Board hears detailed Head Start, Early Head Start annual report; program approved

The Poudre School District Board of Education approved the district—s 2024—25 Head Start and Early Head Start annual report on Sept. 23, following a presentation from the district—s director of early childhood.

The report, presented by Director of Early Childhood Rebecca Benedict, summarized enrollment, funding sources, health and safety metrics, family engagement and a recent transportation-related deficiency identified by the Office of Head Start. Benedict told the board the district served 874 pre-K children during the 2024—25 school year, including 292 Head Start-funded slots and 153 Early Head Start slots; overall early childhood programming totaled about 925 seats across roughly 20 elementary schools and other sites.

Benedict said the program—s federal Head Start funds are roughly $6 million, state and local UPK funds about $4.7 million and total early childhood revenue approaches $11.5 million. She told trustees that Head Start funds make up the majority of the…