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Head Start report: more children identified with disabilities, homelessness and housing instability rose
Summary
Presenters said the 2023–24 Head Start program was fully enrolled with nine classrooms and showed increases in children identified for special education (39 on IEPs), dual-language learners, and families needing emergency/housing assistance; administrators flagged data-collection shortfalls and steps to improve tracking.
Kim Bard and Kathy Lock presented the Pocatello District’s Head Start Program Information Report for 2023–24, telling the board the program returned to full enrollment with nine classrooms and saw several notable shifts in student and family needs.
“One of the main differences … last year our program was fully enrolled and we had all nine classrooms in operation,” Bard said, outlining demographic and service changes from 2022–23. Administrators reported that 39 enrolled children were on individualized education programs (IEPs) last year, well above the program’s 10% disability mandate and the seven IEP cases recorded the previous year. Dual-language learners rose (19, versus 9 previously), and identified homelessness in enrolled families increased to 22 from 14.
The presenters also highlighted rising family needs beyond education: emergency or crisis intervention services assisted about 169 families last year compared with 92 the prior year, and staff cited increased housing insecurity and higher SNAP participation among families seeking Head Start services. Medical-exam and preventive-care capture for younger children was initially low but improved after outreach, while BMI measures and nutrition concerns prompted classroom physical-activity efforts such as a monthly “Wiggles” program.
Administrators acknowledged data-collection limitations. Kim Bard said staff turnover and three new teachers made it difficult to capture comprehensive assessment data in 2023–24; the district has hired a coach to provide targeted support and training for teachers and teaching assistants on assessment protocols and time-saving documentation practices.
The report outlined next steps to improve measurement and services: additional coaching and professional development, targeted data-entry time so teachers can record observations without disrupting instruction, and prioritizing essential assessment fields so documentation yields actionable insight. The board was told the draft continuous-improvement plan will incorporate these findings and that formal approval will be sought at the regular board meeting.
The Head Start presenters recommended continuing outreach around health screenings, enhancing family support for housing and mental-health referrals, and strengthening early identification so students eligible for intervention receive timely services. The board will receive the final continuous-improvement plan at the upcoming regular meeting; no formal board action was taken at the work session.
