Head Start is a federally funded program for early childhood education (pre-school) for children from low income households. It’s purpose is to increase a child’s readiness to begin school.
Importance of Early Childhood Education
It has long been recognized that the earlier a child starts attending school in a structured setting, the better that child will perform academically long term. Pre-school programs are a vital foundation for every child’s education. But there is no mandatory, universal pre-school attendance requirement in Texas. There is not any foreseeable chance it will be happening any time soon either.
For low-income households, Head Start is the only way many people can provide a pre-school education for their children.
In San Angelo, Head Start is operated by the Concho Valley Council of Governments (CVCOG). It uses two now-closed San Angelo elementary schools for its program – Day and Rio Vista.
Head Start May Soon Be Part of SAISD
At last Monday’s SAISD Board of Trustees’ meeting, Superintendent Dr. Christopher Moran brought the board up to date on discussions about Head Start.
Head Start uses the former Day and Rio Vista elementaries for their program. The cost to maintain these facilities exceeds the amount the district receives in rent, so the situation is not sustainable.
The district will be moving special programs, Carver and Pays, to the Central Freshman Campus. Day and Rio Vista will no longer be utilized.
Dr. Moran related how the district had a strong partnership with the COG. Because of the situation, the district began discussions with COG about finding Head Start a new location.
Moran informed the Board that there are services SAISD can provide to those students the COG cannot. In particular, physical therapy, speech therapy and occupational therapy through West Texas Rehab. Medicaid reimbursement rules prevent this.
If the program was brought under SAISD those services could be reimbursed. So, there would be a greater benefit if the Head Start students and staff were a part of SAISD. This will expand the district’s provision of pre-school and help get those students ready for school from day one.
When asked where the Head Start program would be moved, Moran stated that a final decision had not been made, but one possibility would be inside a newer part of San Jacinto Elementary.
The Board also:
- Received an update on the Summer programs that will be offered.
- Received an update on the Districts Teacher Incentive Allotment Expansion Application
- Received an update on the TEA Accountability Ratings (You can read more on this at the link below.)
- Awarded the bid for replacement of the chiller at Lake View High School to Accurate Air Solutions of Abilene, in the amount of $430, 139.48.
