Dr. Deneen Guss, County Superintendent of Schools
Program Services
In This Section
Why Early Learning?
The Monterey County Office of Education's Early Learning Program is based on the premise that children share common needs, and that children from low-income families in particular can benefit from a comprehensive developmental program to meet those needs. The Early Learning Program is a family oriented, comprehensive, and community based program to address developmental goals for children, support for parents in their work and child-rearing roles, and linkage with other service delivery systems.
- Child Development Services
- Mental Health and Disability Services
- Health & Safety Services
- Food & Nutrition Services
- Family Engagement & ERSEA
- Fiscal
- Management Systems
- Personnel
- Technology
- Inclusive Early Education & Expansion Program
Child Development Services
Child Development Services Coordinator
Early Development
Early Learning Performance Standards require that the early childhood classroom be developmentally and culturally appropriate for children and for families enrolled. The program must implement a research based curriculum to provide engaging interactions and environments. In addition, the program must asses children's skills ongoing data collection three times during the year. Parent education activities are provided to help families support their children's development and education.
Practice-Based Coaching
Program provides Practice Based Coaching (PBC) to all teaching staff positions. PBC is a professional development strategy that uses a cyclical process. This process supports teachers' use of effective teaching practices that lead to positive outcomes for children. PBC occurs in the context of self-reflection, collaborative partnerships, goal setting and action planning.
Mental Health and Disability Services
Special Needs Coordinator
Disabilities Services:
Children with diverse needs are always welcome at the Early Learning Program. We serve children with disabilities throughout the County in partnership with MCOE Special Education and with the local school districts. This ensures children with special needs have the opportunity to receive educational services at regular Early Learning classrooms with the appropriate support according to their specific needs. A minimum of 10% of all children enrolled must be children with a diagnosed disability.
The teachers perform multiple developmental screenings and assessments periodically during the year for early detection of any developmental concerns to potentially consider outside referrals. The Special Needs Coordinator ensures that every child with a diagnosed disability has an Individualized Education Program that covers the child's needs and that services are provided in a regular and timely manner. We encourage parent participation in the development of the Individualized Education Program and help the parents to become advocates and partners in the provision of services for their children.
Mental Health Services:
The Early Learning Program understands the value of nurturing the social and emotional development of children. The program uses the California Teaching Pyramid Framework which focuses on building strong adult-child relationships, supports social and emotional development, prevention of challenging behaviors, and promotes a sense of belonging for all the children. Our staff are trained on this model and on how to identify signs of childhood trauma.
The mental health of children and the adults that care for them is essential for school readiness, the program is committed to meeting the specific social- emotional needs of each family and child. Our teaching practices consider the diverse experiences and challenges of each family. Mental health consultation aims to support staff, families, and programs to prevent, identify, reduce the impact of mental health problems among children. A licensed mental health clinician is available to staff and families for consultation and support to address challenges to a child's positive learning experience. The mental health consultant partners with staff and families in identifying the mental health supports needed for the child's social and emotional wellbeing.
Health & Safety Services
Health & Safety Services Coordinator
The Early Learning Program takes pride in providing high-quality health, oral health, mental health, and nutrition services that are developmentally, culturally, and linguistically appropriate and that will support each child's growth and school readiness. In addition, we establish and maintain a Health Services Advisory Committee that includes Head Start parents, professionals, and other volunteers from the community. Health services follow up include support from Teaching Staff, Health & Family Services Specialists, Compliance Monitors and Health & Safety Coordinator in the area of: Physicals, Dentals, Immunizations, Health Care Plans, Special Health Accommodations, Medical/Dental Insurance, and Special Health Projects.
Our team's goal is to:
- Evaluating each child's special medical concerns.
- Help families find doctors and dentists, as well as other health specialists and community health organizations.
- Answer questions about health insurance.
- Provide classroom support for children with special medical needs.
- Analyze information on recent medical and dental visits and provide referrals as necessary.
- Remind families about upcoming exams and overdue appointments.
Health & Safety Advisory Committee
Brings together staff, parents, and local healthcare providers to talk about the planning, operation and evaluation of the health, nutrition, and mental health services. This committee meets twice a year. If you are interested in joining the Health Advisory Committee, please contact our Health and Safety Services Coordinator.
Food & Nutrition Services
Food Services & Technology Coordinator
Food and Nutrition Services
Early Learning's child nutrition services assists families in meeting each child's nutritional needs while establishing good eating habits that nurture healthy development and promote life-long well-being. We ensure that menus reflect cultural and ethnic preferences and comply with Early Learning, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and Health and Human Services recommendations and requirements.
Our team reviews each child's individual Growth Assessment and offer opportunities to discuss individual nutritional status with families to assist children who are under or over weight.
Non-Discrimination Statement
In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident.
Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible Agency or USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.
To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at How to File a Program Discrimination Complaint and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: (1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; (2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or (3) email: program.intake@usda.gov.
USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.
Nutrition Services Committee
Brings together staff and parents to plan out cycle menus that are healthy, culturally diverse, and include a variety of fruits and vegetables. This committee meets three times per year. If you are interested in joining the Nutrition Services Committee, please contact our Food Services Coordinator.
Technology Services
Our technology services ensures that all staff and students are familiar with technology use by providing items to each site that is available to use throughout the day. We work closely with MCOE's IT Department to provide ongoing training opportunities and technical support to all staff and families, as needed.
Stay up-to-date with events and activities going on in our program by following us on social media!
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Family Engagement & ERSEA
Family Engagement
Community Engagement
Our community partnerships help to complete and complement the quality services which Early Learning provides. All Early Learning programs are funded 80% by the federal government to provide services to children and families. Each Early Learning program is required to generate 20% matching non-federal funds in in-kind contributions. This means we rely on donated services from local community members and partner organizations.
Family Engagement
All participating families develop a personal Family Partnership Agreement with assistance from Family Services Advocates. This agreement describes family goals, responsibilities, timetables, and strategies for achieving these goals, as well as tracking progress in achieving them. This collaborative partnership occurs early in the enrollment process and builds mutual trust over time. An initial home visit begins the relationship with each Early Learning family. Teachers and Family Services Advocates jointly visit the home of all enrolled families to begin an assessment of their needs. Early Learning coordinates with other programs to support the accomplishment of goals in their pre-existing plan.
Eligibility and Enrollment
Head Start & California State Preschool Program slots are available to eligible families in Monterey County. Income eligibility is based on Federal and/or State Poverty Guidelines. Services provided to children 3-5 years old, including children with disabilities. Children DO NOT need to be potty-trained. Apply now!
Note: Transportation is NOT provided by the Monterey County Office of Education Early Learning Program. See the transportation section of the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
How to Apply
1) Gather required documents to determine eligibility, application cannot be processed without the following: Proof of ALL household income for past 12 months (Previous year 1040 forms, W2s, check stubs, TANF (cash aid)/Passport to Services report, unemployment, child support, and disability pay stubs.) Child's immunization record Child's birth certificate Child's Medi-Cal or insurance card (if applicable) Health Questionnaire Form (included in application packet) Residency Questionnaire Form (included in application packet)
2) Fill out an Online Application: Fill out our Online Application now by clicking the links below! We will contact you to complete the application process after you submit your online application: English / Español Or Print/Download Application: Print or Download the Application in English or Español / For Greenfield and King City in English or Español Printed: scan and email it along with supporting documents to headstartapp@montereycoe.org Downloaded: save the attachment and email it along with supporting documents to headstartapp@montereycoe.org
3) Mailing Instructions: Mail all documents to: MCOE Early Learning Program 901 Blanco Circle Salinas, CA 93912-0851 Or submit to your nearest Early Learning Program Center Or email to: headstartapp@montereycoe.org 4) We will contact you after we process your application to inform you of the eligibility status. Health Note: Before children can start class in the Early Learning Program, each child must be up to date on health care. On the first day of school, please bring: A copy of your child's current physical exam and results of a TB risk assessment completed by your child's doctor.
If you need assistance or have any questions regarding the application, please call: 831.784.4172 or 831.755.0350 or toll free 1.888.973.2800
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
What are the age and income requirements?
Children need to be 3-4 years old, or turn 3 by September 1st. We prioritize lower income families but may serve families who are over-income (we can only serve a limited amount of these families).
What are the income guidelines?
For Head Start: https://aspe.hhs.gov/poverty-guidelines
For California State Preschool Program: https://www.cde.ca.gov/sp/cd/ci/mb1903.asp
Do children need to be potty trained?
No, we support families and children achieve this goal.
Am I required to volunteer?
No, however, we strongly encourage family involvement and engagement.
Do both parents need to work to be eligible?
For Head Start no, although for extended day sites, family needs will be a factor. For California State Preschool Program only sites, if one or both parents are not employed, a requirement is to show need for childcare services and looking for a job will suffice, we will ask for documentation of this.
Is my child's transportation provided?
Transportation is NOT provided by the Monterey County Office of Education Early Learning Program. Other options families may use include the Public Transportation Agencies including the Monterey Salinas Transit Agency. Monterey County Office of Education Early Learning Program may enroll up to 10% of families who are over the income guidelines based on needs such as children with disabilities. Enrollment will be selected based on the criteria point system.
Fiscal
Accountant
The Monterey County Office of Education - Early Learning Program Fiscal Services is responsible for the fiscal oversight and maintaining of the finances of the Early Learning Program. This oversight ensures fiscal integrity, fiscal compliance and solvency of the program. It also ensures compliance with the Head Start Performance Standards as outlined by Title 45 CFR, Part 75 regulation as well as Monterey County Office of Education Finance & Business Procedures.
Management Systems
The Early Learning Program, Management Systems Coordinator contributes to developing sustainable systems that ensures all children have access to clean, safe, and functional facilities. The maintenance and custodial department ensures compliance with the Head Start Performance Standards, Title 22, Title 5 and all other applicable laws and regulations. Additional functions of the Management Systems Coordinator include develops policies and procedures to support all service areas, prepares bid announcements for repairs and improvements of Early Learning facilities, project management and data software administration. Supports the IEEEP grant partners with facilities improvement and implementing data systems.
Personnel
Personnel Coordinator
Junnue Zarrouk
School:
831-783-5019 ext. 1449
Junnue Partida-Cook has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the University of California, Santa Cruz. Her previous professional experience includes working as a group home live-in support staff and mentor to homeless pregnant women in Santa Cruz. She also served as a High School Truancy Program Manager, District Migrant Program Coordinator, District Data and Assessment Coordinator, and MCOE Program Coordinator with the Head Start/Early Learning Program.
Junnue grew up in the Salinas Valley and attended neighborhood public schools. She shared a few of her personal hobbies and interest, "I enjoy hiking, reading, and spending time with family and friends."
The Early Learning Program Personnel Service Area maintains the Early Learning Program personnel records, assuring compliance with Head Start Performance Standards, Title 22, Title 5 and all other applicable laws and regulations. Additional functions of the service area include: recruit and onboard new staff, establish and maintain collaborative community partnerships, and plan for staff professional growth opportunities.
Click here for a list of current ELP Department vacancies
Technology
Devices and Support
Our Food Services and Technology Coordinator oversees device needs and support for our program staff and students. We promote familiarity with technology use by providing items to each site to have available to use throughout the day. While working closely with MCOE's IT Department to provide ongoing training opportunities and technical support to all staff and families, as needed.
Staff needing a new or updated device and accessories should complete a request via our internal google form.
Staff having technical issues with devices and software should contact our technology department and notify our coordinator to support and follow up.
Stay up-to-date with events and activities going on in our program by following us on social media!
Click here to follow us on Instagram
Click Here to follow up on Facebook
ChildPlus and Learning Genie
Our Management Systems Coordinator is the administrator for ChildPlus and Learning Genie software.
Staff needing support with software should contact our coordinator for support and follow up. Reasons to contact support:
1. Reset username and password
2. Update Staff Site Assignment
3. Training Resources & Learning Library
4. Technical Assistance
5. Annual Setup
6. Module Design
Inclusive Early Education & Expansion Program
What We Are
Welcome! We are the Monterey County Inclusive Early Education & Expansion Program (IEEEP). Our goal is to foster a high-quality inclusive environment for students and their families across our Consortium districts and sites. Our Consortium serves the Monterey County Office of Education Early Learning Program, Hartnell College Child Development Center, Gonzales Unified School District, Greenfield Union School District, and Salinas City Elementary School District. We will provide resources for parents, teachers, districts, and staff to better support the diverse social, emotional, academic, and communicative needs of our young learners.
What We Do
Our mission as the Monterey County Inclusive Early Education & Expansion Program (IEEEP) is to provide materials, resources, and knowledge of best inclusive practices across Monterey County. We will be using the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) as the driver of our work. We collaborate with local educational agencies and community partners to bring awareness and resources to our early childcare families. Our intent is to provide services in the areas of facilities modifications and updates, adaptive equipment and materials, professional development, and family engagement.
Who We Serve
The Inclusive Early Education & Expansions program provides support across Monterey County. Our goal is to provide key resources, information, and access to all of our Consortium members and the communities they serve. We will be providing meaningful professional development and training opportunities for teachers, supplies and equipment for our children, updated facilities for our children, and additional resources for our families.
Professional Development Opportunities
Welcome to the Inclusive Early Education & Expansion Program Professional Development Opportunities. This is our hub of modules, reflections, and quizzes to fulfill the Inclusion Professional Development requirements. For each academic year, you will be provided with six modules containing a quiz and reflection, and must complete all modules to be eligible for the Professional Development stipend.
You must be a registered participant in the Inclusive Professional Development opportunity to be granted access to the modules. Only early childcare staff of our participating Consortium districts are eligible to apply. You can apply to register utilizing the following form:IEEEP Professional Development Application.
Professional Development Modules(Opens in New Window)
Facilities
Our plan as an Inclusive Early Education & Expansion Program Consortium is to repair and renovate current preschool facilities across our Consortium sites. The modifications we make will assist children with disabilities in increasing access to inclusive Early Learning and Childcare programs. We aim to ensure all of our preschool age facilities are inclusive of design features and of California building codes in order to increase inclusive classroom and outdoor play opportunities.
Adaptive Equipment
Our Inclusive Early Education & Expansion Program will purchase adaptive equipment to increase accessibility for children with disabilities. Staff will be trained on curriculum modifications resulting from the application and implementation of adaptive equipment. We plan to provide mobility aids, hearing aids, cognitive aids, computer software and hardware, tools, closed captioning, physical modifications, mobility devices, adaptive switches and utensils, and devices to support tasks such as cooking, dressing and grooming. Ultimately, we want to provide preschool children across Monterey county the appropriate tools and equipment they need to integrate into the preschool environment with ease.
Family Engagement
Family Engagement is a huge component of our Inclusive Early Education & Expansion Program. Our goal is to provide families the information and resources necessary to make informed decisions and support their children both in preschool and beyond. We will provide our partners with opportunities for parent trainings, workshops, and resources that empower our families. We will partner with local community agencies to expand our network of available resources and maximize the resources available to our families.