REPORT/RECOMMENDATION TO THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
AND RECORD OF ACTION
August 18, 2026
FROM
ARLENE MOLINA, Director, Preschool Services Department
SUBJECT
Title
Policy Council Members to Attend the 2026 National Head Start Association Fall Leadership Institute Conference
End
RECOMMENDATION(S)
Recommendation
Approve travel and related expenses for two Preschool Services Department Policy Council members to attend the 2026 National Head Start Association Fall Leadership Institute Conference in Washington, D.C., at an estimated cost of $7,977, from September 27, 2026 through October 1, 2026.
(Presenter: Arlene Molina, Director, 945-6478)
Body
COUNTY AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER GOALS & OBJECTIVES
Provide for the Safety, Health and Social Service Needs of County Residents.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
This item will not result in the use of Discretionary General Funding (Net County Cost). The cost for two Preschool Services Department (PSD) Policy Council (PC) members to attend the four-day National Head Start Association Fall Leadership Institute Conference (Conference) will not exceed $7,977, which includes an additional day for travel, one day prior to the event. These travel costs will be funded by the United States Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families. Adequate appropriation and revenue have been included in the PSD 2026-27 budget.
|
Expense |
Total |
|
Registration ($789 x two members) |
$1,578 |
|
Child Care ($40 x five days x two members) |
$400 |
|
Child Care ($20 x four nights x two members) |
$160 |
|
Air Travel taxes and fees included ($560 x two members) |
$1,120 |
|
Airline Bag Fees (Roundtrip $90 x two members) |
$180 |
|
Breakfast ($23 x four days x two members) |
$184 |
|
Lunch ($26 x five days x two members) |
$260 |
|
Dinner ($38 x five days x two members) |
$380 |
|
Lodging ($258 x four nights plus $165 taxes/fees x two members) |
$2,394 |
|
Airport Parking ($20 x five days x two members) |
$200 |
|
Mileage Traveler 1 (Roundtrip to/from airport 15 miles x .76 cents) |
$11* |
|
Mileage Traveler 2 (Roundtrip to/from airport 25 miles x .76 cents) |
$19* |
|
Taxi ($51 Roundtrip to/from airport and hotel) |
$51 |
|
Contingencies 15% (for increases in airfare, hotel costs, etc.) |
$1,040 |
|
Total |
$7,977 |
*Rounded to the nearest dollar
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
PSD operates the federal and state funded Head Start Preschool (HS), Early Head Start, and Early Head Start-Child Care Partnership programs serving more than 2,039 children in locations throughout the county. HS and State Preschool programs have been operating in the County since 1965. Since 1999, PSD has provided these programs through a combination of direct and contracted services.
The Federal HS Program Regulations mandate the Board of Supervisors (Board), as a grant recipient, to establish two governing bodies that will share responsibility with the grant recipient for overseeing the delivery of high-quality services to enrolled children and their families. The governing bodies are composed of parents of enrolled children and community members known as the PC; and the PSD Shared Governance Board, which is composed of a member from the Board and members from other County departments with expertise in Early Childhood Education and Development, health, and mental health.
Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with national policymakers, early childhood experts, and recognized leaders in the field on critical HS policies and advocacy issues.
Two PSD PC members were selected to attend the Conference at the April 20, 2026, PSD PC meeting. The PSD PC members are parents with children enrolled in HS Programs selected to attend HS conferences as required by PSD PC Bylaws. Under the PSD PC Bylaws, Article VIII - Meetings, reimbursement of childcare costs is allowed when a PSD PC member participates in a PSD PC related activity, such as conferences and meetings.
The PC members will take part in sessions focused on the latest developments, innovations, and obstacles for children ages zero to five years and their families. They will engage in practical training, such as addressing key workforce issues, and dive into policy and advocacy efforts that will shape the future of HS. Highlights include an HS rally, meetings with members of Congress, and preparation for meaningful conversations with lawmakers. PC members will report back to the PSD PC to share insights with parents at their school sites. Travel is scheduled for Sunday, September 27, 2026 through Thursday, October 1, 2026.
PROCUREMENT
Not applicable.
REVIEW BY OTHERS
This item has been reviewed by County Counsel (Adam Ebright, Deputy County Counsel, 387-5455) on July 13, 2026; and County Finance and Administration (Allegra Pajot, Administrative Analyst, 388-0218) on August 5, 2026.