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. The County Mayor or designee is authorized to award these contracts, apply for future funds, negotiate and execute necessary agreements, solicit new delegate agencies if needed, and execute agreements to support 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's continued administration of the Head Start program versus transferring it to the School District, with the County defending its operational expertise and wrap-around services. Concerns were also raised about the cost to the County and the program's privatization history, with clarification provided on the delegated model and the County's fiscal oversight role.