Legislation Details

File #: 26-0305    Version: 1 Name:
Type: Recommendation Status: Passed
File created: 2/18/2026 In control: Community and Family Services Department
On agenda: 3/10/2026 Final action: 3/10/2026
Title: Approval of Orange County Head Start Eligibility Priority Selection Criteria 2026-2027 to establish a formal selection process for eligible children and families. (Head Start Division)
Attachments: 1. 03- March 10, 2026 Eligibility Priority Selection Criteria 2026-2027, 2. 2026-03-10 Community and Family Services Development Consent Item-01

Interoffice Memorandum

 

DATE: February 18, 2026

 

TO: Mayor Jerry L. Demings and County Commissioners

 

THROUGH: Venerria L. Thomas, Director

 

FROM: Sonya L. Hill, Manager

 

CONTACT: Sonya L. Hill

 

PHONE: (407) 836-7409

 

DIVISION: Head Start Division

 

ACTION REQUESTED:

title

Approval of Orange County Head Start Eligibility Priority Selection Criteria 2026-2027 to establish a formal selection process for eligible children and families. (Head Start Division)

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PROJECT:
N/A

 

PURPOSE: The Head Start Division requests Board approval of Orange County Head Start’s Eligibility Priority Selection Criteria 2026-2027. The eligibility priority selection criteria is required to establish a formal selection process, as mandated by the Improving Head Start for School Readiness Act of 2007 and Head Start Program Performance Standard 1302.14 which indicates that a program must annually establish selection criteria that weighs the prioritization of selection of participants, based on community needs identified in the community needs assessment as described in §1302.11 (b). This represents a continuation of the Eligibility Priority Selection Criteria 2025-2026 with no changes.

 

The eligibility priority selection criteria awards more points for at-risk children and families with lower income at or below 100% of the poverty level. The Head Start Policy Council approved the eligibility priority selection criteria at its meeting on January 21, 2026.

 

 

BUDGET: N/A