Head Start manager says staffing shortfalls could delay program restart in Bandon SD 54

The Head Start area manager told the Bandon School District board that the district’s Head Start program for 3- to 5-year-olds is operating on a reduced schedule and needs additional staff to serve more children. "We are looking for three to 5 year olds to finish filling up our program; we have 16 kids," the area manager said, adding the program currently runs Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to noon and provides breakfast and lunch.

The manager said the program has had to scale back to a three-and-a-half-hour day because of staffing shortages and that full-day classes were offered last year but not this year. She described current enrollment and staffing counts: the program has openings, is self-transport (no district-provided transportation), and is hiring for three primary positions — lead teacher (40 hours/week), teacher assistant (about 30 hours/week) and classroom assistant (20 hours/week) — plus substitutes. "We need people for all three positions," she said, noting the cook position is filled.

Principals and board members discussed enrollment patterns at the elementary level and cautioned that bringing in a single out-of-district student can affect staffing and budget decisions. The principal told the board that kindergarten counts would be reviewed after the week’s start to determine whether hiring additional teachers is warranted, noting that one additional classroom seat can trigger significant staffing expense. Board members and staff agreed to share recruitment flyers and to route inquiries through the Head Start office.

The board did not take formal action on the Head Start staffing request during the meeting. District staff said the program’s start may be delayed until about October if needed hires are not in place. The board requested written materials and contact information to help with outreach.