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Linda Sánchez Demands Answers on Head Start Delays (Oct. 10, 2012)

October 10, 2012

Washington, DC –After recent news reports that Head Start schools in Lynwood and Paramount have failed to open their doors a month into the school year, Congresswoman Linda Sánchez (CA-39) today called on the Department of Health and Human Services and the Office of Head Start to provide answers as to why these schools that provide vital early childhood development and education remain closed.

"It's completely unacceptable that we are a month into the school year and hundreds of children can't go to preschool," said Congresswoman Sánchez. "Parents can't afford to miss any more work while these schools stay closed. Most importantly, our children can't afford to miss out on what Head Start provides—the tools to start kindergarten healthy and ready to learn. Our children deserve the opportunity of a lifetime of learning, but they need to be in school to start the journey."

The full text of the letter is below.

October 10, 2012

Yvette Sanchez Fuentes

Director

Office of Head Start, Administration of Children and Families

Department of Health and Human Services

370 L'Enfant Promenade, SW

Washington, DC 20447

Dear Director Fuentes:

I am writing to express my concern over recent reports that Head Start facilities in south Los Angeles County, namely Lynwood and Paramount, have not yet opened their doors for the school year.

It has come to my attention that since the Head Start grant held by interim grantee, Community Development Institute (CDI) was split among three organizations-- Children's Institute, Inc. for Early Head Start, Crystal Stairs, and Volunteers of America for Head Start (VOA)--there have been major issues. Specifically, there has been a confluence of delays and disorganization that is negatively impacting the education of our children.

According to parents, there has been massive confusion about the transition. For example, one particular VOA facility was scheduled to have a parent orientation on August 22nd. However, when parents arrived that day, the staff was nowhere to be found. Instead, parents were met with locked doors and flyers stating that the orientation was cancelled "until further notice." There was no name or contact information for additional details. No one was present to answer questions. Parents had no way to find out when the center will open or whether orientation will take place at all.

According to recent reports, VOA facilities still have not opened their doors to students. This is totally unacceptable.

Head Start programs have profound and deep roots in our community. I am extremely concerned about the health of these programs. The process of awarding these grants to permanent grantee agencies is intended to preserve the continuity of care and high quality services. I am calling on your office to ensure that the transfer is seamless and virtually invisible to children and their families.

Also, I am requesting that your office immediately provide the following information:

• Are all sites administered by VOA, Crystal Stairs, and Children's Institute, Inc opened and operational?

• If not, why did the Office of Head Start award grants to organizations without assurances that these organizations could provide the appropriate services?

• What is currently being done to resolve the situation?

• How is the Office of Head Start or the grantees communicating to parents and the local community to alleviate concerns?

Thank you for your urgent attention to this matter. I look forward to your response.

Sincerely,

Linda T. Sánchez

Member of Congress

CC: Ms. Jan Len, Regional Program Manager for Region 9 (San Francisco), Office of Head Start, Administration of Children and Families, Department of Health and Human Services

Mr. Bob Pratt, President & CEO, Volunteers of America

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