Policy Council/Consejo Político Meeting Minutes
The meeting addressed the high-risk status placed on Head Start of San Joaquin by the Office of Head Start due to an ongoing fraud investigation concerning a previous educational partner, Creative Care, Inc., which ended in December 2024. It was announced that the refunding application was approved, resulting in a Notice of Award for Year 1 of the new five-year cycle beginning February 1, 2026. Discussions also included a Policy Council Member Highlight, the election of 2025-2026 officers (with one position deferred to the next meeting), a fiscal training session, and the presentation of fiscal reports showing data through November 2025. Furthermore, the body reviewed the 2025 Community Assessment Executive Summary for San Joaquin County ELC services, presented an overview of the 2025-2026 School Readiness Plan goals, and reviewed end-of-month enrollment reports through December 2025, noting enrollment levels for Early Head Start and Head Start programs, including services for children with disabilities. Finally, communication from the Office of Head Start regarding a preliminary injunction affecting certain DEIA-related actions was shared.