Head Start Tlingit & Haida Head Start is a Region XI, American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) program federally-funded to serve 262 preschool-aged children (3-5 years old) in 10 communities throughout Southeast Alaska.
Christa Green Interim Director
Angoon (1 class) Craig (1 class) Hoonah (1 class) Juneau (4 classes)
Klawock (1 class) Petersburg (1 class) Saxman (1 class) Sitka (2 classes)
Wrangell (1 class) Yakutat (1 class)
Head Start is a comprehensive preschool program that partners with families to foster healthy child development. In addition to preparing children to enter kindergarten, the program also coordinates health screenings (dental, health, mental health and nutrition), and monitors students’ development and parent involvement. Per Head Start Program Performance Standards (HSPPS), Head Start is administered in collaboration with the Tribe’s governing body (Executive Council) and the Policy Council which is mostly comprised of current Head Start parents. Each class operates with the input of their local parent committee. In 2020, Head Start operated with a budget of $5,357,249. The program was funded with $4,077,683 in federal Head Start funds which was the fourth year of a five-year continuation funding cycle and included a one-time distribution of additional funds to offset the costs incurred from the COVID-19 pandemic. Head Start also received $419,749 under the State of Alaska’s Department of Education and Early Development (DEED) and was reimbursed $155,623 under the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) for meals and snacks.
Amber Frommherz Director January - October 2020
68
2020 Highlights Enrolled 252 students in the 2019-2020 school year. » 65% of total enrollment were income or categorically eligible and 35% were considered over-income. » 60% of total enrollment were first-year students, 39% were second year students, and 1% were three-year students. Reached 83.34% Average Daily Attendance (ADA) for the days that Head Start held in person classes. In March 2020, all classrooms were closed to inperson attendance due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Completed the following health screenings for first-year students: » Dental (81.10%), Hearing (76.77%), Physical (79.52%) and Vision (80.31%). » Of all enrolled students, 96.44% were current on immunizations. This was a significant improvement over last school year’s 69.46%. Provided students with 14,973 breakfasts, 16,738 lunches and 9,703 snacks during the 2019-2020 school year. These numbers reflect only the meals reimbursed through the CACFP. The reduction of meals was due to the COVID-19 pandemic as inperson classes were canceled thus meals not served.
