Author: Griffin

HUNT COUNTY HEAD START
COMMUNITY ASSESSMENT
2012/2013
SECTION I
Demographic Information of Service/
Recruitment Area

HISTORY OF HUNT COUNTY
&
COUNTY DEMOGRAPHICS
Hunt County is located in northeastern Texas. Greenville, the county seat and largest town, is fifty-one miles northeast of Dallas on Interstate Highway 30. The county comprises 840 square miles of the Blackland Prairie region of the state. Elevation in the county ranges from a low of 450 feet above sea level in the southeastern part to a high of 700 feet in the northwestern part. The soil is clay and/or loam.
Although large portions of the county were ideally suited for the growth of cotton, a slaveholding-cotton plantation society did not develop in early Hunt County. The primary inhibiting factor was the lack of transportation. There were no navigable watercourses and no railroads. As a result, a self-sufficient “yeoman-farmer” economy developed.
In the decades after the Civil War dramatic changes took place in Hunt County. By the mid-1870s railroad connections could be reached by traveling thirty miles in any direction from Greenville. In 1880 the first trains pulled into Greenville and by 1940 seven rail lines crossed some part of the county. The county remained primarily rural, with an economy that depended heavily on agriculture, but Hunt County was no longer a small, isolated yeoman-farmer society. Population had grown from 6,680 to 47,295 by 1860.
Other changes were also taking place during this period. In 1887 a privately owned electricity-generating plant was opened in Greenville. When the town purchased the plant shortly thereafter, Greenville became the first community in Texas with municipally owned public utilities. During the 1940’s and 1950’s the economy of the county began to change perceptibly. Cotton continued to be vital. But increasing mechanization led to larger farms, and tenants and sharecroppers continued to leave the land. By 1950 the majority of farmers in the county owned their farms. Farmers also began to diversify their operations, as livestock became a major component in the county. Cotton production began to decline.
Industrial development was slow immediately after the Civil War, but by 1904 Hunt County had numerous industrial operations, including sawmills, cotton-spinning mills, cotton compresses, a cottonseed-oil refinery, and a shoe factory. During World War II an Air Corps training facility was opened just outside Greenville. After it closed in 1945 it was converted to an industrial site, and a successful effort was made to attract industry. By 1953 more than 2,100 of the county’s citizens were employed in manufacturing.

Changes in agriculture and economy were reflected in population shifts. In 1940, 38 percent of county residents lived in Greenville and Commerce, the two largest towns. By 1960 the figures had risen to 63 percent. Despite diversification, the economy was not strong enough to offset advantages offered elsewhere. County populations declined from 48,793 in 1940 to 39,399 in 1960. The drop was due to diminution of the county's white population, which declined from 1940 to 1960.
Though agriculture continued to be a significant aspect of the county’s economy, by 1962 its role was a small one compared to that of industry. Between 1960 and 1980 the earlier efforts to attract industry to the county began to bear fruit. In 1965 manufacturing establishments provided more than 4,500 jobs. By 1980, with clothing and aeronautics manufacturers leading the way, sixty-two manufacturing firms employed 6,575 people (47.5 percent of all workers) with an annual payroll of more than $95 million. During the 1960’s the county begin to grow again. The population was 64,343 in 1990.
In the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries the county’s population was largely rural and mere literacy was the measure of educational achievement. By 1980 the population was largely urban, and for the first time in the county’s history, a majority (56.5) of its citizens over the age of twenty-five had graduated from high school. By the late twentieth century the county was crisscrossed by highways, and some of its citizens commuted to jobs in the Dallas-Fort worth area.
The 2010 census counted 86,129 living in Hunt County. About 86 percent were Anglo, about 9 percent were black, and 14 percent were Hispanic. The 2010 census indicated a population of 86,129 which was an 8.1 percent change from 2000 –2009. About 86 percent were Anglo, 8.8 percent were black, and 14 percent were Hispanic./Latino. The Hispanic population was the fastest growing group in Hunt County.
Education data indicated that more than 69 percent of the population were high school graduates, and almost 16 percent had college degrees. Educational facilities include PK-grade 12 in each independent school district within each community; Texas A & M University-Commerce located in Commerce and Paris Junior College located in Greenville.
In the early twenty-first century education, manufacturing and agribusiness were the key elements of the area’s economy.
Major communities in Hunt County include Greenville, Commerce, Caddo Mills, Quinlan, and Wolfe City. Smaller communities include Lone Oak, Campbell, Celeste, Floyd (unincorporated), Hawk Cove, Merit (unincorporated), Neylandville, and West Tawakoni
.
CURRRENT DEMOGRAPHICS

HUNT COUNTY DEMOGRAPHICS (continued)
Households and Families
Based on data gathered during 2010 census Hunt County had a total population of 86,129. There were 30,624 households with each household averaging 2.7 people.
Families made up 72 percent of the households in Hunt County. This figure includes both married-couple families (79 percent) and other families (21 percent). Nonfamily households made up 28 percent of all households in Hunt County. Most of the nonfamily households were people living alone, but some were composed of people living in households in which no one was related to the householder.
Ages of children in Hunt County were: 8 percent under 5 years; 8.4 percent 6-11 years; 9.3 percent 12-17 years ; 15-19 years 7.4 percent. Twenty-five percent of the population was under 18 years. The median age was 36.4 years. Thirteen percent was 65 years and older. Six percent were children under 5 years of age.
Nativity and Language
Six percent of the people living in Hunt County were foreign born. Ninety-four percent was native, including 70 percent who were born in Texas. Among people living in Hunt County, 12 percent spoke a language other than English at home. Of those speaking a language other than English at home, 87 percent spoke Spanish and 13 percent some other language. 41 percent reported that they did not speak English “very well”.
For people reporting one race alone, 77 percent were While; 9 percent were Black or African American, 1 percent was American Indian and Alaska Native; 1 percent was Asian; less than 0.5 percent was Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander, and 6 percent was some other race. One percent reported two or more races 14.5 percent of the people in Hunt County were Hispanic. 73.8 percent of the people in Hunt County were White non-Hispanic. People of Hispanic origin may be of any race.
Education
In 2010 80 percent of people 25 years and over had at least graduated from high school and 17 percent had a bachelor’s degree or higher. Eighteen percent were dropouts; they were not enrolled in school and had not graduated from high school. The total public school enrollment in Hunt County was 14,633 in 2010. Pre-school enrollment was 795.

Poverty and Participation in Government Programs
Eighteen percent of people were in poverty. Twenty-eight percent of related children under 18 were below the poverty level, compared with ten percent of people 65 years old and over. Twenty percent of all families and thirty percent of families with a female householder and no husband present had incomes below the poverty level. Less than one percent of children received TANF; twenty-two percent received SSI; thirty-nine percent WIC; twenty-four SNAP (food stamps); and 59% free/reduced lunch.
Income
The median income of households in Hunt County was $47,569. Eighty percent of the household received earnings and sixteen percent received retirement income other than Social Security. Thirty-one percent of the households received Social security. The average income from Social Security was $14,580. These income sources are not mutually exclusive; that is, some households received income from more than one source.
Occupations and Types of Employers
Among the most common occupations were: Management, professional, related occupations, 28 percent; sales and office occupations, 27 percent; production, transportation, and material moving occupations, 16 percent; service occupations, 15 percent; and construction, extraction, maintenance, and repair occupations, 13 percent. 77 percent of the people employed were private wage and salary workers; 16 percent were Federal, state, or local government workers, and 7 percent were self-employed in own not incorporated business work.
61.8 percent of the population 18 years and over were in the labor force. 8.4 percent were estimated to be unemployed.
Housing
In 2011, Hunt County had a total of 37,134 housing units, 16 percent of which were vacant. Of the total housing units, 64 percent was in single-unit structures, 15 percent was multi-unit structures, and 21 percent was mobile homes. Thirty-two percent of the housing units were built since 1990. There were 29,000 occupied housing units-71 percent owner occupied and 29 percent renter occupied. Four percent of the households did not have telephone service and 5 percent of the households did not have access to a car, truck, or van for private use. Multi-vehicle households were not rare. Forty percent had two vehicles and another 21 percent had three or more.
The median monthly housing costs for mortgaged owners was $1,113; non-mortgaged owners $430, and renters $682. 30 percent of owners had mortgages, 14 percent of owners were without mortgages, and 55 percent of renters in Hunt County spent 30 percent or more of household income on housing.

Health/Mental Health
The Kids Count Data Center listed the following health statistics for Hunt County: There were 1,105 live births in 2008 which was a small decrease from 2007 data. (Data later than 2008 was not available). Births to teens in 2007 were 16.6 percent of all live births. Births to single teens were13.8 percent. Births to women receiving late or no prenatal care were 53 percent. 6.5 percent of babies born in 2008 were considered to have low birthrate.
In 2011 Hunt County indicated that 10.7 percent of children were confirmed victims of child abuse; 7.8 percent of children were placed in foster care; 3.7 percent of children were located in family violence shelters.
The total child population in 2010 was 21,419. 28 percent were considered to be living in poverty. 31.2 percent of the children were enrolled in Medicaid; 24.3 percent were receiving Food Stamps. Six percent of children were enrolled in the CHIP program; 15.2 percent of children were uninsured for health insurance.
Healthcare in Greenville is anchored by Hunt Regional Medical Center which offers state-of-the art medical care including a complete surgery center; Level III trauma center; diagnostic imaging; day surgery/outpatient services; intensive care; cardiac rehabilitation; transitional care units; sleep disorder clinic; full laboratory services; maternity center with birthing room; Emergency Medical Service (ambulance); Wound Care Center with hyperbaric oxygen chamber; comprehensive cancer treatment center. Greenville Community Health Center provides medical services for the whole family including services to low-income families. They accept Texas Health Steps, Americaid, and CHIPs. Numerous physicians’ offices are located throughout the county.
Glen Oaks Hospital in Greenville provides residential and outpatient psychiatric and chemical dependency treatment for adolescent and adults. Retirement/assisted living centers and residential nursing facilities, including an Alzheimer’s care center, tend to the needs of seniors and others who need constant care. Lakes Regional MHMH & Substance Abuse Treatment Center provides mental health services to low-income families. There are private psychologists and psychiatrists practicing in the county.
Attractions & Leisure
Numerous attractions and places for leisure activities are available in Hunt Count including the Audie Murphy/American Cotton Museum (Greenville); Northeast Texas Children’s Museum (Commerce); Walworth Harrison Public Library which contains the Northeast Texas History and Genealogy Center (Greenville); Greenville Sports Park; Aunt Char’s Kid Zone creative playground in Greenville; Dallas Symphony Orchestra Series and the Greenville Entertainment Series-both held in Greenville, live theater at Texas A&M University-Commerce, and Lake Tawakoni boating, fishing, and camping activities.

GREENVILLE INFORMATION
Greenville’s location less than 45 minutes east of Dallas on Interstate 30 makes it both a gateway to the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex and to scenic east Texas. At the crossroads of I-30, US Highway 380 and 69, Greenville also sits at the juncture of major rail lines. The 9,000 foot runway at Majors Field Airport will accommodate most modern jet aircraft.
Greenville’s rich heritage is echoed by historic architecture in its downtown and in residential neighborhoods. Due to the nineteenth and early twentieth century demands for cotton, Greenville grew from settlement to city in a generation. The cotton trade brought banking, entertainment, culture, and commerce to the city.
Hunt Regional Healthcare leads the way in shaping a healthy community for the region. Hunt Regional Medical Center in Greenville, a 210 bed acute care facility, anchors a growing regional healthcare system, making healthcare close to home, but far from ordinary. Affiliated with the Baylor Health Care system, Hunt Regional Healthcare also partners with other healthcare agencies to provide the latest technology for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Greenville is also home to Glen Oaks Hospital, a private 54 bed mental health and chemical dependency facility. Paris Junior College-Greenville Center offers a nursing program to help fill the need for trained medical support staff.
From Greenville High School’s globally recognized Robotics Program and the Innovation First Company to 6,000 local jobs at L-3 Integrated Systems, Greenville has the advantage in cutting edge technology. With the Greenville Municipal Airport-Majors Field as the home to L-3, general aviation, PJC’s Aviation Technology Program and an Industrial Engineering Program from Texas A & M-Commerce, Greenville is truly poised for take-off.
Two industrial parks (one with airport access) and a new industrial center offer sites and infrastructure for expansion. Greenville provides centralized location and transportation network for distribution:
4 Major highways
Rail service
Air service
6 Motor freight carriers
Paris Junior College has completed a new 172 acre campus for the Greenville Center, located just west of Greenville High School . The multi-purpose facility will serve more than 2,000 students.

Households and Families
Based on data gathered during 2010 census Greenville had a total population of 25,557 citywide. There were 9716 households with each household average of 2.6 people. Families made up 65 percent of the households in Greenville. This figure includes both married-couple families (46 percent) and other families (19 percent). Nonfamily households made up 35 percent of all households in Greenville. Most of the nonfamily households were people living alone, but some were composed of people living in households in which no one was related to the householder. 385 households were identified a grandparents responsible for grandchildren under the age of 18. Growth rate for the decade was listed at 3.23 percent. Between 2010 and 2015 the population is projected to increase by 3.8 percent. The median age was 35.26 while the average age was 37.5. Twenty eight percent were under 18 years; 15 percent were 65 or older.
Nativity and Language
Ten percent of the people living in Greenville were foreign born. Ninety percent was native, including 70 percent who were born in Texas. Among people living in Hunt County, 21.5 percent spoke a language other than English at home. Of those speaking a language other than English at home, 96 percent spoke Spanish and 4 percent some other language. 40 percent reported that they did not speak English “very well”.
For people reporting one race alone, 68.5 percent were White,16.8 percent were Black or African American, 1 percent was American Indian and Alaska Native; 1 percent was Asian; less than 0.5 was Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander, and 7 percent were some other race. Two percent reported two or more races Twenty percent of the people in Greenville were Hispanic. Seventy seven percent of the people in Greenville were White non-Hispanic. People of Hispanic origin may be of any race.
Education
In 2010 78 percent of people 25 years and over had at least graduated from high school and 20 percent had a bachelor’s degree or higher. Eleven percent were dropouts; they were not enrolled in school and had not graduated from high school. The total school enrollment in Greenville Independent School District was 4,630 in 2012-13. Pre-K enrollment was 291, elementary 2896, and high school enrollment was 1086 students. Public school enrollment has been impacted by the number of private and charter schools in the area. GISD has one high school; one middle school; one 6th grade center, five elementary school; one early childhood center; and an alternative education school.
Poverty and Participation in Government Programs
Twenty-seven percent of people were in poverty. Thirty-one percent of related children under 18 were below the poverty level, compared with twelve percent of people 65 years old and over. Eighteen percent of all families and thirty-seven percent of families with a female householder and no husband present had incomes below the poverty level.
Income
The median income of households in Greenville was $40,477. Seventy-nine percent of the households received earnings and sixteen percent received retirement income other than Social Security. Thirty percent of the households received Social Security. The average income from Social Security was $13,897. These income sources are not mutually exclusive; that is, some households received income from more than one source.
Occupations and Types of Employers
Among the most common occupations were: Management, professional, related occupations, 26 percent; sales and office occupations, 28 percent; production, transportation, and material moving occupations, 17 percent; service occupations, 15 percent; and construction, extraction, maintenance, and repair occupations, 13 percent. Eighty percent of the people employed were private wage and salary workers; 15 percent were federal, state, or local government workers, and 5 percent were self-employed in own not incorporated business work. L-3 Communications is Greenville and Hunt County’s largest employer with a work force of approximately 6000 persons, but new retail, industry and technology firms also have provided substantial job growth. The closure in 2010 of the Newell-Rubbermaid manufacturing plant had a possibility for substantial impact on employment. When the plant closed many of the ex-employees found other jobs in the area while a few relocated with the plant. Agriculture continues to provide a significant part of Hunt County’s vitality.
Housing
In 2010, Greenville had a total of 10,838 housing units, 14 percent of which were vacant. Of the total housing units, 69 percent were in single-unit structures, 30 percent were multi-unit structures, and 2 percent were mobile homes. Twenty-one percent of the housing units were built since 1990. There were 8,500 occupied housing units-54 percent owner occupied and forty-six percent renter occupied. Seven percent of the households did not have telephone service and 6 percent of the households did not have access to a car, truck, or van for private use. Multi-vehicle households were not rare. Thirty-eight percent had two vehicles and another 15 percent had three or more.
The median monthly housing costs for mortgaged owners was $992, non-mortgaged owners $429, and renters $682.
COMMERCE DEMOGRAPHICS
Households and Families
Based on data gathered from the 2010 census Commerce had a total population of 8,078. There were 2,988 households with each household average of 2.6 people.
Families made up 55 percent of the households in Commerce. This figure includes both married-couple families (37 percent) and other families (19 percent). Nonfamily households made up 47 percent of all households in Commerce. Most of the nonfamily households were people living alone, but some were composed of people living in households in which no one was related to the householder. 130 grandparents were identified as responsible for grandchildren under 18 years of age.
Nativity and Language
Eight percent of the people living in Commerce were foreign born. Ninety-two percent were native, including 70 percent who were born in Texas. Among people living in Commerce, 13 percent spoke a language other than English at home. Of those speaking a language other than English at home, 47 percent spoke Spanish and 19 percent some other language. Six percent reported that they did not speak English “very well”.
For people reporting one race alone, 60 percent were While; 22 percent were Black or African American, 1 percent was American Indian and Alaska Native; 5 percent were Asian; 1 percent was Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander, and 2 percent were some other race. Three percent reported two or more races Eleven percent of the people in Commerce were Hispanic. Fifty-nine percent of the people in Commerce were White non-Hispanic. People of Hispanic origin may be of any race.
Education
In 2007-2011 84 percent of people 25 years and over had at least graduated from high school and 32 percent had a bachelor’s degree or higher. Two percent were dropouts; they were not enrolled in school and had not graduated from high school. The total school enrollment in Commerce Independent School District was 1,629 in 2012-2013. Campuses include one high school, one middle school, and two elementary schools.
Poverty and Participation in Government Programs
Thirty-two percent of people were in poverty. Thirty-two percent of related children under 18 were below the poverty level, compared with 17 percent of people 65 years old and over. Twenty-four percent of all families and 40 percent of families with a female householder and no husband present had incomes below the poverty level.
Income
The median income of households in Commerce was $37,284. Eighty-two percent of the households received earnings and thirteen percent received retirement income other than Social Security. Twenty-three percent of the households received Social Security. The average income from Social Security was $14,760. These income sources are not mutually exclusive; that is, some households received income from more than one source.
Occupations and Types of Employers
Among the most common occupations were: Management, professional, related occupations, 35 percent; sales and office occupations, 28 percent; production, transportation, and material moving occupations, 10 percent; service occupations, 21 percent; and construction, extraction, maintenance, and repair occupations, 5 percent. Sixty-five percent of the people employed were private wage and salary workers; 32 percent were Federal, state, or local government workers, and 3 percent were self-employed in own not incorporated business work. Texas A&M-Commerce is the largest employer in Commerce with a work force of approximately 940 persons.
Housing
In 2010, Commerce had a total of 3,613 housing units, 17 percent of which were vacant. Of the total housing units, 54 percent was in single-unit structures, 43 percent was multi-unit structures, and 3 percent was mobile homes. Twenty-two percent of the housing units were built since 1990. There were 2,988 occupied housing units-37.3 percent owner occupied and 62.7 percent renter occupied. Four percent of the households did not have telephone service and 11 percent of the households did not have access to a car, truck, or van for private use. Multi-vehicle households were not rare. Thirty-two percent had two vehicles and another 13 percent had three or more.
The median monthly housing costs for mortgaged owners was $1,005, non-mortgaged owners $388, and renters $544, and 63 percent of renters in Commerce spent 30 percent or more of household income on housing.
Quinlan DEMOGRAPHICS
Households and Families
Based on data gathered during 2010 Quinlan had a total population of 1,394. There were 569 households with each household average of 2.5 people. Families made up 65 percent of the households in Quinlan. This figure includes both married-couple families (44 percent) and other families (20 percent). Nonfamily households made up 35 percent of all households in Quinlan. Most of the nonfamily households were people living alone, but some were composed of people living in households in which no one was related to the householder. 28 percent of the households were grandparents responsible for grandchildren under 18 years of age. 22 percent of the households were single parent families.
Nativity and Language
Less than .4 percent of the people living in Quinlan were foreign born. One hundred percent were native, including 80 percent who were born in Texas. Among people living in Quinlan, 2 percent spoke a language other than English at home. Of those speaking a language other than English at home, 1 percent spoke Spanish and 51 percent some other language. One percent reported that they did not speak English “very well”.
For people reporting one race alone, 87 percent were White; 0.5 percent were Black or African American, 1 percent was American Indian and Alaska Native; less than 1.1 percent was Asian; less than 0.5 percent was Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander, and 1 percent was some other race. Two percent reported two or more races. Three percent of the people in Quinlan were Hispanic. Ninety-four percent of the people in Quinlan were White non-Hispanic. People of Hispanic origin may be of any race. The black race was significantly below the state average.
Education
In 2010 sixty-eight percent of people 25 years and over had at least graduated from high school and 7 percent had a bachelor’s degree or higher. Eleven percent were dropouts; they were not enrolled in school and had not graduated from high school. The total school enrollment in Quinlan Independent School District was 2,543 in 2012-2013. Quinlan ISD has five campuses. 26.3 percent of the population was under 18 years of age. 14.3 percent were over 65.
Poverty and Participation in Government Programs
Eighteen percent of people were in poverty. Nineteen percent of related children under 18 were below the poverty level, compared with 24 percent of people 65 years old and over. Sixteen percent of all families and 54 percent of families with a female householder and no husband present had incomes below the poverty level.
Income
In 2010 the median income of households in Quinlan was $37,718. Sixty-eight percent of the households received earnings and 14 percent received retirement income other than Social Security. Forty-two percent of the households received Social Security. The average income from Social Security was $12,278 . These income sources are not mutually exclusive; that is, some households received income from more than one source.
Occupations and Types of Employers
Among the most common occupations were: Sales and office occupations, 30 percent; production, transportation, and material moving occupations, 21 percent; Management, professional, related occupations, 20 percent; service occupations, 14 percent; and construction, extraction, maintenance, and repair occupations, 15 percent. Eighty-two percent of the people employed were private wage and salary workers; 9 percent were federal, state, or local government workers, and 7 percent were self-employed in own not incorporated business work. Much of Quinlan’s work force is employed in businesses related to Lake Tawakoni or to the school district. Unemployment in 2012 was eight percent.
Housing
In 2011, Quinlan had a total of 626 housing units, 12 percent of which were vacant. Of the total housing units, 67 percent was in single-unit structures, 16 percent were multi-unit structures, and 16 percent were mobile homes. Twenty-four percent of the housing units were built since 1990. There were 500 occupied housing units-62 percent owner occupied and 38 percent renter occupied. Four percent of the households did not have telephone service and 7 percent of the households did not have access to a car, truck, or van for private use. Multi-vehicle households were not rare. Forty percent had two vehicles and another 19 percent had three or more.
The median monthly housing costs for mortgaged owners was $996, non-mortgaged owners $432, and renters $650. Eighteen percent of owners had mortgages, 15 percent of owners were without mortgages.

GREENVILLE DEMOGRAPHICS

Thirty percent of owners had mortgages, 12 percent of owners were without mortgages, and 52 percent of renters in Greenville spent 30 percent or more of household income on housing. Rental options single-family homes; large apartment complexes; multi-story townhouses; small apartment houses; and seniors-only independent living apartments.
There are 9,208 households with 2.69 persons per household. The median value of owner-occupied housing units is $81,900.

COMMERCE HISTORY &
INFORMATION
Commerce was formally incorporated on September 12, 1885. Starting with a population of 145, the town has grown to just over 8,000, with Texas A & M University adding another 7,000. In 1873, William Jernigin erected a general merchandise store on his farm near the present downtown-only a mile west of the rival Jackson store, a grist mill that had been around since that early 1850’s village of Cow Hill.
As Commerce continued to flourish, Jackson finally moved his business to the town. Soon to follow was the post office. When Jernigin generously gave a section of land for a town square, businesses thrived.
In 1919, store-front owners on the square were assessed so much per foot to pay for paving, completing the project within a year. They did a fine job, too, as most of the historic brick was saved during the 1985 downtown refurbishing.
Situated on 150 acres is Texas A & M University–Commerce, one of the state’s oldest universities. Among its many attractions:
More than 100 undergraduate majors through 26 academic departments
Recognized academic excellence with a 17-to-1 student ratio
New cutting edge degree programs in industrial engineering, environmental science, and athletic training
Home of Texas’ first undergraduate degrees in computer science and new media (animation and visualization)
A fully-accredited MBA program
One of the best recreation centers in the Southwest
New Science & Technology Center with a state-of-the-art planetarium

QUINLAN HISTORY & INFORMATION
Quinlan was first known as Roberts, after Texas governor O.M. Roberts, who on October 26, 1882, sold 100 acres of land in southern Hunt County to the Texas Central Railroad. This land, “situated between the South and Caddo forks on the Sabine River,” served as the location of the new town of Roberts, to which the Northeastern Branch of the Texas Central built. The line was recognized as the Texas Midland Railroad in 1886 by a bondholder in the defunct railroad, and the new road extended its track northward from Roberts through Greenville to Paris by 1894. In 1892 Roberts was abandoned as a depot and a new depot town, Quinlan, was established, 1 1/2 miles north of the older community. The new community took its name from George Austin Quinlan, vice president and general manager of the Houston and Texas Central Railway.
Settlers moved quickly into Quinlan. The settlement received a post office in 1894, and by 1900 its population had reached 362. This growth, no doubt induced by the presence of the railroad, continued through the first quarter of the twentieth century. In 1904 463 persons lived in Quinlan. The number rose to 587 by 1910 and 600 by 1914, when Quinlan had twenty businesses, including a bank and a weekly newspaper. In 1925 this “retail trade center for southern Hunt, northern Kaufman and Van Zandt counties” had an elementary school, a high school, and thirty-five businesses and managed a cotton harvest of some 5,000 bales. In 1933 Quinlan had 512 residents and thirty businesses; in 1952 the population of 599 supported twenty-five businesses; in 1964 the community had 621 persons and twenty-two businesses After the mid-1960s Quinlan grew considerably, largely due to its proximity to Lake Tawakoni. Quinlan had a population of 900 in 1976 and 1,002 in 1988, when it had fifty-one businesses. In 1990 the population was 1,360. The 2010 census indicated a population of 1,394.

HUNT COUNTY HEAD START
Greenville Independent School District (GISD) became the grantee for Hunt County Head Start in 1998. The initial grant was to provide services for 141 children ages 3 and 4 years old in three county sites-Commerce, Greenville, Wolfe City. An expansion grant in 2002 allowed Hunt County Head Start to serve 161 children by adding classes in two additional school districts—Caddo Mills and Quinlan. After a few years of participating in Hunt County Head Start, Caddo Mills and Wolfe City chose to opt out of providing Head Start services to their children and families.
The current total funded enrollment is 161. 101 children were being served in Greenville ISD, 30 children in Commerce ISD, and 30 children in Quinlan ISD. Ethnicity data of the children in the overall program indicated 90 of the children were Hispanic origin; 71 were Non-Hispanic. Race information indicated that 24 were black, 42 were white, 2 were bi-racial, 1 was Asian; 5 were Native American, and 76 were considered other. Hispanic or Latino is considered “ethnicity” and not “race”.
Currently, four-year-old children are being served in seven hours per day, five days per week center-based programs at each location. Initially, Greenville provided classes for three-year-olds, but in 2010, those classes were changed to serve only four year-olds. Classroom arrangements vary from site to site. In Greenville fourteen classes are blended Head Start/prekindergarten classrooms. Quinlan has two blended Head Start /prekindergarten classrooms while Commerce has two blended classrooms.
All of Hunt County constitutes the service area for Hunt County Head Start while Greenville, Commerce, and Quinlan are considered primary recruitment areas.
Children with disabilities at each location are served in Head Start classrooms as well as receiving special education services from the school districts according to the child’s Individual Education Plan.
The following data was reported in the 2011-2012 Program Information Report:
Eligibility/Enrollment

Income below 100% of federal poverty line	133
Receipt of public assistance such as TANF, SSI	17
Homeless	0
Over income	4
Prior enrolled in Head Start	0

Ethnicity/Race/Primary Language of Family
(continued from 2011-2012 PIR)

Ethnicity/Race
Hispanic or Latino origin	65
Non-Hispanic or Non-Latino origin	96
American Indian or Alaska Native	5
Asian	2
Black or African American	35
White	60
Biracial/Multi-Racial	5
Other	54
Primary Language of Family
English	103
Spanish	55
Middle Eastern/South Asian Languages	2

Family Composition/Employment

Two-parent families	87
Single-parent families	82
In two-parent families, both parents/guardian are employed	15
In two-parent families, one parent/guardian is employed	59
Both parents/guardians are not working	13
In single-parent families, parent/guardian is employed	45
In single-parent families, parent/guardian is not working	37
Total number of families receiving any cash benefits or services under TANF program	10
Families receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI)	18
Families receiving services under SNAP (food stamps)	34

The average parent educational level was 12th grade in Greenville, Quinlan, and Commerce. 137 of the parents reported their educational level as follows: 37 completed 9th grade or less; 6 completed 10th grade; 21 completed 11th grade; 60 graduated from high school. Eighteen had some college courses or advanced training while 3 had a college degree or advanced training certification.
Sixty four of the parents were employed. Those who were employed were employed as day care centers, custodians, retail businesses, fast food establishments, bookkeeping, carpentry, home health care, farming, landscaping, and factory work. Ninety were unemployed. Those employed worked in the areas of retail sales, self-employment, health care, plumbing, manufacturing, saddlery and harness business, electrical work, fast food, maintenance, restaurant establishments, construction, auctioneer, food services, ranching and yard work. In reviewing the applications, it was found that Hispanic fathers often did not list their place of employment.
Applications indicated that 73 percent of the Commerce families were renting their home; less than 1 percent lived with family; and 23 percent lived in either public or university housing. In Quinlan 20 percent were buying their home; 41 percent were renting; and less than 1 percent lived in public housing. No data was available for the remainder of the families in Quinlan. In Greenville 41 percent of the families were renting their home; 16 percent were buying their home, 17 percent were living with either family or other persons. The remainder of the families did not provide this information on their applications.
.
Family Compositions & Ages of Children*
*Data obtained from Head Start applications for 2012-2013.

	Single Parent	Both Parents	Grandparents	Total Number of Children in Families	Age Range of Children
TOTALS	56	69	2	408	Infant-18 years

Program Classes & Staff
Creative partnerships exist with the school districts served by Head Start. Each district is committed to paying a sizable portion of the Head Start employees’ salaries.
The total number of classes operated by Hunt County Head Start is 18. Site distribution of classes is Greenville 14; Commerce 2; and Quinlan 2. Classes are seven hours per day, five days a week, center-based classes located in the school districts. Transportation is provided by the school districts and parents. In 2011-2012 66 children were transported by school buses to the various programs.
The management staff have baccalaureate and/or advanced degrees with the exception of the Health Services Coordinator who has an associates’ degree.
The Family Services Coordinator is assisted by three Family Service Workers...one located at each program site. She is also the transition coordinator who oversees parent/staff transition training, transition packets; and Transition Day activities. Each Family Services staff person is responsible for providing parent meetings and parent training opportunities as well as collaboration with community agencies in order to increase services available to the children and families.
The Education Coordinator works to ensure that each classroom has a print-rich environment. Child Outcomes are measured through a local portfolio which tracks Child Outcomes progress on individual students and the program as a whole. In the portfolios the teachers place work samples, photographs, and anecdotal data to document student achievement. This information is also used to assess student needs for individualization. Student information is tracked in the Galileo database. The Education Coordinator analyzes student data related to Head Start Early Childhood Outcomes Framework, the Texas Standards for Early Childhood Education and school readiness.
The Mental Health program implements practices responsive to the identified behavioral and mental health concerns of an individual child or group of children and their families. Mental Wellness is promoted by providing group or individual staff and parent education on mental health issues. The program provides special help for children with atypical behavior and development. The Mental Health Coordinator is a master degreed licensed school counselor who is available on a regular schedule to coordinate these services and to obtain other mental health resources as needed.
The Disabilities Coordinator is also the Mental Health Coordinator. At least ten percent of the program’s enrollment opportunities are available to children with disabilities and their families. The needed services are identified and provided in coordination with the Special Education Department of each participating district responsible for providing special education services to the children.
The Health Coordinator is on-site daily at the Greenville site while the local school nurses serve the children in Commerce and Quinlan. The Health Coordinator works with the nurses at these two sites to see that services are provided uniformly throughout the program. Comprehensive health services are available to the children. Physical examinations, height/weight, vision, hearing, dental screenings, and immunizations are provided each child. These records are located in the individual child’s Head Start notebook as well as in the computer database. Referrals for additional medical services are made when needed. The Health Coordinator provides CPR/First Aid training to staff and parents.
All teachers are certified teachers and have at least a baccalaureate degree. Contracted staff have advanced degrees in their respective areas of expertise. There is ethnic diversity among the managerial and classroom staff. Fourteen staff members are proficient in another language other than English. Turnover among staff is low. Each classroom has a teaching assistant working with the children and teacher.
Classroom arrangements at each site consist of classes are blended Head Start/prekindergarten classrooms. Quinlan has two blended Head Start /prekindergarten classrooms while Commerce has two blended classrooms. Greenville has 14 blended classrooms. Funding is allocated equally at each site.
Hunt County Head Start has a Policy Council which meets quarterly. The Policy Council is made up of parents, community representatives, and members of the Greenville ISD school board who serve as liaisons between Policy Council and the Governing Board. Policy Council completes the duties as prescribed in the Head Start Program Performance Standards.

Service & Recruitment Areas
Service Area Map
Hunt County, Texas
Primary communities located in Hunt County are Greenville, Commerce, Wolfe City, Campbell, Caddo Mills, Quinlan, Celeste, and Lone Oak. School Districts located in Hunt County are: Greenville ISD; Commerce ISD, Quinlan ISD, Caddo Mills ISD, Celeste ISD, Lone Oak ISD, Wolfe City ISD, Campbell ISD, Bland ISD, Boles ISD, and Phoenix Charter School located in Greenville. There is also the Greenville Christian School in Greenville.

Hunt County Head Start Recruitment Area

The primary recruitment areas for Hunt County Head Start include:
Greenville ISD
Commerce ISD
Quinlan ISD.
Children who reside in other areas within Hunt County may apply to Head Start.

HUNT COUNTY HEAD START COMMUNITIES

Commerce Quinlan

HUNT COUNTY HEAD START SITE LOCATIONS
L.P. Waters ECLC
2504 Carver St.
Greenville, TX 75401
Commerce Elementary
FM 3218
Commerce, TX 75428
D.C. Cannon Elementary
315 South Business Hwy 34
Quinlan, TX 75474

Section II
Child Development and Child Care
Programs
Available to Head Start Eligible
Children

Section II
Child Development and Child Care Programs
Available to Head Start Eligible Children
There are eight child care centers and/or preschools located in Greenville; five child care centers and/or preschools in Commerce; and four child care centers and/or preschools located in Quinlan. Five of the child care operations in Greenville are registered Child Care Homes. In addition Greenville, Commerce, and Quinlan Independent School districts serve four-year-olds through the state prekindergarten programs and Head Start. Prekindergarten classes in Greenville, Quinlan, and Commerce are blended with prekindergarten and Head Start students in each class. Quinlan ISD offers half day preschool classes for three-year olds. There are two morning classes and one afternoon class. The Phoenix Charter School in Greenville offers classes for three–five year old children. Greenville Christian School and St. Paul’s Episcopal School provide classes for pre-kindergarten children. Private preschools are often unaffordable for low-income families.
The L.P. Waters Early Childhood Learning Center In Greenville houses 291 four-year old children who are served in the state pre-kindergarten and Head Start. 101 children are eligible Head Start children Two special education early childhood classes and one deaf education class are located at L.P. Waters. In Commerce, the Head Start classes are located in Commerce Elementary School and in Quinlan they are located in the D.C Cannon Elementary School. Children with disabilities are served on all three campuses.
Hunt County Head Start maintains the same hours as the school districts in which they are located; therefore, few Head Start children attend child care programs either before or after school. Three children were identified in Greenville as attending child care in addition to Head Start; eight in Commerce and two in Quinlan were attending child care centers before or after school. Children with disabilities are accepted in some child care centers in the Head Start service area. ECI works with some of the day care centers in Hunt County to provide cooperative services for children with disabilities.
Services to Head Start eligible three-year-old children are limited. Until 2010, there were three three-year-old classes located at the Greenville Head Start site. These were changed to 4-year-old blended Pre-K/Head Start for the 2010-2011 school year. The Phoenix Charter School serves a limited number of three-year-olds who would be Head Start eligible. In the past, children with disabilities being served by ECI would transition to Head Start as a least restrictive environment setting. This partnership is no longer available since closing the three-year-old classes, but recent discussions with GISD administration concerning reinstating at least one three year old class have been held.

SECTION III
CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES

SECTION III
CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES
According to Early Childhood Intervention data, PEIMS data from the school districts, U.S. Census data, and Hunt County demographics, there are 360 infants, toddlers and preschool children in Hunt County identified as having disabilities. The table below lists the numbers and types of disabilities of the 0-5 years old identified children with disabilities in Hunt County and being served through the ISDs’ Department of Special Education. The table of page 29 lists the disability categories as identified through the Early Intervention Program (ECI).
Children are indentified through recruitment, school districts’ Child Find, and referrals from parents, teachers, and other professionals. Special education services are provided to the children through Lakes Mental Health Mental Retardation Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) Program and the departments of special education in Greenville ISD, Quinlan ISD, and Tri-County Shared Services Program which serves the remainder of the school districts in Hunt County. The Preschool Program for Children with Disabilities (PPCD) classes are available at each site. A full range of services for 3-5 year old children with disabilities includes self-contained classrooms, itinerant services, integrated classroom services, and related services which are based on each child’s Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP) or Individual Education Plan (IEP).
Services provided by the Lakes Regional MHMR Early Intervention Program (ECI) to children from birth to three years old include developmental services; occupational therapy; physical therapy; speech/language therapy; nutrition services; and other services as needed by the child’s disability. All services are provided in the child’s home and in the primary language of the family. Disability classification of the children enrolled in the Infant Early Intervention Program (ages 0-3) are listed in the table below. Classifications are defined by Early Intervention Program criteria. *Developmental delay includes children with delays in cognition, fine and/or gross motor, social/emotional
development, expressive/receptive language development, vision, and hearing.
Due to the closing of the three three-year-old classes in Greenville, it is no longer for possible for three-year-old Head Start eligible children being served by ECI to transition into Head Start. Children with more significant disabilities are placed in the Preschool Program for Children with Disabilities (PPCD) classes or speech impaired children receive itinerant speech services when they turn three. A preschool class for deaf/hearing impaired children is available at the Greenville site.
There are twenty-one four-year-old children with disabilities being served by Hunt County Head Start during the 2012/2013 school year. Listed below are the sites where the Hunt County Head Start children with disabilities attend.
As noted in the 2010 Community Assessment, it was discussed that the Special Education “Response to Intervention Process” may have been unnecessarily delaying testing and support services. In 2012 a plan of action was developed in collaboration with the Department of Special Education which resulted in the referral process being simplified and shortened.
Twenty-two children with disabilities were served during the 2011-2012 school year.
The 2011-2012 PIR listed the following types of diagnosed disabilities of Head Start children referred for evaluation.

Eligibility Criteria	Greenville Sp. Ed.	Tri-County Sp. Ed Cooperative	Quinlan Sp. Ed
Auditory Impairment	4	0	2
Autism	3	3	3
Deaf/Blind	1	1	0
Emotional Disturbance	1	0	0
Learning Disability	1	0	0
Intellectual Disability	1	0	1
Speech	30	45	3
Other Health Impairment	3	6	5
Visual Impairment	1	0	0
Non-Categorical Early Childhood	8	2	0
TOTAL CHILDREN	53	57	14
GRAND TOTAL= 124

Auditorially/Visually Impaired	3
Atypical Development	2
Developmental Delay*	209
Medical Diagnosis	22
Total Children 0-3 years	236

Greenville	16
Commerce	3
Quinlan	2

Health Impairment	1
Speech/language Impairment	14
Hearing Impairment	2
Visual Impairment	0
Non-categorical/developmental delay	5
TOTAL CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES SERVED	22

SECTION IV
Education, Health, Nutrition and Social Service Needs
of Head Start Eligible Children and Families Determined by the Head Start Program

Section IV
Education, Health, Nutrition and Social Service Needs
of Head Start Eligible Children and Families
Determined by the Head Start Program
Hunt County Head Start has as a goal to provide quality child development services to eligible children. They have developed comprehensive school readiness goals and objectives which are correlated to the Parent, Family, Community Engagement framework which promotes family engagement and school readiness. Program content areas link these goals with plans of implementation for students and parents. Technology is used in classrooms through the utilization of Promethean boards and the Galileo database software. Galileo tracks children’s progress and needs through developmental assessment. Lesson plan development is based on individual needs of the children. It is correlated with the Head Start Outcomes and Pre-K Guidelines and helps determine the school readiness level of each student.
Education needs of eligible children are provided through the CLASS framework of instruction to the children. The Head Start Director and Education Coordinator are CLASS certified. All teachers are degreed, licensed teachers employed by the school districts. Each classroom has at least one instructional aide. There are seven bilingual classes serving the Spanish speaking students in Greenville.
A combination of education programs are used to implement the child outcome objectives. The Frogstreet Press curriculum provides the basis for classroom instruction in Greenville. Commerce uses the Scholastic Preschool Curriculum while Quinlan uses the curriculum provided by the Texas Circle Grant. Child Outcomes are documented through child portfolios and assessment of student progress. The Head Start children attend school from 7:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. five days a week and follow the school district calendar. Families have the opportunity to be involved in the lesson planning process through weekly Professional Learning Communities which allow collaboration betweens school and home on lesson plans. Each site uses a curriculum selected by its district. All sites use the same assessment system. Curriculum and assessment instruments are aligned to Pre-K and Head Start standards. Parents have a role in choosing and voting on the curriculum.
Hunt County Head Start Greenville site is participating in the Texas Literacy Initiative (TLI) which is to be funded for five years. The main goal of the TLI is to ensure that every Texas child is prepared for the literacy demands of college and a career by high school graduation. The initiative goals provide the means which increase the oral language and pre-literacy skills of participating preschool children. Skills taught the preschool children include letter recognition, syllables, and rhyming. Skills are taught in small group settings once a week.
LP Waters has a library on campus which allows teachers bring students to the library to work on literacy activities to use in their classrooms. Children read books and take part in literacy activities in the library.
Hunt County Head Start is a participant in the Texas Literacy Initiative (TLI). The main goal of the (TLI) is to ensure that every Texas child is prepared for the literacy demands of college and a career by high school graduation. Included in the initiative goals is the provide means which increase the oral language and pre-literacy skills of participating preschool children. Skills taught the preschool children include letter recognition, syllables, and rhyming. Skills are taught in small group settings once a week. Parents are an important part of the literacy initiative. There are two classes each week which teach English to the parents using small group and computer activities. Forty parents participate in these classes.
LP Waters has a library on campus which allows teachers bring students to the library to work on literacy activities to use in their classrooms. Children read books and take part in literacy activities in the library.
Hunt County Head Start is a participation in the Texas Literacy Initiative (TLI). The main goal of the (TLI) is to ensure that every Texas child is prepared for the literacy demands of college and a career by high school graduation. Included in the initiative goals is the provide means which increase the oral language and pre-literacy skills of participating preschool children. Skills taught the preschool children include letter recognition, syllables, and rhyming. Skills are taught in small group settings once a week. Parents are an important part of the literacy initiative. There are two classes each week which teach English to the parents using small group and computer activities. Forty parents participate in these classes.
Educational needs of families are addressed through monthly parent meetings and referrals to local agencies providing services such as ESL, GED, and college classes. Parents select topics of interest as well as Head Start selecting topics for parent meetings. Among those topics presented have been Pedestrian Safety; Fire Safety; Mental Wellness; Texas Health Steps; Father’s Reading Every Day; Reading to My Child; Women In Need; Child Protective Services; Transition to Kindergarten.
Educational needs of families are addressed through monthly parent meetings and referrals to local agencies providing services such as ESL, GED, and college classes. Parents select topics of interest as well as Head Start selecting topics for parent meetings. Among those topics presented have been Pedestrian Safety; Fire Safety; Mental Wellness; Texas Health Steps; Father’s Reading Every Day; Reading to My Child; Women In Need; Child Protective Services; Transition to Kindergarten.
Nutrition services are provided through coordination with the school districts’ food service departments. The 2010 self-assessment stated that children in need of nutrition consultation must be referred back to the family physician. Follow-up on these services is difficult due to a lack of a nutritionist available to consult with the families.

LP Waters has a library on campus which allows teachers to bring students to the library to work on literacy activities that can be later used in their classrooms. Children also read books and take part in literacy activities in the library.
Parents are an important part of the literacy initiative. The literacy initiative provides English classes for Spanish speaking parents of Head Start children. Classes are offered twice weekly using small group and computer instruction. Books are sent home with the parents so that they can practice reading English stories to their families. Sixty parents participate in these classes.
The TLI coordinator collaborates with the Greenville public library by providing literacy activities for three-year-old children in the community.
Other educational needs of families are addressed through monthly parent meetings and referrals to local agencies providing services such as ESL, GED, and college classes. Parents select topics of interest as well as Head Start selecting topics for parent meetings. Among those topics presented have been Parent Orientation; Volunteer Training; Child Abuse training; Pedestrian Safety; Fire Safety; Mental Wellness; Texas Health Steps; Father’s Reading Every Day (FRED); Reading to My Child; Women In Need; Child Protective Services; Transition to Kindergarten.
The 2011-2012 PIR indicated the following information regarding parent education. Of the total number of families, the highest level of education obtained by the parents was:

An advanced or baccalaureate degree	8
An associate degree, vocational school, or some college	5
High school graduate or GED	83
Less than high school graduate	65

Healthcare is of major importance to Head Start families. The 2011-2012 PIR indicated the following healthcare information related to the Head Start children and families:

Number of all children with health insurance	151
Number enrolled in Medicaid and/or CHIP	133
Number with private health insurance	15
Number of children with no health insurance	10
Children with an ongoing source of continuous, accessible heath care	151
Number of all children who were current on preventive or primary health care	152
Children who received medical treatment for chronic health conditions	19
Number of children who were current on all immunization for their age	160

Hunt County has two pediatric dental clinics and individual dentists who serve low-income preschool children; therefore, it has been possible for children to obtain needed dental care. A local dentist comes to the Head Start sites to provide dental screenings for the children.
Listed below is data taken from the 2011-2012 PIR regarding dental services.
Hunt County Head Start has a contracted mental health professional on staff who is on site a minimum of one day per week. She provides mental health consultation to program staff and parents; makes classroom observations; and serves as a liaison to the school districts concerning behavioral issues with Head Start children. Referrals for mental health services are made by the mental health professional. Eighteen mental health consultations were made concerning a child’s behavior/mental health. Four children were referred for mental health services. During the 2011-2012 school year the mental health professional consulted with teachers and parents regarding the behavior/mental health of eight Head Start students. Four children have been referred to mental health professionals. Hunt County has private mental health providers; a mental health hospital; and local agencies providing mental health services. Hunt County has adequate mental health services with one exception—there is a continued need for mental health professionals who speak Spanish. Counseling using an interpreter can be less effective than relating directly with the professional, especially in working with children.
Nutrition services are provided through coordination with the school districts’ food service departments. Menus are developed by the school districts food service departments. For the 2012-2013 school year Head Start contracted with a local nutritionist to identify needs, and consult with parents and staff. Assessment of the children’s Body Mass Index indicated that 143 Head Start children had a healthy weight; 4 were underweight; 5 were overweight; and 9 were considered obese. Follow-up of those not considered to be the normal range was provided of the nutrition consultant.
Head Start families receive referrals to local agencies which assist them with their needs. The Family Service Workers serve as contacts with the families and provide referrals and/or information based on the families’ individual requests. Funds are available for parents to attend conferences so that they have the opportunity to receive training to become advocates for their children. The Family Services Coordinator and Family Service Workers assist parents in goal setting and working toward those goals.

Number of children with continuous, accessible dental care.	151
Number of children who received preventive care	134
Number of children who received treatment	26

The 2011-12 PIR listed the following services provided by Head Start to the families through the family services content area:
Classes are being provided through the Texas Literacy Initiative.
The North Central Texas Workforce Commission has adult workforce training at no cost for employed and unemployed workers of all age, skill, and educational levels.

Emergency/crisis intervention such as meeting immediate needs for food, clothing, or shelter	0
Housing assistance such as subsidies, utilities, repairs, etc.	0
Mental health services	2

English as a Second Language training	60*
Adult education such as GED program and college selection	13
Job training	1
Domestic violence services	0
Child support assistance	3
Parenting education	60
Number of families receiving service under WIC	76
Number of fathers participating in father involvement activities	10

SECTION V
EDUCATION, HEALTH, NUTRITION, AND
SOCIAL SERVICES NEEDS
DEFINED BY FAMILIES AND COMMUNITY
AGENCIES

Section V
Education, Health, Nutrition and
Social Service Needs
Defined by Families and Community Agencies
Family Partnership Agreements (FPA) identified the following areas as areas of need:
Continuing Education * Counseling Services
Assistance with Utilities * Voter Registration
Transportation * U.S. Citizenship Classes
Legal Aid Services * First Aid Training
Affordable Housing * Parenting classes
GED training * Nutrition classes
Budgeting and Money Management * Home Safety
Discipline Strategies for Children * Domestic Violence Information
Food & Clothing Assistance * Dental/Medical Services
ESL Classes
Computer Skills
Affordable Child Care
Most of these identified areas of need can be met by local community agencies or through Head Start services. Many of the families identified no areas of family need on their Family Partnership Agreements.
Data provided by the Percept Group indicated that there are conditions which can contribute to placing an area at risk for community stress. According to their data, there are characteristics which are significantly above average in the 75401 zip code area of Greenville and which contribute to community problems such a households below poverty line, adults without a high school diploma, households with a single mother and unusually high concern about issues such as community problems, family problems, and/or basic necessities such as food, housing and jobs. Many low-income families reside in the 75401 zip code area.
Surveys were sent home to each family enrolled in Hunt County Head Start. Surveys were printed in English or Spanish according to family language preference. Of the 161 surveys distributed to the families, 105 were returned for analysis. This represents a return rate of 65% for the survey. Results are listed on the following page.

Eighty-six percent of the families responding to the Parent Survey indicated they were very satisfied with the Head Start program. They indicated that they felt that their child had been helped to get ready for school; that Head Start was a safe and clean place for their child; and that Head Start was providing their family with quality services.
In the surveys, eighty-three percent of the parents indicated that they received quality information through newsletters, the Parent Handbook, home visits and parent/teacher conferences, monthly calendars, and by flyers announcing upcoming events. Parents indicated that they were less knowledgeable of fatherhood activities. Sixty-seven percent of the parents stated that they had been informed about Policy Council, volunteering, and family activities. Seven of the parents mentioned that transportation was an issue ….both community and transportation to Head Start. This was more prevalent with the Hispanic families. Sixty-eight indicated that they had received quality information from the Family Service Workers. Eighty-two parents had been provided with information when needed and seventy-two of the parents felt they had been helped to define their own goals and plans.
The primary stressors affecting the Head Start families were employment, financial, marital/personal issues, and disabilities issues concerning their child.

Surveys to determine family and community needs were sent to fourteen community agencies serving Hunt County families. These agencies also partner with Hunt County Head Start. Eight (57%)of the surveys were returned. Results of the surveys indicated: (x= agency response)
Agencies responding to the survey:
Hunt County Children’s Advocacy Center
Texas A&M Agrilife
Greenville Adult Learning Center
Community Health Services Agency
Child Protective Services
Hunt County Shared Ministries
Raffa Clinic
Early Childhood Education Services
Agency strengths when working with low-income families:
Diversity of services available for families
Services provided in the home or community location
Case management for children
Health care for families who could not access other health care services
Help families manage their income
Obstacles for low-income families:
Transportation
Access to the families to explain services
Families unable to account for household expenses
Access to affordable housing
Getting parents to continue the services being provided
Community concerns:
Public Transportation
Specialty health care not available for low-income families
Mental health services for low-income families
Services for grandparents raising grandchildren
The Community Agency surveys indicated that Head Start and local agencies could collaborate more through:
Having space in the Greenville Head Start site so classes in GED and English could be held for the parents (Greenville Adult Learning).
Providing more referrals between Head Start and other agencies.
Referring parents to “Love & Logic” classes (Hunt County Children’s Advocacy).
Provide three-year-old Head Start classes for children who do not qualify for Special Education. (Early Childhood Intervention).
Allow agency to talk to parents about their services (Community Health Services).
Improved and continued communication.
Some of the agencies stated that Head Start was an important community partner with whom they had a good relationship.

Community Service Agencies Survey	Increase	Decrease	No Change
Average household income	x	xxxx	xxx
Number of low income families contacting your agencies	xxxx		xxx
Number of individuals of families slightly over your income guidelines	xx		xx
Number of multi-generational families you serve	xxxxx		xxx
Number of female head of households	xxx		xxxxx
Number of teen pregnancies	xx	x	xxxx
Number of licensed childcare providers			xxxx
Job availability in community	x	xxxx	x
Drug abuse in community	xxxxxx		xx
Low income housing availability		xxx	xxx
Homelessness	xxxxx		xx
Transportation needs	xxxxxx		xx
Services you offer	xxxxx		xxx

SECTION VI
COMMUNITY RESOURCES
&
TRANSPORTATION

SECTION VI
COMMUNITY RESOURCES
& TRANSPORTATION
Community Resources
Community resources are readily available to Head Start children and families. A resource directory is provided each family at enrollment. Referrals to community agencies are made as family needs are identified. Listed below are some of the resources available for children and families.

Emergency Services	Child Protective Services
	Adult Protective Services
	American Red Cross
	Crisis Center of Northeast Texas
	Hunt County Shared Ministries
	The Salvation Army
	Women In Need
Family Services	Child Care Management Services
	Habitat for Humanity
	The North Central Texas Workforce of Hunt County
	Social Security Office
	Telephone Assistance Program
	Texas Department of Human Services (DHS)
	Consumer Credit Counseling
Health Care	Glen Oaks Hospital (Mental health)
	Hunt Regional Medical Center
	Allergy Ear Nose & Throat Clinic of Greenville
	Greenville Community Health Center
	Hunt County Health Department
	Pregnancy Resource Center
	The Pediatric Clinic
	Pediatric Dentistry
	WIC

Community Resources (continued)*
*Additional community agencies are listed in the Hunt County Head Start
Resource Guide.

Education	Greenville Independent School District
	Commerce Independent School District
	Quinlan Independent School District
	Phoenix Charter School
	Greenville Christian School
	Mineral Heights Christian Academy
	St. Paul’s Episcopal School
	Paris Junior College
	Texas A & M University-Commerce
	Greenville Adult Learning Center
	Lakeland Academy
	Brookland Learning Center
Mental Health	Glen Oaks Hospital
	Lakes Regional MHMR Center
	Crisis Center of Northeast Texas
	The Family Place
	Individuals psychiatrists and psychologists
Transportation	The Connections
Job Training	North Central Texas Work Force of Hunt County
	Workforce Solutions for North Central Texas
Community Services	Greenville Fire Department
	Golden K Kiwanis

Transportation
The primary public transportation in Hunt County is through the Senior Center Resources and Public Transportation known as ”The Connection”. A state-designated Rural Transit district, “The Connection” serves resident of Greenville and Hunt County with demand response, curb to curb service for the general public. “The Connection” also offers subsidized and/or discount services for seniors, handicapped, and low-income residents. The reservation-based public transit services are available to all residents of Hunt County, regardless of age or economic status. Head Start families are eligible to use “The Connection” services as needed. Cost is minimal to use The Connection.
There Is no other public transportation available in Hunt County. Most transportation is through the use of personal vehicles. Information from the family data sheets indicated that seventy-one percent of the Head Start families had reliable transportation. Community agencies listed lack of transportation for low-income families as a community obstacle.
Head Start children are bused by the school districts to the schools and home if the parents request bus transportation. Transportation of Head Start children follows the guidelines found in the Head Start Program Performance Standards. Head Start children with disabilities are transported on special education buses equipped for handicapped students.
In order to assist parents with transportation to and from the workplace, additional low cost transportation is needed in Hunt County.
Information in the 2012-2013 Self-Assessment indicated that an important need is for additional parking for parents and staff at the L.P. Waters site in Greenville. Parents, children, and staff must often cross a busy highway to reach the school. This is a safety concern. An increase in the parking area on the school property would remedy the situation.

SECTION VII
SUMMARY
TRENDS
CHANGES
RECOMMENDATIONS

SUMMARY
TRENDS, CHANGES & RECOMMENDATIONS
Trends
There has been a continued growth of the Hispanic population in Hunt county, especially in Greenville. The 2007 Community Assessment indicated that there were 27 Hispanic persons in the Hunt County Head Start service area. The 2010 community assessment indicated that 12 percent of the population was Hispanic. The actual numbers of Hispanic persons is often under reported. The 2009/2010 PIR reported that 37 percent of the Head Start children were Hispanic. 2010/2011 Family Data Reports indicated that 30 percent of the Head Start families were Hispanic. The 2011-2012 PIR listed 40 percent of the Hunt County Head Start families as Hispanic. Head Start provides classes with Spanish speaking teachers; interpreters for parents, and materials printed in Spanish.
The total enrollment in Greenville and Commerce school districts has been impacted by the loss of industry in these communities and by the number of private and charter schools in the area. Development planned along the Interstate 30 corridor in Greenville is hoped to positively impact businesses and increase the population in the area. Included in the development is a water park and places for new businesses to locate.
.
Changes
Several significant changes have taken place since the previous community assessment was written in 2010. The change most affecting Hunt County Head Start was the lack of services to three year old children and their families. Enrollment was slightly down in the total pre-kindergarten program although Head Start is fully enrolled at its funded enrollment. Head Start no longer partnered with the Early Childhood Intervention program in transitioning three year olds into Head Start as needed. This gap in services resulted in parents with three year old enrolling their children elsewhere. If there were four year olds in family, they were enrolled at the same school as their three-year-old sibling. There are indications that this issue could change in the near future. Discussions with the administration of GISD concerning the three year old classes are taking place. Quinlan ISD obtained a grant which allows them to provide three-year-old preschool classes. These classes are not a portion of their Head Start program.
The issue of delayed referral, assessment, and services for preschool children with suspected disabilities has been improved through the collaboration of Head Start and the Department of Special Education. The “Response to Intervention” process was simplified and shortened thus resulting in more timely provision of services for the identified children with disabilities.
Since the publication of the previous Community Assessment, Hunt County Head Start has increased the use of technology greatly. Each classroom at all three sites use Promethean board as part of their instruction. Galileo data collections software is used throughout the program. IPads are provided for all staff in Greenville, Commerce, and Quinlan and each student in Commerce has an IPad to use.
Funding is allocated equally at each of the Head Start sites.
A nutrition consultant to provide assessment and parent consultation has been added to the Head Start staff. This resulted from a recommendation from the last community assessment and program self-assessments.
At the L.P. Waters site, a full-time nurse is available to take care of health needs. With increased staff time available, student health records have been included in the Head Start student folders.
The Greenville site also reports more father participation. Specific fatherhood activities include FRED (Fathers Reading Every Day) and a Father-Daughter dance.
Hunt County Head Start had a Triennial Monitoring Visit in 2011-2012. The program was found to be in full compliance with all applicable Head Start Performance Standards, regulations and policy requirements. The monitoring team stated that the technology used was a definite strength of the program.
Beginning with the 2013-2014 school year, Head Start will have access to an automated telephone system which gives messages in English and Spanish regarding important information such as parent meetings, school closures, etc.
Information from the community surveys indicated that areas of change included an increase in the number of families requesting their services and a decrease in job availability in the community; a decrease in the availability of low-income housing and in average household income. More grandparents are raising their grandchildren and have need of services available to them.

Recommendations/Goals
Reinstate the three year old classes or a combination of three/four year old classes.
Continue to collaborate with Early Childhood Intervention and Special Education on how best to meet the needs of three year old children with disabilities.
Based on the need addressed in the transportation section, Head Start and GISD should discuss further the possibility of additional parking at the L.P. Waters site.
Plan ways in which parent participation in parent meetings can be increased at all sites.
Continue efforts to increase fathers’/significant males’ participation in their child’s growth and development.
Discuss with mental health agencies the need for Spanish speaking mental health providers.
Dialog with community agencies desiring further collaboration with Head Start.
Encourage purchase of IPADs and additional technology at the Quinlan site.

SECTION VIII
DATA SOURCES

DATA SOURCES
Information found in the Community Assessment was obtained from the following sources:
Commerce Chamber of Commerce Publication
Community Partner Surveys
Coordinator Reports
ECLKE Site Locator
Enrollment Records
Family Data Sheets
Family Partnership Agreements
Greenville Chamber of Commerce Publication
Greenville Herald Banner Newspaper
Hunt County Senior Center Resources and Public Transit
Hunt Regional Healthcare-Medical Services Data
Hunt County Head Start 2011-2012 Annual Report
ISD Special Education Data
KIDS COUNT Data Center
Lakes Regional MHMR Early Childhood Intervention Program Data
Management Staff Interviews
Metroprofiles/Dallas-Hunt County Synopsis
Parent, Family, Child Engagement Goals & Objectives
Parent Surveys
Percept Group Community Demographics
Program Information Report
Texas Department of Family and Protective Services Child Care Facilities
Texas-KIDS COUNT Data Center
Texas State Historical Association
Texas Education Agency
Texas Literacy Initiative
U.S. Census Bureau
Zipskinny Demographic Information

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