Interoffice Memorandum
DATE: May 13, 2025
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:
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Approval of the revised Orange County Head Start Eligibility Priority Selection Criteria for 2025-2026. (Head Start Division)
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PROJECT: N/A
PURPOSE: The Head Start Division respectfully requests approval of the revision to the previously approved Orange County Head Start Eligibility Priority Selection Criteria for the 2025-2026 program year.
Following updated guidance from the Office of Head Start concerning the use of federal funds for activities related to diversity, equity, and inclusion, our program convened the Family and Community Partnership Task Force to review and adjust the selection criteria. The original criteria included additional points specifically for immigrant and refugee populations. To align with federal expectations, the revised criteria now awards points to families experiencing "barriers to services documented with or without an agency recommendation." This change ensures continued support for at-risk families while maintaining compliance with federal guidelines.
As mandated by the Improving Head Start for School Readiness Act of 2007 and Program Performance Standard 1302.14, establishing a formal selection process is required. The Head Start Policy Council approved the updated criteria on March 27, 2025.
BUDGET: N/A