New guidelines by the Federal Government for all Head Start programs nationwide will require many agencies to enter into a competitive bidding process. Government officials say the new guidelines and implementation of the bidding process will improve quality and accountability for the preschool program.
Social Development Commission (SDC) CEO Deborah Blanks welcomes the changes, saying “The new federal guidelines will help the preschool program provide even better services for the children who participate in Head Start.” She adds “The agency has taken necessary action steps to address any areas of concern identified by federal officials. We are confident that our long and successful track record with Head Start coupled with the experienced and highly skilled staff will be advantageous for our agency throughout this new process.”
Locally, SDC and Milwaukee Public School administer Head Start. SDC receives $21-million in federal funding to serve 3,000 children through SDC Head Start sites, and those of delegate agencies and community partners. The program prepares low-income children between three and five years for kindergarten with a blend of academic and social skill preparation, health and dental screenings, and parental involvement.
For more information on the SDC Head Start program, visit the agency website at www.cr-sdc.org, click on the “Programs” page and then on the link for “Head Start”.
