HEAD START PROGRAM - DP

Board of County Commissioners · 2026-06-02 · resolution

Miami-Dade County Board of County Commissioners adopted Resolution R-494-26, retroactively approving the application for and acceptance of $375,939,525.00 in grant funds from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for the continuation of the Head Start Program for a new five-year grant period from August 1, 2026, to July 31, 2031. The resolution authorizes the expenditure of these funds and a non-competitive designated purchase to award contracts (D-10669A through D-10669Q) to seventeen Head Start delegate agencies. It also authorizes the County Mayor or designee to apply for future grant funds, negotiate and execute agreements, solicit new delegate agencies if needed, and execute agreements for student internships. An amendment was added to authorize the negotiation of a lease agreement for modular units with the School Board of Miami-Dade County. Public comment included a discussion on why the County continues to administer the program instead of transferring it to the School District, with the County citing over 60 years of operational expertise and the value of integrated social services. Concerns were also raised about the cost to the County and the program's transition to a delegated model in 2012.