SETA-Annual-Report-2017-2018

2O17/2018
annual
report
from the director
It is with enthusiasm that I present
the 2017-2018 Annual Report. This year’s report highlights the hard work and
dedication of staff who provide important services to Head Start and Early Head
Start families and their children.
During the program year, SETA’s Children and Family Services Department
successfully completed its onsite Federal monitoring review with the Office of
Head Start. I am pleased to share the review highlighted many strengths of the
program and provided feedback on opportunities for continuous improvement. As
a result, SETA staff and leadership spent a few months developing, piloting and
implementing a multi-pronged attendance campaign to increase overall average
daily attendance.
“A growing body of research is revealing the prevalence of chronic absence and
its critical role in student achievement. Fortunately, research is also showing
that chronic absence can be addressed when school districts, communities, and
policymakers work together to monitor the problem and implement solutions that
address the underlying causes.” (Source: Attendance Works.org)
The focus of the campaign was to highlight the importance of regular attendance
at school with an overall goal of increasing average daily attendance above 85%
in each classroom. The campaign consisted of fun, interactive parent education
activities and age-appropriate children activities for the classroom to promote
regular attendance. As a result of the campaign, SETA’s average daily attendance
has exceeded the 85% threshold on a regular basis throughout the program.
Additionally, in 2017-2018, SETA expanded Early Head Start services to an additional
78 infants/toddlers and extended program service hours for an additional 344
preschoolers, offering 6.5 hours or more per day.
It is through high quality collaborations and partnerships that Sacramento County
Head Start and Early Head Start programs are able to invoke standards that
ensure infants and toddlers are ready for preschool; preschoolers are prepared
for kindergarten; and families are supported with life-long skills that lead to their
child’s success in life and in school.
On behalf of Sacramento Employment and Training Agency Head Start/
Early Head Start, its delegate agencies, partners and board
members, I want to thank all staff for ensuring the mission is
accomplished through commitment, passion and dedication.
Sincerely,
DENISE T. LEE
Deputy Director
Children and Family Services