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Head Start FA1 review finds strengths and a short action plan for Busy program
Summary
Office of Head Start FA1 reviewers highlighted Busy Early Childhood’s strengths in education, facilities, fiscal management and governance but identified staffing qualifications and selection/eligibility documentation as areas for improvement; administration described planned trainings and an enrollment fair to address gaps.
Dr. Ursula Kelly Wash presented the Office of Head Start FA1 review findings for Busy Early Childhood (the district’s Head Start grant recipient), summarizing both strengths and areas requiring corrective action.
Kelly Wash read the reviewers’ positive observations: responsive teacher practices tailored to young children, strong safety and hygiene protocols, a documented facilities and equipment management system, liability insurance in place, and transparent fiscal oversight. Reviewers also told the district that governing bodies and the policy council provided effective oversight during site interviews.
The FA1 reviewers nonetheless identified three follow-up areas. First, staffing and staff supports need alignment with Head Start qualification expectations; the district plans to revise job descriptions with HR (Mr. Devon Stevens) to ensure equivalency for Head Start roles (example: minimum associate degree for lead teachers, CDA or better for assistant teachers). Second, selection and eligibility recordkeeping required attention after a random file review; the district has assigned a new URSA manager and scheduled trainings on housing-cost calculations and intake processes. Third, intake documentation will require updates, including requiring 12 months of income documentation for verification where appropriate.
Kelly Wash provided enrollment numbers and attendance for March: Early Head Start full, Head Start 86 enrolled with 10 vacancies, and GSRP 50 enrolled with 14 vacancies; average daily attendance ranged from 82–84% across programs. The district plans an enrollment fair and additional family outreach to close vacancies.
Board members asked about FA1 frequency and next steps; administration said FA2 timing is not yet finalized but assured trustees the action plan and required documentation will be submitted by the stated upload deadline.
