CRHS Community Assessment 2023 : simplebooklet.com

Cheaha Regional Head Start Executive Summary Project Purpose The Community Assessment is a targeted assessment that identifies issues and trends that have the greatest impact on Head Start eligible children and families. It is used to make decisions and influence program planning and evaluation. According to the Head Program Performance Standards (HHPPS), 1302.11(b)(1) grantees must conduct a community assessment at least once over the five-year grant period with annual review and updated as required in 1302.11(b)(2). Description of TCR Child Care Corporation Talladega Clay Randolph Child Care Corporation, locally known as TCR Child Care Corporation has provided early childhood services to families and children for 51 years of which 40 years (1983) they have operated the Head Start program and 22 years (2001) its Early Head Start program. The agency expanded its service areas in 1998 to include respectively two additional counties, Calhoun, and Cleburne. The overarching vision for the agency is “To lead through providing professionally delivered services to Alabama’s children, families and childcare providers in a responsive, compassionate, and fiscally sound manner.” Followed by a profound mission statement for its Head Start and Early Head Start programs - “Transforming walls into doors as our challenges become opportunities to serve each other.”

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Overview of Cheaha Head Start Program As defined by the Office of Head Start, “Head Start is a national program that promotes school readiness by enhancing the social and cognitive development of children through the provision of educational, health, nutrition, social and other services of enrolled children and families.” (ECLKC) Pronounced “chi-ha,” Cheaha Regional Head Start is operated by TCR Child Care Corporation whose central office is located in Talladega, AL. Cheaha Regional Head Start was awarded to serve pregnant women, infant, toddlers, and preschool-aged children developing a high-quality birth to five early childhood model who reside in the six counties. The children and families who reside in the counties and are income-eligible can apply for available slots with center-based facilities strategically located in each county.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................ 2 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY .............................................................................................. 4 COUNTY SPECIFIC INFORMATION ......................................................................... CALHOUN COUNTY ....................................................................................................................................... 5 CLAY COUNTY ............................................................................................................................................. 17 CLEBURNE COUNTY ................................................................................................................................... 26 COOSA COUNTY .......................................................................................................................................... 34 RANDOLPH COUNTY .................................................................................................................................. 43 TALLADEGA COUNTY ............................................................................................................................... 51 CRHS SPECIFIC DATA ............................................................................................... RACE AND ETHNICITY ................................................................................................................................ 63 FAMILY ASSISTANCE ................................................................................................................................. 64 PARENT EDUCATION ................................................................................................................................... 65 HEALTH SERVICE REPORT ....................................................................................................................... 66 CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES ................................................................................................................ 68 CHILD SAFETY ............................................................................................................................................. 69 HOMELESSNESS ........................................................................................................................................... 70 CHILD CARE .................................................................................................................................................. 71 SUBSIDY OVERVIEW ................................................................................................................................... 73 CHILD OUTCOMES ....................................................................................................................................... 73 CLASS SCORES ........................................................................................................................................... 74 APPENDICES……………………………………………………………………….. 77 PARENT SURVEY RESULTS STAFF SURVEY RESULTS COMMUNITY SURVEY RESULTS

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2 Cheaha Regional Head Start Community Assessment Introduction TCR Childcare Corporation 925 North Street E. Talladega, AL 35160 Providing Programs with a Purpose Talladega Clay Randolph Child Care Corporation (TCR) is a private, non-profit, 501(c) 3, multi- program family and child service agency established in 1972 and incorporated in 1973. TCR has been a community leader in providing quality childcare services to children and families for the past 42 years. The agency, with funding through the Appalachian Regional Commission, originated as a program designed to provide child development services to low-income children and their families in seven child development centers in the counties of Clay, Coosa, Randolph, and Talladega. Throughout its history, TCR has responded to the needs of families and children, especially those families who are at-risk for poverty or child safety issues, through the implementation of additional needed programs. TCR has a successful reputation throughout the State of Alabama for providing services of the highest quality while ensuring efficient, prudent fiscal management that meets and exceeds all local, state, and federal guidelines. TCR’s mission is to Provide Programs with a Purpose. TCR provides professionally delivered quality programs and services to eligible Alabama children, families, and childcare providers in a manner reflective of a compassionate, ethical, and fiscally sound organization. TCR has collaborated with several state agencies including the Department of Human Resources, Department of Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention, Department of Children’s Affairs as well as several federal contracts through the United States Department of Human and Health Service, Office of Head Start and the United States Department of Agriculture. With a lengthy history of program design, development, implementation, and evaluation, TCR’s program divisions include: • TCR Child Development Centers was established in 1972. • Cheaha Regional Head Start was established in 1983. • TEAM ONE, formerly Contracts Management, was established in 1984. • Child Care Central was established in 1993. • Moving4Ward Pre-k was established in 2000. • PAT Home Visitation established

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3 Cheaha Regional Head Start Nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Cheaha Regional Head Start/Early Head Start (CRHS), a division of TCR, has operated a successful Head Start program for almost forty years. During this time, Cheaha has grown from serving less than 200 children to now serving 750 children and families in its six-county service area of Calhoun, Clay, Cleburne, Coosa, Talladega, and Randolph Counties. CRHS strongly believes in its mission statement of Setting the pace today to improve tomorrow for Head Start families. CRHS realizes that by establishing high standards and school readiness goals our children will leave Head Start better prepared for future success. Currently CRHS operates 15 centers within its six-county service region. CRHS provides a full day Head Start and Early Head Start program to diverse population residing in a variety of communities. The purpose of CRHS is to ensure that all families receive comprehensive, high- quality services within a safe and nurturing setting. CRHS centers, through responsive care to the families, strives to promote the physical, cognitive, social, and emotional growth of each child enrolled. CRHS actively searches for opportunities to provide quality services to at-risk children and families. Currently CRHS serves 484 Head Start preschool children and 266 Early Head Start babies or pregnant women. The Head Start experience begins with the recruitment and enrollment process. The Recruitment and Selection process directs the recruitment, selection, enrollment, and attendance requirements for all children enrolled in CRHS centers. This process is reviewed by the Policy Council and the TCR Governing Board and approved annually. Cheaha Regional Head Start Program Goals Goal 1: Goal 2: Goal 3: Goal 4: Goal 5: Transitions: CRHS will strengthen policies and practices that ensure children experiencing transitions are smooth and effective. Family Engagement; CRHS will provide more opportunities for families to engage in the centers, attend training, serve on boards/committees, and engage within their communities. Professional Development: CRHS will increase employee retention by evaluating, educating, and responding to employee wellness concerns within the program. Social and Emotional Development: CRHS will partner with parents, community agencies, collaborative partners to educate staff and parents on positive discipline techniques, effects of adverse family environments, challenging behaviors, and social emotional wellbeing both directly and indirectly. Math and Science: CRHS will enhance its educational services to improve the Math and Science skills of enrolled children to maximize their potential to enter kindergarten with a solid foundation for Math and Science success. .

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4 Executive Summary The Community Assessment, contained within the Head Start 1302.11 regulations, is an integral part of planning and providing services that impact the communities where Head Start programs are located. The Community Assessment is a document developed through intense research by a variety of stakeholders to include Head Start staff, community partners, Head Start families, and governing bodies. To reach all service areas a team approach was developed. The teams consisted of Family Service staff within each county, The Family Service Management staff, the PFCE component staff Education Manager, Nutrition Manager, Facilities Manager, and Deputy Head Start Director. The overall goal was to gather information that would paint a picture of CRHS service area and the services that may or may not be available to Head Start families. It is also the goal of the Community Assessment to review changes and the possible impact these trends may impact the quality of lives of the children and families receiving Head Start Services. Information contained within the Community Assessment was gathered through a variety or resources to include but not limited to: United States Census Bureau Alabama Department of Health Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education Alabama Department of Education Local Education Administration HUD Voices for Alabama’s Children Alabama Department of Human Resources (Kids Count) Data Book Chamber of Commerce Parent Surveys Staff Surveys Community Surveys CRHS 2022-2023 Program Information Report CRHS Frog Street Assessment CRHS CLASS Assessment Children’s Village Consulting Using these tools and prior Community Assessment reports, data was gathered and organized specifically for each county and community where CRHS provides services. For ease of use, and based on the variety of communities CRHS serves, this report will be divided into each county served and will be listed in alphabetical order according to the service region. In addition to the information on each service location this assessment will also include relevant state data. In conclusion, the information contained within this report will be vital in planning ongoing services throughout Cheaha Regional Head Start’s service region.

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5 Service Area Calhoun County General Area Description Geographic Boundaries County Profile Calhoun County lies in the northeastern section of the state. On the north lies Cherokee and Etowah, on the east Cleburne, on the south Talladega and on the west Etowah, St. Clair, and Talladega. The Coosa River in a southwesterly course is its dividing line with St Clair County. The whole county area is within the Coosa Valley region, apart from a narrow strip along its western boundary, which later is an extension of the Appalachian Mountain system. The topography is rolling to hilly or mountainous, with elevations ranging from about 600 feet in the valleys proper, to over 2,000 feet upon the peaks of Choccolocco and Coldwater mountains. Calhoun County has the largest service area and greatest overall population. Governing Structure The Calhoun County Office and courthouse is in Anniston. The governing structure within the county is divided into five districts with an elected County Commissioner representing each demographic region. In addition to the county presence many of the cities or towns located

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6 within Calhoun County are incorporated. Anniston, Jacksonville, Oxford, Piedmont, and Weaver are all incorporated with an elected Mayor and City Council. CRHS provides Head Start within two Calhoun County communities and serves approximately 277 children. The following is a list of these centers with the address. Hobson City Head Start Constantine Head Start and Community Center 715 Martin Luther King Drive 1200 Johnson Avenue Anniston, Alabama 36201 Anniston, AL 36201-2749 Piedmont Head Start 205 US HWY East Piedmont, AL 36272 Within Calhoun County there are both public and private schools serving children ages four through high school graduation. There are 24 schools that fall within Anniston City Schools (1,908 enrolled), Calhoun County Schools (8,118 enrolled), Oxford City Schools (4,202 enrolled), Jacksonville City Schools (1,630 enrolled), and Piedmont City Schools (1,155 enrolled). In addition to this there are seven private schools. Population, Demographics and Trends The following section will meet the requirement for the “Demographic makeup of the Head Start eligible children and their families, including estimated number, geographic location, and racial and ethnic composition.” Calhoun County was created on December 18, 1832, when ceded from Creek Indian Territory. It was originally named Benton County in honor of Thomas Hart Benton. The county seat was established in Jacksonville in 1833. On January 29, 1858, the name was changed to Calhoun County in honor of John C. Calhoun (South Carolina). The county seat was moved to Anniston in 1899. It encompasses 611 square miles. Population Trends as listed within the United States Census Report Statistics provided by the 2022 United States Census indicate a slight increase in population for the larger communities or townships within Calhoun County. Calhoun County Communities 2019 Census July 2022 Estimate Alexandria 4,068 4,185 Anniston 21,306 21,182

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7 Jacksonville 13,019 13,057 Oxford 21,253 22,312 Calhoun County 114,070 115,788 According to Real-Time News from AL.com, Americans are increasingly moving from rural areas to the cities, but some Alabama cities are seeing a different trend. In Calhoun County, Oxford and Anniston are two cities that have experienced a slight population decrease. The following charts indicate and illustrate the total number of children currently residing in Calhoun County. This also indicates that the preschool population or children under the age of five population has witnessed a small decline. Under Age 5 Population Calhoun County Total Population Child Population 3-year-old Population 4-year-old Population Child Percentage 2000 2021 2000 2021 2000 2021 2000 2021 2000 2021 112,249 115,972 29,985 28,424 1,465 1,343 1,325 1298 26.7% 24.5% 2022 Alabama (Kids Count) Data Book 2022 Alabama (Kids Count) Data Book Gender and Ages According to the 2022 United States Census, the largest percentage of the total population within Calhoun County is considered as female. The total female population is estimated to be at 51.4%. Within this data the median age for females is reported to be 41.1%. The total male population is 48.6%. Within this data the median age is slightly younger at 38.2. The female Population Of Children 1,298 1,343 7,761 6,777 7,306 Children 3 Children 4 Ages 5-9 Ages 10-14 Ages 15-19

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8 population under the age of five is 6.7% and the total male population less than the age of five is slightly higher at 5.8%. Within the city limits of Anniston, the data is different. The largest percentage of the total population is considered as female. The total female population is estimated to be at 53.4%. The median age for females is reported be 42.3%. The total male population is 46.9%. The median age for males is 40.4. The female population under the age of five is 3.9% and the total male population less than the age of five is 2.8%. Racial and Ethnic Makeup of Calhoun County Children Demographic 2022 Alabama (Kids Count) Data Book The above chart is intended to provide a Racial and Ethnic description of Calhoun County. According to the 2022 Alabama (Kids Count) Data Book the total population of children in Calhoun County in 2022 was 28,424. Of this population only 24.5% are five and under. Population Trends by Race/Ethnic Background The following chart provides an illustration to demonstrate the population based upon race or ethnic background. This chart illustrates that most of the population residing in Calhoun County are considered white alone. Black or African American Alone 25,050 21.6% 74.7% 86,631 White Alone Total Population 115,972 2020 Estimated Population by Single Race Classification Child Racial and Ethnic Population 1,360 2,056 230 46 7,045 17,687 White African American American Indian Asian Pacific More than one race Hispanic

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9 American Indian and Alaska Native Alone 580 0.5% Asian Alone 1,044 0.9% Native Hawaiian and Another Pacific Islander Alone 116 0.01% Two or More Races 2,551 2.2% Hispanic or Latina 4,871 4.2% Calhoun County Economic Development Council Languages Spoken Total Population Trends Geography April 1, 2010 Population Estimate (as of July 1, 2022) Census Estimates Base 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 Calhoun County 118,572 16441 114,746 114,298 114,070 116,266 115,972 115,780 United States Census American Facts Finder Child Population Trends Based upon the information provided, Calhoun County is predominantly white, however, the child population, defined by the 2022 Alabama (Kids Count) Data Book, as persons under 20 years of age, is declining only in the child population considered as white. The African American population, second size and has increased by approximately 1.2% and the Hispanic population, the third largest increased by 7.2% from the base year of 2000. However, where most services through CRHS are provided, within the city limits of Anniston, the population is much different. Based upon the American Fact Finder, the total population estimate for Anniston City is 21,182. According to the United States Census QuickFacts, African American alone made up 51.4% of the population. The Hispanic or Latino population makes up 3.5% of the population. The total number of people under five is 6.3%. The centers that provide Head Start services in the heart of Anniston City are Constantine Head Start Community Center and Hobson City Head Start. Within Anniston City the population estimate in 2021 was 21,157. In the adjacent city of Oxford, the population demographics are incredibly different. The total population estimate is 22,002. African American alone population made up 16.7%, white alone 74.0% and the Hispanic or Latino population is 6.5%. The total number of people under age five English 96.4% Spanish 2.42% Other Languages 1.18%

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10 is 6.4%. Within Oxford City, the population estimate in 2021 was 22,312. Piedmont is very rural. The total population for Piedmont is 4,748. Of this population almost 86.46% is white alone, 11.3% is African American alone, and the Hispanic or Latino population is 7%. Piedmont Head Start provides services to this community. The total persons under five population are 5.8%. Household Composition Calhoun County provides a variety of housing options to include single family homes, apartments, subsidized public housing units, emergency shelters, Habitat for Humanity, and other low-income home ownership assistance programs. According to the US Census Bureau 2022 Calhoun County Quick Fact Report there are 53,407 housing units within Calhoun County. Of this number 71.0% are considered as owner-occupied. The median gross rent is $752 per month with an average of 2 individuals living within each household. Within Calhoun County there are four Housing Authorities assisting the following communities: Authority Number of Units Anniston Housing Authority 278 Hobson City Housing Authority 60 Jacksonville Housing Authority 175 Piedmont Housing Authority 210 In the past fiscal year, Calhoun County experienced a small decrease in Fair Market Rent (FMR) of 4.4%. Over the past ten years the most notable change occurred in 2012 when Calhoun County experienced a 3.29% increase. The current median rent based on the year 2023 is $802.00. Due to the decrease in Cooper Home, Glen Addie, and Barber Terrace units most are considered as occupied. Currently within the City of Anniston the number of subsidized low-income units has decreased from 417 units to 278 units. The reason for this decrease is the closure of Cooper Homes and Glen Addie Homes. Barber Terrace is now an income-based property. Anniston City, Anniston Housing Authority, Anniston City School System, and other stake holders are working together to re-establish this community through demolishing the dated existing units and rebuilding affordable housing and the construction of single-family homes. According to the US Census QuickFacts report, in 2022 the total number of households was 9,322 with the average household size being 2.2 individuals. The median gross rent within Anniston was estimated to be $761. The 2021 median income within Anniston was $39,928. Within the adjacent city of Oxford, there are 7,794 households with the average household size being 2.81. The median rent for the Oxford area was estimated to be $838. There are no subsidized low-income housing units. The median 2021 income within Oxford was $62,226.

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11 Within the Piedmont community the Piedmont Housing Authority gives preference to applicants who are either considered disabled or elderly. There is a total of 1,828 households with the average household size being 2.6. The median income is $24,443. Within Anniston there are several active agencies working to assist low-income families in finding and purchasing a home. These agencies include the Anniston Habitat for Humanity and the Northeast Alabama Community Development Corporation. Since 1995 the Calhoun County Habitat for Humanity program has built 159 new homes to assist low-income families with home ownership. The purpose of the Northeast Alabama CDC Acquisition Rehab Rent/Sale Program is to acquire, develop and rehabilitate abandoned and blighted housing units into quality, affordable single-family dwelling, and rental properties for low-to-moderate income families. Children Experiencing Homelessness and Children in Foster Care Furthermore, according to AL.com, the city of Anniston ranks in the top ten as one of the most dangerous places to live in Alabama. This ranking looks at where crimes occurred most frequently, based on the city’s population. Economic Activities Employment VS. Unemployment New Business VS. Business Closures According to the East Alabama Planning Commission, “Calhoun County is the most populous and progressive county in East Alabama.” Located in Anniston-Oxford-Jacksonville, the high population in Calhoun County makes the community one of the most populated counties in the state. The county is located sixty miles east of Birmingham, Alabama, and ninety miles west of Atlanta, Georgia on I-20. Calhoun County has more than 150 companies in its industrial database and is a regional source for commercial, professional, medical, educational, and retail services. Calhoun County is home to a diverse set of industrial sectors including industries related to aerospace, automotive, metal working, Department of Defense, plastic-injection molding, and logistics and warehousing sectors. Median Income for Cities within Calhoun County Location 2019 2020 2021 Calhoun County $47,255 $50,128 $50,977 Anniston $36,051 $41,366 $39,928 Jacksonville $41,268 $41,530 $41,920 Oxford $57,887 $63,156 $62,226 Homelessness: 2019- 2020 1.5% 2020-2021 1.2% Foster Care: 2014 243 2022 282

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12 Piedmont $39,074 $43.570 $45,463 United States Census American Facts Finder According to the Alabama Department of Labor, the unemployment rate in Calhoun County is 2.6%. The total number of Calhoun County residents employed is 45,607. The following pie chart illustrates the types of jobs currently within Calhoun County. To assist with the changing needs of industries the citizens of Calhoun County have access following: Jacksonville State University Jacksonville State University is a fully accredited four-year university located 20 miles north of Anniston in Jacksonville, Alabama on a 459-acre campus. JSU is the sixth largest university in Alabama, serving over 9,000 students and offering academic programs at both the undergraduate and graduate level. Programs are offered through its College of Arts and Sciences, College of Commerce and Business Administration, College of Education and Professional Studies, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Department of Military Science and the School of Graduate Studies and Continuing Education. Aside from on-campus classes, JSU also offers online classes for both undergraduate and graduate work. Gadsden State Community College Gadsden State Community College is a comprehensive community college dedicated to meeting the needs of the citizens in its service area. It offers the first two years of a four-year degree as well as several technical and certificate programs and non-credit programs that include skills 14.7% 15.2% 2.8% 9.5% 16.9% 4.5% 2.9% 10.8% Full-Time & Part-Time by Industry Professional Wholesale Trade Education Healthcare/Social Assistance Retail Trade Construction Transportation Accommodation and Food Services

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13 training and adult education. Alabama Industrial Development Training (AIDT) AIDT was established to build a healthy state economy by recruiting and training a skilled workforce to attract new industries to the state and to expand existing industries. AIDT assists a variety of employers throughout the state by identifying a qualified applicant pool through recruitment, screening, and training services at no cost to the company. AIDT offers comprehensive pre-employment selection and training, leadership development, on-the-job training, continuous/process improvement assessments, maintenance assessments, and industrial safety assessments and training, all specific to a company’s needs. Calhoun County Career Technical Center The Calhoun County Career Technical Center is open to tenth, eleventh, and twelfth grade students in the Calhoun County School System. Students attend the Career Technical Center for skills and technical training, while completing required academic work at their area schools. Courses are offered in Automotive Service Technology, Collision Repair Technology, Drafting Design Technology, Health Science, Cosmetology, Early Childhood Education, Welding Technology, and Precision Machining Technology. Through the Career/Technical Cooperative Education Program, students receive instruction in their selected occupations through on-the-job training. Although some time has passed since the 2008 recession, communities are continuing to recover. This is no different in Calhoun County. Not only has Calhoun County had to recover from the 2008 recession, but it was also still in the process of recovering from the closure of Ft. McClellan. The estimated cost of the Fort McClellan closure to the local community was $600 million a year. In 2005, the Government Accountability Office (GOA) reported that the Anniston-area economy had, however, recovered 94 percent of the civilian jobs lost in closing the fort. In the past year, several businesses within the service sector have closed, however most of these closures have been absorbed by other service businesses opening. These new businesses included Scooters, Burlington Coat, Five & Below, Michael’s, Buffalo Wings, Texas Roadhouse, etc. Top Ten Employers Company Name Type of Business Number of Employees Anniston Army Depot Manufacturing 2,800 Honda Manufacturing Manufacturing 4,500 Regional Medical Center Medical 2,000 Center for Homeland Security Education 1,000 Jacksonville State University Higher Ed 1,624 New Flyer of America Manufacturing 354 Oxford City School System Education 451 Tyler Union Manufacturing 485 Bridgewater Interiors LLC Construction 380 Krono Span Manufacturing 600

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14 Educational Opportunities in Calhoun County Within Calhoun County there are five different school systems. This includes Anniston City Schools, Calhoun County Schools, Jacksonville City Schools, Oxford City Schools, and Piedmont City Schools. There are eight private schools located within the county, the largest, Donoho Preparatory is in the Anniston City limits. According to the 2022 Alabama (Kids Count) Calhoun County had a graduation rate of 92.2%. This rate increased from 91.4% in 2019. The first-grade retention rate has also decreased from 8.1% to 3.9%. Graduation Rates Calhoun County Communities Bachelor’s degree or Higher High School Graduation Rate 2020 2021 Calhoun County 94% 85.2% Anniston 79.8% 85.2% Jacksonville 94% 90.1% Oxford 96 % 85.5% Bachelor’s Degree or Higher Calhoun County 18.9% 19.5% Anniston 20.9% 20.3% Jacksonville 31.5% 32.8% Oxford 22.9% 23.1% United States Census Bureau To ensure that all children leave high school ready to enter the workforce the Alabama State Board of Education adopted Plan 2020. This plan addresses priorities that include Career Tech classes that provide students with direct experiences in the chosen field. Ultimately, many students will graduate with industry credentials and qualify for specific jobs right out of high school (Alabama Department of Education, Tech Prep - Ahead of the Game). After graduation students may enter the workforce, join the military, or enroll in college. Calhoun County has a variety of post-secondary choices available to include Gadsden State Community College (GSCC) and Jacksonville State University (JSU). As previously discussed, Calhoun County has a diverse population. Within the City of Anniston, the largest population is African American/Black. The fastest growing population is the Hispanic population. Currently most school age children are receiving services within the local school systems, however, for dual language learners, much of the instruction is not provided in their home language.

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15 Families below the Poverty Level The United States QuickFacts Reports indicates that more than 19.2% of the families residing in Calhoun County live below the national poverty line. Most alarming are the statistics within the city of Jacksonville, where 26.7% live below the poverty level and within the city of Anniston that number continues to be high at 22.8%. Furthermore, according to the 2022 Alabama (Kids Count) Data Book, the number of children residing in Calhoun County that live below the poverty level continues to grow rapidly. In the baseline year of 2000, 23.0% of children under the age of five lived below the poverty rate. This percentage decreased in 2020 to 20.0%. Within the parameters of this number 8.4% of these children live in extreme poverty conditions. Calhoun County 2016 2020 Families living in poverty 16.1% 15.8% Children under age 5 in poverty 26.6% 23.4% Children in extreme poverty 10.8% 8.4% The Family Assistance Program, also known as Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) provides temporary cash assistance for basic needs for low-income families with children under age 18 or age 19 if she/he is a full-time student in a secondary school or in the equivalent level of vocational or technical training. According to Alabama (Kids Count) Data Book 2022, the number of families receiving SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits in Calhoun County was 17,867. This is a decrease from the 2017 data of 19,841. The percentage of families who are experiencing food insecurity within the county is rising. Food insecurity refers to the USDA’s measure of lack of access, at times, to enough food for an active, healthy life for all household members and limited or uncertain availability of nutritionally adequate foods. Food insecurity may also reflect a household need to make trade- offs between important basic needs, such as housing or medical bills, and purchasing nutritionally adequate foods. Calhoun County 2010 2020 Food Insecurity, All ages 17.1% 16.9% Food Insecurity, children under 18 25.4% 21.8% 2022 Alabama (Kids Count) Data Book Health Research proves that for children to grow and learn they need to be healthy. Calhoun County, specifically the west side of Anniston, has been called one of the most polluted communities in America. For many years, the chemical company Monsanto dumped PCB’s in local streams and faulty landfills. Monsanto’s lack of concern for the environment resulted in communities being vacated and a $700 million judgement paid directly to the community and the residents. With

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16 this settlement the community would now be equipped to clean up polluted land, have access to specialized medical treatment that addresses exposure to toxins, and rebuilds healthy businesses, educational systems, and residences. According to the 2022 Alabama (Kids Count) Data Book more than 59.3% of all births in Calhoun County were Medicaid paid births. In 2022, Alabama’s Children’s Health Insurance Program served 3,013 Calhoun County children from age’s birth to 18. In Calhoun County, WIC also provided nutrition assessment, education, and nutritious foods to 2,779 low-income pregnant, breastfeeding, postpartum women, infants, and children up to five. According to the Center for Health Statistics, in 2021 there were a total of 14 infant deaths in Calhoun County. Health Statistics Calhoun County Infant Mortality Adequate Prenatal Care Pre-Term Births Low-Birth Weights Birth to All Teens (15-17) 2010 2020 2010 2020 2010 2020 2010 2020 2010 2020 10.6% 6.5% 63.9% 75.8% 9.4% 11.1% 8.4% 9.7% 27.5% 11.6% 2022 Alabama (Kids Count) Data Book The above chart illustrates that the infant mortality rate in Calhoun County has decreased significantly. It also details that the percentage of children being born to young mothers, 15-17 years of age, has significantly reduced. Access to Health Care Within Calhoun County there are two hospitals. Regional Medical Center (RMC) Anniston and String fellow Memorial Hospital (SMH). RMC’s medical staff include over 200 physicians, representing all major specialties. SMH is considered a 125-bed acute care hospital. Throughout Calhoun County there are a variety of physicians available. Currently obstetric services are available through RMC with OB/GYN offices located throughout the county.

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17 Service Area Clay County General Area Description Geographic Boundaries County Profile Clay County lies in the eastern section of the state. On the north lies Cleburne County, on the east Randolph, on the south Tallapoosa and Coosa and on the west Talladega. The southern tip of the Appalachian Mountain system runs throughout Clay County. The topography is very hilly with elevations ranging from 600 feet to more than 2,400 feet. Clay County is conveniently located a short distance from Birmingham, Montgomery, Atlanta, and Columbus, Georgia and is a very rural county. Governing Structure The Clay County Office and courthouse are located in Ashland. The governing structure within the county is divided into five districts with an elected County Commissioner representing each demographic region. In addition to the county presence Ashland and Lineville are incorporated with a mayor and city council.

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18 CRHS provides Head Start services at the following location. Lineville Head Start Center Ashland Head Start Center 88584 Hwy 9 41375 AL Hwy 77 Lineville, AL 36266 Ashland, AL 36251 Within Clay County there is a consolidated county school system serving children aged five through high school graduation. There are two private schools. The Clay County Board of Education provides services to the county through Ashland Elementary and Middle School, Lineville Elementary and Middle School, and Clay County High School. Population, Demographics and Trends The following section will meet the requirement for the “Demographic makeup of the Head Start eligible children and their families, including estimated number, geographic location, and racial and ethnic composition.” Clay County was created on December 7, 1866, from land that had belonged to Talladega and Randolph counties. With the tallest mountains in the state on one side and a river on the other side, travel was extremely difficult, so the county was established for geographic reasons. It was named for the 19th-century statesperson Henry Clay. The county seat, Ashland, was named for his estate in Kentucky. It encompasses 604 square miles. Future trends Clay County Housing Market trends were up 37% in 2022 from previous years. Median income level: $44,763.00 Principle source of income: Private wage or salary: 77% Government: 15% Self-employed, not incorporated: 8% Unpaid family work: 0% Read more: https://www.city-data.com/county/Clay_County-AL.html

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19 Population Trends as listed within the United States Census Report Statistics provided by the 2022 United States Census indicates a minor increase in the Clay County population. Clay County/Communities 2010 Census July 2022 Estimate Percentage Estimate Change Clay County 13,932 14,198 1.0% Ashland 2,057 1967 1.2% Lineville 2,395 2,489 1.0% The following charts indicate and illustrate the total number of children currently residing in Clay County. This also indicates that the preschool population for children under the age of five has witnessed a small decline. Under Age 5 Population Clay County Total Population Child Population 3-year-old Population 4-year-old Population Child Percentage 2000 2021 2000 2021 2000 2021 2000 2021 2000 2021 14,254 14,190 3754 3170 170 137 169 153 26.3% 22.3% 2022 Alabama (Kids Count) Data Book 2022 Alabama (Kids Count) Data Book The above chart is intended to provide a visual representation of the overall child population in Clay County. According to the 2022 Alabama (Kids Count) Data Book, the total population for children in Clay County was 14,190. Of this population only 23.2% are under five. This same report also predicts that the total population has declined by 0.4% since the base year Clay County Child Population 435 170 977 169 877 979 Children Under 3 Children Ages 5-9 Children Aged 3 Children Aged 4 Children Ages 10-14 Children Ages 15-19

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20 child population in 2000. Gender and Ages According to the American Fact Finder, 2022 Demographic profile the largest percentage of the total population within Clay County is considered as female. The total female population is estimated to be at 50.9%. Within this data the median age is reported to be 43.3. The total male population is 49.1%. The female population under the age of five is 5.2% and the total male population less than the age of five is slightly lower at 3.12%. Racial and Ethnic Makeup of Clay County Children Demographics The following chart is intended to provide a racial and ethnic description of Clay County child population. Alabama (Kids Count) 2022 2363-White-74.5% 467-African American/Black-14.7% 173-Hispanic-5.5% 157-More than One-5.0% 5-American Indian-.2% 5-Asian Pacific-.2% Population Trends by Race/Ethnic Background It is also evident that the majority of the Clay County population is considered to be white. The second largest group is African American and the third largest is Hispanic. According to the 2022 Alabama (Kids Count) Data Book all racial populations are decreasing except for the Hispanic and Asian/Pacific Islander population. Within the City of Lineville, the total population is 2598. Of this population the total male African American American Indian More than One race Hispanic White Asian Pacific 2,186 432 6 184 149 7 Child Racial and Ethnic Population

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21 population is approximately 1,223 and the total female population is approximately 1,325. White African American Indian Asian Hispanic or Latino Other 1,600 954 0 0 44 0 Within the City of Ashland, the total population is 1969. Of this population the total male population is approximately 824 and the total female population is approximately 1,145. Please see the chart below for racial composition for the city of Ashland. White African American Indian Asian Hispanic or Latino Other 1,151 486 0 9 216 107 United States Census American Facts Finder Total Population Trends Geography 2020 Population Estimate (as of July 1) Census Estimates Base 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 Clay County 14,254 13,112 13,393 13,355 13,301 13,265 14,173 14,190 2022-14,198 United States Census American Facts Finder Child Population Trends Within Clay County the Head Start services provided by CRHS are targeted to the Lineville and Ashland community. Based upon the information gathered, Clay County is predominantly white. The overall population has decreased. According to the 2022 Alabama (Kids Count) Data Book, the child population is defined as persons under 20 years of age has declined in all populations except the Hispanic and Asian/Pacific Islander population. Within the Hispanic population this number increased from the base year 2000 of 63 to 173 in 2021. Household Composition As previously stated, Clay County is mostly rural. The housing options available within Clay County include single family homes, subsidized public housing units and other apartment rental options. According to the US Census Bureau 2022 Clay County Quick Fact report there are 7,097 housing units within Clay County. Of this number 76.5% are considered as owner occupied. The median gross rent is $521.00 with 2.59 individuals living within each household. Currently within Lineville there are 1,168 households. Within this number 467 are considered to be two parent households with 168 households having children under 18 or under living at home. The total number of single households is 496 with 254 having children 18 or younger living at home. The average family size is 3.11. The median rent is $580.00 per month. In the past several years Clay County has experienced an increase in the Fair Market Rent (FMR). The FMR has

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22 risen an average of 3.59%. Within Clay County there are two Housing Authorities assisting the following communities: Authority Number of Units Ashland Housing Authority 255 Lineville City Housing Authority 191 Economic Activities Employment VS. Unemployment New Business VS. Business Closures Unemployment Rate in Clay County, AL as of October 2023 is 2.1%. According to labor.alabama.gov 2023 statistics, the total number of Clay County residents employed is 5,895. The following pie chart illustrates the types of jobs currently within Clay County. Clay County is centrally located in the heart of east Alabama. According to the American Community Survey, the annual median income in Clay County is $45,163. Within Lineville the mean annual income is slightly less at $35,837.00. Clay County is home to many large corporate businesses that employees white- and blue-collar laborers that include Wellborn Cabinets, Inc., Koch Foods, John-Co Truss Company, Integrity Cabinets, Three-Dimension Woodcraft, Lace Wood, Inc., Higgins Embroidery, and Cheaha Cabinets. Other jobs in Clay County consist of educators and other human services fields. 15% 5% 7% 7% 3% 3% 3% 33% 14% 1% 4% 4% 1% Clay County Jobs Manufacturing Educational Services, Health Care Retail Trade Transportation, Warehousing, Utilities Construction Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing & Hunting Finance, Insurance Management, Administrative Healthcare and Social Assistance Public Administration Wholesale trade Real Estate & Rental & Leasing

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23 To assist with the changing needs of industries the citizens of Clay County have access to the following: Central Alabama Community College (CACC): Central Alabama Community College is a fully accredited two-year institution of higher learning located on three campuses: The Alexander City Campus, the Childersburg Campus, and the Talladega Center. The college enrolls 2,451 students. Central Alabama Community College awards the Associate in Science, the Associate in Applied Science, the Associate in Occupational Technology, certificates, and short-term certificates. CACC offers many courses that can be taken via the internet. Central Alabama Community College has gainful employment in the areas of, Computer Science Certificate Program, Cosmetology Certificate Program, Drafting and Design Certificate, Drafting and Design Short Term Certificate, Industrial Electronics Technology Certificate, Industrial Electronics Technology Short Term Certificate, Machine Shop Certificate, Machine Shop Short Term Certificate, Manufacturing Technology Certificate, Office Administration Certificate, Practical Nursing, Welding Certificate, and Welding Short Term Certificate. CACC offers many academic clubs and academic honor programs. Southern Union: Southern Union State Community College is a public, two-year college. Southern Union offers academic, technical, health science, and social science programs to the east-central Alabama and west-central Georgia regions. Southern Union has campuses in Opelika, Alabama, Valley, Alabama and Wadley, Alabama. The college serves more than 5,000 students each semester from its campuses in Wadley, Valley, and Opelika. Southern Union places emphasis on helping their students by providing academic programs for transferability, technical programs for specialized career competencies and health sciences programs for specialized training in the health field. They also house a collection of different clubs and academic honoraria. The University of Auburn: Auburn University is a public four-year college located in Auburn, Alabama, which serves close to 56,000 students both graduate and undergraduate. The university currently consists of thirteen schools’ students can choose from more than 150-degree choices. Programs in architecture, pharmacy, veterinary science, engineering, forestry, and business have been ranked among the best in the country. Top Employers Company Name Type of Business Number of Employees Wellborn Cabinets Manufacturing 1,350 Koch Foods Food Manufacturing 425 Clay County Hospital & Nursing Homes Health Care 300 Clay County Board of Education Education 255 Clay County Economic Development Commission

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24 Educational Opportunities in Clay County The rural county of Clay serves approximately 2,100 students throughout K-12. This includes Ashland Elementary, Lineville Elementary School, and Central High School. According to the U.S Census Bureau the graduation rate for the class of 2020-2021 was 83% percent, which is 5.03% percent below the state average. The school systems in Clay County offer many different variations of technology to help their students’ progress. Some of these technologies are Accelerated Reader, STAR Math, PLATO, Reading Coach and CLASSWORKS. All of the elementary classrooms are equipped with 21st Century Technology. Not only does Clay County offer public schooling but they also house two private Christian Academy’s; Clay County Christian Academy and First Assembly Christian School. Graduation Rates for Clay County Communities Bachelor’s Degree or Higher United States Census Bureau High School Graduation 87.4% Clay County 83% Bachelor’s Degree or Higher 11.8% U.S. Census Bureau (2022) After graduation students may enter the workforce, join the military, or enroll in the many surrounding colleges. As previously highlighted, there are a number of post-secondary schools within a 60-90-mile radius of Clay County offering a wide variety of degree opportunities. As previously discussed, Clay County is a rural county limited to ethnicity diversity. The fastest growing population is the Latino or Hispanic population. Currently the county is majority older adults that have lived there all of their lives. Poverty Levels in Clay County According to the 2022 Alabama (Kids Count) Data Book, 15.5% of people in Clay County live in poverty. This rate is slightly lower than the state rate of 16.0%. Overall, 19.80% of the children in Clay County are considered to live in poverty. According to the 2020 Alabama (Kids Count) Data Book the number of children residing in Clay County that live in extreme poverty has decreased from 9.4% in the base year of 2000 to 8.1%. In the base year of 2000, the percentage of children under the age of five living in poverty was 20.7%. This number increased to 27.4% in 2020. The Family Assistance Program, also known as Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), provides temporary cash assistance for the basic needs for low-income families with children under the age of 18 or the age of 19 if that child is a full-time student or attends secondary school. The family can also receive TANF if that child attends a secondary school or

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25 is at the equivalent level of vocational or technical training. In 2022 the number of TANF cases in Clay County is 29. According to the Food Research and Action Center, 15.4% of Alabama’s population received assistance in purchasing food through Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). According to the 2022 Alabama (Kids Count)y Data book, the number of SNAP recipients has decreased in Clay County between the years of 2017 to 2022. In 2017 approximately 1,513 recipients received benefits, in 2022 the number has lowered to 1,472. Health Within Clay County there are no reports of health issues that may be due to pollution or other environmental factors. The most prevalent factor may be based upon income and lack of access to care in the more rural or less populated communities throughout Clay County. According to the 2022 Alabama (Kids Count) Data Book 61% of all births in Clay County were Medicaid paid births. This number has decreased from 66.9% in the base year of 2010. Within this same report in 2020, 442 women qualified for WIC. According to the 2022 (Kids Count) the current Child Death Rate was 0%. Families facing food insecurity also decreased from 19.4% to 14.7%. Families participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) has also decreased from 1513 receiving assistance in 2017 to 1,472 receiving services in 2022. In 2022, Alabama’s Children’s Health Insurance Program, through the Alabama Department of Health, served 378 Clay County children from age’s birth to 18. Health Statistics in Clay County Infant Mortality Adequate Prenatal Care Pre-Term Births Low-Birth Weights Birth to All Teens (15-17) 2010 2020 2010 2020 2010 2020 2010 2020 2010 2020 22.1 6.3 85.8% 72% 9.6% 12.5% 9.6% 11.3% 17.2 3.8 2022 Alabama (Kids Count) Data Book The chart above illustrates that the infant mortality rate in Clay County has increased significantly. The rate Birth to all Teens has also decreased but the percent of Pre-Term Births and Low Birth Weights have increased. Access to Health Care Clay County has access to one hospital located centrally in Ashland. Within the boundaries of Clay County there are well over 20 separate medical offices including chiropractic care, dentistry, and pediatrics. Clay County’s hospital is called Clay County Hospital Nursing Home & Wellness Center (CCH). It has 53 licensed beds and offers the same care that most hospitals in larger cities have.

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26 Service Area Cleburne County Cleburne County is located in the northeastern part of the State of Alabama. It was created by an act of the Alabama Legislature on December 6, 1866, from territory formerly contained in Calhoun, Randolph, and Talladega Counties. The county was named for Patrick Ronayne Cleburne, a Confederate Major General. The county seat was established at Edwardsville in 1867 and moved to Heflin in 1906. A large area in the western portion of the county is part of the Talladega National Forest. Cleburne County is bordered by Cherokee on the north, the Georgia state line on the east, Randolph County on the south, Clay County on the southeast Talladega on the southwest and Calhoun on the north. Governing Structure The Cleburne County seat is located in Heflin, Alabama. The governing structure within the county is divided into four districts with an elected County Commissioner representing each demographic region. In addition to the county presence many of the cities or towns located within Cleburne County are incorporated. The communities of Edwardsville, Fruithurst, Heflin, and Ranburne all have a mayor and local city council.

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27 CRHS currently provides Head Start services in the following location: Heflin Head Start Center 1156 Ross Street Heflin, Al 36264 Within Cleburne County there is one county school system serving children ages four through high school graduation. There are four elementary schools, one middle school, and two high schools. There are no private schools located within Cleburne County, but residents do have access to private schools in neighboring counties. The total number enrolled is 2,517 students according to the State Department of Education. Population, Demographics and Trends The following section will meet the requirement for the “Demographic makeup of the Head Start eligible children and their families, including estimated number, geographic location, and racial and ethnic composition.” Cleburne County is home to Alabama’s highest point, Mt. Cheaha, which is a foothill of the Appalachian Mountains. Other outdoor highlights include the Talladega National Forest, Dugger Mountain Wilderness, Tallapoosa River, Pinhoti Trail, Chief Ladiga Trail and Terrapin Creek. Located in northeast Alabama, the rural county is within an hour's drive to either Birmingham or Atlanta via Interstate 20. It encompasses 561 square miles. Population Trends as listed within the United States Census Report Statistics provided by the 2020 United States Census indicate a small decrease in the Cleburne County population. Cleburne County Communities 2020 Census July 2021 Estimate Percent Change to Estimate Overall 15,056 15,103 0.1% Edwardsville 206 203 .01 Fruithurst 2,547 2,5 1.1 Heflin 7,729 3,437 0.1 Ranburne 4780 461 1.1

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28 The following charts indicate and illustrate the total number of children currently residing in Cleburne County. This also indicates that the preschool population or children under the age of five have witnessed a minor increase. Under Age 5 Population in Cleburne County Total Population Child Population 3-year-old Population 4-year-old Population Child Percentage 2000 2021 2000 2021 2000 2021 2000 2021 2000 2021 14,123 15,103 3,812 3,766 175 184 157 195 27% 24.9% 2022 Alabama (Kids Count) Data Book 2021 Alabama (Kids Count) Data Book The above chart is intended to provide a visual representation of the overall population of Cleburne County based upon age. According to the 2022 Alabama Kid Count Data Book Census the total population for Cleburne County was 15,103. Of this population, 24.2% are under the age of five. Cleburne County Population 188 199 866 940 964 Birth to 3 Children 4 Ages 5-9 Ages 10-14 Ages 15-19 All others

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29 Racial and Ethnic Makeup of Cleburne County Children Demographics 2022 Alabama (Kids Count) Data Book The above chart is intended to provide a visual representation of the overall population based upon the racial and ethnic child population of Cleburne County. It is evident that the majority of the population is considered to be white. The second largest group is considered as Hispanic and the third is African American. According to the 2022 Alabama (Kids Count) Data Book all racial populations increased since the last census. Child Population Trends by Race/Ethnic Background Gender and Ages According to the American Fact Finder, 2022 Demographic profile the largest percentage of the total population within Cleburne County is considered as female. The total female population is estimated to be at 50.1%. Within this data the median age for females is reported to be 40. The total male population is 49.9%. Within this data the median age is slightly younger at 39.5. The population under the age of five is 5.9%. Population White African American Other 2 or more races Hispanic or Latino Under 18 13,819 466 76 566 284 Child Racial and Ethnic Population 5 184 16 100 118 3,294 White African American American Indian Asian Pacific More than one race Hispanic

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30 Child Population Trends Cleburne County is predominantly white. The child population based upon the 2022 Alabama (Kids Count) Data Book is 3,766. This is a slight increase from the 2016 base year of 3,355. Within the total population this amount makes up 24.9%. As of 2021 the total number of three- year-old residing in Cleburne County is 188 and the total number of four-year-old is 195. The second largest population is considered as African American, and the fastest growing population is Hispanic or Latino. From the base year the fastest growing population is the Hispanic or Latino population. Household Composition Cleburne County is considered a rural county and has a limited variety of rental properties. Cleburne County housing options include single family homes, apartments, and subsidized public housing units. According to the US Census Bureau 2022 Cleburne County Quick Fact report there are 6,888 housing units within Cleburne County. Of this number 77.2% are considered owner-occupied. The median gross rent is $724 per month with an average of 2.63 individuals living within each household. Currently within the City of Heflin the Heflin Housing Authority has 60 subsidized units that are available to low-income families. Economic Activities Employment VS. Unemployment New Business VS. Business Closures The City of Heflin is conveniently located on Interstate 20 midway between Birmingham and Atlanta. According to the 2022 Alabama Department of Labor, the unemployment rate in Cleburne County is 2.6%. The total number of Cleburne County residents employed is 5,939. Cleburne County Top Employers Name # of Employees Industry L.E. Bell Construction 525 Pipeline - Terminal Construction Cleburne County Schools 343 Board of Education Southwire 215 Manufacture/Wire and Cable Webb Concrete 120 Building Material Cleburne County Nursing Home 100 Nursing Home Cleburne County Government 89 Government

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31 According to the 2022 US Census, Quick Fact Report the median household income for Cleburne County is $48,333. The City of Heflin is located near several community and state college campuses with workforce and career development programs. Additionally, the State of Alabama has several state-level workforce training programs to help companies find and train their labor force. To assist with the changing needs of industries the citizens of Cleburne County have access to the following: • Alabama Industrial Development Training (AIDT) The AIDT program is a state-level program that provides industry-specific training and employee recruitment services to new and expanding industries. The program provides on-site training programs that are customized to each company's specific needs. The program also provides support in locating and recruiting workers. More information about AIDT's services can be found at www.aidt.edu. • Alabama Technology Network (ATN) This program primarily provides manufacturing-related workforce training programs and is administered through Alabama's two-year and four-year college and university system. Training topics cover a wide range of manufacturing topics from safety to management. More information about ATN can be found at www.atn.org. • Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) The workforce development division of ADECA offers workforce training programs to Alabama companies. These programs include incumbent workforce training programs, on-the-job training, and individual training. More information about these programs can be found on the workforce development division section of ADECA's website. • Local Workforce Development Programs The City of Heflin is located within an hour of Jacksonville State University, the University of West Georgia, and Talladega College. There are campuses for Central Alabama Community College and Gadsden State Community College also near the community. Additionally, the Cleburne County Career Tech School offers technical and career development courses at the high school level. • Be Extreme: Inside and Out Be Extreme is a program that serves twenty at-risk girls in Cleburne County ages 12-15. Counsellors and community leaders lead the participants in activities and training designed to enhance self-esteem and soft skills. They are counselled and coached in areas such as poise,

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32 health, nutrition, fitness, assertiveness, drug awareness, etiquette, decision-making, violence prevention and career planning. Be Extreme has graduated 12 classes of young women. City of Heflin Industrial Development Graduation Rates for Cleburne County Communities Bachelor’s degree or Higher United States Census Bureau Cleburne County ranks as number one within the state for Graduation Rate. Per the 2022 Alabama (Kids Count) Data Book Cleburne County had a 96.4% graduation rate. Per the US Census Report 16.4% of the population have a four-year degree. Families below the Poverty Level The Alabama Kid Count 2022 indicates that 15.6% of the families residing in Cleburne County live below the national poverty line. Furthermore, according to the 2022 Alabama (Kids Count) Data Book the number of children residing in Cleburne County that live below the poverty rate has increased. In the baseline year of 2019, 27% of children under the age of five lived below the poverty rate. An important statistic to note is that the total number of all children living in poverty increased. Within this data the total number of children living in extreme poverty conditions is 5.9%. The Family Assistance Program, also known as Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), provides temporary cash assistance for basic needs for low-income families with children under the age of 18 or 19 if he/she is a full-time student in a secondary school or in the equivalent level of vocational or technical training. Alabama Kid Count Data Book 2022, 2,317 Cleburne County residents received assistance in purchasing food through Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). According to the 2022 Alabama (Kids Count)y Data Book, the number of SNAP recipients has increased from 2017 to 2022 by 289 in Cleburne County. Health Within Cleburne County there are no reports of health issues that may be due to pollution or other environmental factors. The most prevalent factor may be based upon income and lack of access to care in the more rural or less populated communities.

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33 According to the 2022 Alabama (Kids Count) Data Book 51.2% of all births in Cleburne County were Medicaid paid births. This number has decreased from 62.4% in the base year of 2010. In 2021, 369 women qualified for WIC. Families participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) has also increased from 2,209 receiving assistance in 2017 to 2,345 receiving services in 2022. Health Statistics in Cleburne County 2022 Alabama (Kids Count) Data Book The chart above illustrates that most areas have shown some improvement. The most significant area is the increase of infant mortality. Another improvement can be noted in the decrease in teen births. Infant Mortality Adequate Prenatal Care Pre-Term Births Low-Birth Weights Birth to All Teens (15-17) 2010 2020 2010 2020 2010 2020 2010 2020 2010 2020 0.0 6.1% 82.2% 74.4% 6.6% 8.5% 7.1% 8.5% 25.4% 4.0%

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34 Service Area Coosa County General Area Description Geographic Boundaries County Profile Coosa is a beautiful rural county nestled in the heart of east-central Alabama. On the north side of Coosa County lies Talladega County, on the east side lies Tallapoosa County, south of Coosa lies Elmore County, and west of the county lies Chilton and Shelby County. Its name is derived from the Coosa River, which forms the western border. Coosa was once home of the Creek Indian tribe and did not become known as Coosa until 1832. It is 675 square miles and has only one school system. There is only one traffic signal in the entire county. Governing Structure The Coosa County Office, courthouse, and the county jail are all located in Rockford. The governing structure within the county is divided into five districts with an elected County Commissioner representing each demographic region. In addition to the county presence Goodwater and Rockford are both incorporated with an elected mayor and city council.

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35 CRHS currently provides Head Start and Early Head Start services at the following locations: Goodwater Head Start and Early Head Start 725 Nebo Street, Goodwater, AL. 35072 Central Head Start and Pre-K 243 Coosa County Road 75 Rockford, Al 35136 Within Coosa County there is one school system that serves children K-12th. Coosa Central is a public-school system, there are no known private school systems in Coosa County. Currently there are approximately 788 children enrolled. Population, Demographics and Trends The following section will meet the requirement for the “Demographic makeup of the Head Start eligible children and their families, including estimated number, geographic location, and racial and ethnic composition.” Coosa County was created on December 18, 1832, and was once the home of the Creek Indians. Coosa was named after the Coosa River which is its eastern boundary. It was formed from small snippets of Montgomery and Shelby County. It encompasses 615 square miles. Population Trends as listed within the United States Census Report Statistics provided by the 2022 United States Census indicate a small decline in population for the larger communities within Coosa County. Coosa County Community 2020 Census 2022 Census Percent Change to Estimate Kellyton 217 127 .59 Goodwater 1,291 1,291 1 Rockford 349 358 1.03 Coosa County Overall 10,387 10,166 .98% The following charts indicate and illustrate the total number of children currently residing in Coosa County. This also indicates that the total number of preschool population or children under the age of five has declined.

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36 Under Age 5 Population Coosa County Total Population Child Population 3-year-old Population 4-year-old Population Child Percentage 2020 2021 2020 2021 2020 2021 2020 2021 2020 2021 10,650 10,450 1,904 1,860 102 98 98 94 17.9% 17.8% 2022 Alabama (Kids Count) Data Book 2022 Alabama (Kids Count) Data Book The above chart is intended to provide a visual representation of the overall population of Coosa County. According to the 2021 United States Census report the total population for Coosa County was 10,450. Of this population only 17.8% are five and under. Gender and Ages According to the American Fact Finder 2022 Demographic profile the largest percentage of the total population within Coosa County is considered as male. The total male population is estimated to be at 51.96%. Within this data the median age for males is reported to be 65. The total female population is 48.04%. Within this data the median age is slightly younger at 49.8. Children 3 Children 4 Ages 5-9 Ages 10-14 Ages 15-19 Ages 15-19 Ages 10-14 Ages 5-9 Children 4 Children 3 0 102 100 200 300 98 400 486 482 480 500 600 Coosa County Population

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37 The female population under the age of five is 1.41% and the total male population less than the age of five is slightly higher at 3.24%. Racial and Ethnic Makeup of Coosa County Children Demographic The following chart is intended to provide a racial and ethnic description of Coosa County. 2022 Alabama (Kids Count) Data Book Population Trends by Race/Ethnic Background The following chart provides an illustration to demonstrate the population based upon race or ethnic background. This chart illustrates that most of the population residing in Coosa County are considered white alone. 2022 Estimated Population by Single Race Classification Total Population 10,166 White 6911 African American 3204 American Indian and Alaskan Native 42 Asian 0 Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander 0 Two or More Races 206 Hispanic Or Latina 274 2022 Census Fact Finder More than one race White African American American Indian Asian Pacific Hispanic 1,124 623 Child Racial and Ethnic Population 4 5 94 54

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38 Total Population Trends Geography April 1, 2022 Population Estimate (as of July 1) Census Estimates Base 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 Coosa County, Alabama 10,166 10,229 10,812 10,724 10,619 10,677 10,650 10,450 United States Census American Facts Finder Child Population Trends Based upon the on the information provided, Coosa County is predominantly white. The child population has slightly increased within the white population and decreased in all other populations excluding the Hispanic. Head Start services are provided in Coosa County within the city limits of Goodwater and Rockford. Based upon the American Fact Finder the total population within the Goodwater zip code is 1004, making up almost half of the entire county population. The child population, children less than five, for Goodwater is 281 or 4.6% of the total population. Household Composition Coosa County has few options for housing. Within Coosa County there are single family homes, one housing authority, and two apartment complexes. According to the 2022 United States Census QuickFacts report there is 6,071 housing units. Of this number 80.6% are owner occupied. The median gross rent is $655 per month with an average of 2.6 individuals living within each household. The largest federally assisted affordable rental community in the county is Rockwood Apartments at 29 units and the smallest is Stone Gate Apartments at 19 unit(s) both within the Goodwater Housing Authority. There are also two apartment properties that provide housing for seniors that contain 38 units that are also located within Goodwater. At least 75% of the available apartment rental units include some form of rental assistance to make rent more affordable for very low-income families. Coosa County’s population in 2022 is estimated at 10,166 with a growth of –2.1%. According to the most recent census data Coosa County is the 64th largest county in Alabama. The 2010 population was 11,539 and has seen a growth of -12.97 % since that time.

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39 Economic Activities Employment VS. Unemployment New Business VS. Business Closure According to the Alabama Department of Labor the unemployment rate for Coosa County is currently at 2.4%. According to the Alabama Department of Industrial Relations the total number of Coosa County residents employed is 4,552 individuals. Based upon Lake Martin Area Economic Development Alliance 60% of this workforce leaves the county to go to work. This same report states that there are currently only 888 jobs available within Coosa and most are considered as manufacturing. Median Income Median Household Income 45,722 Mean Household Income 43,660 Per Capita Income 28,619 Source: U.S. Census, 2022 Census To assist with the changing needs of industries the citizens of Coosa County have access to the following workforce and educational opportunities: Central Alabama Community College (CACC) Technology Center CACC in Alexander City offers area industries and residents the benefits of ongoing workforce development and training through state-of-the art facilities and industry- specific training programs. The college offers both credit and non-credit courses and can develop custom classes based on specific industry needs. CACC offers the first two years of a four-year degree that include general business classes, education, and the UAB School of Nursing. Alabama Technology Network (ATN) ATN offers primarily manufacturing workforce development courses. There is an ATN center located on the CACC campus in Alexander City, AL as well as a center at Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama. Topics and specific training are provided in: • Lean manufacturing • CNC plant layout • Quality systems • Information technology

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40 • Business Management • Industrial maintenance • Engineering and technical services AIDT AIDT is a state level workforce training program that provides free workforce training for area businesses. The program also assists in recruiting services for new and expanding businesses. The AIDT training center is centrally located in Montgomery. Areas of specific training include pre-employment screening and training, leadership development, industrial safety, and industrial maintenance technician. Coosa County Science and Technology School Before high school graduation students may begin their technical education through the Coosa County Science and Technology School. Courses are offered in Agriscience, anatomy/environmental science, automotive technology, biology/chemistry, business education, consumer science, health occupations and physical science. Top Employers Company Name Service/Product A&E Metal Manufacturing – Metal Roofing AmTech, LLC Manufacturing – Wiring Harnesses Lake Martin Wellington Manufacturing – Metal Stamping Madix Manufacturing – Store Fixtures SIGMA Gray & Ductile Iron Merchant Wholesaler Wingfield Engineering Control Equipment Manufacturing *Source: Alabama Department of Industrial Relations – High Demand Occupations for Region 5 (Coosa, Talladega, Clay, Randolph, Cleburne, Calhoun, Etowah, and Cherokee Counties). Educational Opportunities in Coosa County There is one school system in Coosa County. In the fall of 1998, the county consolidated three high schools that were located in the communities of Goodwater, Rockford and Weogufka. In the fall of 2003, Coosa County continued to consolidate and opened the Central Elementary and

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41 Middle School. All schools are centrally located within the community of Hanover, Alabama. According to the 2022 Alabama (Kids Count) Coosa has an 82% graduation rate. Education Attainment High School Degree or Higher 81.5% Some College, No Degree 39.6% Associate Degree 8.8% Bachelor's Degree 13.4% Graduate or Professional Degree 14% U.S. Census, 2022 American Community Survey After graduation students may enter the workforce, join the military, or enroll in college. Nearby (within 75 miles of Hanover) Universities include, Auburn University, University of Alabama Birmingham, the University of Montevallo, and Jacksonville State University. Residents of Coosa also have access to Central Alabama Community College with campuses located close by in Alexander City, Childersburg, and Talladega. Families below the Poverty Level According to the 2022 Alabama (Kids Count) Data Book, 4% of families in Coosa County live below the poverty line. This rate is slightly lower than the state rate that is 6%. Overall, 29.2% of the children are considered to live below the poverty level. According to the 2022 Alabama (Kids Count) Data Book the number of children residing in Coosa County that live below the poverty rate has increased from 24.2% in the base year of 2020 to 36.2% . The Family Assistance Program, also known as Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), provides temporary cash assistance for the basic needs for low-income families with children under the age of 18 or the age of 19 if that child is a full-time student or attends secondary school. The family can also receive TANF if that child attends a secondary school or is at the equivalent level of vocational or technical training. According to the Food Research and Action Center, 14.5% of Alabama’s population received assistance in purchasing food through Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). According to the 2022 Alabama (Kids Count)y Data Book, the number of SNAP recipients has decreased in Coosa County in 2022 to 1637.

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42 Health Within Coosa County there are no reports of health issues that may be due to pollution or other environmental factors. The most prevalent factor may be based upon income and lack of access to care in the more rural or less populated communities throughout Coosa County. According to the 2022 Alabama (Kids Count) Data Book 55.8% of all births in Coosa County were Medicaid paid births. This number has decreased from 57.9% in the base year of 2021. Coosa County now offers WIC benefits at the Coosa County Health Department. Families facing food insecurity also decreased from 20.4% to 14%. Families participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) has also decreased from 1,648 receiving assistance in 2021 to 1,637 receiving services in 2022. Health Statistics in Coosa County Infant Mortality Adequate Prenatal Care Pre-Term Births Low-Birth Weights Birth to All Teens (15-17) 2019 2020 2019 2020 2019 2020 2019 2020 2019 2020 26.3% 11.6% 78.7% 69.9% 15.8% 12.8% 13.2% 10.5% 1.4% 0% 2022 Alabama (Kids Count) Data Book The chart above illustrates that some areas have shown improvement. One improvement can be noted in the decrease in teen births. Access to Health Care Access to adequate health care is limited. Currently there is not a hospital located within Coosa County. For routine doctor’s visits there are two doctor offices available. The Goodwater Medical Clinic and the Rockford Family Health Center. The Health Department is located in Rockford and is now open daily through the week. If hospitalization is required, the residents of Coosa County may choose to drive to either Talladega or Tallapoosa County. Other options include driving further to Jefferson County, Montgomery County, or Lee County.

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43 Service Area Randolph County Randolph County is located in the eastern part of Alabama. The county seat is in Wedowee. Its name is in honor of John Randolph, a member of the United States Senate from Virginia. The first county seat for Randolph County was established in 1833 at Hedgeman Triplett's Ferry on the west bank of the Big Tallapoosa River, about 10 miles west of Wedowee. In 1835 the county seat was moved by the commissioners to nearby Wedowee. This city lies in the center of Randolph County, on a fork of the Little Tallapoosa River. Randolph County was a prohibition or dry county until 2012 when the citizens of Randolph County voted to repeal prohibition. Randolph County is bordered by Cleburne on the north, the Georgia state line on the east, Chambers and Tallapoosa Counties on the south, and Clay County on the west.

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44 Governing Structure The Randolph County office is located in Wedowee. The governing structure within the county is divided into five districts with an elected County Commissioner representing each demographic region. The Alabama Legislature created Randolph County on December 18, 1832, from lands acquired from the Creek Indians in the 1832 Treaty of Cusseta. Roanoke is incorporated with an elected mayor and city council. CRHS provides Head Start services at the following location: Peachtree Early Learning Center Folsom Head Start 444 Peachtree Street 2250 County Rd 29 Roanoke, AL 36274 Wedowee, AL 36278 Within Randolph County there are two school systems. Randolph County Schools that include Randolph County High School, Randolph-Roanoke Career Technical School, Rock Mills Junior High, Wadley High School, Wedowee Elementary School, Wedowee Middle School, and Woodland High School and Roanoke City Schools include Knight-Enloe Elementary School, Handley Middle School, and Handley High School. There is one private school, Faith Christian Academy, serving approximately 96 children. Population, Demographics and Trends The following section will meet the requirement for the “Demographic makeup of the Head Start eligible children and their families, including estimated number, geographic location, and racial and ethnic composition.” Home to scenic Lake Wedowee, Randolph County offers many recreational activities that include boating, kayaking, bird watching on the beautiful Tallapoosa River and Flat Rock Park. Located in East Alabama, a rural county, an hour drive to Atlanta or two-hour drive to Birmingham. It encompasses 584 square miles. Randolph County is considered to be in Alabama’s Black Belt. The county was developed for agriculture, specifically cotton plantations, which were worked by African American slaves brought by migrants to the region or transported during the domestic slave trade. Population Trends as listed within the United States Census Report Statistics provided by the 2020 United States Census indicate a small decrease in the Randolph County population.

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45 Randolph County Communities 2020 Census April 2022 Estimate Randolph Overall 21,967 22,479 Roanoke 6,074 5,311 Wedowee 818 823 Wadley 751 597 The following charts indicate and illustrate the total number of children currently residing in Randolph County. This also indicates the preschool population and children under the age of five have decreased. Under Age 5 Population in Randolph County Total Population Child Population 3-year-old Population 4-year-old Population Child Percentage 2000 2022 2000 2020 2000 2022 2000 2021 2000 2021 22,380 21989 6,291 5,188 303 249 280 246 28.1% 23.6% 2022 Alabama (Kids Count) Data Book 2021 Alabama (Kids Count) The above chart is intended to provide a visual representation of the overall population of Randolph County. According to the United States 2020 Census Report the total population for Randolph County is 22,380. Of this population only 5.3% are five and under. This same report predicts the total population will decline by 1.0%. Children 3 Children 4 Ages 5-9 Ages 10-14 Ages 15-19 1,366 1,358 1,392 262 264 Randolph County Population

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46 Racial and Ethnic Makeup of Randolph County Children Demographics 2021 Alabama (Kids Count) Data Book Population Trends by Race/Ethnic Background The largest population of Randolph County is White. The second largest population is African American, and the third largest population is 2 or more races. According to the 2021 Alabama (Kids Count) Data Book all populations have witnessed a small decrease excluding the category of more than one race and the Hispanic population. Randolph White African American Other 2 or more races Hispanic or Latino Population 16,953 4,080 157 766 641 Arqusleader.com 2022 Roanoke Demographics According to the 2021 Census Report the total population of the city of Roanoke is 5,279. Of this number approximately 53.0% are female 47.0% male. This same report also notes the population is declining at the rate of –0.25%. Asian Pacific More than one race Hispanic African American American Indian White 3,669 1,154 305 36 9 Child Racial and Ethnic Population 2021 192

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47 Total Population Trends Geography April 1, 2010 Population Estimate (as of July 1) Census Estimates Base 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 Randolph County, Alabama 21,989 21,967 22,515 22,702 22,742 22,781 21,971 21,989 Child Population Trends Within Randolph County the Head Start services provided by CRHS are targeted towards the Roanoke community. Based upon the information gathered, Randolph County is predominantly white. The overall population has decreased. According to the 2022 Alabama (Kids Count) Data Book the child population is defined as persons under 20 years of age and is declining in all populations excluding the Hispanic population. The Hispanic population has increased from 1.7% to 5.6%. Household Composition Randolph County is considered a rural county and has a limited variety of rental properties. Randolph County housing options include single family homes, apartments, and subsidized public housing units. Within Randolph County there are two public housing authorities, the Roanoke Housing Authority, and the Randolph County Housing Authority. In addition to these rental locations there are eight additional apartment complexes that consider income when calculating monthly rent. According to the US Census Bureau 2021 Randolph County Quick Fact Report there are 12,531 housing units within the county. Of this number 79.8% are considered owner-occupied. The median rent is $665.00 per month with 2.57 individuals per household. Within the City of Roanoke 69.8% of housing units are considered as owner- occupied. The median rent is $598.00 per month with 2.39 individuals per household. Cities with Federally Assisted Housing in Randolph County City Units Roanoke 2,791 Wedowee 365 Wadley 254 Currently within Randolph County there are 8,607 total households. Within this number 4,675 are considered to be two parent households with 1,606 households having children under 18 or under living at home. The total number of single female households is 1,274 with 680 having children 18 or younger living at home.

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48 Economic Activities Employment VS. Unemployment New Business VS. Business Closures According to the Alabama Department of Labor, the unemployment rate in Randolph County was 2.2%. The total number of Randolph County residents employed is 9,262. Situated halfway between Interstates 20 and 85 on the Georgia line in east Alabama, Randolph County offers proximity to metropolitan areas. This central location results in a labor draw of over 270,000 workers from a 45-mile radius. The Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, offering service from over 35 airlines, is less than 75 miles away. The new Kia manufacturing plant in West Point, Ga. is within 30 miles. Recreational opportunities are abundant with Lake Wedowee and nearby destinations Talladega National Forest and Cheaha State Park. Randolph County, Alabama is home to Southern Union State Community College and offers easy access to Auburn University and Jacksonville State University. Roanoke City Schools offers the unique technical experience of having all wireless campuses for grades K-12. Additionally, Roanoke City Schools is engaged in Teaching 1:1 with all students from kindergarten through 12th grade having an individually assigned laptop or iPad. At high school, students are issued a laptop to use at school and at home for the entire school year. Along with the traditional K-12 schooling, Randolph County is also served by Randolph- Roanoke Career Technical Center which provides technical training in a variety of areas including welding, electrical, business technology, and industrial maintenance. Southern Union State Community College’s main campus in Wadley is a two-year college offering degrees with a wide range of disciplines such as Computer and Informational Sciences, HVAC, Machine Shop, Industrial Electronics, Automotive Mechanics, Welding, Nursing, and Business. Other nearby universities / colleges: • Auburn University • Jacksonville State University • LaGrange College

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49 Top Employers Name Product # of Employees Mohawk Industries Carpet Backing 425 Randolph County School System Education 270 Wal-Mart Retail 218 Traylor Retirement Community Assisted Living Care 180 Roanoke City School System Education 175 Wadley Holdings Patio Furniture 165 Candle Wick Yarns (Dixie Co.) Carpet Yarn 140 Steelfab, Inc. of Alabama Structural Steel 79 Tanner Medical Center Hospital – Medical Care 110 Educational Opportunities in Randolph County Randolph County is home to Randolph County Schools and Roanoke City Schools. The outstanding educational facilities and programs allow for a positive learning experience for all students. The importance of technology has been recognized with initiatives to include access for students. In addition to sports and bands, additional extracurricular activities have been put in place which includes cultural activities such as art, drama, and music. High School Graduation Randolph County 92.3% Bachelor’s Degree or Higher 16.8% U.S. Census Bureau 2021. After graduation students may enter the workforce, join the military, or enroll in the many surrounding colleges. As previously highlighted, there are a number of post-secondary schools within a 60-90-mile radius of Randolph County offering a wide variety of degree opportunities. Families below the Poverty Level According to the 2022 Kid Count, 17.0% of families in Randolph County live below the poverty line. This rate is slightly higher than the state rate that is 15.8%. of the children are considered to live below the poverty level. According to the 2021 Alabama (Kids Count) Data Book the number of children residing in Randolph County that live below the poverty rate has increased to 30.3%. In the base year, the percentage of children under the age of five living in poverty was 21.8%. The number of children living in extreme poverty in 2020 increased to 18.0%. The Family Assistance Program, also known as Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), provides temporary cash assistance for basic needs for low-income families with

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50 children under the age of 18 or 19 if he/she is a full-time student in a secondary school or in the equivalent level of vocational or technical training. According to the Food Research and Action Center, 18% of Alabama’s population received assistance in purchasing food through Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). According to the 2021 Alabama (Kids Count) Data Book, the number of SNAP recipients has increased in Randolph County between the years of 2016 to 2021. In 2016, 4,877 families received benefits, in 2021 the number has decreased to 4356. Health Research proves that for children to grow and learn they need to be healthy. According to the 2021 Alabama (Kids Count) Data Book more than 66.7% of all births in Randolph County were Medicaid paid births. The Alabama Department of Health served 502 Randolph County children from age’s birth to 18. In Randolph County, WIC also provided nutrition assessment, education, and nutritious foods to 584 low income pregnant, breastfeeding, postpartum women, infants, and children up to five. Health Statistics in Randolph County Infant Mortality Adequate Prenatal Care Pre-Term Births Low-Birth Weights Birth to All Teens (15-17) 2016 2020 2010 2020 2010 2020 2016 2020 2010 2020 13.2% 7.8% 68.8% 78.5% 15.6% 11.7% 14.0% 8.2% 14.2% 14.3% 2021 Alabama (Kids Count) Data Book The chart above illustrates that all areas have declined excluding infant mortality and low-birth weights. The most significant area is the increase of infant mortality rate.

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51 Service Area Talladega County General Area Description Geographic Boundaries County Profile Talladega County lies in the northeastern section of the state. Talladega County is the second largest service area. To the north lies Calhoun County, to the east lies Cleburne and Clay County, to the south lies Coosa County and to the west is Shelby and St. Clair County. Talladega is home of the Talladega Super Speedway. It is 760 square miles. Governing Structure The Talladega County Office and courthouse are located in Talladega. The governing structure within the county is divided into five districts with an elected County Commissioner representing each demographic region. In addition to the county presence many of the cities or towns located within Talladega County are incorporated. Childersburg, Lincoln, Sylacauga, and Talladega are all incorporated with an elected Mayor and City Council. CRHS provides Head Start within six Talladega County communities and serves approximately 260 children.

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52 The following is a list of these centers with the locations: Childersburg Head Start Drew Court Head Start 3261 Pinecrest Drive 1 Crestline Avenue Childersburg, AL 35044 Sylacauga, AL 35150 Frank Curry Head Start Munford Head Start 229 Broadway Ave 49 Main St. Talladega, Alabama 35160 Munford, AL 36268 Talladega Head Start/Early Head Start 617 W. Coosa Street Talladega, AL 35160 Within Talladega County there are both public and private schools serving children ages four through high school graduation. There are 25 schools that fall within Talladega City Schools and Talladega County school system. In addition to this there are two private schools. Population, Demographics and Trends The following section will meet the requirement for the “Demographic makeup of the Head Start eligible children and their families, including estimated number, geographic location, and racial and ethnic composition.” Prior to Euro-American settlement in what is today Talladega County, it was the home of the Abihka tribe of the Creek Confederacy. Talladega County was established on December 18, 1832, from land ceded by the Creek Indians near the state's geographic center. The county seat was established at Talladega in 1834. The name Talladega is derived from a Muscogee (Creek) Native American word Tvlvteke, from the Creek tålwa, meaning "town", and åtigi, or "border" - "Border Town", a town indicating its location on the boundary between the lands of the Creek tribe and those of the Cherokee and Chickasaw. Talladega is the county seat, and the county encompasses 737 square miles. Population Trends as listed within the United States Census Report Statistics provided by the US 2022 Census QuickFacts indicate a small decline in population for the majority of the larger communities or townships within Talladega County. Talladega County Communities 2022 QuickFacts July 2022 Estimate Childersburg 4,573 4,768 Lincoln 7,272 6,851 Sylacauga 12,278 12,570 Talladega 14,674 15,853 Talladega County Overall 80,704 82,152

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53 The following charts indicate and illustrate the total number of children currently residing in Talladega County. This also indicates that the preschool population or children under the age of five population has witnessed a decline. Under Age 5 Population Talladega County Total Population Child Population 3-year-old Population 4-year-old Population Child Percentage 2000 2021 2000 2021 2000 2021 2000 2021 2000 2021 80, 321 81,524 22, 320 18,812 1,036 850 1,012 866 27.8% 23.1% 2022 Alabama (Kids Count) Data Book 2022Alabama (Kids Count) Data Book Gender and Ages According to the US 2023 Census QuickFacts Demographic profile, the largest percentage of the total population within Talladega County is considered as female. The total female population is estimated to be at 51.2%. The total male population is 48.38%. The female population under the age of five is 3.0% and the total male population less than the age of five is slightly higher at 3.1%. Within the city limits of Talladega, the data is different. The largest percentage of the total population is considered as female. The total female population is estimated to be at 51.2%. The total male population is 49.1%. The female population under the age of five is 3 % and the total male population is 3%. Talladega County Population 2,583 5,020 861 877 5,097 4,431 Birth to Three Children 3 Children 4 Ages 5-9 Ages 10-14 Ages 15-19

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54 Racial and Ethnic Makeup of Talladega County Children Demographic 2022 Alabama (Kids Count) Data Book The above chart is intended to provide a Racial and Ethnic description of the children in Talladega County. According to the 2022 Alabama (Kids Count) Data Book the total population in Talladega County in 2021 was 18,812. Of this population only 22.7% are five and under. This same report also predicts that the total population has declined since 2000. Population Trends by Race/Ethnic Background The following chart provides an illustration to demonstrate the population based upon race or ethnic background. This chart illustrates that most of the population residing in Talladega County are considered white alone. 2020 Estimated Population by Single Race Classification Total Population 80,244 White Alone 51,214 64.3% Black or African American Alone 26,439 32.6% American Indian and Alaska Native Alone 284 0.4% Asian Alone 395 0.6% Two or More Races 1,459 2.0% Hispanic or Latina 1,768 2.5% US 2023 Census Quick Facts White African American American Indian Asian Pacific Hispanic More than one race 10,485 6,669 778 78 722 29 Child Racial and Ethnic Population

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55 Total Population Trends Geography April 1, 2020 Population Estimate (as of July 1, 2022) Census Estimates Base 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2022 Talladega County 82,149 82,149 80,598 80,192 80,2191 80,266 81,216 80,704 United States Census American Facts Finder Child Population Trends Based upon the information provided, Talladega County is predominantly white, however the child population, defined by the 2022 Alabama (Kids Count) Data Book, as persons under 20 years of age, is declining only in the child population considered as White. The African American population, second largest size. However, where the majority of services through CRHS are provided, within the city limits of Talladega, the population is much different. Based upon the American Fact Finder, the total population estimate for Talladega City is 14,674. According to the United States Census QuickFacts, African Americans alone made up 50.8% of the population. The Hispanic or Latino population makes up 5.3% of the population. The total number of people under five is 4.3%. The centers that provide Head Start services in the heart of Talladega are Talladega Head Start/Early Head Start and Frank Curry Head Start. In the adjacent city of Sylacauga, the population demographics are incredibly different. The total population estimate is 12,278. African American alone population made up 31.3%, white alone 63.5% and the Hispanic or Latino population is 1.8%. The total number of people under age five is 5.9%. Drew Court Head Start provides services in the Sylacauga City area. The city of Childersburg’s location is rural Talladega County. The total population for Childersburg is 4,768. Of this population almost 54.1 % is white alone, 40.9% is African American alone, and the Hispanic or Latino population is 2.5%. Childersburg Head Start provides services to this community. The total persons under five population is 7.7%. The city of Lincoln is located in the northern part of Talladega County. The total population for Lincoln is 7,272. Of this population almost 66.5% is white alone, 23.7% is African American alone, Asian alone is .3% and the Hispanic or Latino population is 2.5%. The total persons under five population is 5.5%.

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56 Household Composition Talladega County provides a variety of housing options to include single family homes, apartments, subsidized public housing units, emergency shelters, Habitat for Humanity, and other low-income home ownership assistance programs. According to the 2023 US Census Quick Talladega County Quick Fact report there are 38,543 housing units within Talladega County. Of this number 70.9% are considered as owner-occupied. The median gross rent is $693.00 per month with an average of 2.46 individuals living within each household. Within Talladega County there are three Housing Authorities assisting the following communities: Authority Number of Units Sylacauga Housing Authority 626 Talladega Housing Authority 500 Childersburg Housing Authority 190 Currently within the City of Talladega the number of subsidized low-income units is 638 units. According to the US Census QuickFacts report in 2020 the total number of households was 5,500 with the average household size being 2.39 individuals. The median gross rent within Talladega was estimated to be $605. The 2023 median income within Talladega was $31,795. Within the adjacent city of Sylacauga, there are 5,170 households with the average household size being 2.37. The median rent for the Sylacauga area was estimated to be $627. Within the city limits of Sylacauga there are 624 subsidized low-income housing units. The median 2023 income within Sylacauga was $41,864. Within the Childersburg community, the local Housing Authority gives preference to applicants who are either considered disabled or elderly. There is a total of 4,573 households with the average household size being 2.37. The median income is $37,043. Within the Lincoln community, there is no low-income housing available. There is a total of 2,495 households with the average household size being 2.72. The median income is $63,464.

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57 Economic Activities Employment VS. Unemployment New Business VS. Business Closures The Talladega County, Alabama economy has a strong and diversified industrial base built on the area’s proximity to transportation routes, raw materials, and available workforce. Talladega County has more than 150 companies in its industrial database and is a regional source for commercial, professional, medical, educational, and retail services. Talladega County is home to a diverse set of industrial sectors including industries related to aerospace, automotive, Nascar, metalworking, marble quarry, plastic-injection molding, fertilizer production, logistics and warehousing sectors. Median Income for Cities within Talladega County Talladega County $45,400 Talladega $31,795 Sylacauga $41,864 Childersburg $39,636 Lincoln $63,464 According to The Alabama Department of Labor, the unemployment rate in Talladega County was 2.6%. The total number of Talladega County residents employed is 36,651h. The following pie chart illustrates the types of jobs currently within Talladega County. United States Census American Facts Finder Public Administration Arts, Entertainment Educational Other Wholesale Trade Retail Trade Transportation Information Finance Professional Construction and Maintenance Manufacturing Agriculture 15 33 259 94 72 50 11 87 87 145 35 11 Full and Part Time by Industry 4

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58 To assist with the changing needs of industries the citizens of Talladega County have access to the following resources: Talladega College Talladega College is a four-year, nationally accredited liberal arts college. Founded in 1867, Talladega College consistently ranks high nationally among historically black colleges, in overall number of students who receive PhD’s and who enter the medical profession. Jacksonville State University Jacksonville State University is a fully accredited four-year university located 20 miles north of Anniston in Jacksonville, Alabama on a 459-acre campus. JSU is the sixth largest university in Alabama, serving over 9,000 students and offering academic programs at both the undergraduate and graduate level. Programs are offered through its College of Arts and Sciences, College of Commerce and Business Administration, College of Education and Professional Studies, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Department of Military Science and the School of Graduate Studies and Continuing Education. Aside from on-campus classes, JSU also offers online classes for both undergraduate and graduate work. Central Alabama Community College Central Alabama Community College has a long and distinguished history of making dreams a reality for thousands of students. CACC offers a quality education that is affordable and close to home but driven by a dynamic combination of strong academic and technical curriculums, championship athletics, cultural enrichment offerings, active scholastic and social organizations, leadership opportunities and community outreach. Gadsden State Community College Gadsden State Community College is a comprehensive community college dedicated to meeting the needs of the citizens in its service area. It offers the first two years of a four-year degree as well as a number of technical and certificate programs and non-credit programs that include skills training and adult education. Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind The Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind, founded in 1867, is the world’s most comprehensive education, rehabilitation and employment system serving children and adults who are deaf, blind, and multi-disabled. With five campuses and nine regional centers throughout the State, AIDB has been investing in the lives of thousands of infants, toddlers, children, adults, and seniors who are challenged by hearing and vision loss. Alabama Industrial Development Training (AIDT) AIDT was established to build a healthy state economy by recruiting and training a skilled workforce to attract new industries to the state and to expand existing industries. AIDT assists a variety of employers throughout the state by identifying a qualified applicant pool through recruitment, screening, and training services at no cost to the company. AIDT offers comprehensive pre-employment selection and training, leadership development, on-the-job training, continuous/process improvement assessments, maintenance assessments, and industrial safety assessments and training, all specific to a company’s needs.

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59 Talladega County Career Technical Center The Talladega County Career Technical Center is open to tenth, eleventh, and twelfth grade students in the Talladega County School System. Students attend the Career Technical Center for skills and technical training, while completing required academic work at their area schools. Courses are offered in Automotive Service Technology, Collision Repair Technology, Drafting Design Technology, Health Science, Cosmetology, Early Childhood Education, Welding Technology, and Precision Machining Technology. Through the Career/Technical Cooperative Education Program, students receive instruction in their selected occupations through on-the-job training. In the past year, several businesses within the service sector have closed, however, most of these closures have been absorbed by other service businesses opening. These new businesses included Cheaha Brewing Company, Pizza Hut, Dollar General, Family Dollar, Zaxby’s, Popeye’s Chicken, Cricket Wireless, Metro PCS, U&I Beauty etc. Top Ten Employers Company Name Type of Business Number of Employees Honda Manufacturing Automobile Manufacturing 4,900 Alabama Institute for the Blind and Death Education Institute 1,020 Talladega County Board of Education County Public Schools 952 Nemak Aluminum Components Motor Vehicle Parts 504 New South Express Honda Parts Supplier 1575 Coosa Valley Medical Center Hospital 520 Filterbuy AC Custom Parts Supplier 440 Walmart Retailer 425 Legacy Cabinets Manufacturing 664 Kasia North America Automobile Manufacturing 552 Talladega County Economic Development Authority Educational Opportunities in Talladega County Within Talladega County there are four different school systems. This includes Talladega City Schools, Talladega County Schools, Sylacauga City Schools, and the Institute for the Deaf and Blind school. According to the 2022 Alabama (Kids Count) Talladega County had a graduation rate of 93.2%. Graduation Rates Talladega County Communities

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60 Bachelor’s Degree or Higher United States Census Bureau United States Census American Facts Finder After graduation students may enter the workforce, join the military, or enroll in college. Talladega County has a variety of post-secondary choices available to include Central Alabama Community College and Talladega College. As previously discussed, Talladega County has a diverse population. Within the City of Talladega, the largest population is white. The fastest growing population is the Hispanic population. Currently, the majority of school age children are receiving services within the local school systems, however, for dual language learners much of the instruction is not provided in their home language. Families below the Poverty Level The United States QuickFacts Reports indicates that more than 19.1% of the families residing in Talladega County live below the national poverty line. Alarmingly in the city of Talladega more than 26.8% live below the poverty level and in Sylacauga that number continues to be high at more than 25.1%. In the city of Childersburg, the rate is 32% and Lincoln fares much better with a rate of 15.4%. Furthermore, according to the 2022 Alabama (Kids Count) Data Book the number of children residing in Talladega County that live below the poverty rate continues to grow rapidly. In the baseline year of 2000, 13.2% of children under the age of five lived below the poverty rate. The Family Assistance Program, also known as Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), provides temporary cash assistance for basic needs for low-income families with children under the age of 18 or 19 if he/she is a full-time student in a secondary school or in the equivalent level of vocational or technical training. Under Alabama’s work first approach, most recipients of cash assistance are required to participate in the TANF Employment Program (JOBS) for up to 40 hours a week. High School Graduation Rate Talladega County 82.9% Talladega 90% Sylacauga 85% Childersburg 90% Lincoln 95% Bachelor’s Degree or Higher Talladega County 15.9% Talladega 13.7% Sylacauga 17.3% Childersburg 12.2% Lincoln 20.1%

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61 According to the Food Research and Action Center, 15% of Alabama’s population received assistance in purchasing food through Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). According to the 2022 Alabama (Kids Count)y Data book, the number of SNAP recipients has decreased in Talladega County. Health Research proves that for children to grow and learn they need to be healthy. According to the 2022 Alabama (Kids Count) Data Book more than 57.9% of all births in Talladega County were Medicaid paid births. In 2020, Alabama’s Children’s Health Insurance Program, through the Alabama Department of Health, served 2,000 Talladega County children from age’s birth to 18. In Talladega County, WIC also provided nutrition assessment, education, and nutritious foods to 1,984 low- income pregnant, breastfeeding, postpartum women, infants, and children up to five. Infant Mortality Adequate Prenatal Care Pre-Term Births Low-Birth Weights Birth to All Teens (15-17) 2010 2020 2010 2020 2010 2020 2010 2020 2010 2020 8.2% 12.9% 78.6% 66.0% 13.2% 15.4% 11.4% 13.0% 17.8% 14.6% Health Statistics for Talladega County Access to Health Care Within Talladega County there are two hospitals. Brookwood Baptist Medical Center, Talladega, and Coosa Valley Medical Center in Sylacauga. Citizen’s Baptist’s hospital provides 122 beds, while Coosa Valley hospital provides 253 beds. Both hospitals have several physicians representing all major specialties. Throughout Talladega County there are a variety of physicians available. Currently obstetric services are only available through Coosa Valley Medical Center in Sylacauga.

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66 Health Services Report Please see the data charts below for specific areas of our Health division. All enrolled children (Early Head Start and Head Start) are currently up to date on all required immunizations. Early Head Start Medical Home- Begin Enrollment Medical Home- End Enrollment Continuous Medical Care Indian Health Service Migrant Community Health Ctr. Continuous Medical Care Indian Health Service Migrant Community Health Ctr. 279 0 0 278 0 0 Health Services At Enrollment End of Enrollment Needs Medical Treatment Receiving Medical Treatment 171 180 N/A N/A Received Treatment Anemia Asthma Hearing Difficulty Vision Problems High Lead Diabetes 0 12 0 3 0 0 Head Start Medical Home- Begin Enrollment Medical Home- End Enrollment Continuous Medical Care Indian Health Service Migrant Community Health Ctr. Continuous Medical Care Indian Health Service Migrant Community Health Ctr. 548 0 0 550 0 0 Health Services At Enrollment End of Enrollment Needs Medical Treatment Receiving Medical Treatment 131 384 N/A N/A

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67 Received Treatment Anemia Asthma Hearing Difficulty Vision Problems High Lead Diabetes 6 27 0 15 0 0 Early Head Start Health Insurance at Enrollment Health Insurance CHIP/Medicaid State Insurance Private Insurance Other Insurance No Insurance 174 169 0 5 0 6 Health Insurance at End of Enrollment Health Insurance CHIP/Medicaid State Insurance Private Insurance Other Insurance No Insurance 169 164 0 5 0 11 Head Start Health Insurance at Enrollment Health Insurance CHIP/Medicaid State Insurance Private Insurance Other Insurance No Insurance 547 526 0 N/A N/A N/A Health Insurance at End of Enrollment Health Insurance CHIP/Medicaid State Insurance Private Insurance Other Insurance No Insurance 526 531 0 N/A 2 1 Early Head Start Dental Home Dental Services EHS Preventive Dental Continuous Continuous Received Dental Needs Receiving Dental Dental Dental Preventative Exam Dental Dental Screen Care Begin Care End Dental Care Since Last Treatment Treatment Enroll Enroll PIR 212 214 0 0 0 0 N/A

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68 Head Start Dental Home Dental Services Continuous Continuous Received Dental Needs Receiving Dental Dental Preventative Exam Dental Dental Care Begin Care End Dental Care Since Last Treatment Treatment Enroll Enroll PIR 547 550 375 397 56 31 Children with Disabilities Head Start program performance standards mandate that at least 10% of enrollment opportunities be available for children with disabilities. Head Start agencies help states meet the IDEA inclusion obligation by contracting by contracting and/or collaborating with LEAs to provide an inclusive education program to Pre-K children determined eligible for special education and related services. There are nine state agencies serving Alabama’s Early Intervention System for Infants and Toddlers with Disabilities. State Councils on Developmental Disabilities (SCDD) pursue system change in aspects of service/support availability; design or delivery that promote better lives for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. Alabama’s Early Intervention System (AEIS) provides coordinated services from many different state agencies and community-based service providers. These services are for infants and toddlers, from birth to 3 years, who are eligible because of special needs (developmental delays or diagnosed disabilities). The Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services, Division of Early Intervention, coordinates Alabama’s Early Intervention System. The most prevalent type of disability for CRHS program children 5 years and under is speech and language deficiencies. Head Start children receive services on-site in all our centers. CRHS Enrolled Children with Disabilities 2 10 47 Speech Development Delays Health Impairment

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69 Child Safety Child abuse and neglect are important health issues for Alabama. Child abuse is defined as harm or a threat of harm to a child’s health or welfare. Child neglect is negligent treatment or maltreatment of a child, including the failure to provide adequately for a child. In Alabama, the Office of Child Protective Services of the Family Services Division of the Alabama Department of Human Resources is responsible for collecting reports of child abuse and neglect. Alabamians identified child abuse and neglect as the eighth greatest current health concern in Alabama. Unfortunately, instances of child abuse and neglect are often unreported. Many states have enacted mandatory reporting laws that compel certain professionals to report child abuse and neglect to a state or local agency. In Alabama, health care professionals, school teachers, law enforcement officers, social workers, day care employees, and clergy are required by law to report suspected or known instances of child abuse or neglect. The following chart details how each county within the CRHS service area is impacted by child safety. This information is based on 2022 or the most recent year listed. All information gathered from the 2022 Alabama (Kids Count) Data Book. County Child Death Rate 2020 Indication of Abuse or Neglect 2021 Juvenile Violent Crime 2021 Preventable Teen Death 2020 Teens not attending school 2020 Foster Care 2022 Adoption 2022 Calhoun 23.7 11.2 6.7 78.4 8.7 237 7 Clay 85.8 4.8 3.8 0.0 14.2 8 0 Cleburne 34.5 17.0 6.1 0.0 6.4 52 7 Coosa 0.0 14.0 4.5 176.7 6.1 14 2 Randolph 49.6 11.9 4.7 0.0 11.7 29 0 Talladega 22.1 15.3 2.6 102.3 12.3 59 19 Calhoun County is the most populated county served by CRHS. Talladega County is second. Within the parameters of the above data Calhoun consistently has higher numbers than most other counties. Cleburne County ranks higher in the areas of Indication of Child Abuse and Neglect and scores extremely high in Preventable Teen Death. Clay County, a very rural county, has more teens not attending school or actively employed. Description Child Death Rate – Number of deaths from all causes to children aged 1-14 per 100,00 children of those ages. Indication of abuse or neglect - Number of children with indication of abuse or neglect per 1,000 children under the age of 18.

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70 Juvenile violent crime – Number of juvenile court petitions filed for the commission of violent crimes divided by the total population of youth aged 10 through 17 multiplied by 1,000. Preventable Teen Deaths- Number of deaths from homicide, suicide, and accidents to persons aged 15 through 19 per 100,000 persons in that age group. Teens not attending school – Percent of youth aged 16-19 who are not enrolled in school and who are unemployed or not in the labor force. Foster Care – Total number of children under the age of 20 receiving foster care. Adoption – Number of children 0-17 who adoptions were finalized during the specified year. Homelessness Homeless is defined under Section 11302 of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act as an individual who lacks a fixed, regular, and adequate night-time residence or a person who resides in a shelter, welfare hotel, transitional program or place not ordinarily used as regular sleeping accommodations, such as streets, cars, movie theatres, abandoned buildings, etc. The U.S. Department of Education's definition includes children and youths “who are sharing the housing of other persons due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or similar reason.” Homelessness has been attributed to a variety of factors, with lack of affordable housing, low-paying jobs, unemployment, prison release, substance abuse, mental illness being some of the leading causes. In the six counties we serve there are several homeless shelters, transition homes and group homes that provide services to the homeless population. 11 in Calhoun County, six in Clay County, five in Cleburne, 5 in Coosa, 5 in Randolph and 6 in Talladega. This includes but not limited to The Salvation Army Domestic Violence Women and Children Shelter, House is a Home, The Salvation Army Homeless Shelter for Men, and the Alabama Baptist Children and Family Ministry. Within our service area there are several active agencies working to assist low-income families in finding and purchasing a home. Some of these are the Habitat for Humanity, Northeast Alabama Community Development Corporation, Talladega County Habitat for Humanity, Homeowner Assistance Program, Housing Finance Authority, USDA Rural Development, Alabama Step Up Program, Public Housing Agency, Coosa County Community Action Agency, Community Service Block Grant. These are all agencies to assist with home ownership. Rural Homelessness Vising (1996) uses the terms "housing displacement" and "housing distress" to describe rural homelessness. She defines rural homelessness as "lack of a consistent, safe physical structure and 'the emotional deprivation that occurs as a result.” In rural areas, extended families are sometimes able to take in homeless young families. Abandoned houses can sometimes be

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71 occupied for free, but the availability of electricity, heating, and water supplies may be doubtful (Homeless Children: Addressing the Challenge in Rural Schools. ERIC Digest). Housing shelters humans from the elements, but homes provide more. The social construct of "the home" describes the physical and emotional space needed for sustaining a private life. In educationally relevant terms, homelessness deprives children of the security they need to be themselves. Rural homelessness, which undermines the conditions of learning, is just one of many serious threats that poverty inflicts on children's ability to learn (Children's Defense Fund, 1998). Homeless Students County Rate Calhoun 4.9% Clay 0.6% Cleburne 1.3% Coosa 2.0% Randolph 0.6% Talladega 0.2% Homeless children in CRHS Program CRHS has 41 Early Head Start children identified as homeless and 46 Head Start children who are also identified as homeless. The majority of these children are living with a relative or friend, but do not have a home of their own. Child Care and other Child Development Programs According to the Alabama Child Care Centers database, approximately 1,855 preschools a child development centers are operating in the state of Alabama. The chart below will list the number of licensed or exempt childcare facilities located within our service region as of July 2021. “Licensed facilities” are those that are licensed by the Alabama Department of Human Resources (DHR). The chart lists family childcare homes (serving six children or less), group childcare homes (serving 7-12 children), and licensed childcare centers (serving more than 12 children). “Exempt childcare centers” are faith-based programs/schools that have submitted required documents to DHR and have received a letter of exemption. Homes where children are cared for by relatives or friends, as well as those that operate as a business, but are not licensed by DHR, are not included in these numbers (2021 Alabama (Kids Count) Data Book).

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72 County Family Child Care Homes Group Child Care Homes Child Care Centers Total Licensed Providers Exempt Centers Calhoun 5 7 41 53 12 Clay 1 1 9 9 1 Cleburne 1 1 7 9 2 Coosa 0 3 3 6 0 Randolph 2 1 7 10 2 Talladega 1 5 31 37 8 Totals 10 18 98 124 25 Children participating in First Class Pre-K The chart below will provide information on the number of four-year-old participating in First Class Pre-K, divided by the estimated number of all children of that age. Additionally, the chart lists the type of delivery for the Pre-K programs (2021 Alabama (Kids Count) Data Book). County Children Participating in First Class Pre-K First Class Pre-K Sites by Delivery of Services Number Percentage Head Start Private Public Other Total Calhoun 568 42.9% 4 3 29 2 38 Clay 21 12.4% 2 0 0 0 2 Cleburne 71 45.2% 0 0 6 0 6 Coosa 26 16.9% 0 0 0 2 2 Randolph 137 47.9% 1 0 8 0 9 Talladega 420 48.8% 1 0 24 2 27 Early Head Start/Head Start Classrooms The chart below lists the number of Early Head Start/Head Start classrooms in each county in our service region as of August 2022. For the 2022-2023 program year, Head Start grantees served children 308 aged birth to three in Early Head Start classrooms and 553 children aged 3-5 in Head Start classrooms. The chart will also reflect the number of Cheaha Regional Head Start classrooms in each county (2021 Alabama (Kids Count) Data Book). County Number of Early Head Start/Head Start Classrooms Cheaha Regional Head Start Classrooms Calhoun 16 10 Clay 4 4 Cleburne 1 1 Coosa 2 2 Randolph 3 4 Talladega 12 8

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73 Subsidy Overview The Alabama Office of Child Care Subsidy administers the subsidized childcare program funded through the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF). The mission of the program is to provide Alabama’s low and moderate-income families with equal access to affordable and quality childcare services as they participate in work, educational or training activities. Currently, the Department administers the program regionally through four Child Care Management Agencies (CMA’s) in nine regions. The chart below will reflect the number of children receiving childcare subsidies in childcare centers, day care homes, and in informal care settings as of April 2021. “Informal Care” includes a child being cared for by a relative or unrelated person in the child’s home. Additionally, included in the chart will be the number of children, by county, on the waiting list to receive subsidized childcare (2015 Alabama (Kids Count) Data Book). County All Facilities Subsidized Child Care Waiting List Number Total Children Total Dollars Infant/Toddler Preschool School- age 12 and Above Total Calhoun 291 $84,588.95 0 0 0 0 0 Clay 25 $6,450.50 0 0 0 0 0 Cleburne 74 $18,715.15 0 0 0 0 0 Coosa 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Randolph 61 $20,874.50 0 0 0 0 0 Talladega 351 $95,265.75 1 0 0 0 1 This chart demonstrates the strong need for quality infant and toddler care that low-income parts can have access to. Additionally, childcare facilities must examine their daily schedule to ensure that they are meeting the needs of the families they serve or what to serve (time open and closing, etc.) Child Outcomes (Teaching Strategies GOLD) Teaching Strategies GOLD® is an assessment system that measures the knowledge, skills and behaviors that are most predicative of school success. The tool has 38 objectives, including 2 objectives related to English language acquisition. Thirty-six objectives are organized in nine areas of development and learning. The first four are major areas of child development: social- emotional, physical, language, and cognitive. The content learning that is usually identified in early learning standards is organized into the following five areas: literacy, mathematics, science and technology, social studies, and the arts. The objectives in a tenth area, English language acquisition, help teachers follow a child’s progress in acquiring receptive and expressive skills in English. Below are the Teaching Strategies GOLD® Growth Report for First Class PreK children enrolled in the program.

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74 First Class PreK Growth Summary Area of Development Number of children Number of children below Growth Range Percentage of children below Growth Range Number of children meeting or Above Growth Range Percentage of children meeting or above Growth Range Social- emotional 155 16 10% 139 90% Physical 155 8 5% 147 95% Language 155 22 14% 133 86% Cognitive 155 23 15% 132 85% Literacy 155 22 14% 133 86% Mathematics 155 26 17% 129 83% Child Outcomes (Frog Street AIM) The AIM (Access, Instruct, Monitor) Criterion-Referenced Assessment is a comprehensive, research-based tool that integrates instruction across developmental domains and early learning outcomes. The easy-to-use, teacher- and student-friendly, provides teacher-delivered, one-on-one assessment with enhanced reporting features. AIM Birth to Five Observational Assessment is an easy-to-use birth to age five assessment solution designed to support teachers in making data- driven instructional decisions to guide children from infancy to kindergarten readiness. Frog Street AIM includes: • 60 Learning Progression indicators classified into four developmental domains • Developmentally appropriate instructional activities provided for each learning progression • Reliable and secure system for ongoing progress monitoring of each child’s progress. • Measures 32 indicators of pre-kindergarten knowledge and skills within 10 developmental domains • Language and Communication • Emergent Literacy Reading • Emergent Literacy Writing • Mathematics • Social-Emotional Development • Science • Social Studies • Health Knowledge • Fine Arts • Physical Development

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75 Below is the Program Level Report for children enrolled in Head Start during 2021-2022. Checkpoint Change Domain Beginning Mid-year End-year Beg/Mid Mid/End Beg/End Social and Emotional Development 66.29 72.25 81.75 5.96 9.50 15.46 Approaches to Learning 67.74 74.10 83.25 6.36 9.15 15.51 Language and Literacy 49.41 58.39 69.28 8.98 10.89 19.87 Cognition and General Knowledge 56.38 63.74 74.15 7.37 10.40 17.77 Physical Well-Being and Motor Development 67.14 73.16 81.27 6.01 8.12 14.13 Below is the Program Level Report for children enrolled in Early Head Start during 2021-2022. Checkpoint Change Domain Beginning Mid-year End-year Beg/Mid Mid/End Beg/End Social and Emotional Development 66.29 72.25 81.75 5.96 9.50 15.46 Approaches to Learning 67.74 74.10 83.25 6.36 9.15 15.51 Language and Literacy 49.41 58.39 69.28 8.98 10.89 19.87 Cognition and General Knowledge 56.38 63.74 74.15 7.37 10.40 17.77 Physical Well-Being and Motor Development 67.14 73.16 81.27 6.01 8.12 14.13

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76 National Class Review Statistics In 2020, 78 Head Start grantees received CLASS® reviews. Fewer grantees received CLASS® reviews in FY2020 than in previous years due to the impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The CLASS® tool has 10 dimensions of teacher-child interactions rated on a 7-point scale, from low to high. The 10 CLASS® dimensions are organized into three domains: Emotional Support, Classroom Organization, and Instructional Support. • Emotional Support assesses the degree to which teachers establish and promote a positive climate in their classroom through their everyday interactions. • Classroom Organization assesses classroom routines and procedures related to the organization and management of children's behavior, time, and attention in the classroom. • Instructional Support assesses the ways in which teachers implement the curriculum to effectively promote cognitive and language development. The following table and graphs provide additional information on how grantee-level domain scores are distributed nationally. OHS CLASS DESCRIPTIVE STATISTICS, 2020 NATIONAL DISTRIBUTION OF GRANTEE-LEVEL DOMAIN SCORES Domain Lowest 10% Media 50% Highest 10% Emotional Support 5.6750 6.05 6.32 Classroom Organization 5.3175 5.80 6.17 Instructional Support 2.3889 2.94 3.52 Cheaha Regional Head Start CLASS™ Observation Data Classroom observations are completed twice a year, once in the fall and then in the Spring. The scores are used to plan individual employee professional development to increase positive interactions in our classroom settings. Additionally, our agency compares scores from year to year to look for trends, to ensure that we are meeting the training needs of our teachers and continuing to evaluate our program.

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3 / 8 Parent Survey for Community Assessment 2023-2024 Q3 What resources would you like to see added to your community? Answered: 94 Skipped: 123 # RESPONSES DATE 1 None 12/7/2023 2:57 PM 2 Information regarding Medicaid and recertification. 12/7/2023 10:08 AM 3 More after school program options 12/3/2023 9:04 PM 4 N/A 12/1/2023 4:28 PM 5 Salvation Army 11/30/2023 9:29 PM 6 Job offers Help with transportation Help with shelter 11/30/2023 7:14 PM 7 Community garden/food kitchen 11/29/2023 10:36 PM 8 More public parks, Areas of recreation for families 11/29/2023 4:35 PM 9 More jobs and child care transportation 11/28/2023 8:24 PM 10 More things to do for the kids 11/28/2023 8:16 PM 11 Things for kids to do. 11/28/2023 7:08 PM 12 More housing and jobs 11/28/2023 4:27 PM 13 A community playground, to several types of age. 11/28/2023 3:25 PM 14 Things to do with the kids 11/28/2023 3:19 PM 15 None 11/28/2023 3:16 PM 16 More transportation services. 11/28/2023 2:46 PM 17 More things for the kids to do 11/28/2023 1:38 PM 18 Family friendly gets together for kids. 11/28/2023 1:23 PM 19 N/A 11/28/2023 1:13 PM 20 Community fairs, mentor programs like big brother/sister groups 11/28/2023 12:18 PM 21 More autism resources 11/28/2023 12:13 PM 22 N/A 11/28/2023 10:51 AM 23 Wrecker ration for kids 11/28/2023 10:35 AM 24 N/A 11/28/2023 10:17 AM 25 Nothing comes to mind 11/28/2023 9:05 AM 26 Better growth opportunities 11/28/2023 9:01 AM 27 More childcare opportunities for the parents that work other schedules other than 1st shift. 11/28/2023 9:00 AM 28 More affordable but nice housing 11/28/2023 9:00 AM 29 more jobs & opportunities for people 11/28/2023 8:15 AM 30 Na 11/28/2023 7:57 AM 31 More child care centers. Lineville pre-k is amazing, just need more than one to make sure every child has an opportunity to gain experience in pre-k 11/28/2023 7:09 AM 32 Financial 11/27/2023 11:19 PM

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4 / 8 Parent Survey for Community Assessment 2023-2024 33 Transportation 11/27/2023 9:33 PM 34 Additional childcare options. 11/27/2023 8:56 PM 35 No 11/27/2023 7:44 PM 36 More housing 11/27/2023 7:36 PM 37 More resources for the youth and more community investments in the youth of Calhoun County 11/27/2023 5:37 PM 38 N/A 11/27/2023 5:19 PM 39 More for kids 11/27/2023 4:07 PM 40 Discounts on gas, food 11/27/2023 4:03 PM 41 More help with rent and bills 11/27/2023 4:02 PM 42 More for kids 11/27/2023 3:59 PM 43 More things to do for the children. 11/27/2023 3:55 PM 44 Extended child care 11/27/2023 3:51 PM 45 More child care placement 11/27/2023 3:40 PM 46 More resources for children and child care. More resources regarding employment 11/27/2023 3:38 PM 47 Any that's necessary. 11/27/2023 3:35 PM 48 N/A 11/27/2023 3:31 PM 49 n/a 11/27/2023 3:31 PM 50 Transportation 11/27/2023 3:22 PM 51 N/A 11/27/2023 2:32 PM 52 Boys and girls club or more after school programs for parents who work a little late in the afternoon 11/27/2023 2:14 PM 53 after hours day care 11/27/2023 2:13 PM 54 N/A 11/27/2023 2:08 PM 55 Food banks, Salvation Army, more bill assistance from low-income families, transportation 11/27/2023 2:05 PM 56 None 11/27/2023 1:59 PM 57 transportation 11/27/2023 1:57 PM 58 To help family pay their rent or mortgage around or before the holiday seasons as a gift for the family to be able to buy their children and family gifts for Christmas or give back to the community. 11/27/2023 1:56 PM 59 Transportation, and more assistance with autistic children 11/27/2023 1:29 PM 60 Na 11/27/2023 1:26 PM 61 Better transportation 11/27/2023 1:14 PM 62 Helping with Christmas 11/27/2023 1:12 PM 63 public transportation 11/27/2023 1:06 PM 64 After school/ extracurricular programs and activities 11/27/2023 12:47 PM 65 N/A 11/27/2023 12:46 PM 66 Transportation, help autistic children 11/27/2023 12:40 PM 67 Not sure 11/27/2023 12:39 PM 68 More places for kids to have more fun 11/27/2023 12:37 PM

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5 / 8 Parent Survey for Community Assessment 2023-2024 69 More activities for the kids 11/27/2023 12:35 PM 70 Mommy & Me brunches 11/27/2023 12:33 PM 71 More housing , more employment, more childcare / activities, less crime . 11/27/2023 12:29 PM 72 Idk 11/27/2023 12:24 PM 73 N/a 11/27/2023 12:22 PM 74 More jobs 11/2/2023 10:13 AM 75 More activity for children .better jobs for young mothers .Headstart is fabulous for my granddaughter . 11/1/2023 7:58 PM 76 Homeless shelters/ storm shelters. 11/1/2023 9:21 AM 77 Something for the kids and elderly. 11/1/2023 7:46 AM 78 Art and Music Programs Theatre, Roller rinks ….etc.. Community swimming pool. 11/1/2023 12:07 AM 79 more child care for single mothers that do not have a village to help. more jobs that would be more understandable about a single mother having a tight schedule. 10/31/2023 7:58 PM 80 More open early daycare 10/31/2023 4:09 PM 81 More help for kids at school. 10/31/2023 4:01 PM 82 All schools should start at the same time and be in uniform. 10/31/2023 1:57 PM 83 More help for single parents and parents with special needs children 10/31/2023 1:41 PM 84 Kid friendly events in town, newer equipment, or festivities at local park 10/31/2023 12:51 PM 85 More activities for kids and parents. Childcare to help with working parents. More homeschool resources. 10/31/2023 12:30 PM 86 More special needs resources. 10/31/2023 9:18 AM 87 Restaurant 10/31/2023 9:14 AM 88 Affordable child care in the evening time. 10/30/2023 4:35 PM 89 Transportation, more food, and clothing banks 10/30/2023 2:37 PM 90 There's nothing I can think of right now. Except transportation for those who need a ride to/from school. 10/30/2023 2:31 PM 91 More resources that help single mothers.. 10/30/2023 1:53 PM 92 Entertainment 10/30/2023 1:46 PM 93 Things to do with your kids 10/30/2023 1:39 PM 94 Children club 10/30/2023 1:34 PM

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3 / 7 Staﬀ Survey for Community Assessment 2023-2024 Q3 What resources would you like to see added to your community? Answered: 84 Skipped: 35 # RESPONSES DATE 1 Childcare 11/15/2023 12:16 PM 2 Parent training for high-risk behavior children 11/13/2023 1:08 PM 3 N/A 11/9/2023 1:55 PM 4 More financial assistance 11/6/2023 12:11 PM 5 A storm shelter for the whole community for when we do have severe weather. 11/5/2023 9:56 AM 6 Better public transportation 11/3/2023 5:00 PM 7 March of Dimes 11/3/2023 2:27 PM 8 More stuff for autistic children or children with special needs in general 11/3/2023 1:03 PM 9 more educational program 11/3/2023 9:31 AM 10 housing for the homeless 11/3/2023 7:41 AM 11 more transportation help for all ages, more activities, and events 11/2/2023 12:54 PM 12 More police patrolling. 11/2/2023 12:17 PM 13 Need more help to help the Homeless people. 11/2/2023 8:13 AM 14 Na 11/2/2023 7:25 AM 15 More community assets such as dental offices, health facilities, etc. Also more information on jobs that do not require a degree such as certification like security 601 or HVAC etc. Jobs that could benefit us as a career and not just a job so that people could make an affordable living. Youth seminars could also be a start. Resources for affordable education is must. 11/2/2023 12:16 AM 16 More assistance for special needs children. 11/1/2023 6:20 PM 17 More employment opportunities. 11/1/2023 5:57 PM 18 Transportation services, homeless shelter, and a food/clothing pantry. More day care services. 11/1/2023 1:24 PM 19 More centers 11/1/2023 1:18 PM 20 N/a 11/1/2023 12:38 PM 21 I would like to see more jobs in the area that I live at. 11/1/2023 12:18 PM 22 More opportunity for the children 11/1/2023 11:56 AM 23 Sign language classes. 11/1/2023 11:51 AM 24 Homes for the homeless ( shelter ). 11/1/2023 11:19 AM 25 Transportation 11/1/2023 10:03 AM 26 Rent help Home ownership 10/31/2023 10:06 PM 27 HOUSING IMPROVEMENTS 10/31/2023 6:50 PM 28 Na 10/31/2023 6:35 PM 29 More employment opportunities 10/31/2023 6:29 PM 30 More resources for higher education and assistance for those who need help in achieving those goals. 10/31/2023 5:57 PM

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4 / 7 Staﬀ Survey for Community Assessment 2023-2024 31 Bus for the children, so they don't have to walk to school. 10/31/2023 5:51 PM 32 Food banks 10/31/2023 4:29 PM 33 Another HeadStart programs 10/31/2023 1:19 PM 34 More business opportunities 10/31/2023 1:09 PM 35 Classes for parenting skills for parents with children who have special needs 10/31/2023 12:57 PM 36 More Business 10/31/2023 12:54 PM 37 More parks and recreation, places for families to have fun, more affordable housing, help with food for families that are just above poverty level but still struggle due to higher cost of living and inflation 10/31/2023 12:28 PM 38 More places to assist families in need - 10/31/2023 12:16 PM 39 Just general information to assist with families in need 10/31/2023 12:14 PM 40 NA 10/31/2023 11:24 AM 41 Health care and longer hours for Child care 10/31/2023 9:57 AM 42 Assisting with paying utilities/food banks/medical bills 10/31/2023 9:57 AM 43 n/a 10/31/2023 7:21 AM 44 More advertising and communication to be more knowledgeable of the resources in the community. We are just unaware of who is available. 10/31/2023 7:10 AM 45 N/A 10/31/2023 7:05 AM 46 Transportation 10/31/2023 12:56 AM 47 Idk 10/30/2023 9:43 PM 48 Transportation for families to school when they may be having problems with their own vehicle. 10/30/2023 9:42 PM 49 N/A 10/30/2023 8:26 PM 50 More Transportation available to families that need assistance. 10/30/2023 7:33 PM 51 Meals 10/30/2023 6:07 PM 52 Available housing 10/30/2023 5:06 PM 53 More utility and Parent Help with substance abuse and mental health issues and more resources available for kids that struggle with mental illnesses. Pamphlets available 10/30/2023 4:51 PM 54 Transportation for others 10/30/2023 4:33 PM 55 United Way just for our county 10/30/2023 4:06 PM 56 Programs for children under age five years of age during Head Start closures. 10/30/2023 3:30 PM 57 Help with more transportation 10/30/2023 3:23 PM 58 MORE ACCESSIBLE HOUSING MORE JOB TRAINING PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION 10/30/2023 3:22 PM 59 Housing for the homeless families similar to the Presbyterian Home for Children in Talladega. 10/30/2023 3:16 PM 60 Readily accessible health care, employment opportunities 10/30/2023 3:15 PM 61 Housing 10/30/2023 3:11 PM 62 More job opportunities, more activities for the kids, more transportation for the kids to get back and forth for kids. 10/30/2023 3:10 PM 63 Family oriented events 10/30/2023 3:09 PM 64 None 10/30/2023 2:59 PM 65 How to fill out college entrance forms, reading classes for seniors, shopping for seniors, transportation for seniors, 10/30/2023 2:56 PM

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5 / 7 Staﬀ Survey for Community Assessment 2023-2024 66 Mental health 10/30/2023 2:50 PM 67 N/A 10/30/2023 2:43 PM 68 None 10/30/2023 2:31 PM 69 Library 10/30/2023 2:29 PM 70 N/a 10/30/2023 2:25 PM 71 Better jobs 10/30/2023 2:14 PM 72 Transportation 10/30/2023 2:11 PM 73 Domestic Violence centers, Homeless shelters 10/30/2023 2:10 PM 74 N/A 10/30/2023 2:09 PM 75 Childcare programs 10/30/2023 2:04 PM 76 NA 10/30/2023 2:04 PM 77 More food banks 10/30/2023 1:58 PM 78 … 10/30/2023 1:55 PM 79 More outreach program for teens 10/30/2023 1:51 PM 80 Parenting classes 10/30/2023 1:51 PM 81 I like all of the resources in my community, I would love for the families to be able to go to those places more than just twice a year. They should be able to get assistance every 3 months. 10/30/2023 1:50 PM 82 More resources on Autism 10/30/2023 1:49 PM 83 More early Head Start 10/30/2023 1:49 PM 84 Public Transportation 10/30/2023 1:49 PM