The Board of Supervisors on Oct. 21 accepted the monthly update on Contra Costa County’s Head Start and other early education programs, approved the Head Start planning calendar for fiscal year 2025–26, accepted the fiscal year 2024–25 self‑assessment report, and authorized staff to submit a carryover application for unobligated federal Head Start funds to support outstanding program needs.

The county’s Employment and Human Services Department reported improved enrollment and operational updates. Enrollment rose to 100 percent of federally funded slots in September after a focused enrollment push; attendance improved to about 83 percent in September. Staff said the program served more children in September than in August and reported steps to stabilize meal service after a vendor transition.

Federal and fiscal context
Department director Marla Stewart summarized federal developments affecting Head Start, including recent U.S. Administration for Children and Families guidance that alters ACF priorities and notes limits on funding for programs that promote certain ideologies; staff said the county is following current Office of Head Start guidance and has not changed immigration‑status practices for eligibility. The department also briefed the board on the federal government shutdown (in October) and possible effects on new FY 2026 grantees; Contra Costa’s current award (starting July 1, 2025) provides operating funds through June 2026.

Program monitoring and self‑assessment
The county reported monitoring indicators over 90 percent in August and September across the standard review tools used internally. The FY 2024–25 self‑assessment reviewed nine program areas by classroom observation and qualitative review, with no findings requiring corrective action.

Carryover request and budget note
Staff asked for authorization to submit an application to carry over unobligated Head Start funds to finish projects begun in FY 2024–25, complete facility upgrades (including camera and safety work at centers) and support recruitment/staff retention and enrollment stability. The transcript includes a figure that appears garbled when read aloud; staff materials submitted to the board contain the official carryover amount and will be attached to the county record. The board approved submission of the carryover application and the other items by roll call (vote 4‑0).

Lede provenance: Head Start presentation and monthly update occurred during the Oct. 21 meeting; board action recorded at the Oct. 21 session.