Project Description:
The Maine Head Start State Collaboration Office (MHSSCO) requests collaboration grant funding to re-establish the Maine office and support its efforts to address the quantity, quality, accessibility and coordination of Maines early childhood care and education system and to improve school readiness and long-term outcomes for low-income children and families. The focus areas in the work plan address the highest priorities with respect to coordination, collaboration and alignment, as identified through the 2013 Head Start & Early Head Start State Collaboration Needs Assessment Survey and strategic planning process.
During the 5-year grant period (October 1, 2013 September 30, 2014), collaboration grant funding will support new and ongoing initiatives relative to the following: a) the four ACF/OHS priorities (school transitions; professional development; child care and early childhood systems; and regional office priorities); b) the ten Head Start Act priority areas for HSSCOs (health care, welfare, child welfare, child care, education, professional development, community service activities, family literacy services, activities relating to children with disabilities, and services for homeless children); and c) the current early childhood landscape at the federal level and in Maine. The goals and objectives of the MHSSCO are to work towards the systemic alignment and integration of cross-system and cross-sector data, policy, procedure and professional development efforts to streamline early childhood infrastructure; and to eliminate silos and promote better linkages between HS/EHS grantees and other child and family entities. The MHSSCO, Maine Department of Health and Human Services, Maine Head Start Directors Association, Maine Head Start Training and Technical Assistance Network, and the Maine Childrens Growth Council will work with other key stakeholders to collaboratively achieve the goals and objectives in the work plan.
Core Function(s):
Performing Research or Evaluation, Developing & Disseminating Information, Continuing Education/Community Training
Target Audience:
Professionals and Para-Professionals, Family Members/Caregivers, Children/Adolescents with Disabilities/SHCN, Legislators/Policy Makers, General Public
Unserved or Under-served Populations:
Racial or Ethnic Minorities, Disadvantaged Circumstances, Limited English, Geographic Areas, Rural/Remote
