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 and authorizing 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 for program services. It also authorizes the County Mayor or designee to apply for future grant funds, negotiate and execute necessary agreements, solicit and evaluate new delegate agencies, and execute agreements for student internships. The Safety and Health Committee amended the item to include authorization for the County Mayor or designee to negotiate a lease agreement for modular units with the School Board of Miami-Dade County. Public comment during the Safety and Health Committee meeting included concerns about the County continuing to administer the Head Start program versus transferring it to the School District, with the County defending its role based on operational expertise and integrated social services.