New Start for Head Start

The Los Angeles County Board of Education has decided to cede responsibility for one of its largest Head Start programs to the federal government, ending a long-running dispute that held the fate of hundreds of San Fernando Valley children and teachers in the balance.

County education officials on Thursday notified the federal Administration for Children and Families, which oversees Head Start and is part of the Department of Health and Human Services, that it would continue to fund the Latin American Civic Assn.’s $10-million program until a final decision is made about who will assume responsibility.

“Our primary concern has always been about the children and families and making sure program services to them are not disrupted or delayed,” said County Supt. of Schools Darline P. Robles. “We are confident we have handled the LACA matter in a fair and timely way -- and that we have safeguarded public funds.”

Federal officials said late Thursday that they had not had a chance to read the notification and could not comment.

The board had canceled the civic association’s contract after a March audit found several deficiencies, including management, spending and personnel problems, and poor service for children with disabilities. The association appealed the decision to the Administration for Children and Families, arguing that it had been denied due process. Federal officials agreed and told the county to document its findings or reconsider the cancellation.

Had the ruling gone their way, county officials said they had been ready to take charge of the Latin American Civic Assn.’s Head Start programs while searching for a new provider.

But in their letter to the federal agency, county education officials said they were ending the appeal process, heeding community concerns that the squabble was prolonging uncertainty about the programs. They reaffirmed their reason for denying the funding but said they were ready to assist the federal agency so that the “area is served without disruption or delay.”

Officials with the civic association said the decision vindicated its position and its 40-year history of managing Head Start programs.

“We’re very happy because we know we were denied due process,” said board member Belinda Barragan. “Our bottom line is to take care of the kids and make the community better.”