EARLY HEAD START children who received MEDICAL EXAMS Enrolled EARLY HEAD START children who received DENTAL EXAMS

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CHILDREN'S ASSESSMENT £ SUMMARY REPORT 2021£2022

The following graph illustrates aggregated assessment data for 4-year-olds transitioning to kindergarten. Normal Curve Equivalent (NCE) scores from the Battelle Developmental Inventory, 3rd (Ed.) standardized test, were used to measure gains throughout the school year. Program mean scores at the beginning, middle, and end of the school year were compared across six school readiness goals. The results demonstrated mean scores in all six school readiness goals, from the beginning to middle and from the middle to the end of the year.

2021-2022 School Readiness Goals Progress 4-year-olds (Preschool) Transitioning to Kindergarten

80

70

60

50

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

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PARENTAL ENGAGEMENT ACTIVITIES

ESC19 Head Start recognizes the importance of providing parents with resources and opportunities that empower them to be actively involved in their child’s education, and be strong, successful leaders in their family.

The Family Leadership and Development Service Area offers a wide range of parent engagement

opportunities, training, certifications, workshops, and support. The Parent Policy Council (PPC) serves as

a platform for parents to voice their concerns and suggestions, and provide input on program policies, activities, and curriculum. This collaborative approach allows parents to actively contribute to the decision- making process and creates a sense of ownership and

investment in their child’s education.

20212022 PARENT INVOLVEMENT AND EDUCATION ACTIVITIES

¦ Monthly Parent Meetings ¦ Policy Council Meetings ¦ Parent Literacy Sessions ¦ Parent Conferences ¦ Home School Connection Activities ¦ Virtual Adult Education Classes, GED/ ESL /CDL and Computer Classes

¦ Fatherhood Sessions ¦ Abriendo Puertas Sessions ¦ Family Wellness Sessions ¦ Planning Day Volunteer Training

¦ Sports Program ¦ Transition Visits

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ACADEMICALLY ENRICHING PLAY & EXPERIENCES

INSPIRING SAFE AND INCLUSIVE PLAY

Children at ESC19 Head Start are enjoying exciting, new play experiences at selected Head Start and Early Head Start playgrounds thanks to ongoing phased renovations and installations of new play areas at Head Start and Early Head Start centers. The installations included both traditional play areas and the Crooked House Community Playgrounds, as well as soft surfaces and artificial turf in place of mulch and sand. The upgrades ensure that ESC19

Head Start play areas are safe and ADA-compliant, and promote creative, inclusive outdoor physical activity for children. Nine Head Start playgrounds were upgraded in 2021-2022 in the second phase of scheduled renovations.

THE NATUREZEUM: A NATURAL LEARNING EXPERIENCE

2022 marked the grand opening of ESC19 Head Start’s second multi-sensory learning museum for Head Start children. Inside the NatureZeum, children are transported to a world of diverse natural habitats that are unique to the region. From pecan groves, to rugged canyons, the immersive, hands-on exhibits and virtual experiences are designed to educate Head Start children about nature in a fun and engaging way. Here, children discover El Paso’s rich cultural relationship with the creatures and plant life of west Texas, and the deep connection between the local community and the natural world. The NatureZeum inspires a love of nature in young minds and to educate visitors about the importance of preserving our planet’s precious ecosystems for future generations.

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2021 - 2022 NOTABLES & HIGHLIGHTS

The Head Start Nutrition Service Area continued to meet the components required by Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) by providing modified menus for 119 children with food allergies and 272 children with special dietary needs.

The program installed Public Address Systems (Intercoms) for classroom communications and

rapid emergency communication.

Teachers provided high- quality learning

Teachers provided in- person summer instruction for preschool children during our Summer Camp.

Teachers attended training conferences to support their health, well-being, and professional development.

experiences through the

implementation of our research-based curricula Frog Street PreK.

Head Start centers received accreditation by the National Association for the Education of Young Children earning the mark of quality.

New and upgraded play areas installed at Head Start centers as part of Phase II Head Start playground renovations.

Head Start centers received card and camera access systems on main entrances for enhanced security.

The ESC19 Head Start Nutrition Service Area completed the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) Administrative Review with no findings. This review observes the meal services provided to children at our Head Start centers, daily meal counts, attendance records, production records, sanitation, storage, program income, and expenses.

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FINANCIAL REPORT

2021 £ 2022

HEAD START & EARLY HEAD START CHILD & ADULT FOOD PROGRAM

Budget Period: July 1, 2021 - June 30, 2022 (Liquidation Extension/Not a Closed Period)

October 1, 2021 - September 30, 2022 USDA Funds Authorized and Reimbursed USDA Funds Expended

2,732,433.87 2,732,433.87

Federal Funds Authorized Federal Funds Expended Federal Funds Obligated

43,536,841.00 43,297,609.80

239,231.20

%

Category

Expenditures 1,178,658.48 1,323,680.02

43.14% 48.44% 2.36% 6.06%

%

Salaries Food & Contracted Meals Supplies Indirect Costs

Category

HS & EHS Expenditures 30,57,328.81 6,174,598.58 2,797,305.55 1,132,915.53 8,211.73 2,608,249.60

64,505.40 165,589.97

70.62% 14.26% 6.46% 2.62% 0.02% 6.02% 100.00%

Salaries Other Supplies Equipment Travel Indirect Costs

2,732,433.87 100.00%

Projected Funding (Child & Adult Food Program) October 1, 2022 - September 30, 2023

43,297,609.80

3,729,100.00 - 3,729,100.00

Reimbursement Claims Carry Forward Total Budget

Projected Funding (Head Start & Early Head Start) July 1, 2022 - June 30, 2023

41,67,097.00 440,083.00 2,640,095.00 44,757,275.00

Program Operations Direct Training & Technical Assistance Direct Indirect Total Budget

FINANCIAL AUDIT

April 1, 2021 - March 31, 2023 (COVID/ARP)

Gibson Ruddock Petterson, LLC completed a single audit of ESC19 for the period ending August 31, 2022 which became available in December, 2022. A copy of the audit is made available upon request. The most recent audit can be requested from the Office of the Director of Head Start by email to LESTRADA@ESC19HS.NET.

6,160,574.00 - 390,854.00 6,551,428.00

Program Operations Direct Training & Technical Assistance Direct Indirect Total Budget

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FEDERAL MONITORING

COMMUNITY NEEDS ASSESSMENT No areas of non-compliance were found in the Eligibility, Recruitment, Selection, enrollment, Attendance (ERSEA) review. The Office of Head Start conducts federal reviews for all Head Start programs. The reviews ensure consistent quality and accountability of Head Start programs as well as identifying opportunities for continuous improvement. The most recent review conducted was in the 2019-2020 school year. ESC19 Head Start completed a Community Needs Assessment (CNA) to ensure that services are designed for appropriate populations. The assessment also provides a snapshot of the diverse needs of families

who may receive services. In El Paso and Hudspeth counties, there is a need for Early and Head Start services. According to the CNA, indicators such as high poverty levels, low educational attainment, high unemployment rates, and limited access to health care and children services continue to create unfavorable socio-economic conditions for the most vulnerable populations. The most recent Community Needs Assessment can be requested from the Office of the Director of Head Start by email to LESTRADA@ESC19HS.NET.

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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 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 (915) 790-4749 Options* 12380 Pine Springs Dr. El Paso, Texas 79928 (915) 790-4799 Parkdale 6105 Delta Dr. El Paso, Texas 79905 500 S Darrington Rd. Horizon, Texas 79928 (915) 791-4854 Red Sands 4250 O’Shea El Paso, Texas 79938 (915) 790-4749 (915) 791-4848 Pete Duarte

Remcon 837 Huckleberry St. El Paso, TX 79903

(915) 791-4929 Barcelona* 328 Barcelona

(915) 791-4864 San Elizario* 13705 Socorro Rd. San Elizario, Texas 79849 (915) 791-4866

El Paso, Texas 79905 Phone: (915) 791-4801 Branon 5123 Branon Street El Paso, Texas 79924 Phone: (915) 791-4931 Cesar Chavez 211 Prado

Santiago Rodriguez* 6701 South Desert Blvd. Canutillo, Texas 79932 (915) 791-4806 Sierra Blanca 504 Cammack Ave. Sierra Blanca, Texas 79851 (915) 791-4916 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 also provide Early Head Start Services

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

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 Houston* 2851 Grant Ave. El Paso, Texas 79930 (915) 791-4940 Isaac Camacho* 4102 Ellerthorpe El Paso, Texas 79904 (915) 791-4833

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