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Advocacy and Policy News
California State Budget 2022-23 SummaryOn June 30, Gavin Newsom signed California’s 2022-23 budget. Unfortunately, teacher wage increases for Head Start and other state-subsidized programs were not included. The budget provides additional supports for dual language learners and children with disabilities in CSPP, increased slots for alternative payment and General Child Care (CCTR) programs and an extension of the waiver of family fees for state-subsidized programs for an additional year.
Head Start California is concerned that the proposed emergency TK credential, -
Head Start California Updates
Leadership and Wellness Symposium RecapA time of inspiration, laughter, and reflection
We heard you! After two hard years of leading your programs through unprecedented times, Head Start leaders wanted a chance to gather with colleagues to refill your emotional reserves and recharge your wellness batteries. So, HSC created our first Leadership and Wellness Symposium, partnering with the Hanna Institute to offer leaders a rejuvenating experience over three days.
On June 21-23, our partners from the Hanna Institute, Erin Hawkins and Nick Dalton, -
Advocacy and Policy News
Legislature’s child care proposal overlooks the most vulnerableOriginal article published by CalMatters on June 13, 2022
Author: Anna Ioakimedes, Director of Governmental Affairs, Head Start California
Legislature’s child care proposal overlooks the most vulnerable
The Legislature recently released its Joint Legislative Budget Proposal, which included more than $2 billion to support the child care system. It provided no funding, however, for some of the most vulnerable children and families in California — those living below the federal poverty line (less than $28,000 for a family of four) and thus eligible for Head Start. -
Advocacy and Policy News
We can stop the Head Start classroom crisisOriginal Article Published by EdSource on June 2, 2022
Author: Anna Ioakimedes, Director of Governmental Affairs, Head Start California
We can stop the Head Start classroom crisis
Low wages for Head Start teachers are causing classrooms to close, leaving children without services and risking our financial future
“I’m a director who spends more time figuring out how to cover staffing than how to improve quality.”
That quote, -
Head Start California Updates
MDI 2022: We Are Better Together!Thank you for making our first in-person event since 2020 one for the books!
Head Start California had the pleasure of hosting our first in-person conference since the pandemic – Managers & Directors Institute! After two long years of locking down and learning through a screen, we were delighted that nearly 200 Head Start leaders joined us face-to-face! Thank you to our attendees who took the journey with us as we navigated how to meet safely in-person. -
Advocacy and Policy News
Press Release: Gov’s May Revise Misses Opportunity to Support CA’s Most Vulnerable Families(Sacramento, CA)- Head Start California was disappointed to see that, despite a record-breaking $97.5 billion surplus, Governor Gavin Newsom declined to include funding for Head Start teacher salaries in his May Revise budget proposal.
Head Start programs provide high-quality early learning and care, access to medical, dental and immunization services, and supportive services and leadership opportunities for parents. But profoundly inadequate wages mean that programs have struggled to hire and retain the teachers needed to keep classrooms open. -
Advocacy and Policy News
Head Start California Interviewed by Fox40 News about $50 Million Budget RequestHead Start California’s Director of Government Affairs, Anna Ioakimedes, was interviewed by Fox 40 reporter Ashley Zavala about our budget request! The report played on local Sacramento television stations during the morning news and was shared by Fox 40 on their website and on Twitter. Statewide news source CalMatters shared the link to the report in its daily newsletter.
This media attention helps us demonstrate to lawmakers the importance of our ask. -
Head Start California Updates
Changing Eligibility in a SNAPOHS Expands Head Start Eligibility to Include SNAP
Head Start California welcomes today’s announcement by the Office of Head Start to expand its definition of public assistance to include families receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. This change will dramatically improve the ability of Head Start programs to continue to serve California’s most vulnerable children aged 0 to 5 and their families by eliminating barriers to accessing high-quality childcare.
For many years, Head Start has allowed eligibility for families who receive ‘public assistance.’ However, -
Head Start California Updates
Head Start California Statement on April 3 Downtown Sacramento ViolenceThe Head Start community grieves with the families of the victims of the violence in downtown Sacramento on April 3, 2022. Six families have lost parents or children.
The remarks of our elected leaders highlight this one simple idea that unites us all: we all have families – people we love. President Biden summarized the painful truth: “Families forever changed. Survivors left to heal wounds both visible and invisible.” Governor Newsom agreed that this tragedy has left “families with lost loved ones, -
Head Start California Updates
What About the Children?The crisis in Ukraine is deeply concerning. Daily news reports keep us updated on the Ukrainian’s efforts to defend themselves. We’ve listened to Ukranian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy deliver moving speeches, and multiple organizations are now tracking the more than 3 million refugees that have fled the violence, crossing the border into Poland, Romania and other neighboring countries— now overwhelmed by the scope of need. It’s hard to see these images and feel like there is nothing we can do.
