California Head Start Association
August/September 2009 Update


In This Issue

  • First5 California Project Legacy
  • STG International, Inc. Update
  • WestEd Professional Development
  • Kidsdata.org
  • NHSA Feedback Request
  • $2 Per Child Campaign

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chsasmlogoGreetings from the New
CHSA Executive Director


Thanks to so many of you who have welcomed me into my new role, as Executive Director for CHSA.  I am excited to be joining such a vital and important community and at such a critical time.

While a newcomer, I am not a stranger to Head Start.  From my work in human services over the years, I have witnessed the critical role of Head Start providers in the lives of children and families.  I have held the role of connecting families to supportive resources (e.g. food, shelter, jobs, health insurance) and while doing so, admired the growth and development of children and parents emerging from Head Start classrooms.

With only three days on the job and having participated in the Summer Managers and Directors Institute last month, I am still just learning my way around, but I do have some initial observations:  CHSA enjoys the good fortune of having a talented and committed staff and Board leadership.  It is well regarded by colleagues in the child development field and it has a number of strong programs and services.  In short, we are coming from a place of strength.

In the years ahead, I look forward to working with all of you to continue to advance the mission of Head Start in California.  Especially over the next year, I look forward to speaking with local agency leaders and staff to understand how CHSA can best create value for you.  This will include how we raise our public voice, how we organize conferences and training opportunities, and what other sorts of projects and initiatives we should take on.

Finally, I want to offer special thanks to Darci Smith, who as Interim Executive Director has offered strong, effective leadership to CHSA over the past few months and who has been a great support in helping get me up to speed during this transition.

I look forward to a sustained, fruitful collaboration with you all in the years ahead.

Rick Mockler,
CHSA Executive Director

First5CA

First 5 California - Project Legacy
Input Session Invitation

The First 5 California State Commission approved a streamlined Project Legacy process. Project Legacy will serve as the foundation for First 5 California's "Roadmap to the Future" that will help establish a distinctive set of programs for children 0 to 5 and their families.

A group of nationally distinguished experts developed a draft of the measurable program goals for First 5 California's future pilot projects and signature programs. First 5 California will hold three one-day input sessions to allow commission representatives, program administrators/operators, advocates, and other stakeholders to provide input on the draft measurable program goals.

August 24, 2009, 9:00-12 pm
Moreno Valley Conference Center* 14075 Frederick Street, Moreno Valley, CA

August 25, 2009, 9:00-12 pm
Franklin Head Start, 1189 Martin Street, Fresno, CA

August 27, 2009, 9:00-12 pm
Yolo County Office of Education, Conference Center,
1280 Santa Anita Court, Woodland, CA

Please spread the word about the input sessions to parents and parent groups and e-mail any questions to:
Email: [email protected]


For those unable to attend these sessions information and instructions on how to submit electronic input will be posted on the First 5 California Project Legacy Web site at http://ccfc.ca.gov/press/legacy.asp. http://ccfc.ca.gov/press/legacy.asp.

stgA Message from:

STG International, Inc.

Region IX TA System: Head Start State-based T/TA Office and The Grantee Performance Support Specialists (GPSS) Program
 
The staff of the Head Start State-based T/TA Office for California has been busy establishing the office as a hub for T/TA services in California.  Over the last 5 months, the State-based Office has been busy conducting outreach to a variety of early childhood partners in the state.  The establishment of these partnerships will expand the T/TA opportunities throughout the state and support comprehensive early childhood services.  In addition, the staff has been coordinating and providing presentations at a variety of conference venues.  The presentations have been well received and follow-up support is being provided through the GPSS program.  Over the next 2 months, the State-based office will be reaching out to California Clusters to share the priorities from the California T/TA Needs Assessment and determine the interest and availability of trainings at the local level throughout the state.  Cluster leads will be contacted by a State-based T/TA staff to discuss specifics.  As a reminder, the State-based T/TA Office has a dedicated Infant Toddler Specialist who is gearing up and planning for T/TA services related to the forthcoming Early Head Start awards.  We will keep you posted about EHS T/TA opportunities and in the interim we will be posting updates and resources via the Region IX T/TA Listservs.  If you have any questions, please contact the Head Start State-based T/TA Office Manager, Jennifer Senechal at (415) 439-8383.
 
We are proud to announce that STG had been awarded the Grantee Performance Support Specialist (GPSS) contract for Region IX.  This contract establishes a system for TA services throughout Region IX, with local GPSSs working in each of the 4 states of the Region (Arizona, California, Nevada and Hawaii/Outer Pacific).  Each GPSS will be assigned specific grantees and the services are of no cost to the grantee.  The GPPS program will work closely with the State-based T/TA Offices to ensure that that there is a comprehensive system of T/TA services available to all grantees in the region.  Although the contract begins in September, grantees will recognize the staff and GPSS systems as STG has been the contractor for the previous TA Network and GPSS Bridge Contract.  Grantees will not experience any gap in service.  If you have any questions, please contact Bernie Lagud, GPPS Program Manager at (415) 437-8656.

 
How to Sign Up : Go to http://mailman.stginternational.com/mailman/listinfo and select any of the Listservs listed.  Follow the instructions on the screen.  
 
Kidsdata.org
Kidsdata.org
 
Plans Expansion to
All 58 Counties in California

Beginning Fall 2009, kidsdata.org will offer data for all cities, school districts, and counties in California. Roughly 180 indicators will be available statewide, and the site also will offer some major enhancements. The site currently covers six Bay Area counties plus Santa Barbara County, along with statewide comparisons. Local data for all California counties will be phased in beginning later this year.

Please share this news with colleagues across the state and Learn More About kidsdata.org>>

Sign up to be notified when the statewide site launches, visit www.kidsdata.org/statewide.

NHSA

Feedback Requested:

Providing Assistance During the Recession

Dear State and Regional Head Start Association Presidents and Executive Directors: 
 
As you know, our national economy is in a deep recession and the national unemployment rate has been rising. Less known is how Head Start and Early Head Start programs help to provide assistance to children and their families during these tough economic times. We want to learn how Head Start programs are helping children and families during this recession. In other words, please let us know if there is a Head Start or Early Head Start program in your state or region that has a major program or major initiative to specifically help children and families get back on their feet during this deep recession. We would like to feature one or more of these major programs/initiatives at our September 2009 Leadership Institute. Please email your feedback to Ben Allen at [email protected]
 
Best wishes, 
 
 
Ben Allen
 
Research and Evaluation Director
National Head Start Association