Gustavo Duran

Key discussions included public comment requesting that the Salida Park not be used for the Spring Festival. New business covered an update from FSW regarding parent meetings and community resources, and a site report addressing a concern about the temperature of sink water for hand washing, noting that hand sanitizer can be used if hands are not visibly dirty. The Grantee Report highlighted a presentation by the Stanislaus County Office of Education Superintendent on social media's impact on anxiety, depression, and suicide in younger children, encouraging technology device elimination until age 16. Program committee actions included an approval to reduce the hours for an Early Head Start Associate Teacher, approval of the 2026-2027 Refunding Grant, approval of the Child Development Program Procedures, approval of accepting an Operation Warm Donation, and approval of the Salida Head Start/Early Head Start Non Federal Share Waiver. Staff reports indicated that licensing visits resulted in no findings, noted a playground closure at Boer, and reviewed EHS/HSP and SPS Program Information Reports and meal counts for December 2025.

The meeting focused on several new business items concerning English language learners. Key discussions involved the utilization of Title III and LCFF funds for English student progress, with an estimated Title III allocation of $81,667, and academic supports offered. The committee reviewed chronic absenteeism data, noting improvements while discussing parental concerns regarding student support services, including speech therapy and individualized education programs (IEPs). The importance of English Language Learner (EL) programs and the criteria for reclassification were reviewed, noting that students generally require a Level 4 on the ELPAC exam, though exceptions exist for students in special education. A session on ELPAC data chats emphasized the importance of daily school attendance and understanding score reports to assist students at home. The difficulties associated with the ELPAC exam were acknowledged, and administrators clarified testing procedures, accommodations for students with disabilities, and ongoing progress monitoring. Future agenda planning included inviting a psychologist to discuss testing.

Key topics discussed included updates from Family Service Workers (FSWs) emphasizing the importance of daily attendance, proper sign-in/out procedures, and details about a Winter Clothing Drive for families. The TK teachers provided information regarding expectations for transitioning to TK and Kindergarten, and parents had opportunities to register their children. Other updates covered the need to complete Ready Rosie Videos, reminders for health documentation, and information on community events. Program goals related to providing high-quality learning experiences were reviewed. Parents expressed excitement about their children transitioning to TK/Kindergarten and enrolling in after-school programs. Best practices emphasized ensuring children are properly restrained in car seats.

The parent meeting focused on fostering resilient children with positive expectations and healthy family norms, including learning how to communicate these standards to children. Key discussions covered classroom projects, the importance of daily attendance, and the requirement to correctly sign in and out, ensuring signatures match identification. Staff announced that CDPC meetings have been moved to Wednesdays and noted the MLK Day closure on 01/19/2026. A winter clothing drive for families in need (sizes 18 months to 5 years) is being organized by Family Service Workers (FSW). The local program goal emphasized providing a healthy and safe learning environment. Parents shared their household rules and expectations, and a reminder was given about ensuring children are properly restrained in car seats.

The meeting included a welcome and introductions, followed by the approval of the agenda and the minutes from the previous December meeting. Under Old Business, it was noted that the program required a Vice President for CDPC and discussed resignations of Policy Council representatives, leading to the approval of two new representatives for the SCOE Policy Council meeting. New Business featured an update from FSW regarding upcoming parent meetings, resources, and community events. Site reports mentioned container projects in Frakes Classroom 37 and clothing projects in Frakes Team A, as well as new staff presence in SES K Classroom. Committee reports covered the review of monthly claims for EHS/HSP for November 2025 and staffing updates, including the hiring of two HSP associates for SES K room and open positions for EHS associate teachers. Program approvals included giving out certificates from John's Incredible Pizza and Raising Cane's as attendance awards, and the approval of the Salida Child Development-ERSEA-01 year-end procedure. Staff reports addressed supervision procedures, upcoming holidays and no-child days, and monthly summaries of program information and meal counts for EHS, HSP, and SPS for November 2025.