Louisiana Head Start State

Collaboration Project
12-Month Strategic Plan

November 2009

prepared by

The Block Marketing & Consulting LLC

for

The Louisiana Head Start State Collaboration Project

State of Louisiana Department of Social Services
 Introduction
Louisiana Head Start State Collaboration Project

The Louisiana Head Start State Collaboration Project (LHSSCP) strives to create and
offer support to state to statewide partnerships among Head Start program, child care
programs and public school pre-kindergarten programs. By identifying gaps and overlaps
in service delivery to low-income families and initiating strategies that result in improved
access, delivery and coordination of services for families with young children, the
LHSSCP plays a vital role in improving the developmental, social and economic
conditions for low-income children and families.

Head Start Collaboration offices were created by the 2007 Head Start Act, in which
Section 642B contains provisions for the award of a collaboration grant to each State,
including the District of Columbia and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and to each
national administrative office serving American Indian Head Start programs and Migrant
and Seasonal Head Start programs. The purpose of these grants is to facilitate
collaboration among Head Start and Early Head Start agencies and entities that carry out
activities designed to benefit low-income children from birth to school entry and their
families.

Head Start and Early Head Start

Louisiana Head Start and Early Head Start programs serve more than 22,000 children and
100 pregnant women in the State of Louisiana. These 43 programs are operated by
several different types of grantees, including community action programs, public school
districts and non-profit organizations.

Louisiana Head Start programs provide quality, comprehensive services to low-income

children three to five years of age and their families in all 64 Louisiana parishes. Head
Start promotes school readiness by enhancing the social and cognitive development of
children through the provision of educational, health, nutritional, social and other services
to enrolled children and families. There are 41 Head Start programs in Louisiana that
serve more than 21,000 children.

Louisiana Early Head Start programs serve pregnant women and children birth to three
years of age. Early Head Start programs promote healthy prenatal outcomes, enhance the
development of infants and toddlers, and promote healthy family functioning. There are
11 total Early Head Start programs in the state of Louisiana, and only 2 are stand-alone
Early Head Start programs. The remaining 9 Early Head Start programs are run in
conjunction with Head Start programs.

State of Louisiana Head Start State Collaboration Project Strategic Plan 2

 Louisiana Head Start State Collaboration Project
12-Month Strategic Plan
This strategic plan will serve as a guidance tool over the next 12 months for the Louisiana
Head Start State Collaboration Project in an effort to increase the effectiveness of its
activities in the creation and support of statewide partnerships between Head Start
programs, child care programs, public school pre-kindergarten programs and other
entities that can help deliver coordinated services to children and families in nine priority
areas. Those nine priority areas are

1. Education

2. Child Care

3. Health

4. Welfare and Child Welfare

5. Family Literacy

6. Community Services

7. Children Experiencing Homelessness

8. Children with Disabilities

9. Professional Development

This plan was developed from a cursory needs assessment evaluation conducted by The
Louisiana Head Start State Collaboration Project and an in-depth analysis of needs
assessment data by The Block Marketing and Consulting LLC. Five goals for the next 12
months have been identified, and supporting objectives, action steps, outcomes and
measurements have been included to increase the likelihood that each goal is met within
the proposed timeframe.

State of Louisiana Head Start State Collaboration Project Strategic Plan 3

Goal #1: To increase public understanding of early childhood education, health and school
readiness as major contributors to student academic success and the overall economic vitality of
the State of Louisiana.
Objective #1
Improve and increase
awareness and understanding
of the achievements of Head
Start and Early Head Start
Programs in priority areas of
education and health.
State of Louisiana Head Start State Collaboration Project Strategic Plan
Action Steps
Identify, create and
distribute educational
materials on Head Start
and Early Head Start to
elected officials, parents,
key stakeholders, state
agencies, policy makers
and the child care and
early education
community for reference
and guidance.
Make Head Start and
Early Head Start-specific
data and information
available through website
services and early
childhood related links.
Conduct and create
educational opportunities
for the general public,
elected officials, state
agencies and the early
childhood community on
the comprehensive
services of Head Start and
Early Head Start and the
contributions of Head
Start programs in
Louisiana.
Outcomes Measures
More educated citizens Number of educational
in Louisiana on the materials distributed to
Head Start and Early elected officials, parents,
Head Start programs by key stakeholders, state
providing relevant and agencies, policy makers
state specific and others over the next
information on Head 12 months
Start and Early Head
Start to assist parents,
service providers, policy
makers, state agencies,
advocacy groups and
other stakeholders with
information and data for
reference and/or
planning purposes.
The Head Start and LHSSCP Needs
Early Head Start brand Assessment Report
will become
synonymous with Louisiana Head Start
quality early childhood Association website
education in the State of updates and traffic
Louisiana. counts
Parents, service LHSSCP Needs
providers and the Assessment Report
general public will have
access to resources Documentation of
(documents, websites increases in the number
and links) that can assist of families inquiring
with identifying and about Head Start and
locating Head Start and Early Head Start
Early Head Start Services
programs and other
quality early child care Louisiana Head Start
and education Association website
information and data. traffic count
Number of mailers and
palm cards disseminated
4
Goal #1: To increase public understanding of early childhood education, health and school
readiness as major contributors to student academic success and the overall economic vitality of
the State of Louisiana.
Objective #1 Action Steps
Improve and increase
awareness and understanding
of the achievements of Head
Start and Early Head Start
Programs in priority areas of
education and health.
State of Louisiana Head Start State Collaboration Project Strategic Plan
Outcomes Measures
Educate and encourage Increased opportunities LHSSCP Annual Report
collaborations between for public education on
Head Start, the the comprehensive Documentation of
Department of Education, services provided by number of opportunities
child care providers, Head Start and Early for public education
advocates and state Head Start programs and facilitated by LHSSCP
agencies on joint efforts the importance of early
(QRS, Early Learning child programs and
Guidelines and shared services in the success
professional development of Louisiana’s children
opportunities) to achieve and families.
common goals and
outcomes for children and
families in the areas of
education and health.
Develop organizational Increased effectiveness LHSSCP Needs
websites and links for of early childhood Assessment Report
public access to education and health
information on Head Start services provided in Documentation of the
and Early Head Start, Louisiana through number of collaborative
child care, Quality Rating collaborations with state relationships between
System, EITC and agencies, policy makers, Head Start and Early
educational and parents, and child care Head Start programs and
professional development providers, Head Start state agencies, policy
opportunities. and Early Head Start, makers, child care
advocacy groups and providers, advocacy
other key stakeholders. groups and other key
stakeholders
Promote the importance Increased number of LHSSCP Needs
of health in school educated citizens on the Assessment Report
readiness and the importance of overall
comprehensive services health as an indicator of Louisiana Head Start
provided by Head Start success in the success of Association website
and Early Head Start children. traffic counts
programs in the areas of
nutrition, health, social Number of materials
emotional, parent delivered/distributed
involvement, education (palm cards, mailers,
and disabilities. etc.)
5
Goal #1: To increase public understanding of early childhood education, health and school
readiness as major contributors to student academic success and the overall economic vitality of
the State of Louisiana.
Objective #2
Improve and increase
awareness and understanding
of the achievements of Head
Start and Early Head Start
Programs in priority areas of
education and health.
State of Louisiana Head Start State Collaboration Project Strategic Plan
Action Steps
Serve on the Louisiana
Children’s Cabinet
Advisory Board by
supporting and addressing
issues related to
children’s health and
preventive health
measures through a series
of monthly meetings.
Serve on the Louisiana
Partnership for Children
and Families Board of
Directors and assist with
framing messages and
creating dialogue with
policy makers, advocacy
groups and associations
on issues that are vital to
the success of children
and families in the State
of Louisiana.
Research and promote
policies that support state
agencies related to child
care and welfare,
children, families and
communities.
Outcomes
Continued participation
on Louisiana Children’s
Cabinet Advisory
Board.
Increased ability to
educate policymakers by
engaging partners and
local champions in
policy dialogue
concerning vital issues
related to the success of
children and families in
the State of Louisiana.
The development of
policy and initiatives
that has the support of
state agencies and that
are in the best interest of
children, families, and
communities.
Measures
Number of Louisiana
Children’s Advisory
Board meetings attended
by LHSSCP staff
Louisiana Children’s
Advisory Board meeting
minutes and initiatives
LHSSCP Needs
Assessment Report
Documentation on the
introduction of State
legislation and/or new
policies
LHSSCP Needs
Assessment Report
Documentation on the
introduction of policies
6
Goal #2: To improve the ability of families to access quality preschool and early childhood
learning programs that meet the needs of families.
Objective #1
Improve coordination and
policy development between
Head Start and Early Head
Start programs and the Pre-K
System (local education
agencies, and the Department
of Education) concerning
special education preschool,
data tracking and transitions.
State of Louisiana Head Start State Collaboration Project Strategic Plan
Action Steps
Support collaborative
working relationships
between local Head Start
and Early Head Start
programs and the
corresponding local
education agencies,
primarily on the issues of
Pre-K and transition.
Develop a Memorandum
of Understanding between
Office of Superintendent
of Public Instruction
(OSPI), the Louisiana
Head Start Association,
LHSSCP, and the Region
VI Office that focuses on
Special Education and
transitions.
Support coordinated
efforts between the
Department of Education,
Head Start and Early
Head Start and child care
to track children and
students statewide, to
collect basic demographic
information, special
services obtained, and test
scores.
Support parent
involvement in planning
and decision-making on
policies related to the
needs of children and
families in Louisiana
Outcomes Measures
Development of an LHSSCP Needs
inclusive and Assessment Report
comprehensive Early
Childhood Education Documentation of
System consisting of the meetings focused on the
Department of development of an
Education, Head Start inclusive,
programs and child care comprehensive
providers focused on the Childhood Education
successful transition of System in the State of
children from Head Start Louisiana
and child care to the
state funded Pre-K Status of Memorandum
program. of Understanding
between OSPI, the Head
Start Association,
LHSSCP and the Region
IV Office focusing on
Special Education and
transitions
Minutes from meetings
conducted with the
aforementioned parties
Development and/or LHSSCP Needs
revision of Assessment Report
Memorandums of
Understanding (MOU) Developed or revised
to provide participants Memorandums of
and their respected Understanding between
agencies with the Department of
opportunities to Education, Head Start
understand the roles that and Early Head Start,
each agency performs and child care programs
related to the needs and
services available to
families and children
with disabilities.
Increased opportunities LHSSCP Needs
for families to be Assessment Report
actively and effectively
Testimonials from parents
involved in policies
related to education and Minutes from policy
child welfare. meetings involving parents
7
Goal #2: To improve the ability of families to access quality preschool and early childhood
learning programs that meet the needs of families.
Objective #1
Improve coordination and
policy development between
Head Start and Early Head
Start programs and the Pre-K
System (local education
agencies, and the Department
of Education) concerning
special education preschool,
data tracking and transitions.
State of Louisiana Head Start State Collaboration Project Strategic Plan
Action Steps
Work with the
Department of Education
and school districts to
support school readiness.
Support coordinated
efforts between the
Department of Education,
Head Start and Early
Head Start and child care
to track children and
students statewide, to
collect basic demographic
information, special
services obtained, and test
scores.
Serve as a State Team
Leader on SpecialQuest
Birth-Five to increase
collaboration,
effectiveness and
coordination of service
providers for early
intervention and the
inclusion of children and
families with disabilities.
Outcomes Measures
Increased commitment LHSSCP Needs
to the successful Assessment Report
transition of every Head
Start and child care
child into the public
school system.
Increased parent
involvement in the
planning and
implementation stages
of the program.
Development and/or LHSSCP Needs
revision of Assessment Report
Memorandums of
Understanding (MOU) Developed or revised
to provide participants Memorandums of
and their respected Understanding between
agencies with the Department of
opportunities to Education, Head Start
understand the roles that and Early Head Start,
each agency performs and child care programs
related to the needs and
services available to Longitudinal studies
children and families comparing children
with disabilities. served by Head Start
and Early Head Start
Ability to monitor programs and children
longitudinal tracking of who did not receive
children and compare services.
Head Start/Early Head
Start and child care
children with low-
income students who did
not receive services.
Provide continued input LHSSCP Needs
as a State Team Leader Assessment Report
on SpecialQuest Birth-
Five for early Documentation from
intervention and the SpecialQuest Birth-Five
inclusion of children and state leadership team
families with meetings
disabilities.
State Interagency
Coordinating Council
for Early Steps (SICC).
8
Goal #2: To improve the ability of families to access quality preschool and early childhood
learning programs that meet the needs of families.
Objective #2
Improve coordination and
policy development between
Head Start/Early Head Start
programs and State Education
programs.
State of Louisiana Head Start State Collaboration Project Strategic Plan
Action Steps
Serve on the BrightStart
Initiative Steering
Committee and assist with
the development of policy
and collaborative systems
to support and maintain
the development of the
state’s Early Childhood
Comprehensive System.
Explore the roles of Head
Start and child care in the
expansion of Pre-K
services to allow access to
all four-year-olds and
coordinate early
childhood programs to
establish one high-quality
system.
Outcomes Measures
Support collaborative LHSSCP Needs
working relationships Assessment Report
between Head Start and
Early Head Start Documentation of
programs and their local progress toward a
childcare programs working partnership
around common policy agreement between child
areas and early care, Region VI,
childhood systems. LHSSCP, and the
Louisiana Head Start
Develop a working Association.
partnership agreement
between child care, Development and/or
Region VI, LHSSCP, augmentation of dual
and the Louisiana Head enrollment practices
Start Association that within the State.
focuses on blended
funding for programs
and common policy
areas.
Legislation that Documentation of
encourages publicly introduction of and/or
funded local education advocacy for legislation
systems to partner with
Head Start and child
care to provide pre-k
services through a
diverse delivery system
which includes Head
Start and child care.
9
Goal #3: To increase the availability of appropriate and coordinated mental health services for
children served by Head Start and Early Head Start programs.
Objective #1
Improve coordination and
policy development between
Head Start/Early Head Start
programs and State Education
programs.
Action Steps
Recruit Head Start and
Early Head Start
Directors and/or staff to
participate on statewide
committees.
Support programs and
curricula that have been
proven to enhance teacher
and caregiver knowledge
of social, emotional and
mental health of young
children.
Support and promote
assessment strategies that
include social, emotional,
and mental health
components and outcomes
that are measured,
reported and used as a
tool for improvement.
Outcomes Measures
Increased opportunities LHSSCP Needs
for Head Start and Early Assessment Report
Head Start Directors,
Head Start staff and State Committee
child care providers to appointments
participate on statewide
committees.
Enhanced ability of LHSSCP Needs
teachers and caregivers Assessment Report
to provide adequate
services around the
social, emotional, and
mental health of
children and families.
Development of Developed assessment
effective assessment strategies and tools
strategies and tools that
include social,
emotional, mental health
components.

State of Louisiana Head Start State Collaboration Project Strategic Plan 10

Goal #4: To increase the awareness of public and private partners on the use of Early Learning
Guidelines and the promotion of Quality Start Child Care Rating System.
Objective #1
Promote the use of Early
Learning Guidelines to public
and private partners.
State of Louisiana Head Start State Collaboration Project Strategic Plan
Action Steps
Distribute the Early
Learning Guidelines and
information on QRS to
child care providers, Head
Start programs and the
general public via the
Internet and literature.
Increase public
knowledge of the Early
Learning Guidelines and
QRS while illustrating the
implications for Head
Start and Head Start
programs and child care.
Use meetings,
conferences and public
forums to maximize
educational opportunities
to educate public officials,
the early childhood
community, state
agencies, and the general
public about the Early
Learning Guidelines,
QRS and the
comprehensive services
provided by Head Start
and Early Head Start
programs.
Facilitate collaborative
working relationships by
encouraging local
collaborative processes
with action outcomes
focused on opportunities
to increase alignment and
integration, reduce
duplication of efforts, and
maximize resources.
Outcomes Measures
Increased knowledge LHSSCP Needs
and understanding of the Assessment Report
state’s Early Learning
Guidelines and the Documentation of the
Quality Start Child Care distribution of literature
Rating System among and posting on the
the public, child care Internet.
providers, Head Start
and Early Head Start
programs and the early
education community.
Increased understanding LHSSCP Needs
of Quality Start and the Assessment Report
Early Learning
Guidelines and
collaborations focused
on achieving expected
outcomes for children
and families in the State
of Louisiana.
Effective coordination, LHSSCP Needs
implementation, and Assessment Report
execution of newly
accepted strategic Documentation of
initiatives to increase results of meetings
alignment and
integration, reduce Development of policy
duplication of efforts, and plan
and maximize resources.
11
Goal #5: To improve the governance, functional operations and perceptions of the LHSSCP to
be an inclusive, neutral and objective leader in supporting and promoting policies that help early
learning programs better serve the needs of children and families.
Objective #1
Secure appropriate level of
autonomy to conduct LHSSCP
mandated functions.
State of Louisiana Head Start State Collaboration Project Strategic Plan
Action Steps
Work with the
Department of Social
Services Child Care
Division and the state
Civil Service Department
to restore the HSSCO
Director’s position to its
original Civil Service
status prior to relocating
the LHSSCP to the Child
Care and Early Education
Division.
Identify the contact
person responsible for
early childhood education
related issues on behalf of
the Governor’s Office to
schedule a meeting.
Identify and share contact
information with the
person responsible for
early childhood education
related issues on behalf of
the Department of
Education to schedule a
meeting.
Communicate widely the
ability of the LHSSCP to
promote and represent
diverse viewpoints on
various levels.
Maximize flexibility of
the LHSSCP by engaging
non-traditional partners
and underrepresented
voices.
Outcomes Measures
LHSSCP will have the Documented changes in
level of autonomy the autonomy of the
required to conduct the LHSSCP.
functions mandated by
the School Readiness
Act of 2007.
Development of a Documentation of
formal working contact with the person
relationship between the responsible for early
LHSSCP and the Office childhood education
of the Governor. issues in the Governor’s
Office.
Development of a Documentation of
formal working contact with the person
relationship between the responsible for early
LHSSCP and the childhood education
Department of issues in the Department
Education. of Education.
Improved perception of Number of opportunities
the LHSSCP as an entity to serve as an
that engages all potential advocate/partner for
partners and minority non-traditional partners
voices, concerns and and underrepresented
issues that have an voices.
impact of the lives of
children and families in
Louisiana.
12
 Program Enrollment Information
Enrollment

According to the 2006-2007 PIR, the total actual enrollment in Head Start and Early
Head Start programs was 22,812.

Enrollment by Eligibility
3,685 Recipient of Public Assistance
17,947 Income Eligibility
985 Over Income
195 Foster Children

Enrollment by Age
243 Under One Year
388 One Year Old
641 Two Years Old
11,098 Three Years Old
10,154 Four Years Old
184 Five Years Old

State of Louisiana Head Start State Collaboration Project Strategic Plan 13

 Enrollment by Program Option
14,864 Full Day (5 days per week)
17 Full Day (4 days per week)
4,672 Part Day (5 days per week)
0 Party Day (4 days per week)
261 Home Based
0 Combination Program
0 Family Child Care
0 Locally Designed Options

184
63 Pregnant Women Included Above

Five Years Old

Enrollment by Race
70 American Indian/Alaskan
82 Asian
18,201 African-American
6 Native Haw./Pac. Islander
3,739 White
State of Louisiana Head Start State Collaboration Project Strategic Plan 14
493 Bi-Racial or Multi-Racial

Four Years Old

10 Other
211 Unspecified
 Unspecified

State of Louisiana Head Start State Collaboration Project Strategic Plan 15

Other