Encompass Community Services and Pajaro Valley Unified School District (PVUSD) are working together to launch a short-term partnership to support children and families enrolled in the Encompass Head Start and Early Head Start programs. This collaboration comes in response to the temporary program closure caused by the ongoing federal government shutdown. 

While Encompass awaits its Notice of Award from the federal Office of Head Start, PVUSD has stepped forward with a plan to temporarily operate their early child development programs at several Encompass Head Start Watsonville sites. This partnership ensures that children can continue to benefit from education and nutrition services during the federal government shutdown and affected teachers and assistants will have access to employment opportunities.  

“We are incredibly grateful to PVUSD for their commitment to preserving educational access for our children and stability for our staff,” said Kim Morrison, Interim CEO of Encompass Community Services. “This bridge solution ensures that families are not left without care during the federal shutdown.” 

The proposed plan includes: 

• Enrollment opportunities at PVUSD, as space availability allows, for currently enrolled Head Start and Early Head Start families per family choice.
• Teaching roles for impacted Encompass educators at select PVUSD sites.
• Infant/toddler care, preschool, and Transitional Kindergarten (TK) placements.

PVUSD plans to begin enrollment for these bridge services on Monday, November 3, with services beginning November 12. Enrollment will depend on space availability at the requested sites. Parents of enrolled Head Start and Early Head Start programs are encouraged to call the PVUSD Child Development Department at 831-786-8270 for more information on locations and registration. Conversations are ongoing with North County community education partners to forge similar partnerships for temporary enrollment options. Encompass will continue to share alternate enrollment options as these partnerships are established.  

“This partnership reflects the strength of our community,” said PVUSD Superintendent, Dr. Heather Contreras. “By working together with Encompass, we can ensure that children continue to learn, grow, and receive the care they need, even during uncertain times. Our priority is supporting students and families so they can succeed.” 

This effort reflects Encompass and PVUSD’s shared mission to support Santa Cruz County children. While this collaboration helps bridge services during the federal shutdown, it is important to clarify that PVUSD is not taking over Head Start operations, nor is Encompass relinquishing its federal grant. Encompass will continue advocating for the release of federal funding so it can reopen classrooms and restore early education services as soon as possible. 

“This partnership is a powerful example of how our community has come together in a moment of crisis,” added Morrison. “We are not stepping away from Head Start — we are stepping up. We remain focused on reopening our classrooms, bringing our educators and children back, and continuing to build a future where every child has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive.”