EHS-CC Partner Roles and Responsibilities

Source: EHS-Child Care Partnership Grants – Funding Opportunity Announcement p.7-8

EHS-CC Partner Roles and Responsibilities It is expected that through the EHS CC Partnership, grantees and their partner sites will be able to deliver higher quality and comprehensive services to all enrolled children to the extent possible through blending the federal funds for the eligible Early Head Start children and the child care subsidies and/or other funds. The exact role for each partner will vary at the local level, depending on existing and proposed services through Early Head Start and child care for each partnership. The EHS-CC Partnership grantee and partnering child care provider(s) must establish clearly defined roles and responsibilities articulated through a contract or other formal agreement. Defining joint roles and responsibilities, and those that are separate and distinct to the grantee and to the partners, is vital in ensuring accountability for meeting all requirements of the grant. All grantees must ensure that every child receives all of the required services set forth in the Head Start Program Performance Standards, whether that is done directly by the grantee or through support or financial assistance to the child care partner. Partner sites are responsible for providing all of the direct education and health and safety requirements. Grantees will ensure that all other comprehensive services will be provided directly by the grantee, by the partners, or through community referrals. Funding provided through this grant will support the implementation of these requirements. Roles and responsibilities of child care partners and the EHS-CC Partnership grantee are summarized in, but not limited to, the list below. Partner Level . Ensuring adult-child ratios and group sizes meet Early Head Start standards or state, territory, or tribal requirements - whichever requirements are more stringent; . Implementing an evidence-based curriculum that is developmentally appropriate for infants and toddlers; . Conducting ongoing assessment of children to individualize the instruction and learning for each child; . Providing health and nutrition services, including all developmental, sensory, and behavioral screening and assistance with provision of follow up services; and . Engaging parents in the full range of child development and family support services. Grantee Level . Ensuring the provision of all comprehensive services, including health, mental health, oral health, nutrition, education, and parent engagement services for all enrolled EHS-CC Partnership children; . Ensuring that all administrative and financial management requirements are met; . Ensuring all EHS-CC Partnership teachers meet minimum staff qualifications;

of 2 Source: EHS-Child Care Partnership Grants – Funding Opportunity Announcement p.7-8

. Providing professional development, coaching, and supervision for all teachers with emphasis on continuity of care and relational learning that supports children and their families and fosters school readiness; . Employing at least 1 full-time family worker per every 40 enrolled children and families; . Ensuring a minimum of two annual home visits for each enrolled child; . Supporting the inclusion and delivery of services to children with disabilities (at least 10 percent of funded enrollment); . Ensuring the physical environment and facilities meet all Head Start Program Performance Standards, including requirements for square footage, health and safety, appropriate crib and sleep spacing and arrangements, and facilities; . Ensuring compliance with all applicable regulations, including state and/or local child care licensing; . Ensuring children retain services regardless of their subsidy status; and . Engaging parents in program decision making through involvement on the Policy Council. EHS- CC Partnership grantees are expected to build upon the existing services provided by the partners as well as other available community resources.