A session held last week at the 20th annual STN EXPO sought to suggest ways student transporters in Head Start programs could stop the hemorrhaging caused by the 5.27 percent sequestration reduction, and redistribute resources to mitigate the impact on the families participating in their programs.
According to one Website, the Congressional Research Service defines sequestration as: “…the permanent cancellation of budgetary resources by a uniform percentage and (the reduction) is applied to all programs projects, and activities within a budget account.” On another note, collateral damage can be defined as an “injury inflicted on something other than the intended target.” That’s how student transporters are rationalizing the impending impact on their Head Start programs.
The intended target was the federal budget deficit. Sequestration was the method used to remedy the situation, and Head Start programs nationwide are part of the collateral damage. That was the message shared with Head Start drivers and directors during the session, “Sequestration: Strategic Planning for Head Start Programs.”
The decision has sent Head Start managers reeling as they consider impending cuts in staff, enrollees, equipment and program duration.
Presenter Elaine Shea (shown above), grantee specialist for Region XI American Indian & Alaska Native Training & Technical Assistance for the states of Washington, Idaho and Oregon, said the cuts would cause decisions to be made that will force programs to reduce or cut transportation completely. She urged transporters to become active advocates for Head Start in their districts’ budgetary processes.
“Head Start is supposed to serve the neediest of the needy,” she lamented to the solemn gathering. “The transportation staff has the most valuable and current information to enlighten program managers, and help them understand the children and their families. Identify yourselves as active advocates and get invited to those meetings where the decisions are made.”
Shea said transportation is on the radar screen because it is part of health and safety, and school readiness. “Transportation is the foundation of school readiness,” she told the group. “The bus ride is the best part of the day for many of these children. You help them become active learners.”
Shea, who lives in Montana, has 30 years’ experience working with children and families in Head Start and the tribal communities. She said sequestration is causing educators to make tough decisions on how to shift education forward.
She ended the session on a hopeful note: “It will be a challenge to continue to deliver quality services with staff cuts, older buses and delayed hiring, but we can do it even though it will cause some emotional pain.”
