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A Message From The President |
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On Wednesday, January 16th, the FHSA provided a telephone conference presentation of three of its current projects: E-Rate Qualification Program, Affordable EAP Services for Head Start/EHS programs and The CLASS Project. Each of these projects are extremely important initiatives that can assist HS/EHS programs where ever they are. Very few programs took advantage of this offering.
The Association is offering training and meeting opportunities in a variety of formats to assist programs with managing the challenges of limited travel. I would urge directors and executive directors to take time out to join us on these informational events. The phone meeting initiatives are meant to support and enhance the director's meetings, not replace them. As we all know, real time information is a basic essential for doing business. Here is a brief overview of the presentations:
E-Rate Program
FHSA consultant, James Earle and FHSA IT Specialist, Joe Burley of Pinellas, presented an overview of how the FHSA program will be assisting four (4) programs that made the deadline for applying for their 2007 E-Rate re-imbursement. The FHSA program has a buy-in of $1250.00 per program. For this your agency has one of the best E-Rate consultants in the country to assist with the very complicated and time sensitive process of applying for the re-imbursements and support services. Additionally, Joseph Burley, of Pinellas County Head Start acts as a liaison between the consultant firm and your agency's appointed IT specialist contact for the project. Successful application for qualifying and then the application for the re-imbursement are not simple by anyone's measurement. But the outcome is well worth it with thousands of dollars being returned to your agency as discretionary dollars. There will be three phases to the FHSA E-Rate program. The first, telecommunications is only the first phase:
Each of the three phases represents a school year and they are defined in the strategy as: Phase I, (2008-2009) – Basic Telephone Service Phase II, (2009-2010) – Telecommunications Services & Internet Phase III, (2010-2011) – Internal Connections & Maintenance. Keep in mind that Phase II will also include discount applications for the same types of equipment/services applied for in Phase I of the previous school year. As well, Phase III will also include discount applications for the same types of equipment/services applied for in Phases I & II of the previous school years.
Of course any program can chose to navigate this project on its own. However the same level of one on one assistance could cost as high as $15,000 - $30,000 or more. If you would like more information contact Joseph Burley at jburley@pinellascountyheadstart.org.
Affordable EAP Services for Head Start/Early Head Start Programs
Brown & Brown Insurance and Unum Insurance has asked to partner with the FHSA to bring affordable EAP (Employee Assistance Programs) to its member agencies. Insurance costs is one of the largest and most important obligations that agencies must budget for each year. With the escalating costs in that industry, HS programs are wise to seek out innovative and cost effective ways to provide group insurance packages that their staff's can purchase ON THEIR OWN to meet their individual needs. This FHSA project will greatly assist with obligation without costing the agency dollars. What types of insurance and assistance? Short term disability, long term disability, cancer packages, one on one enrollment counsuling, and a host of other offerings.
Shortly the FHSA will be sending out a second wave of information on how your program can get involved. Even if your program is county or school board, you can still take advantage of offering this to your staff since they pay for it themselves, not the agency. Again more information will come your way soon.
The CLASS Project
The FHSA has voted to enhance its professional development initiative by adding the CLASS project. CLASS is an approach that allows teachers to take an analytical approach to improving their classroom environment and ultimately improving outcomes for their children. The project will be offered to each grantee. A committee has been appointed to oversee this very important strategy for the FHSA. Dana Broadway will take the lead. Agency scholarships for teachers working on their AA or BA will be awarded within the next two weeks. Congratulations to the agencies that successfully applied for FHSA professional development scholarships.
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negar@fl-hsa.org | Phone:386-846-0704 | Fax: 386-845-9301 |
