HEAD START PROGRAM - DP

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

Miami-Dade County Board of County Commissioners adopted a resolution 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. The grant period is 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 agreements, solicit new delegate agencies if needed, and execute documents for student internships. The Safety and Health Committee discussed an amendment to authorize the negotiation of a lease agreement for modular units with the School Board of Miami-Dade County. Public comment included a discussion about the County's role in administering the Head Start program versus transferring it to the School District, with arguments citing the County's operational expertise and social services network versus the School District's potential effectiveness and existing wrap-around services.