HEAD START PROGRAM - DP

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

Miami-Dade 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 (DHHS) 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, including the School Board of Miami-Dade County, for program services. The County Mayor or designee is authorized to negotiate and execute agreements, including a lease for modular units with the School Board, and to solicit new delegate agencies if needed. 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 its extensive operational expertise and integrated social services network. Concerns were also raised about the cost of operating the program.