Community Needs Assessment 2014
Table of Contents I.
Introduction.............................................................................................................................................................................................................................1
II. Data Collection ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 2 A.
Overview of Service Area: Otsego County ......................................................................................................................................................... 2 1.
Geography.................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 2
2.
Economy and Employment ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 3
3.
Population....................................................................................................................................................................................................................7
4.
Poverty ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 10
B.
Demographic Makeup of Head Start Eligible Children and Families ........................................................................................................13 1.
Estimated Number.................................................................................................................................................................................................13
2.
Geographic Location .............................................................................................................................................................................................. 14
3.
Racial Composition................................................................................................................................................................................................. 16
4.
Ethnic Composition................................................................................................................................................................................................. 16
C.
Child Development and Child Care Programs Serving Head Start Eligible Children and Families ................................................ 17 1.
Universal Pre-Kindergarten................................................................................................................................................................................. 17
2.
Child Care Programs ............................................................................................................................................................................................. 19
D.
Children with Disabilities .......................................................................................................................................................................................... 22
E.
Education, Health, Nutrition, and Social Services Needs of Head Start Eligible Children and Families ................................. 22 1.
Education ................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 22
2.
Health ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 25
3.
Nutrition and Fitness .......................................................................................................................................................................................... 30
4.
Social Services ........................................................................................................................................................................................................31
5.
Needs Defined by Families and Community Institutions ....................................................................................................................... 32
F.
Community Resources to Address Needs of Head Start Eligible Children and Families ................................................................. 35
III. Summary and Recommendations ................................................................................................................................................................................. 35 A.
Head Start .................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 35 1.
Summary ................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 35
2.
Recommendations ................................................................................................................................................................................................... 36
B.
Early Head Start ....................................................................................................................................................................................................... 36 1.
Summary .................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 36
2.
Recommendations ................................................................................................................................................................................................... 37
IV. Bibliography ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 38
List of Figures Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 5 Figure 6 Figure 7 Figure 8
Figure 12 Figure 13
Industry Profile................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 3 Employment Status for Head Start and Early Head Start Families in Otsego County .................................................................... 5 Sample Average Price Data in the Northeast Region: 2008 - 2013.................................................................................................................... 7 Otsego County Population Trends: 2003 - 2013 ...................................................................................................................................................................... 8 Students Eligible for Free Lunch in Otsego County School Districts .................................................................................................................. 12 Percentage of Students in Otsego County School Districts that are Eligible for Free Lunch ...................................................... 12 Population of Children Who Were Age and Income Eligible for Head Start and Early Head Start: CY 2013.............13 Location of Children Who Were Age and Income Eligible for Head Start (Ages 3-4 and ≤ 130% Poverty Level): CY 2013 ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................14 Location of Children Who Were Age and Income Eligible for Early Head Start (Ages 0-2 and ≤130% Poverty Level): CY 2013 ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 15 Racial Composition of Children Who Were Age and Income Eligible (≤130% Poverty Level) for Head Start (Ages 3-4) and Early Head Start (Ages 0-2): PY 2013 – 2014 ....................................................................................................................................... 16 Ethnic Composition of Children Who Were Age and Income Eligible (≤130% Poverty Level for Head Start (Ages 3-4) and Early Head Start (Ages 0-2): PY 2013 – 2014 .......................................................................................................................................17 Location of Child Development and Child Care Providers in Otsego County for Children Ages 0 – 5: CY 2014 ......... 21 Disabilities Services Provided to Children Ages 0 – 5 in Otsego County: School Year 2013 – 2014 ................................... 22
Figure 14 Figure 15 Figure 16 Figure 17 Figure 18
2013 Kindergarten Transition Reports for Otsego County Head Start Children ...................................................................................... 23 Education Level of Head Start/Early Head Start Parents: PY 2013 - 2014 .......................................................................................... 24 Education Level of Head Start/Early Head Start Parents: PY 2006 - 2014 .......................................................................................... 24 Head Start/Early Head Start Parents Attending Job Training/School: PY 2013 – 2014...........................................................25 Conditions Which Head Start/Early Head Start Children Received Medical Treatment: PY 20013 – 2014 ..................26
Figure 19 Figure 20 Figure 21 Figure 22 Figure 23
Head Start Children with Continuous Accessible Dental Care: 2005 - 2014 ............................................................................................28 Early Head Start Children with Continuous Accessible Dental Care: 2005 - 2014 .......................................................................... 29 Head Start/Early Head Start Children Receiving Oral Health Care: 2005 - 2014............................................................................30 Top 10 Services Being Received by Head Start/Early Head Start Families: PY 2013 - 2014....................................................31 Child Care Demand in Otsego County: CY 2010 .................................................................................................................................................................34
Figure 9 Figure 10 Figure 11
List of Tables Table 1 Table 2 Table 3 Table 4 Table 5 Table 6 Table 7 Table 8 Table 9
Sample Annual Consumer Expenditures in the Northeast Region: 2008 - 2013 ........................................................................................... 6 Sample Average Price Data in Northeast Urban Region: 2008 - 2013............................................................................................................. 6 Changes in City/Village Population in Otsego County .........................................................................................................................................................9 Changes in Town Populations in Otsego County ...................................................................................................................................................................... 10 Poverty Estimates for Otsego County .............................................................................................................................................................................................11 UPK Programs Within and Around Otsego ................................................................................................................................................................................ 18 Capacity of Licensed Family and Group/Family Day Care Providers in Otsego County: CY 2013 ........................................... 19 Capacity of Licensed Day Care Centers in Otsego County: CY 2013 .............................................................................................................. 20 Mental Health Services Provided to Head Start/Early Head Start Children: PY 2013 – 2014............................................... 27
Opportunities for Otsego, Inc. Head Start/Early Head Start Community Needs Assessment 2014
I.
Introduction This Community Needs Assessment is presented in accordance with Head Start Performance Standard 1305.3(c): Each Early Head Start and Head Start grantee must conduct a Community Assessment within its service area once every three years. The Community Assessment must include the collection and analysis of the following information about the grantee's Early Head Start or Head Start area: (1) The demographic make-up of Head Start eligible children and families, including their estimated number, geographic location, and racial and ethnic composition; (2) Other child development and child care programs that are serving Head Start eligible children, including publicly funded State and local preschool programs, and the approximate number of Head Start eligible children served by each; (3) The estimated number of children with disabilities four years old or younger, including types of disabilities and relevant services and resources provided to these children by community agencies; (4) Data regarding the education, health, nutrition and social service needs of Head Start eligible children and their families; (5) The education, health, nutrition and social service needs of Head Start eligible children and their families as defined by families of Head Start eligible children and by institutions in the community that serve young children; (6) Resources in the community that could be used to address the needs of Head Start eligible children and their families, including assessments of their availability and accessibility.1
1
(Early Childhood Learning and Knowledge Center)
1
Opportunities for Otsego, Inc. Head Start/Early Head Start Community Needs Assessment 2014
II. Data Collection A.
Overview of Service Area: Otsego County 1.
Geography
Otsego County is centrally located in New York State, at the uppermost northern tip of the Catskill Counties. The county covers an area of 1,001.7 square miles and has an estimated population density of 62.2 people per square mile.2 It is bordered on the east by Schoharie County, to the west by Chenango County, to the north by Herkimer County, and to the south by Delaware County. It is located half way between Albany and Binghamton, each being approximately 65 miles. Otsego County is a heavily rural area with farms dotting the countryside. The two largest communities within the county are the City of Oneonta and the Village of Cooperstown. The City of Oneonta is home to two colleges, Hartwick College and the State University of New York College at Oneonta. The combined population of both colleges is 6,500.3 Cooperstown is home to the Baseball Hall of Fame. Baseball camps throughout the county along with several lakes and hundreds of miles of rivers and streams continue to attract tourism. Each year approximately 500,000 people visit Otsego County.4
2
(U.S. Census Bureau) (Otsego County Economic Development Office) 4 (Otsego County Economic Development Office) 3
2
Opportunities for Otsego, Inc. Head Start/Early Head Start Community Needs Assessment 2014
2.
Economy and Employment Typical of rural areas, Otsego County’s traditional economic base has consisted of agribusiness, farming and forestry. Recently, wholesale/retail trade, arts, entertainment, recreation, accommodation and food services, and professional, scientific, technical, management, administrative and information services form the majority of the county’s economy and source of employment as shown in the following chart. Figure 1 Industry Profile5 Educational services, health care, social assistance (12%) Agriculture, forestry, fishing, hunting, mining, quarrying, oil & gas extraction (1%)
11%
13%
Arts, entertainment, recreation, accomodation, food services (17%) 0%
Manufacturing (4%) 17%
23%
Construction (8%) 4%
2% 13%
8% 9%
Finance, insurance, real estate, rental & leasing (9%) Professional, scientific, technical, management, administrative, information (13%) Transportation, warehousing, utilities (2%) Wholesale/Retail trade (23%) Other (11%)
The high percentage of wholesale/retail trade (23.4%) in the county’s industry profile is only slightly higher than state and national figures of 20.9% and 22.9% respectively.6 According to The State of Working New York 2013: Workers Are Paying a High Price for Persistent Unemployment: Much of the job growth that has occurred has been in jobs that will make it hard to build a stable future for working New Yorkers. Trends have continued in which New York has lost tens of thousands of middle income jobs in manufacturing, construction and government, while most net job growth, in 5 6
(American Fact Finder) (American Fact Finder)
3
Opportunities for Otsego, Inc. Head Start/Early Head Start Community Needs Assessment 2014 New York as well as for the nation overall, has occurred among industries like restaurants and retail trade that pay lower wages. 7
Over 1,200 businesses are in operation within the county according to the Otsego County Department of Economic Development Office. Major employers include insurance companies, colleges, health care facilities, and retailers. A wide variety of products are manufactured in the area including communications equipment, integrated circuits, pharmaceuticals, transportation equipment, plastic and rubber products, and food and beverage processors.8 In addition to year-round employment, the tourism industry is a major source of seasonal employment in Otsego County. Attractions like the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, operas, national art exhibits, theater, concerts and outdoor activities draw over 500,0009 visitors that spend $134 million annually.10 Otsego County also features several lakes and hundreds of miles of streams which attract visitors interested in the outdoors. Summer youth baseball camps surrounding Cooperstown and Oneonta have grown in number and size, creating a large demand for seasonal lodging and food service. Otsego County’s labor force averaged 31,100 in 2013, which is an increase of 100 (0.3%), since 2003. The number of unemployed in 2013 averaged 2,200 (7.1%), which represents an increase of 700 (47%) since 2003. Between 2003 and 2013, unemployment increased from 4.9% to 7.1%.11 Although there has been an increase in the labor force, New York is experiencing a jobs deficit. While there has been a rise in available payroll jobs throughout the state, this number has been unable to keep up with the population increase. New York is currently faced with persistent, long-term unemployment. The average period of joblessness during the first half of 2013 was 37 weeks, which is above the national average of 33 weeks. 12 Unemployment impacts individual career goals and increases the potential for severe emotional, health, and social effects such as depression, divorce, suicide, cancer, crime, and alcoholism.13 Extended periods of unemployment in young adulthood increases the probability of future unemployment and decreased future earnings.14 High unemployment rates do not take into consideration workers who accept part-time jobs due to need, or those that 7
(Fiscal Policy Institute, 2013) (Otsego County Economic Development Office) 9 (Otsego County Economic Development Office) 10 (Otsego County Economic Development Office) 11 (U.S. Census Bureau) 12 (Fiscal Policy Institute, 2013) 13 (Fiscal Policy Institute, 2013) 14 (Fiscal Policy Institute, 2013) 8
4
Opportunities for Otsego, Inc. Head Start/Early Head Start Community Needs Assessment 2014
have become so discouraged by the lack of employment they have stopped looking. In New York State, the sectors that lost the most jobs were manufacturing, construction, and government, while industries that pay lower wages and will be unable to support a strong economic future, such as retail trade, have seen the most growth. The majority of Otsego County’s Head Start/Early Head Start families are working. As shown in Figure 2, only 22% of families were unemployed in program year 2013 – 2014. This number has remained relatively stable over the past five years, with a slight increase seen in program year 2012 – 2013 (27% unemployment rate). Moreover, many of the available jobs, which are in health care, social services, education, wholesale/retail trade, arts, entertainment, recreation, accommodation, and food services (52% of jobs in Otsego County), generally tend to pay less and have less comprehensive benefits than other industries. Figure 2
Employment Status for Head Start and Early Head Start Families in Otsego County15 All Parents Employed
One of Two Parents Employed
21%
20%
23%
27%
46%
49%
53%
47%
48%
47%
46%
43%
2009-2010
2010-2011
2011-2012
2012-2013
Parent(s) Unemployed
22%
52%
46%
2013-2014
There has been a 27% increase in the median household income in Otsego County from $36,439 in 2004, to $46,358 (estimated) in 2013.16 With a few exceptions, the overall cost of living has increased during that time period as well, as shown in the following tables.
15 16
(Opportunities for Otsego, Inc., 2005 - 2014) (U.S. Census Bureau)
5
Opportunities for Otsego, Inc. Head Start/Early Head Start Community Needs Assessment 2014
Sample Annual Consumer Expenditures in the Northeast Region: 2004-201317
Table 1 Item
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
Change
Fresh milk & cream
$143
$154
$146
$146
$163
$163
$154
$153
$151
$158
10.5%
Fuel oil & other fuels
$304
$356
$398
$429
$527
$516
$429
$456
$475
$462
52.0%
Natural gas
$537
$596
$640
$656
$690
$723
$672
$610
$550
$533
-0.7%
Electricity
$956
$1,043 $1,139 $1,225 $1,289 $1,304 $1,310 $1,326 $1,309 $1,306
36.6%
Health insurance
$1,272 $1,366 $1,445 $1,498 $1,646 $1,837 $1,923 $1,977 $2,092 $2,315
82.0%
Gasoline & motor oil
$1,271 $1,572 $1,836 $1,994 $2,233 $2,086 $1,845 $2,209 $2,506 $2,446
92.4%
Food at home
$3,470 $3,640 $3,554 $3,529 $3,806 $4,032 $3,977 $4,005 $4,077 $4,139
19.3%
Table 2
Sample Average Price Data in Northeast Urban Region: 2004-201318
Item
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013 Change
Flour, white, all purpose, per lb.
$0.34
$0.32
$0.34
$0.48
$0.57
$0.57
$0.54
$0.57
$0.57
$0.59
73.5%
Potatoes, white, per lb.
$0.52
$0.54
$0.56
$0.54
$0.68
$0.68
$0.61
$0.70
$0.74
$0.76
46.2%
Bananas, per lb.
$0.54
$0.55
$0.57
$0.58
$0.65
$0.66
$0.64
$0.68
$0.67
$0.65
20.4%
Tomatoes, field grown, per lb.
$1.85
$1.84
$1.92
$1.80
$1.94
$1.85
$1.86
$1.95
$2.00
$2.27
22.7%
Bread, white, pan, per lb.
$1.38
$1.45
$1.42
$1.62
$1.71
$1.73
$1.73
$1.63
$1.55
$1.44
4.3%
Fuel oil #2 per gal.
$1.91
$2.41
$2.45
$3.26
$3.77
$2.54
$2.92
$3.69
$3.72
$3.69
93.2%
Gasoline, unleaded regular, per gal.
$1.95
$2.21
$2.36
$3.10
$3.29
$2.60
$2.81
$3.59
$3.73
$3.59
84.1%
Utility (piped) gas - 40 therms
$60.09 $75.16 $68.69 $69.55 $75.63 $64.90 $61.89 $60.08 $55.34 $58.49
-2.7%
Electricity per 500 KWH
$62.53 $71.01 $76.94 $80.98 $85.86 $87.21 $87.03 $85.93 $83.56 $85.04
36.0%
While natural gas and utility (piped) gas have seen a price decrease in the past 10 years, other types of energy and food costs have been on the rise. Food prices continue to climb as a result of increased demand, reduced supply, and adverse weather conditions which impact crops. The increase in gasoline prices has been particularly difficult for rural upstate counties such as Otsego County where public transportation is limited and residents must travel greater distances to get to local grocery stores. In September 2014,
17 18
(United States Department of Labor) (United States Department of Labor)
6
Opportunities for Otsego, Inc. Head Start/Early Head Start Community Needs Assessment 2014
the Consumer Price Index increased by 0.1% after falling in August for the first time in one and half years.19 Sample Average Price Data in the Northeast Region: 2004 - 201320
Figure 3 $4.00 $3.50 $3.00 $2.50 $2.00 $1.50 $1.00 $0.50
Fuel oil #2, per gallon
3.
2013
2012
2011
2010
2009
2008
2007
2006
2005
2004
$0.00
Gasoline, unleaded regular, per gallon
Population The 2010 US Census reported Otsego County’s population to be 62,259. The two largest communities within the county are the City of Oneonta and the Village of Cooperstown, the county seat, with populations of 13,901 and 1,852 respectively.21 While New York State’s population has grown by 1.5% from 2007 to 2013, Otsego County’s population has decreased slightly: from 62,561 to 61,879, a decrease of 1.1%. During the same time period, the under 5 population has decreased from 2,691 to 2,617, a 2.8% drop, and the under 18 population experienced a drop from 11,784 to 10,856, a decline of 7.9%.22 School enrollment confirms that the county’s youth population has seen a decrease, with a 15.1% drop (2007 to 2013).23
19
(US Inflation Calculator) (United States Department of Labor) 21 (U.S. Census Bureau) 22 (U.S. Census Bureau) 23 (New York State Department of Education, 2014) 20
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Opportunities for Otsego, Inc. Head Start/Early Head Start Community Needs Assessment 2014
Figure 4
Otsego County Population Trends: 2007 - 201324
62,800 62,600
Population
62,400 62,200 62,000 61,800 61,600 61,400 2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
In addition to a declining county population, there have also been shifts in the city and village populations as shown in the following table. Over the past ten years, the city of Oneonta and village of Otego experienced the most population growth; 6.6% and 32.0% respectively. In terms of actual numbers, Oneonta gained 869 residents while Otego gained 318. All other villages showed a decrease in population with the exception of Cooperstown, Gilbertsville, and Unadilla which all grew less than six percent. Villages experiencing the most dramatic decreases were Morris, Cherry Valley and Laurens. Morris lost 127 residents causing a population drop of 22.7%, Cherry Valley lost 63 residents resulting in a decrease of 11.3% and Laurens experienced a loss of 29 residents dropping the population by 11.1%.
24
(U.S. Census Bureau, n.d.)
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Opportunities for Otsego, Inc. Head Start/Early Head Start Community Needs Assessment 2014
2012 Estimate
2011 Estimate
2010 Census
2009 Estimate
2008 Estimate
2007 Estimate
2006 Estimate
2005 Estimate
2003 Estimate
Village/City
2004 Estimate
Changes in City/Village Population in Otsego County25
Table 3
10 Yr. Change #
%
Cherry Valley
560
560
556
553
550
547
544
520
514
497
-63
-11.3%
Co o persto wn
1,932
1,931
1,922
1,912
1,904
1,893
1,884
1,852
2,138
2,030
98
5.1%
Gilbertsville
350
350
348
346
344
342
340
399
322
371
21
6.0%
Laurens
262
262
261
259
258
256
255
263
251
233
-29
-11.1%
M ilfo rd
490
490
488
485
483
480
477
415
447
481
-9
-1.8%
M o rris
560
560
557
554
551
548
545
583
493
433
13,069
13,190
13,230
13,204
13,246
13,001
12,957
13,901
13,890
13,938
Otego
993
997
999
992
990
982
976
1,010
1,189
1,311 318
32.0%
Richfield Springs
1,196
1,196
1,190
1,184
1,178
1,172
1,165
1,264
1,193
1,107
-89
-7.4%
Unadilla
1,066
1,065
1,059
1,053
1,048
1,042
1,036
1,128
1,016
1,080
14
1.3%
Oneo nta
-127 -22.7% 869
6.6%
Town populations have changed as well as shown in the following table. In terms of actual numbers, the towns of Oneonta and Pittsfield have experienced the largest increase in population (194 and 177, respectively); and the towns of Middlefield and Morris have experienced the greatest decline (-411 and -335, respectively). In terms of percentages, the towns of Burlington and Westford have experienced the largest increase in population (17.0% and 14.5%, respectively); and the towns of Decatur and Morris have experienced the greatest decrease (-23.1% and -17.8%, respectively). The increase experienced by the city and town of Oneonta may be attributed to the location of many of the county’s employers, including Bassett Healthcare Network (which encompasses one hospital and multiple health centers throughout the county), Corning, State University of New York College at Oneonta, Hartwick College, major branches for local banks, WalMart, and many of the lodging and food service establishments as well as easy access to the interstate and public transportation.
25
(American Fact Finder)
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Opportunities for Otsego, Inc. Head Start/Early Head Start Community Needs Assessment 2014
Changes in Town Populations in Otsego County26 2003 Estimate
2004 Estimate
2005 Estimate
2006 Estimate
2007 Estimate
2008 Estimate
2009 Estimate
2010 Census
2011 Estimate
2012 Estimate
Table 4
B urlingto n
1,148
1,152
1,152
1,151
1,146
1,145
1,141
1,140
1,371
1,168
20
1.7%
B utternuts
1,833
1,837
1,834
1,830
1,822
1,818
1,811
1,786
1,925
1,819
-14
-0.8%
Cherry Valley
1,289
1,292
1,288
1,285
1,279
1,277
1,272
1,223
1,200
1,259
-30
-2.3%
Decatur
428
429
428
428
426
425
424
353
357
329
-99
-23.1%
Edmesto n
1,865
1,869
1,865
1,861
1,853
1,848
1,840
1,826
1,928
1,867
2
0.1%
Exeter
983
985
983
981
977
975
971
987
885
898
-85
-8.6%
Hartwick
2,229
2,232
2,226
2,219
2,209
2,201
2,190
2,110
2,205
1,980
-249
-11.2%
Laurens
2,417
2,420
2,414
2,405
2,396
2,386
2,376
2,424
2,455
2,551
134
5.5%
M aryland
1,965
1,969
1,965
1,960
1,951
1,945
1,936
1,897
1,833
1,838
-127
-6.5%
M iddlefield
2,373
2,244
2,270
2,280
2,269
2,265
2,256
2,114
1,827
1,962
-411
-17.3%
M ilfo rd
2,935
2,939
2,930
2,919
2,907
2,895
2,880
3,044
3,036
3,035
100
3.4%
M o rris
1,885
1,888
1,883
1,878
1,870
1,864
1,856
1,878
1,506
1,550
-335
-17.8%
New Lisbo n
1,168
1,172
1,171
1,169
1,164
1,163
1,158
1,114
1,008
1,101
-67
-5.7%
Oneo nta
5,015
5,064
5,118
5,126
5,122
5,127
5,155
5,229
5,213
5,209
194
3.9%
Otego
3,178
3,187
3,185
3,173
3,162
3,147
3,132
3,115
3,127
3,109
-69
-2.2%
Otsego
3,890
4,073
4,084
4,071
4,047
4,029
4,012
3,900
3,911
3,895
5
0.1%
P ittsfield
1,349
1,353
1,351
1,349
1,343
1,340
1,334
1,366
1,581
1,526
177
13.1%
P lainfield
1,026
1,029
1,028
1,027
1,022
1,020
1,016
915
884
913
-113
-11.0%
Richfield
2,381
2,383
2,374
2,365
2,354
2,343
2,331
2,388
2,385
2,501
120
5.0%
Ro sebo o m
733
739
741
740
739
740
740
711
819
696
-37
-5.0%
Springfield
1,393
1,395
1,392
1,389
1,383
1,379
1,374
1,358
1,364
1,328
-65
-4.7%
Unadilla
4,521
4,527
4,512
4,496
4,478
4,458
4,434
4,392
4,411
4,384
-137
-3.0%
Westfo rd
820
822
821
820
817
816
813
868
796
939
119
14.5%
Wo rcester
2,233
2,236
2,229
2,222
2,212
2,204
2,193
2,220
2,415
2,400
167
7.5%
To wn
4.
10 Yr. Change #
%
Poverty The number of people living in poverty in Otsego County has increased from 2005 – 2012, including the number of children living in poverty under age 18. The percentage of the population living in poverty has increased by over 12% since 2005. During the same period of time, the category for children under
26
(American Fact Finder)
10
Opportunities for Otsego, Inc. Head Start/Early Head Start Community Needs Assessment 2014
age 18 increased by 3.6%, while the category for children ages 5 – 17 increased by 1.4%. The increase in the number of children under 18 living in poverty is especially noteworthy when you take into consideration the fact that the overall under 18 population has decreased 8.5% since 2005.
Table 5 All Ages
Poverty Estimates for Otsego County27 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 Change
Count
7,170 7,198 8,996 9,841 9,261 8,977 9,359 8,052
882
Percent
12.6% 12.5% 15.7% 17.3% 16.4% 15.7% 16.4% 14.2%
12.3%
Count
1,887 1,936 1,993 2,245 2,006 2,142 2,431 1,954
67
Percent
16.6% 16.9% 17.9% 20.7% 17.8% 18.9% 22.5% 18.3%
3.6%
Under Age 18
Ages 5 - 17 Count
1,265 1,306 1,274 1,526 1,308 1,438 1,587 1,283
18
Percent
14.6% 15.2% 15.3% 19.0% 15.6% 17.0% 19.6% 16.2%
1.4%
Looking within Otsego County, one indicator of poverty is the number of students eligible for free lunch (≤130% poverty level). During the school year ending in 2013, there were 2,166 students eligible for free school lunch in the 12 school districts within Otsego County, which represents almost 29% of the total school population. The following graphs show where these students are located in Otsego County and the percentage of eligible students in each district.
27
(Small Area Income and Poverty Estimates, 2014)
11
Opportunities for Otsego, Inc. Head Start/Early Head Start Community Needs Assessment 2014
Figure 5
Students Eligible for Free Lunch in Otsego County School Districts28
Worcester Schenevus Richfield Springs Otego-Unadilla Oneonta Morris Milford Laurens Gilbertsville-Mount Upton Edmeston Cooperstown Cherry-Valley Springfield 0
100
200
300
400
500
Students Eligible for Free Lunch
Figure 6
Percentage of Students in Otsego County School Districts that are Eligible for Free Lunch29
Worcester
40%
Schenevus
75%
25% 53% 47%
Richfield Otego-Unadilla
76%
24%
Morris
39%
Milford
32%
Laurens
36%
Gilbertsville-Mount Upton
36%
Edmeston
24%
29
61%
Not Eligible Eligible
68% 64% 64% 76% 83%
17%
Cherry-Valley Springfield
28
70%
30%
Oneonta
Cooperstown
60%
30%
(New York State Department of Education, 2014) (New York State Department of Education, 2014)
12
70%
Opportunities for Otsego, Inc. Head Start/Early Head Start Community Needs Assessment 2014
B.
Demographic Makeup of Head Start Eligible Children and Families 1.
Estimated Number According to the American Community Survey 5-year estimates, there are approximately 579 children under the age of 5 living in poverty throughout Otsego County.30 Using the agency database, it was identified that there were approximately 693 children who were eligible for Head Start (ages 3 and 4 and income ≤ 100% poverty level) and 757 children who were eligible for Early Head Start (ages 0 – 2 and income ≤ 100% poverty level) in calendar year 2013. The Head Start Reauthorization changed income eligibility guidelines and now allows for the eligibility of children up to 130% of the poverty level. This change has allowed for eligibility of an additional 115 children (ages 3 and 4) for the Head Start program and an additional 84 children (ages 0 – 2) for Early Head Start.
Figure 7
Population of Children Who Were Age and Income Eligible for Head Start and Early Head Start: CY 201331 Enrolled
Not Enrolled
800 700 600 500 400 300 200 100 0 Head Start ≤100%
30 31
Head Start 101130%
(U.S. Census Bureau) (Opportunities for Otsego, Inc. Agency Database, 2014)
13
Early Head Start ≤100%
Early Head Start 101-130%
Opportunities for Otsego, Inc. Head Start/Early Head Start Community Needs Assessment 2014
2.
Geographic Location The following maps show the location of children eligible for Head Start and Early Head Start in the calendar year 2013 in relation to the Head Start centers.
Figure 8
Location of Children Who Were Age and Income Eligible for Head Start (Ages 3-4 and ≤ 130% Poverty Level): CY 201332
13361 5/1 13439 31/5
13491 11/1 13485 0/0
13468 13333 0/0 1/0 13320 13/4
13457 2/0 13315 6/0
13337 6/1 13348 11/4
13335 13/6
13326 41/3 13450 4/2
13342 2/0 13810 7/1
13411 12/1
13807 9/1
13796 18/1
13776 13809 14/1 4/0
13838 9/2
32
13834 1/0
13808 18/6
13843 4/2
12155 21/4
13861 3/1
12116 19/2
13820 229/32
13825 33/10
13488 2/0
12197 21/3
12036 0/0
12064 8/1
12149 0/0
13750 6/2
Legend ≤101 - 130% Poverty Level
13849 59/11
13775 3/1
=100% Poverty Level
13859 2/0
(Opportunities for Otsego, Inc. Agency Database, 2014)
14
Opportunities for Otsego, Inc. Head Start/Early Head Start Community Needs Assessment 2014
Figure 9
Location of Children Who Were Age and Income Eligible for Early Head Start (Ages 0-2 and ≤130% Poverty Level): CY 201333
13361 3/1 13439 47/5
13491 10/0 13485 5/0
13468 13333 3/1 0/0 13320 21/3
13457 1/0 13315 12/1
13337 0/2 13348 15/4
13335 13/0
13326 44/6 13450 1/2
13342 1/0 13810 9/1
13411 19/3
13807 10/1
13796 19/2
13843 11/1
13808 22/0
13776 13809 4/1 4/0
13838 12/1
33
13861 3/1
13834 3/0
12155 16/3
12116 25/2
13820 239/21
13825 36/7
13488 5/0 12197 24/1
12036 1/2 13750 14/0
Legend ≤101 - 130% Poverty Level
13849 57/9
13775 6/1
=100% Poverty Level
13859 0/0
(Opportunities for Otsego, Inc. Agency Database, 2014)
15
12064 8/0
12149 1/0
Opportunities for Otsego, Inc. Head Start/Early Head Start Community Needs Assessment 2014
3.
Racial Composition Like many rural counties in the region, the 2013 U.S. Census Bureau estimates that Otsego County’s racial composition is overwhelmingly Caucasian (94.0%), with small Black/African American (1.9%), Bi-Racial/MultiRacial (2.5%), and Asian (0.9%) populations.34 The racial composition of the county’s Head Start eligible children follows this trend, with a slightly larger Bi-Racial/Multi-Racial population, as shown in the following graphs.
Figure 10 Racial Composition of Children Who Were Age and Income Eligible (≤130% Poverty Level) for Head Start (Ages 3-4) and Early Head Start (Ages 0-2): PY 2013 - 2014
Head Start
Early Head Start
[ G r Bi-Racial/Multi-Racial a 1% 0% 6% 1% 0% 6% 2% 3% b Asian y o Black/African American u 90% 91% r Caucasian r e Hawaiian/Pacific a Islander d e r’ 4. Ethnic Composition s a As with racial composition, Otsego County’s ethnic composition is not t particularly diverse. The population is primarily non-Hispanic/Latino (96.7%), 35 t with small Hispanic/Latino population (3.3%) . The ethnic composition of e similar, with a slightly larger the county’s Head Start eligible is fairly n Hispanic/Latino population. ti o n w it h 34 a (U.S. Census Bureau) 35 (U.S. Census Bureau) g r 16 e a t
Opportunities for Otsego, Inc. Head Start/Early Head Start Community Needs Assessment 2014
Figure 11 Ethnic Composition of Children Who Were Age and Income Eligible (≤130% Poverty Level for Head Start (Ages 3-4) and Early Head Start (Ages 0-2): PY 2013 – 201436
Head Start
Early Head Start
8%
7% Hispanic/Latino
92%
NonHispanic/Latino
93%
C. Child Development and Child Care Programs Serving Head Start Eligible Children and Families 1.
Universal Pre-Kindergarten Established in 1998, Universal Pre-kindergarten is a preschool education initiative implemented by New York State, with the intention to offer halfday (2½ hours) or full-day (5 hours) pre-kindergarten to all 4-year-old children in the state. According to The State of Preschool 2013: In the 2012-2013 school year, 103,347 children were enrolled, representing approximately 45 percent of the state’s 4-year-olds, restoring enrollment for 800 of the 1,000 slots that were cut the previous year. UPK slots are filled through district-operated lotteries…Districts must dedicate at least 10 percent of their funding to subcontracts with community-based organizations (CBOs), including Head Start, child care centers, preschool special education providers, and nonpublic nursery schools.37
As shown in the following table, of the 12 school districts that are located within Otsego County, 9 had UPK classes in the 2013 – 2014 school year, with a total capacity of 266 children. Among the 9 school districts that border or are partially located in Otsego County, 8 had UPK classes in the 2013 – 2014 school year, with a total capacity of 283. Thus, for the 21 school 36 37
(Opportunities for Otsego, Inc. Agency Database, 2014) (W.S. Barnett, 2013)
17
Opportunities for Otsego, Inc. Head Start/Early Head Start Community Needs Assessment 2014
districts in and around the county, 17 districts are implementing UPK with a total capacity of 549. This is an increase of 74 slots since 2011, which represents an increase of 16%. Table 6
UPK Programs Within and Around Otsego
Otsego County School Districts Cooperstown
Capacity 0
Cherry Valley-Springfield
24
Edmeston
17
Gilbertsville-Mount Upton
15
Laurens
0
Milford
19
Morris
21
Oneonta
86
Otego-Unadilla
0
Richfield Springs
30
Schenevus
18
Worcester
36
Subtotal for Otsego County School Districts Bordering School Districts
266 Capacity
Bainbridge-Guilford
36
Mount Markham
72
Charlotte Valley
20
Cobleskill-Richmondville
47
Franklin
16
Sharon Springs
20
Sidney
36
Unadilla Valley
36
Owen D.Young (Van Hornesville)
0
Subtotal for Bordering School Districts TOTAL
283 549
Oneonta operates seven part day UPK classrooms, two of which are run by Opportunities for Otsego, Inc. In some areas Head Start classrooms operate at different times from UPK so that they do not compete with each other for enrollment of eligible children 4 years of age. Oneonta School District and OFO have collaborated to provide families the opportunity for their children to participate in both programs. 18
Opportunities for Otsego, Inc. Head Start/Early Head Start Community Needs Assessment 2014
Certain school districts have decided to run UPK classes at the same time as the Head Start center or have expanded their services to encompass a full day of programming. This has had an impact on recruitment and enrollment at Head Start in these school districts. Head Start and UPK programs are similar in that both offer free services and focus on school readiness preparing preschoolers for a successful transition to their school setting. There are, however, several differences between each program. Head Start provides services to low-income 3 and 4 year old children that fall at or below 130% of the federal poverty guidelines, whereas UPK provides services without income eligibility to 4 year olds residing within their school district. Head Start in Otsego County offers part day programming. Transportation services are limited to those areas with the greatest need. In select areas in Otsego County, UPK is able to offer a full day of programming and transportation to enrolled children. While Head Start offers more to families in the way of social and supportive services, referrals to area resources and developmental screenings for enrolled children, it is challenged to compete with a program that can provide a full day of programming which appeals to working families and those without access to transportation.
2.
Child Care Programs Schoharie County Community Action Program is the Child Care Resource Center for Otsego County. The following information on day care centers and providers was provided by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services.
Table 7
Capacity of Licensed Family and Group/Family Day Care Providers in Otsego County: CY 201338 Capacity:
Type of Provider
38
Ages 6 Weeks - 12 Years
Family Day Care Providers
180
Group/Family Day Care Providers
108
TOTAL
288
(New York State Office of Children and Family Services, 2014)
19
Opportunities for Otsego, Inc. Head Start/Early Head Start Community Needs Assessment 2014
Table 8
Capacity of Licensed Day Care Centers in Otsego County: CY 201339 Capacity Name
39
Location
Infant
Toddler
Preschool
16
48
70
Bugbee Children's Center
Oneonta
Great Beginnings Preschool
Burlington Flats
0
0
30
Kids Unlimited Preschool
Oneonta
0
0
72
OFO HS Cooperstown
Cooperstown
0
0
20
OFO HS Laurens
Laurens
0
0
20
OFO HS Milford
Milford
0
0
23
OFO HS Morris
Morris
0
0
17
OFO HS Oneonta
Oneonta
0
0
54
OFO HS Richfield Springs
Richfield Springs
0
0
42
OFO HS Schenevus
Schenevus
0
0
23
OFO HS SUNY Oneonta
Oneonta
0
0
40
OFO HS Unadilla
Unadilla
0
0
40
OFO HS Worcester
Worcester
0
0
24
Oneonta Family YMCA
Oneonta
0
0
58
The Brookwood School
Cooperstown
16
41
66
TOTAL
32
89
599
(New York State Office of Children and Family Services, 2014)
20
Opportunities for Otsego, Inc. Head Start/Early Head Start Community Needs Assessment 2014
The following map shows the location of child development and/or child care providers in CY 2014. Figure 12
Location of Child Development and Child Care Providers in Otsego County for Children Ages 0 – 5: CY 201440
RICHFIELD PLAINFIELD SPRINGFIELD
EXETER
CHERRY VALLEY
EDMESTON
BURLINGTON
OTSEGO
MIDDLEFIELD ROSEBOOM
DECATUR HARTWICK
WESTFORD
NEW LISBON PITTSFIELD WORCESTER MARYLAND MORRIS
LAURENS
MILFORD
ONEONTA
OTEGO BUTTERNUTS
Legend Universal Pre-Kindergarten Class
UNADILLA
Non-HS Licensed Day Care Center Group/Family Day Care Provider Family Day Care Provider Head Start
40
(New York State Office of Children and Family Services, 2014)
21
Opportunities for Otsego, Inc. Head Start/Early Head Start Community Needs Assessment 2014
D.
Children with Disabilities During the 2013 – 2014 school year, the Otsego County Department of Health’s Division for Children with Special Needs reported providing services to 186 children ages 0-2 and 153 children ages 3-5.41 The following graphs display the breakdown of services that were provided to these children.
Figure 13
Disabilities Services Provided to Children Ages 0 – 5 in Otsego County: School Year 2013 – 201442
100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0
For the 2013 – 2014 program year, 10 Early Head Start children (6% of total cumulative enrollment) and 58 Head Start children (18% of total cumulative enrollment) were determined to have a disability. For the Head Start children, all 58 were diagnosed as non-categorical/developmental delay.43 (Note: Diagnoses are not provided for Early Head Start children.)
E. Education, Health, Nutrition, and Social Services Needs of Head Start Eligible Children and Families 1.
Education Head Start has collaborative UPK agreements with all school districts in which a center operates. As part of the kindergarten transition process for
41
(Otsego County Department of Health, Division for Children with Special Needs, 2014) (Otsego County Department of Health, Division for Children with Special Needs, 2014) 43 (Opportunities for Otsego, Inc., 2005 - 2014) 42
22
Opportunities for Otsego, Inc. Head Start/Early Head Start Community Needs Assessment 2014
Head Start children, information is collected from kindergarten teachers in October to assess how well Head Start children are adapting to their new classroom. The following graph shows the responses from kindergarten teachers for 2013. Figure 14
2013 Kindergarten Transition Reports for Otsego County Head Start Children44 100%
Percentage Yes Responses
90%
82%
82%
84%
65%
87% 86%
85% 78%
75%
80% 70%
91%
86%
72%
68%
65%
60%
85% 73%
68%
53% 44%
50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% IA
IB
IC ID
IE
IF
IG IIA IIB IIC IID IIIA IIIB IIIC IIID IVA IVB IVC IVD Statement
Category I: Language Literacy A Understands and uses an increasingly complex and varied vocabulary B Uses language to express thoughts and needs C Associates sounds with written words D Identifies 10 letters of the alphabet, especially those in their own name E Demonstrates beginning phonological awareness F Writes his/her name G Writes to convey meaning Category II: Mathematics A Uses one-to-one correspondence in counting objects B Compares numbers using terms such as more, less, greater than, fewer than, equal to C Uses number concepts and operations D Counts and connects numerals with their quantities Category III: Social/Emotional A Shows cooperation in interactions by taking turns, sharing; not overly submissive or directive B Accepts guidance and directions from familiar adults C Establishes and sustains positive relationships D Participates cooperatively and constructively in group situations Category IV: Approaches to Learning A Independently follows routines and accomplishes tasks B Is increasingly able to solve problems through active exploration, trial and error, and interactions with adults and peers C Attends and engages in activities D Is persistent when finishing a task
44
(Opportunities for Otsego, Inc., 2013)
23
Opportunities for Otsego, Inc. Head Start/Early Head Start Community Needs Assessment 2014
For parents, the following graph shows that 44% of parents have more than a high school graduate degree/GED in program year ending 2014. This is a significant increase over prior program years. In program year ending 2006 only 12% of parents had an education beyond high school. Figure 15
Education Level of Head Start/Early Head Start Parents: PY 2013 – 201445
10%
9%
Less than High School Graduate High School Graduate
34% 47%
Some College, Vocational School or Associate Degree Bachelor or Advanced Degree
Figure 16
Education Level of Head Start/Early Head Start Parents: 2006 – 201446
9% 10% 13% 12% 10% 18%
2013 - 2014 2012 - 2013 2011 - 2012 2010 - 2011 2009 - 2010 2008 - 2009 2007 - 2008 2006 - 2007 2005 - 2006
46% 46% 50% 50% 47%
34% 32% 26% 25% 28% 54%
22%
43% 41%
41% 50%
13% 0%
74% 20%
40%
60%
80%
Less than a High School Graduate High School Graduate/GED Some College, Vocational School or Associate Degree Bachelor or Advanced Degree 45 46
(Opportunities for Otsego, Inc., 2005 - 2014) (Opportunities for Otsego, Inc., 2005 - 2014)
24
10% 12% 11% 13% 15% 7% 15% 2% 5% 5% 7% 5% 100%
Opportunities for Otsego, Inc. Head Start/Early Head Start Community Needs Assessment 2014
The number of Head Start/Early Head Start parents participating in job training/school from 2006 – 2014 has increased 15%. “New Yorkers with less than a high school education have unemployment rates two to three times those of workers with a four-year college degree or better.”47 Figure 17
Head Start/Early Head Start Parents Attending Job Training/School: PY 2013 – 201448
5%
6% All Parents in Training/School One of Two Parents in Training/School
89%
No Parents in Training/School
2.
Health a)
Physical Health
For Head Start, approximately 14% (45 of 327) of enrolled children during the program year 2013 – 2014 were diagnosed as needing medical treatment; of those diagnosed, 100% (45 of 45) received medical treatment. For Early Head Start, approximately 7% (11 of 157) of enrolled children during the program year 2013 – 2014 were diagnosed as needing medical treatment; of those diagnosed, 100% (11 of 11) received medical treatment. The following graph shows the breakdown of medical conditions for the HS/EHS children receiving treatment.
47 48
(Fiscal Policy Institute, 2013) (Opportunities for Otsego, Inc., 2005 - 2014)
25
Opportunities for Otsego, Inc. Head Start/Early Head Start Community Needs Assessment 2014
Figure 18
Conditions Which Head Start/Early Head Start Children Received Medical Treatment: PY 2013 – 201449 60%
60% 50% 40% 30%
20%
20% 10%
18%
20%
1% 1% 0%
0% Anemia
Asthma
Hearing Difficulties
Head Start
0% Vision Problems
1%
0%
High Lead Levels
Early Head Start
The Otsego County Community Health Assessment, completed in 2013, identified the following areas of high concern for maternal/child health for the county:50
High rates of smoking among pregnant women High rates of dental caries among 3rd grade children Decreased percentage of mothers breastfeeding at 6 months
b)
Mental Health
Of the 327 children enrolled in Head Start for the 2013 – 2014 program year, mental health professionals consulted with program staff about 21 children (6%) and with parents about 12 children (4%).51
49
(Opportunities for Otsego, Inc., 2005 - 2014) (Rosenberg, 2013) 51 (Opportunities for Otsego, Inc., 2005 - 2014) 50
26
Opportunities for Otsego, Inc. Head Start/Early Head Start Community Needs Assessment 2014
Table 9
Mental Health Services Provided to Head Start/Early Head Start Children: PY 2013 – 201452 Mental Health Professional Services
# of Head Start # of Early Head Children
Start Children
Consults with Staff
21
4
Provides 3+ Consultations with Staff
5
0
Consults with Parents/Guardians
12
1
Provides 3+ Consultations with Parents/Guardians
0
0
Provides Individual Mental Health Assessment
16
3
Facilitate Referral
7
1
c)
Oral/Dental Health
In December 2005, Opportunities for Otsego, Inc. was one of 50 organizations in the country awarded an Oral Health Initiative (OHI) grant by the federal government. Established in response to the pervasive problem of dental access for low-income families, OHI sought to eliminate access disparities and to advance the oral health of all Americans, particularly those most vulnerable due to age, income, race, or special needs. The OHI grant continued for four years and addressed the significant shortage of dentists providing services to low-income children. The Oral Health Initiative grant came to an end in December 2009 but Head Start/Early Head Start continue to seek dental providers to deliver services to enrolled children. The Health Disparities Research Program has found that oral and dental conditions are among the most common health problems for low income individuals.53 According to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, “…less than one of every five poor children enrolled in Medicaid receives preventive dental services in a given year, even though Medicaid provides dental coverage for enrolled children.”54 There is a marked discrepancy in untreated dental caries (tooth decay) between those of high and low socioeconomic status. In Otsego County, 74.5% of children falling in the low socio-economic category have dental caries, which is drastically higher than the New York State rate of 65.8% (excluding New York City).55 Factors contributing to this are a significant shortage of dentists in Otsego County who provide services to children, and the retirement of the only pediatric dentist in the area in fall 2013. These circumstances have created a hardship for families living in the 1,003 square miles of Otsego County in accessing dental professionals who are specifically trained to provide treatment to children. 52
(Opportunities for Otsego, Inc., 2005 - 2014) (Health Disparities Research Program, 2014) 54 (Improving Access and Quality: Research in Action, 2003) 55 (Bassett Research Institute, 2009) 53
27
Opportunities for Otsego, Inc. Head Start/Early Head Start Community Needs Assessment 2014
Several successful collaborations with dentists outside of Otsego County have proven to be effective in providing children with much needed services. Our Head Start and Early Head Start programs provide transportation to families to assist with out of county dental visits. While these collaborations have opened doors to accessible dental care, there is still a need for dental providers in the area to ensure families have access to preventive and emergency services. In general, the number of children entering the program with access to continuous dental care has been increasing over the past few years, as shown in the figure below. The increase is most likely as a result of ongoing dental education provided to staff, parents and the community stressing the importance of dental exams by the age of one.
Figure 19
Head Start Children with Continuous Accessible Dental Care: 2005 – 201456
120% 100% 80% 60%
At enrollment At End of Year
40% 20% 0% 2005 - 2006 - 2007 - 2008 - 2009 - 2010 - 2011 - 2012 - 2013 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
56
(Opportunities for Otsego, Inc., 2005 - 2014)
28
Opportunities for Otsego, Inc. Head Start/Early Head Start Community Needs Assessment 2014
Figure 20
Early Head Start Children with Continuous Accessible Dental Care: 2005 - 201457
100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50%
At Enrollment
40%
At End of Year
30% 20% 10% 0% 2005 - 2006 - 2007 - 2008 - 2009 - 2010 - 2011 - 2012 - 2013 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
There has been an impressive increase in the number of children that completed dental exams in 2014 when compared with 2006. The number of Early Head Start children completing dental exams rose 50%, and Head Start children completing dental exams increased 11%.
57
(Opportunities for Otsego, Inc., 2005 - 2014)
29
Opportunities for Otsego, Inc. Head Start/Early Head Start Community Needs Assessment 2014
Figure 21
Head Start/Early Head Start Children Receiving Oral Health Care: 2005 - 201458 [EHS] # of Children with a Dental Exam 92% 76%
87% 79%
[HS] # of Children with a Dental Exam
92% 93% 90%88% 90% 89% 82%80% 78% 78%
87%
66%
31% 16%
2005 2006
3.
2006 2007
2007 2008
2008 2009
2009 2010
2010 2011
2011 2012
2012 2013
2013 2014
Nutrition and Fitness The New York State Department of Health reports that obesity has become an epidemic in the state and across the nation. “Among children ages 2-4 years, living in low-income families who participate in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) in NYS, 31.5 percent are overweight or obese.”59 It is estimated that obesity and overweight, currently the second leading cause of preventable death in the United States, will soon bypass tobacco to become the leading cause of death.60 Overweight appears to be more prevalent in girls and increases as children get older. Overweight is most likely a result of unhealthy eating and lack of physical activity. Habits and patterns of behavior are established early in life which is why it’s important to teach young children about healthy lifestyles that include nutritious meals and daily physical activity.
58
(Opportunities for Otsego, Inc., 2005 - 2014) (New York State Department of Health, 2013) 60 (New York State Department of Health, 2013) 59
30
Opportunities for Otsego, Inc. Head Start/Early Head Start Community Needs Assessment 2014
Head Start has seen a rise in the number of enrolled children with Body Mass Index (BMI) above the 85th percentile. A BMI of 85 – 95% is categorized as overweight and above 95% is categorized as obese. In Head Start, program year 2013 – 2014, 26% of enrolled children fell into the overweight/obese category.61 To address this issue, Head Start has maintained the “I Am Moving, I Am Learning” program. The goals of the program are to ensure moderate to vigorous physical activity every day, improve the quality of structured movement activities facilitated by adults, and promote healthy food choices.
4.
Social Services As shown in the following graph, WIC, Medicaid and/or CHIP, and SNAP services were in great demand by Head Start and Early Head Start parents, followed by housing assistance, private health insurance, and state funded insurance.
Figure 22
Top 10 Services Being Received by Head Start/Early Head Start Families: PY 2013 - 201462
69% 70%
68% 62%
60% 50% 40% 30% 16%
20% 10%
3%
11% 5%
0%
61 62
(Opportunities for Otsego, Inc., 2005 - 2014) (Opportunities for Otsego, Inc., 2005 - 2014)
31
3%
5%
16%
Opportunities for Otsego, Inc. Head Start/Early Head Start Community Needs Assessment 2014
5.
Needs Defined by Families and Community Institutions a)
Access to Employment
The geography of employment in Otsego County poses barriers for those without reliable transportation in obtaining and maintaining employment. Oneonta, the only city within the county, is the hub of businesses in the area. Although the addition of national chain stores has boosted the economy over the past few years, their location at the southernmost portion of the county has limited those living outside of Oneonta from seeking employment. Residents residing in outlying areas must travel on average 11 – 40 miles oneway to get to Oneonta, which is impossible for individuals without a regular means of transportation. Employment is also available in the Cooperstown area and northern border of the county, however, these employers usually require specialized skill sets. Seasonal employment also creates a unique situation for those in Otsego County. Outdoor employment and summer employment serving baseball enthusiasts and tourists are readily available; when the summer ends, however, these employees typically live on unemployment benefits which are not substantial enough to meet basic needs. According to the Needs Assessment Survey distributed by Opportunities for Otsego, Inc. in Winter 2014, county residents saw low paying jobs and the lack of full-time jobs with benefits as the biggest barriers to employment in the area.63
b)
Affordable Housing
The housing stock in Otsego County is old and often in substandard condition, posing significant challenges for those seeking safe, stable housing on a limited income. This dilemma is exacerbated by the presence of two higher education universities in the City of Oneonta and summer recreation programs tailored to visitors of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and surrounding youth baseball camps. Housing otherwise available to lowincome residents has been converted to more profitable housing for students from fall to spring and baseball enthusiasts in the summer. These factors have forced low-income families to seek housing away from Oneonta and Cooperstown and into the more isolated areas of the county, which are inadequately serviced by public transportation. Unfortunately, the lack of accessibility to public transportation often causes families to choose between affordable housing and access to employment.
63
(Opportunities for Otsego, Inc., 2014)
32
Opportunities for Otsego, Inc. Head Start/Early Head Start Community Needs Assessment 2014
According to the United Way 2005 Community Needs Assessment, the lack of affordable/quality housing was identified as the most prevalent and persistent issue to affect Otsego County over the next decade.64
c)
Availability of Transportation
Head Start provides bus transportation for as many enrolled children as possible. Due to the relatively large size of the county, increasing costs of maintenance and gasoline, and shortage of qualified bus drivers, it has not been possible to provide transportation to all enrolled children. As a result, some parents must self-transport their children either to the center or to a designated meeting point between their home and the center or their children cannot receive Head Start services. The high cost of gasoline and reliable vehicles has made self-transportation increasingly difficult for low-income parents. While public transportation does not exist in some areas, there is limited service provided between Oneonta and Cooperstown with stops throughout the city and village. Oneonta Public Transit (OPT) is the public transportation provider for the City of Oneonta and operates six in-city routes.65 OPT provides both fixedroute and paratransit services. Paratransit services are available to individuals in the city and town of Oneonta who can’t access the fixed-route buses and meet certain eligibility criteria. The regular adult fare is $1 for adults, 75¢ for senior citizens, 50¢ for (non-college) students, and $2 for paratransit services. In addition to these fares, there is a $1 fee tacked on to the regular fare if you board the bus outside of Oneonta city limits. Round trip fare from Oneonta to Cooperstown is $7 for adults, and $4 for (noncollege) students and senior citizens. The hours of operation for primary public transit are Monday – Saturday, from 7:00AM – 5:30PM.66 Otsego Express is a public transportation service managed by Otsego County. The county contracts with Birnie Bus Service to provide transit service throughout the county. The fare for an adult is $1, 50¢ for senior citizens, and free for children under age 6. The hours of operation for the 10 routes offered by Otsego Express are Monday – Saturday, from 5:00AM – 6:00PM.67
d)
Child Care
According to the United Way 2005 Needs Assessment, a survey identified lack of childcare as one of the top barriers to people in need who are unable to access services: 91% of respondents indicated the need for expanded childcare services, and 92% of respondents indicated a need for childcare during the work day (approximately 6:30 am to 5:30 pm).68 Respondents also 64
(United Way of Delaware and Otsego Counties, 2005) (RLS & Associates, 2011) 66 (Oneonta Public Transit, 2012) 67 (Otsego Express Public Transportation, 2013) 68 (United Way of Delaware and Otsego Counties, 2005) 65
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Opportunities for Otsego, Inc. Head Start/Early Head Start Community Needs Assessment 2014
stated that child day care must be tied to available public transportation and should be subsidized for those who do not qualify for subsidies from the Department of Social Services. Currently there are only 32 infant and 89 toddler licensed day care slots available county-wide. The Child Care Connection 2009 – 2010 Annual Report by Catholic Charities of Otsego and Delaware Counties indicates a high demand for child care that is not being met by licensed child care providers. Figure 23
Child Care Demand in Otsego County: CY 2010 941
1000 900 800
733
700 600
540
500
Available 404
400
Needed
208
300
Unserved
200 136
100 0 Infant
Toddler/Preschool
Following are some additional highlights from their assessments:69
The potential demand for child care in Otsego County continues to reflect that infant care is the most needed care. There are areas in Otsego County, especially in the northern part of the county that have no registered or licensed day care programs or providers. Parents who work or live in the same area in these parts of the county are forced to travel up to 20 miles one way to find regulated child care.
The Head Start Family and Child Experiences Survey (FACES) identified lack of child care as one of the top barriers interfering with parents’ participation in the program.70 Otsego County residents listed affordable, accessible, and
69 70
(The Child Care Connection, 2005 - 2010) (Head Start Family and Child Experiences Survey, 2012)
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Opportunities for Otsego, Inc. Head Start/Early Head Start Community Needs Assessment 2014
reliable care as one of the major challenges they face in attaining or keeping employment.71
F. Community Resources to Address Needs of Head Start Eligible Children and Families In partnership with Bassett Healthcare and Otsego County Department of Social Services, the Otsego Committee on Child Abuse and Neglect (OCCAN) published the most recent edition of The Parent HandyBook: The Parent Handbook of Otsego Area Community Resources in 2013. The book includes hundreds of resources organized into 12 sections: 1. Counseling, Listening, and/or Referral 2. Education, Job Skill Development 3. Energy Conservation & Emergency Energy Service 4. Food and Nutrition Services 5. Crisis Information - Family Support Services - Safety Net Agencies 6. Housing 7. Legal and Consumer Services 8. Services for Children & Adults with Special Needs 9. Medical/Dental Services 10. Youth Programs and Services 11. Transportation 12. Telephone Index
III. Summary and Recommendations A. Head Start 1. Summary
71
There has been a decrease in the overall county population over the past 10 years but an increase in the number of people living in poverty.
Due to the increasing cost of gasoline and lack of public transportation in outlying areas, it is difficult for families to self-transport their children to Head Start centers.
Due to the number of school districts that have implemented the UPK program, there has been a reduction in the number of 4-year-olds available for enrollment in Head Start.
(Opportunities for Otsego, Inc., 2014)
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Opportunities for Otsego, Inc. Head Start/Early Head Start Community Needs Assessment 2014
Health concerns for Head Start children and families include overweight and asthma.
The level of parent participation in education and job training has increased since 2006.
The number of parents with a Bachelors or advanced degree has doubled since program year ending in 2006.
Families have difficulty finding affordable housing in proximity to employment centers.
2. Recommendations The following courses of action appear to be justified at this time:
Explore the feasibility shifting funded slots to Oneonta locations to correlate to need and access to employment.
Continue efforts to collaborate with school districts that implement UPK to ensure that the needs of Head Start-eligible children and families are being met.
Continue implementation of the “I Am Moving, I Am Learning” program.
Identify opportunities to increase parents’ participation in education and job training.
Continue to promote affordable housing solutions for low-income families in and around major employment centers such as Oneonta and Cooperstown.
Explore home-based option to eliminate transportation barriers.
Continue to advocate for dental providers in Otsego County that will accept children and families with Medicaid.
B. Early Head Start 1. Summary
Implementation of UPK and higher gasoline costs have had little to no impact on Early Head Start enrollment due to the age of the children and the homebased configuration of the services.
The number of WIC mothers breastfeeding at 6 months has decreased.
Based on the information in Opportunities for Otsego’s agency database, the largest number of potentially eligible Early Head Start families is in Oneonta.
Cigarette smoking during pregnancy is a health concern in Otsego County.
Asthma is the chief health concern for Early Head Start children and families.
The level of parent participation in education and job training has remained steady since 2006. 36
Opportunities for Otsego, Inc. Head Start/Early Head Start Community Needs Assessment 2014
Families have difficulty finding affordable housing in proximity to employment centers.
2. Recommendations The following courses of action appear to be justified at this time:
Research and identify smoking cessation programs that can be implemented in Early Head Start.
Continue to refer families to health insurance providers.
Identify opportunities to increase parents’ participation in education and job training.
Continue to promote affordable housing solutions for low-income families in and around major employment centers such as Oneonta and Cooperstown.
Continue to advocate for dental providers in Otsego County that will accept children and families with Medicaid.
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Opportunities for Otsego, Inc. Head Start/Early Head Start Community Needs Assessment 2014
IV. Bibliography
American Fact Finder. (n.d.). Retrieved October 23, 2014, from U.S. Census Bureau: factfinder2.census.gov Barnett, W.S., Carolan, M.E., Squires, J.H., Clarke Brown, K. (2013). The state of preschool 2013: State preschool yearbook. New Brunswick, NJ: National Institute for Early Education Research. Bassett Research Institute. (2009). Otsego County Community Health Assessment. Cooperstown: Bassett Research Institute.
Early Childhood Learning and Knowledge Center. (n.d.). Retrieved October 24, 2014, from Early Childhood Learning and Knowledge
Center Website: eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/hslc/standards/hspps/1305/1305.3 Determining community strengths and needs..htm
Fiscal Policy Institute. (2013, August 28). The State of Working New York 2013: Workers Are Paying a High Price for
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Head Start Family and Child Experiences Survey. (2012). FACES of Head Start: Charting Children's Learning and Development
During One Year in Head Start.
Improving Access and Quality: Research in Action, Issue 13. July 2003. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, Rockville, MD. http://archive.ahrq.gov/research/findings/factsheets/costs/dentalcare/index.html National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. (2014). Health Disparities Research Program. Retrieved August 1, 2014 from National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research website: http://www.nidcr.nih.gov/Research/DER/ClinicalResearch/HealthDispar.htm
New York State Department of Education. (n.d.). Retrieved November 11, 2014, from New York State Deparment of Education website: data.nysed.gov/profile.php?county=47
New York State Department of Labor (n.d.). Retrieved October 24, 2014, from New York State Department of Labor website: labor.ny.gov/stats/laus.asp
New York State Department of Health. (June 2013). Retrieved November 14, 2014, from New York State Department of Health Website: http://www.health.ny.gov/prevention/prevention_ agenda/2013-2017/plan/chronic_ diseases/focus_ area_ 1.htm
New York State Department of Health (2013). New York State Prevention Agenda 2013 - 2017.
New York State Office of Children and Family Services. (n.d.). Retrieved November 11, 2014, from New York State Office of Children and Family Services website: http://ocfs.ny.gov/main/childcare/ccfs_ template.asp
Oneonta Public Transit. (2012). Retrieved November 14, 2014, from Oneonta Public Transit website: http://www.optrides.com/index.php?option=com_ content&view=article&id=52&Itemid=54 Opportunities for Otsego, Inc. Agency Database. (2014). Oneonta, NY, USA. Opportunities for Otsego, Inc. (2006 - 2014). Head Start Program Information Reports. Oneonta: Opportunities for Otsego, Inc. Opportunities for Otsego, Inc. (2013). Kindergarten Transition Reports. Oneonta: Opportunities for Otsego, Inc. Opportunities for Otsego, Inc. (2014). Needs Assessment Survey. Oneonta: Opportunities for Otsego, Inc. Otsego County Department of Health, Division for Children with Special Needs. (2014).
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Otsego County Economic Development Office (n.d.). Retrieved October 23, 2014, from Otsego County Economic Development Office: www.otsegoeconomicdevelopment.com/community_profile/education.html
Otsego County Economic Development Office. (n.d.). Retrieved October 23, 2014, from Otsego County Economic Development Office: www.otsegoeconomicdevelopment.com/business_ climate/
Otsego County Economic Development Office (n.d.). Retrieved October 24, 2014, from Otsego County Economic Development Office: www.otsegoeconomicdevelopment.com/community_profile/tourism_recreation.html
Otsego Express Public Transportation. (2013). Retrieved November 14, 2014, from Otsego Express Public Transportation website: http://www.otsegoexpress.com/ Rosenberg, Erika. (2013). Otsego County Community Health Assessment. Rochester: Center for Governmental Research. RLS & Associates. (2011). Final Report Delaware County Coordinated Public Transportation Implementation Study Locally Developed Public Transit Human Services Coordinated Plan. Dayton: RLS & Associates. Small Area Income and Poverty Estimates. (n.d.). Retrieved December 11, 2014, from U.S. Census Bureau: http://www.census.gov/did/www/saipe/index.html The Child Care Connection. (2005 - 2010). Annual Report. Oneonta: Catholic Charities of Delaware & Otsego Counties.
U.S. Census Bureau. (n.d.). Retrieved October 23, 2014 from U.S.Census Bureau: www.census.gov United States Department of Labor. (n.d.). Retrieved October 24, 2014, from Bureau of Labor Statistics: http://www.bls.gov/cex/#tables
United Way of Delaware and Otsego Counties. (2005). Community Needs Assessment. US Inflation Calculator (2004, October 22). US Inflation in September Rises, Annual Inflation Rate Stuck at 1.7%. Retrieved November 7, 2014, from US Inflation Calculator: http://www.usinflationcalculator.com/inflation/us-inflationin-september-rises-annual-inflation-rate-stuck-at-1-7/10001524/#more-1524
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