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 (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. These agencies, including 16 not-for-profit organizations and the School Board of Miami-Dade County, have been providing services since 2012. 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. A lease agreement for modular units with the School Board of Miami-Dade County was also authorized. 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 over 60 years of operational expertise and integrated social services. Concerns were raised about program costs and effectiveness compared to the School District's capabilities. The program transitioned to a delegated model in 2012, with services distributed among 17 provider organizations.