Encompass Community Services has announced that it will transition out of its role operating the federally funded Head Start and Early Head Start programs in Santa Cruz County.
“This is not a decision we made lightly. In light of the extended federal shutdown, the delayed funding decisions and the urgent need for stability for the families we serve, we concluded that transitioning the program now is the most responsible way to ensure that Head Start services resume as quickly as possible,” said Kim Morrison, interim CEO of Encompass Community Services.
Following a record-breaking federal government shutdown, the federal Office of Head Start (OHS) required Encompass to submit a detailed operational plan and budget in 72 hours with conditions that “could not be safely met,” according to the organization. This included a retroactive enrollment target of more than 400 children, even though pre-closure enrollment was under 250 and staffing and facilities remain limited.
In addition, the regional Head Start office in California was abruptly closed by the Department of Health and Human Services in April, leaving local operators without a critical voice of support.
“We understand how hard this is for the many dedicated teachers, staff and families who have built their lives around Encompass Head Start,” said Encompass Board Chair Elaine Johnson. “Our commitment to serving Santa Cruz County families, however, remains unwavering.”
To keep the funding within the community and reopen the program as soon as possible for families who are currently without childcare options, Encompass has elected to exit the grant voluntarily. This action preserves Encompass’ ability to reapply and potentially resume Head Start operations in the future.
In the meantime, Encompass stated that it is “committed to continuing to identify potential gaps in childhood development and early education services in Santa Cruz County and explore possibilities for meeting these needs.”
OHS has indicated that Community Development Institute (CDI), an interim third-party Head Start operator, will provide Head Start and Early Head Start services until OHS conducts a competitive Request-for-Proposal (RFP) process for a new long-term grantee. Encompass is actively seeking information about CDI’s plans to support families and staff during this transition.
