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 agreements, solicit new delegate agencies if needed, and execute documents 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 included a discussion on why the County continues to administer the Head Start program instead of transferring it to the School District, with the County defending its role based on operational expertise and integrated social services, while a commissioner questioned the effectiveness and cost compared to the School District's own services.