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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are Healthy Start planning grants available for the 2006-07 funding cycle?
   
   Separate Healthy Start planning grants are not available this funding cycle. The planning phase is now included in the combined collaborative planning and operational grant for 2006-07. The Healthy Start Request for Applications (RFA) for 2006-07 describes this new grant and the application process.
   
   
2. What is a combined collaborative planning and operational grant?
   
   A combined collaborative planning and operational grant combines both the planning and operational grants into one grant, henceforth referred to as the combined grant.
   
   
3. If we have received a Healthy Start planning grant in the past, can we apply for a grant this funding cycle?
   
   • Schools that received a planning grant six or more years ago and did not subsequently receive an operational grant may be eligible for a combined grant.
   • Schools that received a planning grant less than six years ago (2000-01 and later) and did not receive an operational grant are eligible for an operational grant.
   • Schools that have received both planning and operational grants are not eligible for additional Healthy Start funding.
   See the RFA Section II, Part B for information on Healthy Start grants and eligibility.
   
   
4. If we received an operational grant, may we apply for a combined grant?
   
   No, schools that have received a Healthy Start operational grant are not eligible for another Healthy Start grant.
   
   
5. Can the planning phase of the combined grant be completed in one year?
   
   Grantees are strongly encouraged to use the two-year period for a comprehensive planning process. Planning for implementing an integrated system of supports and services that sustains over time requires significant time for assessment of resources and collaboration with stakeholders.
   
   
6. Does receiving the combined grant assure a grantee of funding for the operational phase?
   
   No, receiving funding for the operational phase will be contingent upon grantees demonstrating readiness to the CDE. See Section II, Part F of the RFA to review the requirements that must be met.
   
   
7. Are charter schools eligible to apply?
   
   Yes. The 2006-07 Budget Act specifies that charter schools that have not previously received a Healthy Start operational grant are eligible to apply.
   
   
8. What is the difference between a letter of support and a memorandum of understanding (MOU)?
   
   As described in Section IV, Part A, of the RFA, a letter of support is considered an attachment. As such, it must adhere to the ten-page maximum. Such documents express support for the proposal; they may not be a continuation of the narrative.
   
   While not legally binding, a memorandum of understanding (MOU) describes the intent and commitments of local collaborative members and partners. MOUs clearly describe the specific commitments of staff, services, facilities, equipment, or resources provided by each partner, and they provide the estimated monetary value. MOUs that lack specificity will be counted as attachments and will be included in the ten-page maximum.
   
   Note that the commitments of the local educational agency to Healthy Start must be documented in an MOU. MOUs should be consistent with the strategies and resource commitments described in the application narrative and budget.
   
   
9. Is it preferable to provide Healthy Start services on the school grounds?
   
   As defined in Education Code (EC) Section 8804(i)(1), Healthy Start services must be provided at the school site or at a site near or adjacent to the school. The “Guidelines for Sustaining a Local Healthy Start Initiative,” provided in Section II, Part B, of the RFA, indicates that the facility should have adequate space, be comfortable, and be accessible to children and families.
   
   
10. In view of the fact that many high school students don’t return the free and reduced-price meals eligibility forms to the schools, how do we determine free and reduced-price meals eligibility rates at a high school?
    
    The definition of a qualifying school is covered under EC Section 8802(g) and included in the RFA under Section II, Part C. Free or reduced-price meals eligibility is one of two criteria permitted to determine eligibility. The other criterion permitted is consideration of families that receive Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) or California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKS) or English learners. For student and school data pertaining to free and reduced-price meals, TANF/CalWORKS, and English learners, please refer to California Basic Educational Data System (CBEDS).
    
    Note that in recognition of the fact that middle or high school students may be less inclined to return eligibility forms to the school, the EC requires a lower percentage of such students to satisfy the eligibility criteria. An elementary school with an enrollment of 50 percent or more students who satisfy either of the criteria is considered a qualifying school, whereas a middle or high school with 35 percent or more students is considered a qualifying school.
    
    
11. Will regional networks be funded to provide training and technical assistance?
    
    Unfortunately, there are no funds for regional technical assistance centers. There are funds for the Healthy Start Field Office (HSFO) at UC Davis. The CDE is able to fund sustainability and technical assistance activities as well as Web site and Clearinghouse functions to be provided by the HSFO.