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 (DHHS) for the continuation of the Head Start Program. The grant period is from August 1, 2026, to July 31, 2031. The approval also 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 contracts will provide program services for the five-year grant period. The County Mayor or designee is authorized to apply for future funds, negotiate and execute necessary agreements, solicit and evaluate new delegate agencies if needed, and negotiate agreements to support student internships. An amendment was made 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 the County citing its extensive operational expertise and integrated social services network as reasons for continuing administration.