COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – It was a year ago when the regional office for Head Start informed the Branch Intermediate School District it could see a reduction in grant funds if enrollment did not increase in the next year.
A Full Enrollment Initiative was started at that time but as of last month, the reported enrollment was 212 children which is 92 percent.
Under the Head Start Act, programs are considered chronically under-enrolled if they report below 97 percent for four straight months.
B.I.S.D. Early Education Assistant Superintendent Cynthia Hutson said in her report for Wednesday’s B.I.S.D. Board of Education meeting that they have maintained an enrollment rate of 92 to 93 percent throughout the year.
While the year-to-date enrollment stands at 226, Hutson pointed out the Head Start program does not use cumulative figures when determining full enrollment compliance.
The Full Enrollment Initiative applies only to Head Start, as Early Head Start has maintained 100% funded enrollment throughout the process.
Over the past two years, Hutson said they have been unable to open a classroom for at least 15 children due to staffing constraints. The Girard Center currently has an unfilled teaching position.
She said the next steps may include an extension to meet full enrollment requirements or a forced reduction in enrollment and funding, which the district can appeal.
Hutson reported they do have the option to proactively apply for an enrollment reduction with the review process taking at least 120 days or longer, after the application is completed and approved by both the Board of Education and Policy Council.
They currently have 57 children on the waitlist for Head Start and Head Start/GSRP Blend but according to Hutson, staffing shortages remain a key barrier to enrollment.
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