Head Start Program- Major Renovation and New Construction. Getting Started.
Updated: Jan 19, 2022
Head Start Facility expansion -Where do we start?
As a recipient of the head start program, you may be approaching a point
where you are running out of space, or your existing location(s) have
become obsolete. Options to be considered are:
• Expand, renovate, or convert your existing facility
• Find a new place in an existing building and renovate or modify it if
needed
• New construction
• Availability of funding
So, the next question we ask is, where do I start?
The obvious first place to begin is to make sure the community assessment
is up-to-date and reflects the current and forward-looking needs of the
program.
Once it is clear how much space will be needed to handle present and future
growth, it is time to evaluate the available options for upgrading your facility
situation.
Even though it may make the most sense to stay in an existing location,
OHS wants to know the recipient has investigated and considered alternative
sites if you are seeking federal funding. When looking at alternative
locations, typically, we start thinking of realtors who can present potential
areas. Did you know this is also the best time to bring on an experienced
and knowledgeable consultant with real estate development, construction,
and specifically, OHS regulations and requirements.
Numerous variables come into play in the entire process, from site location
to funding.
Considerations:
• Existing buildings
- Is there too much-deferred maintenance?
- Is annual maintenance costly?
- Is there too much-deferred maintenance?
- Does the existing zoning allow for a childcare program?
- Will, it meet all licensing and fire marshal requirements?
- Location
• New construction
- Is it a complex site?
- Zoning
- Large enough for potential expansion
- Access
- Availability of utilities
- Location
- Availability of Contractor
• Funding (when using federal funds)
- 1303 sub-part E applications
- Appraisals
- Design (plans and specifications)
- SF-429 forms
- Environmental Site Assessments Phase 1
- Budgeting
- Deviations
- Leases
- Subordination agreements
- Procurement and contracting
Every time a 1303 application is submitted and returned, it delays the
approval process significantly. This can add months to the NOA decision.
The top three reasons for returns are:
1. Environmental Site Assessments phase 1 - Recognized environmental
conditions found or other issues
2. Plans and specifications not adequate or improperly done
3. Cost estimates are not sufficiently done
With a Head Start Facility Consultant specializing in real estate, construction,
and federal funding, the likelihood of getting the right property and first-time
approval of the 1303 application is greatly enhanced.