| Advisory Opinion request concerning the child of Brandalyn Hart, an employee of the Jefferson Parish Community Action Head Start Program, participating in the program. |
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The JeffCAP Head Start Birth to Five Program (Program) is a federally funded child care and education program for preschool children from low-income families, with eligibility determined by the federal poverty guidelines. The Program provides all services at no cost to participating families. JeffCAP provides Program services through eight (8) Head Start Centers and four (4) community child care centers.
In order to enroll in the Program, an application is made through the Jefferson Parish Public School One App System. The application is then forwarded to JeffCAP administration. Selection of eligible families is made by JeffCAP based on greatest need, which is determined by several socio-economic risk factors including household income, household size/composition, and whether the child is eligible for special education and related services based on disabilities and other special needs. Family names remain anonymous during the selection process. Once selected by JeffCAP, the child is enrolled by JeffCAP in the Program and placed by JeffCAP at a Head Start Center or community child care center.
Brandalyn Hart is employed by JeffCAP as a Family Service Specialist at the Terrytown Gretna Head Start center. Ms. Hart's duties include coordinating the needs of families with other community organizations which promotes self-sufficiency. Ms. Hart does not work in a capacity that is involved with the selection process of the Program. Ms. Hart's 4 year old child has been determined eligible to receive special education and related services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and has been diagnosed by Jefferson Parish Public School with a disability. As a result, Ms. Hart's child is eligible under the guidelines to enroll in the Head Start Program.
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La. R.S. 42:1113A(1)(a) states no public servant, excluding any legislator and any appointed member of any board of commission and any member of a governing authority of a parish with a population of ten thousand or less, or member of such a public servant's immediate family, or legal entity in which he has a controlling interest shall bid on or enter into any contract, subcontract, or other transaction that is under the supervision or jurisdiction of the agency of such public servant.
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Adopt the proposed advisory opinion.
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| Assigned Attorney: |
David Bordelon |
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