This is the full version of a conversation that between Mark Davis (Program Director, Head Start, Macon Bibb Economic Opportunity Council) and GPB's Michael Caputo.

Mark Davis - Program Director, Head Start, Macon Bibb Economic Opportunity Council
First of all, it was an opportunity to transition into a better facility. And secondly, the most important thing for our parents and families and children was staying in the same community. It's probably a mile, literally, from the Hall School (J. Ellsworth Hall). So it was staying in the community, meeting the needs of children and their families and going to an improved facility.

Michael Caputo - GPB
So how many of the 800 students that you serve will be going to the Jones Elementary School?

Mark Davis - Program Director, Head Start, Macon Bibb Economic Opportunity Council
Approximately 350. Approximately. We're looking at seeing if we can combine some of our nearby locations also because Jones Elementary is a huge school. So we are trying to maximize the space for the building. The classrooms are big. And we want to make sure, if our parent can get there... we want to serve as many as we can at that location.

Michael Caputo - GPB
I was going to ask how much of that building are you going to use?

Mark Davis - Program Director, Head Start, Macon Bibb Economic Opportunity Council
We'll definitely occupy that entire space. We do have a partnership with Central Georgia Technical College. They have a GED program, so we will be allowing them some space in the building as well at least a couple of classrooms.

Michael Caputo - GPB
Have you talked with the community. They have just started a community group there. Have you been in touch with them? They used to use it for their own space.

Mark Davis - Program Director, Head Start, Macon Bibb Economic Opportunity Council
Well indirectly we know there have been some concerns that were brought to our attention immediately after the Board of Education approved it. Because the community does use for local recreational functions. We look forward to partnering with them. We want to be a friend of the community. We don't want to get in the way that has been a healthy continued use of the space. We look forward to working with them, partnering with them. To continue to hold some of those recreational events like they hold on the weekends.

Michael Caputo - GPB
How long to you figure you'll be in there? A year? Two? Five? Do you know?

Mark Davis - Program Director, Head Start, Macon Bibb Economic Opportunity Council
We're projecting it will be a long-term contract and that's kind of in alignment with this federal process that we're in. That's we'll talk more about, I'm sure. It's a year-by-year agreement. We look forward to this being a longer term project and not just being in there for a year

Michael Caputo - GPB
Let's talk about that because when we last heard about EOC and Head Start there was some worry that you were going to lose the contract. That did not happen. But you only have that, unless I have this wrong, for a year. And they will bid in the following year. Can you update us on where things are at now?

Mark Davis - Program Director, Head Start, Macon Bibb Economic Opportunity Council
Yes so fortunately we have retained the grant for another year. We're extended another year. We will we the community services provider for Head Start and for Early Head Start services for the 2015-2016 program year. However with this process it will go out for bid once more. However, we're very confident that it makes sense for it to stay with Macon-Bibb EOC Incorporated as a service provider.

Now with the Office of Head Start ... two things with that. This is a process that's not new. It's been around for a few years, since 2011... this designation renewal system. Programs at certain times and with certain issues have had to compete. So were not the only one in the region, in the state or in the nation to have to do this process.

But the most important thing that the Office of Head Start is looking for is quality in programs. The program had a few issues in 2012. I'm very proud to say, we've done a huge amount of work improving our policies, our systems... we've enhanced our staffing, we've made some tough changes to make sure we have the right people in the right places to make sure quality is happening in each of our sites every day to ensure that we retain our grant.

Michael Caputo - GPB
Was that moment a bit of a wake-up call for the organization? It sounds like some changes have been made.

Mark Davis - Program Director, Head Start, Macon Bibb Economic Opportunity Council
Yes. I think for any program, and I know a lot of program directors regionally as well as nationally... it's scary but it is kind of a sobering reality. The way it used to be 10, 15 years ago (I have been in this field for 17 years), with non-profit funding, period, they want to see more outcomes - the federal government and other grantors want to see more compliance issues being resolved. That's the reality. I think it was very sobering for us. You're not guaranteed - even if its federal funding - you are not guaranteed. You want to make sure you are producing quality. And the most important outcome for us that our children are ready for kindergarten.

Michael Caputo - GPB
What can you tell parents that you'll be doing over the next year so that you can be as competitive as you can be when it does go up to bid next year.

Mark Davis - Program Director, Head Start, Macon Bibb Economic Opportunity Council
It starts with part of this discussion, our connection to our community, the connection that we have with the Board of Education in particular. Our resources and our community partners, Central Georgia Technical College... to many to name on air. But it's having those strong ties in this community. And we have been the service provider for over 36 years for Head Start and Early Head Start. We're very confident and I'm confident as program director that no one outside of the community can do it better with us.

To be frank with you, all programs have challenges and part of their strategic planning is to cure some of those challenges they have. The thing for is to make sure we're focused, that we're dotting all the I's and crossing all the T's to ensure that we remain in compliance year round and we exceed the federal requirement.

Michael Caputo - GPB
So bottom line. You have a new space. You feel good about that new space. And, parents, we're going to be working for you another year.

Mark Davis - Program Director, Head Start, Macon Bibb Economic Opportunity Council
And the most important thing for parents is ensuring.... (I'm a parent now, grandparent also) ... is that when you drop off you child with us at one of our sites - your child is going to be safe, going to be healthy and in a positive learning environment.

Michael Caputo - GPB
Mr. Davis thanks so much for being here with us today.

Mark Davis - Program Director, Head Start, Macon Bibb Economic Opportunity Council
You are very welcome.

Tags: Jones Elementary School, Bibb County School District, Macon Bibb Economic Opportunity Council, head start