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Michael Jimenez, Deputy Director of Fiscal and Administrative Services
3639 W. Waters Avenue, Suite 500
Tampa, FL 33614
Phone number: 813-272-5140 x3169
Fax number: 813-975-2143
Laurie Leiner, Manager of Quality Assurance
3639 W. Waters Avenue, Suite 500
Tampa, FL 33614
Phone number: 813-272-5140 x3119
Fax number: 813-975-2166
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| Philosophy |
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Head Start/Early Head Start believes that children are to be respected as individuals and provided with opportunities to learn and grow in a supportive environment with caring adults. We believe parents are to be respected as the primary influence in their children's lives. They are welcomed into the planning and governance of the program and supported in their efforts to improve their own lives and the lives of their families. We also believe that Head Start / Early Head Start, as a community program, should involve the citizens in its operations, maintain an active role in community organizations and share its information and expertise with others. In addition, we believe that our staff should be competent, diverse and open to new experiences. They should be encouraged to continually develop their skills and serve as role models and advocates for Head Start / Early Head Start. |
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| Program Management |
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Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners is the Grantee tasked to operate Head Start / Early Head Start in this county. The Grantee operates Head Start / Early Head Start centers countywide on a full-day / full-year basis and contracts with several private providers who also operate sites in the community. In addition, two delegate agencies, assist the Grantee in serving the community. Hillsborough County Public Schools, operates a part-day / part- year program for preschoolers and NOVA Southeastern University operates 5 family child care homes to serve infants and toddlers.
The management of Hillsborough County Head Start / Early Head Start is divided into the areas of Child Outcomes, Family Outcomes and Program Management. The Head Start/Early Head Start Division is under the Department of Children's Services in the Office of Human Services of Hillsborough County. The policy council shares in the legislative responsibilities for Hillsborough County Head Start / Early Head Start. This group is made up of elected parents from program sites as well as community partners. Members make decisions about how the program is operated, are involved in approving hiring and terminating staff, budgeting, special activities, program planning as well as program improvements.
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| Fiscal, Administrative, and Compliance |
The Quality Assurance and Risk Management Section of the Hillsborough County Head Start/Early Head Start program monitors performance, compliance, and accomplishments to ensure the program meets or exceeds local, state and federal requirements and conducts itself in an effective and efficient manner, free of bias or favoritism. The Team conducts on-going monitoring throughout the year and an annual self-assessment,or internal audit, to ensure compliance with the Federal Performance Standards. Numerous assessment tools are utilized to ensure the program meets and exceed all requirements.
Professional Development - The goal of the program is to ensure that all teachers obtain their Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood, all teacher assistants obtain at least their CDA, and all Family Outcomes staff receives additional credentials and support when working with families. To meet or exceed the Head Start Reauthorization Act of 2007 mandates regarding staff qualification the program is creating and expanding on partnerships with local colleges and universities. This will assist the program to improve the quality and credentials of program staff.
Information Technology - Computers are in every classroom to provide educational opportunities to the children. Software is utilized for maintaining data, tracking requirements of the program, staff credentials and training, volunteer activities, and assessing child outcomes.
Delegate Agency & Child Partners - In order to reach into all communities Head Start/Early Head Start families reside in contracts are established with Hillsborough County Public Schools and child care centers to provide Head Start/Early Head Start services. Oversight is provided through the Quality Assurance area. |
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