Commissioners said there are not sufficient county facilities to accommodate all 1,871 authorized slots for children 3 and 4 years of age in the Head Start program. Therefore agreements with childcare agencies have been signed with the following agencies through Sept. 30, 2009:
The YWCA of Palm Beach County, for up to 84 children for 249 days at an annual rate of $6,089.46 per child; funding consists of $308,955 in federal funds, $77,239 in required match county funds and $125,321 in overmatch
Florence Fuller Child Development Centers, Inc., for up to 156 children for 249 days at an annual rate of $6,089.46 per child; funding consists of $573,849 in federal funds, $143,462 in required match county funds and $232,644 in overmatch.
Hispanic Human Resources Council, Inc. will provide services for up to 261 children for 249 days at an annual rate of $6,089.46; funding consists of $960,094 in federal funds, $240,023 in required match county funds and $389,232 in overmatch.
The King’s Kids Early Learning Center, Inc. will provide services to 33 children for 249 days at a rate of $22.57 per child/per day for 3 and 4 year olds. Funding consists of $111,275 in federal funds, $22,255 in required match county funds, and $51,928 in overmatch.
A Step Above Learning Center, Inc. will provide services to 20 children for 249 days at a rate of $22.57 per child/per day for 3 and 4 year olds. Funding consists of $67,439 in federal funds, $16,860 in required match county funds, and $28,100 in overmatch.
Apostolic Child Development Centers, Inc. will provide services to 78 children for 249 days at a rate of $24.19 per child/per day for 3 and 4 year olds. Funding consists of $281,890 in federal funds, $70,473 in required match county funds, and $117,455 in overmatch.
So-called “overmatch” funds are those provided from other county sources, but when added to the required county matching fund requirement means the county is contributing more than its required “match.”
Early Head Start
Separately, commissioners have contracted with one Early Head Start service provider. Through the use of Early Head Start contracted services agreements, the county is able to leverage its available federal funds to pay for direct services while the contracted agencies provide the child care facilities, said commissioners. Contracted agencies are:
Apostolic Child Development Centers, Inc. will provide services to 24 infants and toddlers at a rate of $34.25 per child, per day for 249 days. Funding consists of $133,040 in federal funds, $33,260 in required match county funds and $38,378 in overmatch.
More Money
Commissioners have also approved a $218,399 Head Start budget amendment to reflect a cost of living adjustment award from the Department of Health and Human Services.