I. Program Overviews
     Head Start Programs (EHS/MHS/SHS/HS)
     Part C, First Connections
II. Purpose Statement
III. Definition of Services
     Responsibilities of Head Start
     Responsibilities of Part C, First Connections
IV. Option for Local Agreements
V. Modification and/or Termination of Agreement

This agreement is between Arkansas Head Start Association in support of all Early Head Start (EHS)/Migrant Head Start (MHS)/Head Start (HS) programs and the Arkansas Department of Human Services Division of Developmental Disabilities Services (DHS/DDS), Part C, First Connections.

I. Program Overviews

A. Head Start Programs (EHS/MHS/SHS/HS)

Arkansas Head Start Association is composed of membership from Head Start, Early Head Start, Migrant and Seasonal Head Start grantees within Arkansas. Early Head Start/Migrant Head Start/Seasonal Head Start and Head Start (hereafter referred to as Head Start) are programs administered within the Administration of Children and Families (ACF) at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in Washington, D.C. Grants are awarded and administered from the federal level to the regional office and then directly to the local Head Start programs. Local Head Start programs in Arkansas are funded by the Region VI, ACF office in Dallas, Texas except for the Migrant and Seasonal Head Start programs and Child Development, Inc. EHS which are funded by ACF, Washington, D.C. Local Head Start programs in Arkansas are administered by single purpose (Head Start only) and multi-purpose agencies, community action agencies and public school districts. All Head Start programs are community-based for low-income families (as defined by federal poverty guidelines). Migrant Head Start focuses on families with children birth to five who qualify as migrant agricultural workers. Early Head Start focuses on families with infants and toddlers and pregnant women. Head Start focuses on families with children three to five years of age. The mission is to provide a comprehensive program that promotes healthy prenatal outcomes for pregnant women, enhances the cognitive, language, socio-emotional development, physical and mental health and nutrition of young children and promotes healthy family functioning. Early Head Start/Migrant Head Start/Head Start programs must follow Head Start Performance Standards 45 CFR 1301-1308.

B. Part C, First Connections

First Connections is a federal early intervention program authorized and funded through Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) for which the Department of Human Services Division of Developmental Disabilities Services (DHS/DDS) serves as lead agency in Arkansas. First Connections is a family-centered, family-driven, community-based, comprehensive early intervention system. Services are provided to families who have infants and toddlers birth to three years of age who are experiencing developmental delays or have a diagnosed physical or mental condition that has a probability of resulting in a developmental delay. This program brings together service providers from education, health and social services agencies to empower families. Its State and Local Interagency Coordinating Councils assist in program enhancement and public awareness at the local level. First Connections is committed to the provision of appropriate services in a setting which is both the family’s choice and the most natural environment for the child.

II. Purpose Statement

The purpose of this agreement is to establish working procedures between Arkansas Head Start Association in support of Head Start programs and Part C, First Connections in the provision of services to infants and toddlers and families eligible for First Connections and Head Start services in accordance with federal and state regulations.

It is the intent of this agreement to:

1. Ensure and enhance an effective system for the provision of appropriate services for infants, toddlers and their families and define which services will be provided by each agency.
2. Ensure and enhance an effective system for the transition of children from one early childhood program to another or other appropriate programs (i.e., preschools, child care, etc.)
3. Involve and empower parents in planning services for their child/children and in planning their child/children’s transition to other programs.
4. Ensure that young children receive appropriate, uninterrupted services in natural and stimulating environments reflecting parental choices and a unified educational approach.
5. Ensure that each agency cooperatively maintains communication and shares leadership responsibilities at all levels to ensure that available resources are utilized in the most efficient manner.
6. Ensure that the Individual Family Services Plan (IFSP) process will meet the Federal Part C requirements and will be family-centered, comprehensive in nature and responsive to the individual needs of the child and family.
7. Coordinate and support child find activities and ensure there is a referral process between programs.
8. Coordinate in-service to share information between agencies.

III. Definition of Services

A. Responsibilities of Head Start

1. Recruit, enroll and serve eligible infants and toddlers ages 0-3. Ten percent of the total number of funded enrollment opportunities in Head Start shall be available for infants and toddlers with disabilities who are eligible to participate.
2. Complete a developmental, health, vision and hearing screen on all enrolled children within 45 calendar days of the child’s entry into Early Head Start and Seasonal Head Start and 15 calendar days of the child’s entry into Migrant Head Start for potential problems in the areas of health and development.
3. Infants and toddlers suspected of having a disability will be referred within two working days to First Connections for determination of eligibility for Part C services.
4. Ensure that Head Start services for infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families support the development and attainment of expected outcomes as written in the IFSP.
5. Participate in and support efforts for a smooth and effective transition for infants and toddlers and their families into Head Start and/or Part C services, as well as for children who transition at age three to the most appropriate placement.
6. Establish collaborative relationships with local community agencies to promote access to community services.
7. Assure that children with disabilities receive all Head Start services to which they are entitled according to Head Start Performance Standards (45 CFR 1304).

B. Responsibilities of Part C, First Connections.

1. Initiation and completion of all intake/due process procedures and will ensure the development of the Individual Family Services Plan within 45 days of initial referral. All intake/programming conferences will be provided in the parents/guardian’s primary language.
2. Ensure comprehensive evaluations and appropriate services for all children referred as required by Part C early intervention eligibility requirements. All evaluators and service providers contracted through First Connections will be monitored, certified and/or licensed in compliance with state and federal regulations.
3. Development and oversight of the Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP). This will include the monitoring of all early intervention services and providers for which the child is eligible.
4. Initiate and coordinate transition activities 6 months prior to the child’s third birthday with all involved parties, including Early Head Start and the Early Childhood Coordinator.
5. Provide technical assistance and training opportunities for Early Head Start personnel and First Connections’ parents.
6. Maintain a statewide system of services which incorporates cooperation and collaboration among state agencies, local programs and individuals who serve infants and toddlers ages 0 to 36 months and their families.

IV. Option for Local Agreements

Early Head Start/Migrant/Seasonal Head Start Grantees are encouraged to develop local agreements within the context of this agreement that will define relationships and specify areas for cooperation and responsibilities specific to individual agencies.

V. Modification and/or Termination of Agreement

This written agreement will be effective upon signature by all parties and will continue in effect until April 2001. The agreement will be reviewed in six (6) months and thereafter every year or on an as needed basis.

This agreement may not be terminated by any of the parties without thirty (30) days written notice and a meeting of all parties to discuss reasons for termination and to seek alternative solutions.