| From the Stockton Record, May 2, 2010 Exemplary' review for local Head Start STOCKTON - The local Head Start program received its first "exemplary" review from federal agencies reviewing the program. And reviewers said some of the ideas being employed in San Joaquin County may be used as a model for other Head Start programs, according to a release from the local Head Start Child Development Council. "It's gratifying to receive the recognition that acknowledges our strong commitment to provide high-quality services for our community's children and families," said Adolfo Munoz in a written statement. Munoz is the grantee director of the San Joaquin County Head Start program. "This is the highest seal of approval given to Head Start programs by the federal Administration for Children and Families." Head Start Child Development is a federally funded program targeting low-income families and children, including running preschools. There are 2,631 children in Head Start in San Joaquin County and 340 in Early Head Start. Reviewers singled out practices behind the rating, including program monitoring, electronic tracking system in human resources, the Family Child Care Homes and a program for pregnant women. The news comes from informal feedback from the federal reviewers, according to a release from the local Head Start. A formal debriefing will occur on Monday at the Elk Horn Golf and Country Club on Monday. The monitoring reviews assess the performance, compliance and accomplishments of Head Start and Early Head Start programs. "This was a rigorous examination of our program," said Executive Director Gloryanna Rhodes in a written statement. |