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. » Angoon: 1 class » Craig: 1 class » Hoonah: 1 class » Juneau: 5 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.

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 2021, Head Start operated with a budget of $4,749,166. The program was funded with $3,847,435 in federal Head Start funds, which was the final year of a five-year continuation funding cycle. The program received one-time funding through the American Rescue Plan Act for $313,483. Head Start also received $479,789 under the State of Alaska’s Department of Education and Early Development (DEED) and was reimbursed $108,459 under the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) for meals and snacks. K´eiltéen Christa Green Director

2021 Highlights

ƒ Enrolled 181 students in the 2020-2021 school year. » 63% of total enrollment were income or categorically eligible and 37% were considered over-income. » 36% of the total enrollment were first-year students, 55% of students were second-year students, and 9% were three-year students. ƒ Reached 69.16% Average Daily Attendance (ADA) for the days class was held virtually with all classrooms closed to in-person attendance due to the COVID-19 pandemic. ƒ Completed the following health screenings for all enrolled students: » Dental (91%), Hearing (76.77%), Physical (88%) and Vision (88%). » Of all enrolled students, 92% were current on immunizations. ƒ Received fluoride treatments through the SouthEast Alaska Regional Health Consortium (SEARHC)

Dental Clinic for Head Start children.

ƒ Provided students with 11,955 breakfasts, 12,097 lunches and 1,114 snacks during the 2020-2021 school year. These numbers reflect only the meals reimbursed through the CACFP. ƒ Increased cultural activities in Juneau classrooms by participating in Haa Sh Kalneegí | Our Story, a culturally responsive educational resource. ƒ Continued partnership with Goldbelt Heritage to provide Lingít language and cultural activities. ƒ Implemented Conscious Discipline curriculum for all classrooms. ƒ Successfully completed the Head Start FY 21 Phase 2 monitoring review without any findings or deficiencies. ƒ Developed a partnership with Craig School District to provide classroom space and meal service for Head Start children. ƒ Received approval from the Executive Management Team to increase pay for Head Start teaching staff during the pandemic as funds allow. ƒ Completed Craig Head Start building renovations, installed vinyl siding to Wrangell Head Start building, installed exhaust vent in Saxman classroom, and repaired furnace at William G. Demmert

Head Start Center. ƒ Supported the professional development of Head Start staff: » Child Development Associate Credential (3), CACFP Food Professional Certification (1), Certified

Food Program Managers Certificate (1), Child Development Associates Credential Intensive (7),

Early Childhood Education degree through the University of Alaska (5 enrolled), and CLASS

Reliability Certification (1). » Provided Cultural Sensitivity training to all staff.

2022 Goals

ƒ Increase the effectiveness and efficiency of program operations. ƒ Continue to provide safe, healthy and child-friendly environments. ƒ Strengthen the cultural foundation through cultural programming, community engagement and cultural values.