Attachment D- September Program Information Summaries.pdf

Attachment D 
 
 
Program Information Summaries 
 
Enrollment Events 
On September 13, six Head Start Birth to Five staff collaborated with Fowler Elementary 
School District to hold an enrollment event at the Dr. Lovato Early Learning Center.  
The event aimed to expedite eligibility determination for participation in either Head Start 
or the Early Childhood Education Expansion programs. Of the 27 applications completed, 
24 children qualified for services. 
 
Head Start Leadership Institute 
The National Head Start Association held its annual Fall Leadership Institute in 
Washington, D.C., from September 18 through 22. Four staff from the Head Start Birth 
to Five Program attended the event that focused on advocacy for Head Start funding, 
how to recruit staff, and current trends in Early Head Start and Head Start. The highlight 
of the event was visiting congressional members on Capitol Hill. Staff discussed current 
Head Start trends, issues, and the program’s positive impact on families with Senators 
Kelly and Sinema and Representatives Ciscomani, Gallego, Gosar, and Stanton. 
 
Phoenix Rising Football Club 
On September 16, the Head Start Birth to Five fatherhood initiative, M.A.N.C.A.V.E, 
partnered with the Arizona Head Start Association and the Phoenix Rising Football Club 
so that five fathers and their children could attend the game in recognition of Hispanic 
Heritage Month. The club invited the fathers and children to high-five the players in the 
tunnel as the players ran onto the field. After the game, the fathers and children took 
pictures with the players and received tee shirts and swag bags. 
 
Head Start Full Enrollment Initiative 
On September 27, the Region 9 Head Start Training Specialist visited the Head Start 
Birth to Five management team to review the program’s full enrollment plan. Due to low 
enrollment, the Birth to Five Program was mandated in March 2023 to participate in the 
initiative and must meet full enrollment within one year. The Training Specialist’s visit 
and guidance is one way the Office of Head Start assists grantees on the journey to 
becoming fully enrolled. The Training Specialist indicated that the program’s plan is 
comprehensive and targeted. Based on the current progress, the Birth to Five Program 
should achieve the full enrollment goal by the due date.