2021–2022 NACOG Head Start Annual Report

INSPIRING Tomorrow’s Future Today

serves as a North Star that reminds staff and families of the reason that Head Start exists. As the driver of program success, the mission keeps everyone clear on the direction of the organization.

SERVING A VAST FOUR-COUNTY REGION IN NORTHERN ARIZONA, NACOG proudly operates Head Start and Early Head Start programs that give children from at-risk backgrounds the skills needed to be successful in school and life. Head Start programs focus on school readiness skills for children from three to five years, while Early Head Start (EHS) is dedicated to the healthy development of infants and toddlers including prenatal care. Combining center-based classes with a home-based option, both programs follow evidence-based best practices in early childhood care and education. Head Start programs are designed with input from parents, teachers, and the community to ensure relevance in addressing immediate needs and supporting family growth and stability.

Based on a “whole child, whole family” model, Head Start takes a comprehensive, two-generation approach that respects parents as equal partners with their child’s teacher and provides a full range of family services from crisis intervention to goal-setting, job training, and education. Parents are encouraged to be actively engaged in classroom learning and program planning including regional governance. Along with comprehensive family services, Head Start provides referrals that introduce families to a larger network of government and community partners. These living partnerships encourage and sustain strength-based growth and provide a strong foundation of guidance and support that continues long after the Head Start experience is over.

A Message from our Director

We proudly share the Annual Report for 2021-22, a time of unique challenges when the strength and resilience of our tireless staff continually paved the way forward. Most of our Head Start families and many employees were still struggling to regain solid ground in the wake of a global pandemic. With a lack of viable childcare options driving a national crisis, the work of Head Start in providing trusted, high-quality childhood care and education has never been more crucial.

NACOG Head Staff returned to their classrooms fully committed to systemwide implementation of the Pyramid Model, a framework for behavioral management that emphasizes collective problem-solving. Leveraging Pyramid principles and tools gave them a critical advantage in maintaining program quality while navigating unprecedented challenges. Supporting Pyramid implementation, our new organizational structure and access to professional expertise empowered staff and enabled them to guide and encourage beleaguered Head Start families.

We are grateful for the countless individuals, groups, and organizations who work beside us to fulfill the Head Start promise of giving every child the opportunity to maximize their potential. Special appreciation goes to Balance Mental Health & Wellness for the life-transforming difference their classroom visits and personal consultations made possible for our staff, children, and parents. We also want to recognize the vision of our leaders, the contributions of hundreds of volunteers, and the courage of our Head Start parents. Working together, we continue to breathe life into the simple words of NACOG Head Start’s mission: Inspiring tomorrow’s future today.

Sincerely,

Jennifer Brown

INSPIRING ChangeOpportunityThrough

defines the ongoing daily work of Head Start. From setting objectives and creating plans to coordinating activity, the vision keeps the group focused on goals and outcomes, even in complex or difficult situations.

2021-22

970 Head Start/ EHS families

639 preschool children

416 infants and toddlers

14 pregnant women

165 homeless children

63 foster children

Head Start/Early Head Start Snapshot

Leadership in meeting critical needs

The need for Head Start and Early Head Start services throughout northern Arizona has never been greater than it was in the Fall of 2021. The pandemic created overwhelming hardship and upheaval, followed by spiraling inflation that reduced the buying power of families already struggling to pay for food, rent, and other necessities. Family support specialists worked directly with parents to support family stability and growth, including crisis intervention, mental health services, and referrals to community services and resources.

During the 2021-22 academic year, 850 NACOG Head Start parents participated in preventative medical and dental health education and 677 received guidance on nutrition. Crisis intervention such as food, shelter, and clothing served 869 families, while 965 families benefited from adult education and other family services. Working closely with parents, Head Start takes a wholechild approach in addressing medical, dental, and mental health needs and ensuring that families have access to a continuing source of primary and preventative healthcare.

Community Impact by the Numbers

$23,987,436 added to regional economy

272 employed by Head Start/Early Head Start

2,035 total children, women, and families served 869 families received crisis intervention

156 unhoused families served 51 unhoused families acquired homes

Preschool Year-End Child Health Profile

94% with health insurance

98% up-to-date immunizations or exempt

95% treated for diagnosed chronic condition

89% with ongoing source of medical care

80% with ongoing source of dental care

Early Head Start Year-End Health Profile

87% with health insurance

88% up-to-date immunizations or exempt

100% treated for diagnosed chronic condition

84% with ongoing source of medical care

64% with ongoing source of dental care

Leadership in early care and education

Head Start takes a whole-child approach with an evidence-based curriculum that supports developmental growth in every area including engagement, curiosity, motivation, coordination, communication, self-esteem, and social relationships. Our programs also address physical and mental health as well as special needs. Every new Head Start/EHS enrollee is screened to identify concerns that require further evaluation and/or specialized services. Of the 38 preschool children who had an IEP* for meeting special needs, 17 were diagnosed with speech or language impairments—an area where early intervention can be especially effective. One hundred percent of the 26 infants/toddlers with an IFSP* received special services, taking full advantage of the critical window of rapid brain development in the first 36 months. NACOG Head Start is also dedicated to cultural sensitivity and support for dual-language learners, including staff with bilingual proficiency.

NACOG Head Start/EHS Profile

635 preschool enrollment (701 funded)

430 EHS enrollment (361 funded)

14 pregnant women

58 total center-based classes

191 total preschool staff

81 total EHS staff

School Readiness and Child Outcomes

The chart below compares the gains made by 4- and 5-year-olds in accomplishing kindergarten school readiness benchmarks from Fall 2021 to Spring 2022.

Meets/Exceeds

Leadership in behavioral management

During the 2020-21 “pandemic year” of shutdowns and classroom closings, NACOG Head Start took the bold move to work closely with staff in implementing the Pyramid Model for Promoting Social-Emotional Competence in Infants and Young Children. This evidence-based approach to promoting healthy social and emotional development is anchored by a foundation of nurturing relationships and a high-quality supportive environment. The middle tier refers to targeted services for children who need additional support, freeing staff to focus on the few children in the top tier who need intensive services. NACOG Head Start’s community partnership with Balance Mental Health & Wellness provided additional mental health services, from regular classroom visits to individual consultations for staff, parents, and children.

Adopting the Pyramid approach across NACOG Head Start’s four-county region required organizational changes that included access to Support Teams (ISTs) of professionals and specialists. Component managers are responsible for creating Pyramid data systems, communicating expectations to the field, and single-team oversight of training, monitoring, and implementation. Reinforcing and supporting the expectations set by component managers and their support teams, program operation managers maintain a day-to-day focus in the field, including supervision of center directors and ISTs.

The Pyramid difference—in class and at home

The Pyramid Model is based on a constant need for assessment and problem resolution through inquiry and introspection. The process always begins with questions that have no prescribed answers. Because this approach is so self-guided and empowering, staff buy-in tends to grow quickly. One of the key classroom requirements is a detailed report on every disruptive/break-out behavior. As they review monthly summaries of incidents, staff can see what needs to be changed or improved and work collectively on problem-solving. Pyramid principles and tools enable them to identify and adopt practices that better meet the needs of every child in the room, freeing them to focus on support for children with special needs. Parents can observe the Pyramid approach in real-time classroom application and receive ongoing guidance and tools designed to help the entire family create healthier, more positive social-emotional connections.

Throughout the 2021-22 year, NACOG Head Start staff embraced the challenges of Pyramid Model implementation with strength, resourcefulness, and dedication. Only two categories were still “partially in place” by Spring of 2022: Family Engagement, and Monitoring Implementation/Outcomes. As illustrated in this graph, our staff achieved “in place” for every other quality benchmark.

Benchmarks of Quality Data

Leadership in family engagement and services

Head Start follows a two-generational, evidence-based model that incorporates the latest research on raising families out of poverty. In addition to meeting critical needs with mental health services and crisis intervention, our programs teach positive parenting skills and assist families in creating stable, healthy home environments. Parents receive guidance and support in setting and achieving goals, furthering their education, and finding jobs. They also play an integral role in program development, delivery, and leadership—including an emphasis on the importance of fathers in family planning and active participation in their child’s education and development.

Family engagement activities provide opportunities for parent-child bonding through shared educational fun and networking opportunities with other parents. Although in-person events could safely resume in 2021-22, the Family Engagement Toolkit we developed for distance support during the COVID crisis proved invaluable for staff who were navigating high-stress levels and workforce shortages. The modular binder includes guidance and supplies for every activity, from essential topics like toothbrushing and kindergarten readiness to theme events like Crazy Pizza, with a restaurant setting where parents place an order and the kids “build” the pizza. Each activity includes modifications for easy adaptation by Early Head Start staff for use with infants and toddlers.

Head Start Family Profile

970 Head Start/EHS families

466 two-parent families

504 single-parent families

759 at least one parent employed or school/job training

965 used at least one family service

677 received nutrition education

850 families completed preventative healthcare education

299 fathers involved in child development activities

698 total program volunteers

613 current/former Head Start parents

NACOG Head Start Values

QUALITY, Integrity, Enthusiam, and Kindness

are the essence of the Head Start program. These four core principles or beliefs form the guiding philosophy behind every decision-making process.

• Quality calls for a commitment to be the best of the best

• Integrity challenges the staff to be dedicated to their work and true to their word

• Enthusiasm invites the staff to approach their work with energetic interest and deep enjoyment

• Kindness asks the staff to work together in creating a friendly, generous, considerate atmosphere

Leadership in program governance

NACOG Head Start program leadership begins with the collective voice of Head Start/EHS parents and community members on the Head Start Policy Council. Representing the entire four-county service area, our Policy Council works closely with the NACOG Regional Council in determining policy and ensuring compliant, quality programs. In addition to program planning, these governing boards review and approve funding applications, enrollment and recruitment plans, and self-assessment process results. The Regional Council Head Start Committee brings together Regional Council representatives, the Policy Council Chair, and NACOG’s Executive Director to provide advocacy and support for Head Start throughout Northern Arizona.

Head Start offers a strong national model of family advocacy and leadership, with parents and families promoting their children’s education and development and holding key roles in Head Start and Early Head Start programs. Parents have opportunities to participate in decision-making, policy development, and activity organization at program, community, and state levels to improve children’s safety, health, development, and learning experiences.

2021-2022 Regional Council Head Start Committee

John Leech Jr., Chairperson, Mayor of City of Show Low

Mary Mallory, Supervisor, Yavapai County

April Hepperle, Prescott Valley City Council Woman

Miranda Sweet Council Member, City of Flagstaff

Loretta Holdsworth, NACOG Head Start Policy Council Chairperson

Phil Tovrea Private Sector, Town of Jerome

2021-2022 Head Start Policy Council

Loretta Holdsworth, Chairperson (Nye EHS)

Jeannette Martin, Vice Chairperson (Flagstaff EHS)

Ashly Lamew, Secretary (Liberty)

Amberlynn Keams, Coconino County Representative (Puente de Hozho)

Esmerelda Tapaha, Navajo Representative (Blue Ridge EHS)

Jeremy Embry, Yavapai County Representative (Camp Verde)

Tianna Begay, Board Alternate (Holbrook Community)

Apache County Representative-Vacant

Leadership in positive community impact

NACOG Head Start programs stimulate and drive economic growth in the communities we serve, employing 272 and adding $23,987,436 to the regional economy during the 2021-22 academic year. Beyond employing teachers, professionals, administrative staff, and maintenance crews to work at our centers, we contract with local service providers from construction companies to plumbers and electricians who keep our buildings operating smoothly. The entire community thrives economically from top to bottom when more of its residents are gainfully employed and find new business opportunities. Head Start programs stimulate economic growth in another important way: Enabling parents of infants, toddlers, and preschoolers to pursue employment and educational opportunities knowing that their children are receiving quality care and early education in a safe, trusted, stimulating environment.

NACOG Head Start Funding by Source

$10,639,111 Head Start Preschool Fund

$8,481,827 Early Head Start Fund

$808,471 American Rescue Plan Act Funds

$170,474 CARES Supplemental Funds

$20,099,883 Federal Public Funds (Dept. of HHS, ACF, Office of Head Start)

$409,081 State Public (USDA, Arizona Dept.of Education, CACFP)

$3,478,472 In-Kind (Local/Public Donations)

$23,987,436 Total Monies

2022-2023

Projected Budget

$12,171,077 Head Start Preschool Fund

$10,568,528 Early Head Start Fund

$3,496,660 Local Donations

$499,221 State Public (USDA, AZDOE, CACFP)

NACOG

Independent Audit Results

Heinfeld, Meech & Co., P.C. Certified Public Accountants completed the Fiscal Year 2021-22 audit ending June 30, 2022. The Independent Audit Report was formally approved by the NACOG Regional Council on February 23, 2023. Summary of findings: Auditor’s Report issued as Unmodified overall; one deficiency of internal control over financial reporting related to financial statements and no findings/questioned costs related to federal awards.

NACOG Head Start Centers

Apache County

ROUND VALLEY

940 East Maricopa Drive

Springerville 928-551-6696

Preschool Center Base

EHS Home Base

ST. JOHNS

610 West Cleveland

St. Johns 928-337-4211

Preschool Center Base

EHS Center Base

Coconino County

CLARK HOMES

1000 N. Clark Circle

Flagstaff 928-774-4021

Preschool Center Base

CROMER ELEMENTARY

7150 Silver Saddle Road

Flagstaff 928-714-7667

Preschool Center Base

FLAGSTAFF EARLY HEAD START

4000 N. Cummings Street

Flagstaff 928-214-8461

EHS Center/Home Base

KILLIP

2300 E 6th Avenue

Flagstaff 928-482-5078

Preschool Center Base

PAGE 11 Cameron Road

Page 928-645-8080

Preschool Center Base

PONDEROSA

2500 N. 1st Street

Flagstaff 928-779-3244

EHS Center Base

PUENTE DE HOZHO

3401 N. Fourth Street

Flagstaff 928-900-5675

Preschool Center Base

SILER

3581 North Fanning

Flagstaff 928-526-1069

Preschool Center Base

SUNNYSIDE EARLY HEAD START

1825 N. Main Street

Flagstaff 928-773-7970

EHS Center/Home Base

WILLIAMS

310 W. Sherman

Williams 928-635-4273

Preschool/EHS Center Base

Navajo County

BLUE RIDGE HEAD START/EHS

1200 W. White Mountain Blvd

Lakeside 928-358-5274

Preschool Center Base

EHS Center Base

CLEAR CREEK

Old Country Club/Airport Rd.

Winslow 928-289-2651

Preschool Center Base

HOLBROOK

165 West Arizona

Holbrook 928-524-6831

Preschool Center Base

EHS Center/Home Base

SHOW LOW

20 North 6th Street

Show Low 928-537-7716

Preschool Center Base

EHS Home Base

SNOWFLAKE

680 West 4th South

Snowflake 928-536-7330

Preschool Center Base

EHS Home Base

WINSLOW

Old Country Club/Airport Rd.

Winslow 928-289-2651

Preschool Center Base

WINSLOW EARLY HEAD START

710 N. Apache Avenue

Winslow 928-289-2122

EHS Center/Home Base

Yavapai County

ASH FORK

450 West Lewis

Ash Fork 928-637-1027

Preschool Center Base

BEAVER CREEK

4810 E. Beaver Creek Road

Rimrock 928-567-4631 x 1002

Preschool Center Base

CAMP VERDE

353 W. Apache Trail

Camp Verde 928-567-3182

Preschool Center Base

EHS Center/Home Base

CHINO VALLEY

1985 N. Road 1 West

Chino Valley 928-636-1076

Preschool Center Base

EHS Center/Home Base

COTTONWOOD

270 East Mingus

Cottonwood 928-634-8236

Preschool Center Base

HUMBOLDT

6411 N. Robert Road

Prescott Valley 928-759-5112

Preschool Center Base

LIBERTY

3300 North Lake Valley Road

Prescott Valley 928-777-9778

Preschool Center Base

NYE CHILD AND FAMILY DEVELOPMENT CENTER

8623 E. Spouse Drive

Prescott Valley 928-237-5119

EHS Center Base

PANTHER PATH

6955 A Panther Path

Prescott Valley 928-772-7726

Preschool Center Base

PRESCOTT VALLEY EHS

3045 North Tani Road

Prescott Valley 928-772-7274

EHS Center/Home Base

YAVAPAI EARLY HEAD START

601 Black Hills Drive

Clarkdale 928-634-8308

EHS Center/Home Base

121 E. Aspen Ave.

Flagstaff, AZ 86001

928-774-9504

nacoghs@nacog.org

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