HPI Annual Report

Hanover Preschool Initiative Annual Report 2020–2021

Head Start is a national child development program for preschool children that promotes the school readiness of children from low-income families by enhancing their cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development.

Created in 1965, Head Start is the most successful, longest running national school readiness program in the United States for preschool children that also supports and empowers families.

Hanover County Public Schools was awarded the Head Start grant from the Department of Health and Human Services in 1991. This grant serves 105 Pre-Kindergarten students residing in Hanover County. The Virginia Preschool Initiative grant was awarded in the 2007-2008 school-year. It serves 54 Pre- Kindergarten students residing in Hanover County. Eligibility for the Hanover Preschool Initiative is based on the age of the child, income of the family, and other at-risk factors.

The Hanover Preschool Initiative program is designed to promote a child’s school readiness and social competencies through attention to health (medical, dental, and mental) education, family support, community collaboration, and parental involvement.

Mission

To provide a program of education and comprehensive services that enriches and empowers the lives of children, families and the community.

Enrollment

A total of 83 families were served throughout the 2020–2021 school year.

Student Demographics

11 students were enrolled based on receipt of public assistance (SSI or TANF). 53 students were enrolled based on income eligibility (below 100% of the federal poverty line). 21 enrolled students were between 101–130% of the federal poverty line. 21 enrolled students were those with special needs/IEPs. 0 students were enrolled due to a status of homelessness. 1 foster child was enrolled. 

Race of children served:

• 0 American Indian or Alaska Native
• 3 Asian
• 22 African American
• 44 White
• 3 Biracial
• 11 Latino/Hispanic

Attendance

The average attendance rate for the 2020–2021 program year was 94%.

Highly Qualified Staff

Each Head Start teacher has a Virginia Teaching Certificate and either a Master’s or a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education. Instructional Assistants hold either a Childhood Development Associate Credential or a Bachelor’s Degree in various subject areas.

Funding

As of November 1, 2020: 

• Head Start (federal) - $1,040,591
• T/TA (Training & Technical Assistance) - $16,526
• COLA (Cost of Living Adjustment) - June 2020 - $12,695
• Head Start Non-Federal Share (In-kind from HCPS) - $264,279
• Virginia Preschool Initiative (state) - $183,578
• Virginia Preschool Initiative Non-Federal Share (In-kind) - $79,013
• Hanover County Public Schools (local cash match per class) - $79,013

Budget

Fiscal Year 2020 Budget for Head Start

Number of Student Spaces Funded for Head Start - 105
Number of Student Spaces Funded for VPI - 54
*Projected percentages are based on funding as of November 1, 2020
*Actual percentages are based on funding as of October 31, 2021

School Readiness

The following areas serve as key indicators of kindergarten readiness in the Head Start Child Development and Early Learning Framework. Percentages indicate the number of children who met or exceeded the benchmark within our Head Start classrooms.

Three Year Old Students

Four Year Old Students