HEAD START PROGRAM - DP

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

Miami-Dade County Commissioners retroactively approved and authorized 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 approval 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. An amendment was added to authorize the negotiation of 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 arguments citing the County's extensive operational expertise and integrated social services network versus the School District's potential capabilities and its own wrap-around services.