Grant Opportunities Expand Successful Birth-to-Five Pilot Initiative

HHS' Administration for Children and Families (ACF) made a funding opportunity announcement for organizations interested in providing Head Start and Early Head Start services. The announcement is part of an ongoing effort to improve the quality and accountability of Head Start grantees nationwide following new regulations announced by President Obama in 2011 to ensure that all Head Start programs are providing the highest-quality education and services to children and families.

About half of the opportunities will replicate a successful "birth-to-five pilot" initiative that encourages applicants to develop innovative plans to deliver services to children from birth through kindergarten entry in a single application.  These opportunities were selected for the birth-to-five initiative because the current grantee already provides both Head Start and Early Head Start in the same community.Read more.

  

   

Early Childhood State Advisory Councils

Approximately three years ago, $100 million in federal funds were made available to support the State Advisory Councils. The grants were designed to be one-time startup grants to help states and territories (states) develop their respective early childhood systems. States used the funds to promote school preparedness of young children, for instance, by engaging families in activities to improve children's early social, emotional, and cognitive development. States directed Council funds to support the professional development of early childhood educators to improve the skills of the early childhood professionals. States also invested in improving the quality and capacity of existing early childhood education and development programs and services.The Early Childhood State Advisory Councils Status Report 2013 describes the progress of each Council in detail. Read more.

The beginning years of a child's life are critical for building the early foundation needed for success later in school and in life. Making sure young children with disabilities have access to high quality early learning programs and assuring that early learning settings across the country foster an environment of inclusivity are priorities of the Obama administration. Children with disabilities need high quality early learning opportunities in a safe and nurturing environment where they can learn and develop alongside their peers.

To expand high-quality early learning opportunities in the years before preschool, the President called for an investment in Early Head Start-Child Care Partnerships. These partnerships will support states and communities that expand the availability of Early Head Start and child care programs that can meet the highest standards of quality for infants and toddlers, serving children from birth to age 3.

Texas News

ConnectCare Therapy for Kids is a fully licensed home and community support agency that provides Speech, Occupational and Physical therapy to children in their least restrictive environment - their home, child development center, or location of choice. They are committed to the provision of excellent therapy services to children, one child at a time. Their goal is to ensure that all children have access to the highest quality treatment. ConnectCare therapists are fully licensed to provide specialized therapy services directly to each child. The team coordinates care with each child's parent/caregiver, physician, child care center, and other identified members of the child's care team. ConnectCare provides the best in therapy services to children in Central, Texas, Houston, and the Gulf Coast of Texas. 

 Benefits of ConnectCare:

• Therapy available as needed
• Therapist has fewer patients
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Contact: 12708 Riata Vista Circle Al06, Austin, Texas, 78727
              P: (512) 493 - 9700  W: connectcareforkids.com