1. family and parenting
2. children

Community Needs
Assessment
2012-2013
December 2012
Heartland Programs
Heartland Programs, headquartered in Salina, Kansas, is
sponsored by USD#305 and currently serves Saline, Dickinson,
and Ellsworth Counties. Salina is close to the geographic center
of the state and is the largest city within a radius of 90 miles.
Ellsworth County is immediately west of Salina and Dickinson
County is east. Heartland Programs serves an area that
embraces 2,286 square miles.
Policy Council Approved: 1/3/2013
Community Needs Assessment
2012-2013
Contents
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ........................................................................................................ 3
HEARTLAND PROGRAMS OVERVIEW ................................................................................. 5
Eligibility Status by Program..................................................................................................................7
Demographics............................................................................................................................................8
NATIONAL POVERTY STATISTICS ....................................................................................... 9
SUMMARY OF KEY FINDINGS...............................................................................................................9
KIDS COUNT DATA SNAPSHOT ON HIGH-POVERTY COMMUNITIES ............................... 10
STATE OF KANSAS ............................................................................................................ 11
Medicaid ................................................................................................................................................. 11
Kansas Department of Labor Economic Report – September 2012 .......................................... 12
Kansas Department of Labor Report – September 201212 ......................................................... 12
Kansas Department of Labor Wage Survey Data - 2012 ........................................................... 13
Unemployment In the News – Saline County .................................................................................... 14
KANSAS VITAL STATISTICS ................................................................................................................. 15
COUNTY DEMOGRAPHIC INFORMATION ........................................................................ 16
Saline County: ........................................................................................................................................ 16
Dickinson County: ................................................................................................................................... 16
Ellsworth County: .................................................................................................................................... 17
SPECIAL EDUCATION ........................................................................................................ 18
Child Find ................................................................................................................................................ 18
Infant Child Development (ICD) – Saline & Ellsworth Counties ..................................................... 18
OCCK Infant Toddler Services (ITS) – Dickinson County ................................................................ 18
Central Kansas Cooperative in Education (CKCIE) – Saline, Dickinson & Ellsworth Counties.. 18
HEALTH .............................................................................................................................. 19
Immunizations.......................................................................................................................................... 19
Health Insurance..................................................................................................................................... 20
Saline County: ..................................................................................................................................... 20
Dickinson County: ................................................................................................................................ 20
Ellsworth County: ................................................................................................................................. 20
Dental Care ............................................................................................................................................ 20
Saline County: ..................................................................................................................................... 20
Dickinson and Ellsworth Counties:..................................................................................................... 20
COMMUNITY CHILD DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS............................................................. 21
Parents As Teachers .............................................................................................................................. 21
Kansas Preschool ................................................................................................................................... 21
Unified School District #305 (within Saline County) and ............................................................... 21
Unified School District #487 Herington (within Dickinson County) ............................................... 21
Building Blocks Therapeutic Preschool ............................................................................................... 22
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Community Needs Assessment
2012-2013
COMMUNITY ISSUES ......................................................................................................... 23
Community and Family Needs Survey ............................................................................................... 23
Teen Pregnancy ..................................................................................................................................... 23
Hunger ..................................................................................................................................................... 25
Saline County: ..................................................................................................................................... 25
Dickinson County: ................................................................................................................................ 26
Ellsworth County: ................................................................................................................................. 26
Children In Poverty ................................................................................................................................ 26
Child Abuse............................................................................................................................................. 27
State of Kansas ................................................................................................................................... 27
Saline, Dickinson and Ellsworth Counties ........................................................................................ 28
Domestic Violence .................................................................................................................................. 28
Domestic Violence Association of Central Kansas (DVACK) ....................................................... 28
Homelessness .......................................................................................................................................... 29
Ashby House ........................................................................................................................................ 29
Salina Rescue Mission......................................................................................................................... 29
Public Transportation ............................................................................................................................ 30
Saline County: ..................................................................................................................................... 30
Dickinson County: ................................................................................................................................ 31
Ellsworth County: ................................................................................................................................. 31
Housing .................................................................................................................................................... 32
Saline County: ..................................................................................................................................... 32
Dickinson County: ................................................................................................................................ 32
Ellsworth County: ................................................................................................................................. 33
COMMUNITY AWARENESS & PARTICIPATION ................................................................. 34
Child Advocacy and Parenting Services, Inc. (CAPS)10 .................................................................. 34
Partners In Early Childhood Education (PIECE)– Saline County ................................................ 34
School Readiness................................................................................................................................. 34
Mental Health ...................................................................................................................................... 35
Child Care ............................................................................................................................................ 35
Quality for Life Coalition (QLC) – Dickinson County ...................................................................... 37
Community Health Assessment – Saline County ............................................................................... 37
COMMUNITY ADULT EDUCATION PROGRAMS ................................................................ 39
Cloud County Community College...................................................................................................... 39
Salina Adult Education Center ............................................................................................................ 39
GED® Preparation & Adult Basic Education ................................................................................. 39
English as a Second Language ......................................................................................................... 39
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Community Needs Assessment
2012-2013
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Heartland Programs provides services within Saline, Dickinson and Ellsworth Counties. This community
assessment includes data and statistics from many sources. The purpose of this document is to provid
the vital information needed for program planning. Upon analysis, it was possible to make the following
conclusions and recommendations
1. There are changes needed in the funded enrollment within certain program options of Head Start
and Early Head Start.
 Head Start: The Salina full day/full year Head Start slots have been very difficult to maintain
and the waitlist is typically small or non-existent. The decrease in families needing full time
programming is due to many factors: unemployment, underemployment, unusual work schedules,
etc. It is important to note there has not been a decrease in the number of children eligible for
Head Start, the change is that many more of these children need part day/part year services.
RECOMMENDATION: SALINA COULD MORE EFFICIENTLY SERVE ELIGIBLE CHILDREN BY CONVERTING A
PORTION OF THE FULL DAY/FULL YEAR SLOTS TO PART DAY/PART YEAR.
 Early Head Start: Saline County home-visitation programs have seen a definite downward trend
in the number of applications received and the number of participants enrolled. The Salina-Saline
County Health Dept. offers home visits through their Healthy Start and Mother and Infant
programs. In joint meetings and collaborations, Health Dept. staff have shared their frustration
with lack of participation in these programs.
The same holds true for Parents as Teachers. There are three PAT programs associated with school
districts in Saline County. The coordinators of the Saline County PAT programs meet on a monthly
basis to discuss curriculum and programming topics. All three programs report that there are
fewer families applying for PAT services and that enrollment numbers have decreased. From 2010
to 2012, the USD306 and the Smoky Hill Central KS Service Center PAT programs were awarded
25 additional slots to serve at-risk children. However, these programs have never been able to
serve more than a handful of these available slots. Waitlists are a thing of the past.
For Early Head Start it is especially difficult for parents to commit because of the requirement of
weekly, 90 minute home visits. Many families that are eligible for Early Head Start opt for the
more relaxed home-visit schedule of the Parents as Teachers program.
Although the home-based Early Head Start program has struggled with enrollment, the slots for
full day/full year infant/toddler child care programming remain at capacity with an average
waitlist of 30 children. Many of these children age out of Early Head Start and must reapply for
Head Start before a slot is available.
RECOMMENDATION: SALINA WOULD BE ABLE TO REDUCE THE NUMBER OF CHILDREN AND FAMILIES ON
THE WAITLIST FOR EARLY HEAD START SERVICES IF MORE OF THE FUNDED SLOTS WERE AVAILABLE TO
FAMILIES QUALIFYING FOR CHILD CARE. THIS WOULD ALSO BENEFIT THE PARENTS AS TEACHERS
PROGRAM AND LIMIT THE COMPETITION FOR FAMILIES.
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Community Needs Assessment
2012-2013
2. Saline, Dickinson, and Ellsworth Counties are serving less than 25% of the estimated Head Start
eligible children.
NOTATION: HEARTLAND PROGRAMS HAS WORKED DILIGENTLY TO KEEP STRINGENT ELIGIBILITY,
RECRUITMENT, SELECTION, ENROLLMENT AND ATTENDANCE POLICIES IN PLACE. IT IS VITAL THAT DUE TO
THE LIMITED NUMBER OF FUNDED SLOTS AVAILABLE THAT THEY ARE FILLED WITH THE MOST AT-RISK
CHILDREN.
3. As Kansas transitions its Medicaid programs from HealthWave to KanCare, it is probable that many
families will struggle to understand and complete the necessary steps to keep their insurance current.
This is especially troublesome when taking into consideration the increase that Kansas has seen in the
number of people previously enrolled in these programs.
4. Both Saline and Dickinson Counties show strong collaborations with their community early childhood
agencies. Saline County has Partners in Early Childhood Education (PIECE) and Dickinson County has
the Quality of Life Coalition. Both committees have had success in securing grant funding for early
childhood initiatives.
5. Community social service agencies and low income families have a different perspective of their
needs. The most significant difference pertains to the educational needs of low income parents. The
community reported that these families need more opportunities for post-secondary education.
However, the parents reported that they are more in need of help in obtaining their GED/high school
diploma.
NOTATION: HEARTLAND HAS A STRONG COLLABORATION WITH THE SALINA ADULT EDUCATION CENTER. STAFF
ENCOURAGE PARENTS TO ENROLL IN GED CLASSES AND ESL CLASSES ARE PROVIDED ON SITE WITH FREE
CHILD CARE AVAILABLE.
6. Saline County’s teen pregnancy rate continues be above the state rate. Teen pregnancy has been
listed as one of Salina’s Community Health Assessment Committee’s priorities.
RECOMMENDATION: HEARTLAND WILL CONTINUE TO PARTICIPATE AND SUPPORT THE COMMUNITY HEALTH
ASSESSMENT PROCESS THAT IS BEING LED BY THE SALINA REGIONAL HEALTH CENTER, SALINA-SALINE
COUNTY HEALTH DEPT., AND CENTRAL KANSAS FOUNDATION.
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Community Needs Assessment
2012-2013
HEARTLAND PROGRAMS OVERVIEW
 Home-Based Early Head Start is a voluntary, home-visiting progra available in Saline, Dickinson
and Ellsworth countie. Enrolled families receive weekly 90 minute home visits with a Family
Consultant (FC) trained in child development and social services.
 Early Head Start High School Program is available to Salina pregnant/parenting teens enrolled in
school. Family Consultants (FCs) have offices at South and Central High schools. Each teen is
assigned an FC to provide weekly educational group meetings during the study hall period, weekly home visits and monthly socialization activities after sc. Child care is available for
parenting high school students through theHeartland Early Learning Program (HELP). The primary
goal of the HELP program is to keep students in school until they graduate. The HELP Center is
located on the campus of Central High School in Salina.
 Parents as Teachers (PAT) is a voluntary, home-based program offered to pregnant women and
families with children birth to age three in the USD305 service area. There are no income eligibility
requirements. One-hour monthly home visits are provided by certified PAT Family Consultants
(FCs).
 Head Start Preschool provides high quality early childhood education to income eligible
children/families in Saline, Dickinson and Ellsworth countie. It is available for children ages three to
five who meet income guidelines. Family Consultants (FCs) provide monthly home visits.
 Head Start/Early Head Start Child Care provides high quality early childhood education, along with
child care to children ages two weeks to five years. To qualify, parents must be living in Saline
County and working and/or going to school at least 20 hours during the week. Parents receive
regularly scheduled home visits.
 Heartland Child Care Partnership (HCCP) is a full day/full year early education program provided
through a partnership with three family child care home providers and six child care centers in
Saline & Dickinson Countie. HCCP helps income eligible families reduce the cost of child care while
parents are working or attending school at least 30 hours per week. Parents receive rgularly
scheduled home visits.
 Four-Year Old Preschool is a program that targets children who are at particular risk for failing in
school, as defined by the state of Kansas. Families may qualify for this service through criteria
including income, home language other than English, referral from DCF (Dept. of Children and
Families, formerly known as SRS), or if the parent was a teenager when the child was born. This
program is available in Salina and Herington.
 Heartland Family Literacy Program is a collaboration with the Salina Adult Learning Center. English
as a Second Language (ESL) classes are offered, with no charge to the family, at the Heartland
building Monday-Thursday during the school year. Child Care is available. GED classes are available
at no charge to Head Start and Early Head Start families at the Salina Adult Learning Center.
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Community Needs Assessment
2012-2013
The table below shows how the total numbers of children are being served in Heartland Programs.
The numbers of sites and children served in our service area are as of October 31, 2012.
County
served
E ARLY H EAD
S TART
C HILDREN
(0-3 Home
Based
Children)
E ARLY
H EAD
S TART
P REGNANT
W OMEN
(H OME
BASED )
HELP
C HILDREN
(High
School
Child Care
Program)
P ARENTS
AS
T EACHERS
E ARLY H EAD
S TART
C HILD C ARE
(0-3 Center
Based
Children)
H EAD S TART
C HILD C ARE
(3-5 Center
Based
Children)
H EAD S TART
C HILDREN
(Heartland
run
preschool
classrooms)
F OUR -Y EAR
O LD
P RESCHOOL
C HILDREN
(Non-Head
Start)
Totals
Saline
80
4
12
90
74
70
154
30
514
Dickinson
10
0
--
--
13
7
58
15
103
Ellsworth
-
0
--
--
--
--
14
--
14
Totals
90
4
12
90
87
77
226
45
631
The number and percentage of Head Start and Early Head Start eligible children served in the Heartland
Programs service area can be found in the chart below. It is important to note that federal regulations
state that programs can serve up to 10% of their enrollment with children that are over the 130%
poverty level. Therefore, these numbers are very conservative
% of children
qualifying for Free
Lunch on 9/20/12 1
Estimated number
of children ages 0-4
living in the county 2
Saline
44%
4005
1762
408
23%
Ellsworth
30%
343
103
16
16%
Dickinson
33%
1286
424
88
21%
2289
512
22%
County
TOTAL
1
2
KN-eat.org
KU Institute for Policy and Social Research
Page 6
Estimated number of
Number of Head children eligible for Head Start/Early Head
Start/Early Head Start
Start funded slots
% of eligible children
served
Community Needs Assessment
2012-2013
Eligibility Status by Program
Head Start/Early Head Start: Intake policies and procedures are in place to ensure that the most
eligible children are selected to fill Head Start and Early Head Start slots. Recruitment is planned and
implemented on a regular schedule and applications/brochures/posters/public service announcements
are used throughout the program service area.
Head Start Performance Standards require that at least 55% of enrolled children have a family income
at or below 100% of the federal poverty guidelines. This means that a family of four can earn no more
than $23,050 per year. A single parent with one child could earn no more $7.27 per hour if working fulltime to get Head Start serices. In comparison, for the school lunch program, families can earn up to
130% of poverty and still qualify for Free Lunch and 180% of poverty to qualify for Reduced Lunch.
The majority of families that qualify for Head Start/Early Head Start are truly the poorest of the poor.
Up to 35% of participants may have an income between 100% and 130% of poverty and 10% may have
an income exceeding 130% of poverty. There are three additional criteria that deem an applicant as
categorically eligible for Head Start or Early Head Start services. These are: 1) currently receiving public
assistance through TANF/SSI, 2) being homeless according to the McKinney-Vento Act, 3) being in foster
care. The following charts indicate the percentage of participants that qualifiedin each of these four
categories.
Early Head Start – Eligibility Status
Income (up to 100% of poverty)
Income (101-129.99% of poverty)
Receiving Public Assistance: TANF/SSI
Homeless
Foster Child
Head Start – Eligibility Status
Income (up to 100% of poverty)
Income (101-129.99% of poverty)
Receiving Public Assistance: TANF/SSI
Homeless
Foster Child
68%
6%
13%
6%
2%
71%
5%
14%
3%
3%
The following chart indicates the number of children that experienced homelessness:
Homeless Children Enrolled
Early Head Start & Head Start
100
0
33
49
53
45
48
2007-08
2008-9
2009-10
2010-11
2011-12
At least 10% of Head Start and Early Head Start enrolled children must have a diagnosed disability.
Diagnosed Disabilities
40%
20%
0%
28%
13%
24%
10%
24%
12%
12%
23%
EHS
HS
2008-09
2009-10
2010-11
2011-12
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Community Needs Assessment
2012-2013
Demographics
As these charts illustrate, in the last four years the race/ethnicity of participants has remained virtually the
same.
100%
75%
Race of Early Head Start Participants
82% 79%
75% 73%
50%
25%
0%
White
4% 7% 7% 9%
1% 0% 1% 1%
Black
Asian
2% 3% 2% 3%
11%14%11%13%
0% 0% 0% 0%
American Indian or Native Hawaiian
Alaska Native or Pacific Islander
Multi-Racial
Race of Head Start Participants
100%
75%
81%75% 78%
72%
50%
25%
0%
White
4% 6% 10% 7%
1% 1% 1% 0%
Black
Asian
0% 4% 6% 2%
American Indian or Native Hawaiian
Alaska Native or Pacific Islander
Home Language - EHS Families
100%
80%
100%
2008-09
2009-10
40%
21% 19%
20%
0%
2010-11
2011-12
English
80%
2008-09
2009-10
40%
0%
2010-11
16%20%14%13%
20%
Spanish
2011-12
1% 1% 1% 0%
English
Spanish
Vietnamese
Ethnicity of Head Start Participants
100%
100%
67%64%66%
60%
75%
40%
33%36%34%
2008-09
75%
2009-10
50%
2010-11
25%
2011-12
0%
Hispanic
Page 8
87%
84%80%
86%
60%
Ethnicity of EHS Participants
50%
Multi-Racial
Home Language - HS Families
79% 81%
60%
13%13%12%12%
1% 0% 1% 0%
Non-Hispanic
25%
78%74%77%78%
2008-09
2009-10
22%26%23%22%
2010-11
2011-12
0%
Hispanic
Non-Hispanic
Community Needs Assessment
2012-2013
NATIONAL POVERTY STATISTICS
On September 12, 2012, the Census Bureau released these findings regarding poverty, income and health
insurance coverage in 2011.
SUMMARY OF KEY FINDINGS
•
•
•
•
•
The U.S. Census Bureau announced on September 12, 2012 that in 2011, median household income
declined, the poverty rate was not statistically different from the previous year and the percentage
of people without health insurance coverage decreased.
Real median household income in the United States in 2011 was $50,054, a 1.5% decline from the
2010 median and the second consecutive annual drop.
The nation's official poverty rate in 2011 was 15.0%, with 46.2 million people in poverty. After three
consecutive years of increases, neither the poverty rate nor the number of people in poverty were
statistically different from the 2010 estimates.
The number of people without health insurance coverage declined from 50.0 million in 2010 to 48.6
million in 2011, as did the percentage without coverage - from 16.3% in 2010 to 15..7% in 2011.
Shared households are defined as households that include at least one "additional" adult: a person
18 or older who is not enrolled in school and is not the householder, spouse or cohabiting partner
of the householder. In spring 2007, prior to the recession, such households totaled 19.7 million. By
spring 2012, the number had increased to 22.3 million and their percentage of all households rose
by 1.4% from 17.0% to 18.4%. There was no change in household sharing between 2011 and 2012.
In spring 2012, 9.7 million young adults age 25-34 (23.6%) were additional adults in someone else's
household. The number and percentage were both unchanged from 2011.
It is difficult to precisely assess the impact of household sharing on overall poverty rates. Young
adults age 25-34, living with their parents, had an official poverty rate of 9.0%, but if their poverty
status were determined using only their own income, 43.7 % had an income below the poverty
threshold for a single person under age 65.
According to the US Census Bureau:
•
The poverty rate for young children remained unchanged at 24.5%. In 2011, there were 5.8 million
children under age 6 living in poor families. Of them, 2.8 million children live in what's considered
deep poverty--in households living under 50% of the federal poverty level.
•
Our youngest children have the highest rates of poverty of any age group in the country. Children
have higher poverty rates as compared to adults and among all children, infants and toddlers, are
the most likely to live in poverty.
•
Child poverty is linked to a host of negative outcomes. Poverty is a strong predictor of children's
success in school and adult employment and earnings. Poor children have less access to preventive
health services and early education. The prevalence of poverty among the very youngest children
means that during the first three years of life--a fundamental period of rapid brain growth and
development--babies are deprived of the very resources they need to thrive.
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Community Needs Assessment
2012-2013
KIDS COUNT DATA SNAPSHOT ON HIGH-POVERTY COMMUNITIES30
Every child needs a supportive environment to ensure his or her healthy growth and development.
However, research has shown that even when family income is held constant, families living in areas of
concentrated poverty are more likely to struggle to meet their children’s basic material needs. They are
more likely to face food hardship, have trouble paying their housing costs, and lack health insurance than
those living in more affluent areas. Children living in areas of concentrated poverty are also more likely to
experience harmful levels of stress and severe behavioral and emotional problems than children overall.
These problems can affect a child’s ability to succeed in school. In fact, students in predominately lowincome schools have lower test scores than those who attend predominately higher-income schools,
regardless of their family’s income. They are also more likely to drop out. In addition; growing up in a highpoverty neighborhood undermines a child’s chances of adult economic success. Studies have shown that
for children in middle- and upper-income families, living in a high-poverty neighborhood raises the chances
of falling down the income ladder as an adult by 52%, on average.
The most recent data available from the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey show that after
declining between 1990 and 2000, both the percent and the number of children living in high-poverty areas
increased over the last decade. The 2006-10 five-year estimates produced by the American Community
Survey replaced the decennial census for many data points and are the most recent data available to
estimate concentrated poverty at the census-tract level. Estimates from 2006 through 2010 suggest that
7,879,000 children lived in areas of concentrated poverty. The percent of children living in these areas
increased from 9% to 11% over the past decade.
Nearly one out of three children (29%) in families with incomes below the poverty line live in areas of
concentrated poverty but not all children in these communities are poor. In fact, of the nearly 8 million
children living in these areas, almost half (3,625,700) are in families with incomes above the poverty line. In
addition, most parents living in these communities work. Nearly three out of four (74%) children living in
areas of concentrated poverty have at least one parent in the labor force.
Not all children are equally likely to live in areas of concentrated poverty. African-American, American
Indian, and Latino children are between six and nine mes more likely than white children to live in these
communities. Children with parents who are born outside the United States 14%) are also more likely than
those with U.S.-born parents (9%) to live in areas of concentrated poverty. These figures highlight the
double jeopardy faced by economically disadvantaged children of color in the United States. AfricanAmerican, American Indian, and Latino children who live in households with incomes below the poverty
threshold are significantly more likely than white children to have the adverse consequences of living in a
high-poverty neighborhood compound the negative effects of household poverty
Page 10
Community Needs Assessment
2012-2013
STATE OF KANSAS
According to the 2012 Kids Count Data, Kansas is 16th in the nation in astate-by-state study on the wellbeing of America’s children, slightly higher than its ranking last year. It also reports that the percentage of
children in poverty (income below $23,050 for a family of four in 2012) has increased by 50% since 2000.
The level increased from 12% to 19% in a 10 year period. The percentage of children in single-parent
families has risen by 11% since 2000,3 an 8% increase in one year.
According to the 2012 Kansas Statistical Abstrt, median household income in Kansas dropped from
$49,686 in 2008 to $46,229 in 2010 and the poverty rate in our state increased from 11.3% in 2008 to 19%
in 2011. Children contiue to be the poorest segment of the population,with child poverty standing at
23% in 2010, compared to 14% in 2008. Poverty among children under five years old increased from 18.3%
in 2008 to 22.5% in 2010.8
Medicaid
Kansas instated a children’s health insurance plan called HealthWave in 1998. This program has always
contracted with two or three insurance companies to provide health coverage to uninsured children up
to age 19 who belong to low-income families. This plan also extends to pregnant women that fall into
the eligibility criteria.
Beginning January 1, 2013, the Kansas program became KanCare. It is transitioning Kansas Medicaid
into an integrated care model. Kansas has contracted with three new health plans, or managed care
organizations (MCOs), to begin coordinating health care for nearly all Medicaid beneficiaries. The
KanCare health plans are Amerigroup of Kansas, Inc. (Amerigroup), Sunflower State Health Plan
(Sunflower), and UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Kansas (United).
The administration of KanCare within the State of Kansas is carried out by the Kansas Department of
Health and Environment (KDHE) and the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS).
Many agencies including Kansas Action for Children (KAC) have expressed concern regarding the
process for families in this transition. Christy Applehanz, KAC’s vice president of public affairs said that
progress had been made in the last couple of years getting children enrolled in HealthWave and there
was concern among advocates that the changes might keep many people eligible for the program from
enrolling in it.
She said an earlier study of people who were eligible but not enrolled in HealthWave showed that “one
of the biggest barriers to getting people enrolled was the process itself.”
Each Medicaid consumer has been assigned to one of the KanCare health plans. Consumers will receive
all of the services they currently receive through their new health plan. The health plans can also offer
additional new services not typically covered under Kansas Medicaid to their assigned members. These
are called value-added services.
During the months of November and December 2012, families received two packets of information.
The first was the enrollment application from the state of Kansas regarding the new plan and
instructions to ensure that their primary care provider was among the list of approved providers for
Page 11
Community Needs Assessment
2012-2013
their insurance company assignment. The second packet came from the insurance company and
outlined the services that would be covered.
Families in poverty can be very transient and this is a large concern in regards to a family’s successful
enrollment into KanCare. These mailings are not forwarded and if families do not keep their address
updated with the program, they will not receive this important information.
Kansas Department of Labor Economic Report – September 2012
On September 28, 2012, the Kansas Department of Labor released the 2012 Kansas Economic Report which
shows that the Kansas economy demonstrated several positive signs of recovery in 2011. No-farm jobs
experienced growth for the first time since 2008, gaiing 11,800 private sector jobs in 2011. The number of
people employed increased by 0.5% and the unemployment rate decreased from 7.2% to 6.7% in 2011.
“This report shows that the Kansas economy is continuing to improve. The increase in private sector jobs is
promising,” Lana Gordon, Interim Secretary of Labor, said.
In 2011, state exports increased by a healthy 17.1%. Exports in agricultural products showed the largest
growth, particularly because of wheat exports. The gross domestic product (GDP) increased for the secon
consecutive year in 2011. Personal income also increased during the year as more Kansans returne to
work.
The housing market in the state stabilized, with median home prices exceeding pre-recession levels. More
housing units were occupied in Kansas by percentage than the rest of the country. The number of building
permits issued increased for the first time since 2006.
“2011 marked the turning point for the Kansas labor market as the beginning of recovery in terms of job
growth and unemployment. Overall economic conditions continued to trend in the right direction, althou
gradually,” Inayat Noormohmad, Senior Labor Economist, said.
The 2012 Job Vacancy Survey showed a 17.3% increase in job openings from 2011, totaling 36,000 job
vacancies statewide in the second quarter of 2012. Online job vacancies published by Help Wanted Online
increased in 2011 and reached an all-time high in June 2012.
The Kansas labor force remained stagnant in 2011, only growing by approximately 200 people. This may be
caused by a high number of discouraged workers, individuals choosing to postpone employment to return
to school and slow growth in the population. Inflation continued to rise and the real average weekly wag
which accounts for inflation, declined 5
Kansas Depar tment of Labor Repor t – September 2012 1 2
 The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 5.9% in September 2012, a decrease from 6.2%
last month and 6.7% in September 2011. This is the first time this rate has been below6% since
December 2008. The non-adjusted unemployment rate was 5.3%, down from 6.2% in August 2012
and from 6.7% one year ago.
 "The number of people who returned to work in September is very encouraging and the decreasing
unemployment rate is a very positive sign for Kansans," Lana Gordon, Interim Secretary of Labor,
said.
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Community Needs Assessment
2012-2013
 Kansas gained 12,600 private sector jobs since September 2011, a 1.2% increase. The state also
added 12,400 nonfarm jobs during this time, a 09% gain. Since August 2012, Kansas gained 13,700
nonfarm jobs and lost 4,800 private sector jobs.
 "In September 2012, the statewide unemployment rate dropped to the lowest level Kansas has
experienced in 45 months. This improvement was caused by approximately 5,000 people moving
from unemployed to employed over the month," Tyler Tenbrink, Labor Economist, said. "The
seasonally-adjusted job numbers, while down slightly this month, are making slow and gradual
improvements overall."
 Five of the 11 major industries reported an increase in jobs since September 2011. Professional and
business services increased by 8,200 jobs, a 5.4% gain. Manufacturing added 4,200 jobs, up by 2.6%.
 Four of the 11 major industries saw gains from one month ago. Government gained 18,500 seasonal
jobs from non-salaried USD and university employees returning to work. Other services gained 500
jobs since August 2012, a 1% increase.
 Initial and continuednemployment insurance claims declined from both August 2012 and one year
ago.
Kansas Depar tment of Labor Wage Survey Data - 2012
Kansas Department of Labor 2012 Wage Survey Data
# of persons employed
35000
30000
25000
2008
20000
2009
15000
2010
10000
2011
5000
0
Saline
Dickinson
Ellsworth
According to the 2012 Wage Survey Data, the number of persons employed in Saline County dropped from
32,390 in 2008 to 28,722 in 2011. This indicates that 3668 (12%) jobs were lost in a three year period. Both
Dickinson and Ellsworth Countie have seen a very slight increase in jobs over the same period.12
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Community Needs Assessment
2012-2013
Unemployment In the News – Saline County
According to an article in the Salina Journal on April 5, 2012, Saline County's unemployment rate is higher
than the state's and has been on the rise since November 2011. Coupled with increasing city and county
sales tax revenues, that offers mixed signals as to the state of the local economy. Saline County's
unemployment rate increased by 1% between December 2011 and February 2012, to 7.1%. The state
unemployment rate was 6.6% in February 2012.
"The unemployment rate is too high," said Dennis Lauver, president and CEO of the Salina Area Chamber of
Commerce. "But there is nothing locally that has triggered folks to lose jobs." Salina City Manager Jason
Gage is concerned that Saline County's unemployment rate is higher than the state rate because it's usually
lower. In August 2012, the county's unemployment rate was 6.5% and the state's was 6.6%.
Gage said that combined with increasing sales tax collections in the city and the county, the unemployment
numbers are sending mixed signals to officials about the local economy. Because of those mixed economic
signals, he predicts that 2013 will be a slow year.
The county's unemployment rate has been on the rise since it hit 5.7% in November 2011. Gage said the
shift in unemployment between November 2011 and February 2012 could be attributed to seasonal
employment during the holidays, when people were shopping more.
Lauver said the increase in Saline County's unemployment numbers might not mean more people are out of
work but that more people are looking for jobs. "With the down economic conditions, some people had
given up on looking for jobs" and were not counted in the unemployment numbers, Lauver said. "This is
what was happening in the national employment numbers. I think this is part of a national trend shaking
out. These same numbers are jumping across the state."
Lauver said the unemployment numbers could get better, as companies such as Exide and Great Plains
Manufacturing have announced plans for expansion and the hiring of more workers. Also, Universal Forest
Products has announced plans to open a branch in Salina and hire workers.
Lauver said a free Salina Area Technical College program to train people in certain industries and openings
for positions in several manufacturing plants are signs unemployment numbers could be turning around.
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Community Needs Assessment
2012-2013
KANSAS VITAL STATISTICS
The most notable change for 2011 was the decline in the Kansas birth rate to 13.8 live births per 1,000
population, the lowest level recorded since the Kansas Vital Records system was established in 1912. This is
slightly lower than the previous low of 13.9 live births per 1,000 population in 1973, during the “baby bust”
years. The number of live births to Kansas resident mothers in 2011 was 39,628, down 2% from 40,439 in
2010.
There were 3,545 live births in 2011 to Kansas resident mothers under the age of twenty, down 8.6% from
3,879 live births to Kansas resident mothers in this age group in 2010. Births to mothers under twenty were
8.9% of all resident births in 2011, down from 9.6% in 2010.
Other notable findings from 2011 include:
 There were 25,114 Kansas resident deaths in 2011, an increase of 2.8% from 24,428 deaths
recorded in 2010. The crude death rate increased slightly, from 8.6 per 1,000 population in 2010 to
8.7 per 1,000 population in 2011. The ag-adjusted death rate also increased slightly, from 7.6 per
1,000 population in 2010 to 7.7 per1,000 population in 2011, well below the 8.7 per 1,000
population calculated for 1993, the highest ag-adjusted death rate in the last twenty years.
 Among the ten leading causes of death for Kansas residents, cancer once again replaced heart
disease as the leading cause of death. Unintentional injuries and pneumonia/influenza each rose
one level in the ranking, becoming the fourth and eighth leading causes respectively.
 There were 247 infant deaths to Kansas residents in 2011, a decrease of 2.4% from 253 infant
deaths in 2010. This continues the decrease in infant deaths noted in 2010, though at a slower
pace.
 Pregnancy associated maternal deaths increased to 20 in 2011 from 19 in 2010.
 The number of reported abortions fell from 8,373 in 2010 to 7,885 in 2011. The resident abortion
ratio of 99.6 abortions per 1,000 live births is the lowest since abortion reporting began in 1971.
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Community Needs Assessment
2012-2013
COUNTY DEMOGRAPHIC INFORMATION
Saline County:
The central office for Heartland Programs is located in Salina, the county seat. Saline County has a
population of 55,6061
According to the 2012 Kansas Statistical Abstra, the Saline County median household income was
$46,229 in 2010 with 23.8% of children in Saline County from families with incomes that meet the
federal definition of povert.
Data from the Kansas Dept. of Education indicates that44% of the children enrolled K-12 in Saline
County qualify for free lunch. There are 4,005 children under age five according to the 2010 US Census.
Using this information we can extrapolate that there are approximately 1762 children under age five
that qualify for Head Start/Early Head Start services.17
Heartland Programs is funded for 408 Early Head Start/Head Start children in Saline County. This means
another 1,354 children who might qualify for the program are left without services
Demographics: Race/Ethnicity
2012 Kansas Statistical Abstract
Saline County
100%
80%
77%
60%
40%
10%
20%
0%
White
Hispanic
4%
3%
African 2 or more
American races
2%
0.0%
4%
Asian
American
Indian
Other
Race
Dickinson County:
Dickinson County has a population of 19,7541 Abilene, the county seat, has a shortage of better
paying jobs and affordable, decent housing.
According to the 2012 Kansas Statistical Abstract, the median family income is $35,087 and 14.1% o
children in Dickinson County are in families with incomes which meet the federally established levels
for poverty.8
Data from the Kansas Dept. of Education indicates that 33% of the children enrolled -12 in Dickinson
County qualify for free lunch. There are 1,286 children under age five according to the 2010 US Census.
Using this information we can extrapolate that there are approximately 424 children under age five that
qualify for Head Start/Early Head Start services.
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Community Needs Assessment
2012-2013
Heartland Programs is funded for 88 Early Head Start/Head Start children in Dickinson County. This
means another 336 children who might qualify for the program are left without services
100%
80%
60%
40%
20%
0%
Demographics: Race/Ethnicity
2012 Kansas Statistical Abstract
Dickinson County
90%
4%
White
1%
Hispanic
3.00%
African 2 or more
American
races
0%
Asian
1.00%
1%
American Other Race
Indian
Ellswor th County:
Ellsworth County has 6,497 residents and is basically a rural county of farm communities. Many towns
have populations of only a few hundred;some, a few dozen.1
According to the 2012 Kansas Statistical Abstract, the median household income was41,622, and the
unemployment rate was 3.9% in 2010, a decrease from 4.4% in 2009. The data also shows that 14.1%
of the county’s children under age 18 were living in poverty. 8
Data from the Kansas Dept. of Education indicates that 0% of the children enrolled K-12 in Ellsworth
County qualify for free lunch. There are 343 children under age five according to the 2010 US Census.
Using this informaton we can extrapolate that there are approximately 103 children under age five that
qualify for Head Start/Early Head Start services.17
Heartland Programs is funded for 16 Early Head Start/Head Start children in Ellsworth County. This
means another 87 children who might qualify for the program are left without services.
Demographics: Race/Ethnicity
2012 Kansas Statistical Abstract
Ellsworth County
100%
80%
60%
40%
20%
0%
85%
White
5%
5%
2.00%
1%
Hispanic
African
American
2 or more
races
Asian
1.00%
1%
American Other Race
Indian
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Community Needs Assessment
2012-2013
SPECIAL EDUCATION
Child Find
Monthly screenings, a part of Child Find, are held monthly, usually on the first Friday of each month, at
the Hageman Education Center, 409 W. Cloud, Salin. These screenings of children birth to five years
old are open to any parent concerned about their child. Child Find is also held several times per year in
the outlying counties Screenings can also be setup by appointment. At these screenings, children that
are found to be at-risk for developmental delays are referred for further evaluation
Infant Child Development (ICD) – Saline & Ellswor th Counties
OCCK Infant Toddler Services (ITS) – Dickinson County
Infant Child Development (ICD) is the Part C program that provides disabilities servicesin Dickinson and
Saline Counties. The ICD team provides developmental evaluations and foll-up for children who
qualify for ongoing services. Children who are birth to three years with developmental delays or
diagnosed disabilities can receive a variety of services from the ICD team, which can include family
service coordination, early childhood special education, nursing, speech therapy, occupational therap
physical therapy, and social work. Children receive services in a variety of locations, primarily their
natural environment and/or whatever location works well for the family, which can include their home,
their child care, the foster home, or the ICD clinic. ICD receives many of their referrals from the Salina
Regional Health Center newborn nursery or NICU, which enables the ICD staff to begin services with
the family as early as possible. A pediatric vision clinic is also available monthly and is provided free to
families by Dr. Linda Lawrence to evaluate and treat vision issues that children may have. Dr. Valorie
Kerschen, a Developmental Pediatrician, also provides evaluations and diagnostic services everthree
months for children who participate in ICD services20
As of Sept 30, 2012 ICD was serving 130 children in Saline County and five children in Ellsworth County.
As of December 1, 2012 Infant Toddler Services (ITS) through OCCK, Inc. was serving 43 children in
Dickinson County.
Central Kansas Cooperative in Education (CKCIE) – Saline, Dickinson &
Ellswor th Counties
Central Kansas Cooperative in Education (CKCIE) provides special education services for 12 scho
districts in Central Kansas. Salina is the sponsoring school district for CKCIE. The CKCIE area covers over
4000 square miles and serves a school population of over 14,200 children in preschool through grade
12. Currently special education services are provided to over 2,935 exceptional students (ages thre21) with a staff of 620.
As of December 2, 2012, CKCIE was serving 125 three and four year olds in Saline County. They were
serving 76 in Dickinson County and an additional 21 three and four year olds in Ellsworth County. More
children are identified throughout the school year.Children have been determined to be eligible for
special education services following an evaluation. Children may have one or more areas o
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Community Needs Assessment
2012-2013
exceptionalities: developmental delay, speech language impairment, emotional disturbanc
orthopedic impairment, autism, traumatic brain injury, oer health impairment, learning disability,
intellectual disability, multiple disabilities or sensory impairment (hearing, deafness, visual impairment
blindness, deaf-blindness). Identified children are provided special education services and/or relate
services by CKCIE’s team of occupational therapists, speech therapists, physical therapists, school
psychologists, social workers, early childhood special education teachers, and paraprofessionals
HEALTH
Immunizations
The 2012 KIDS Count Data provides the percentage of kindergartners who received all recommended
immunizations by age two years. The chart below shows the significant downward trend of children
fully immunized between 2004 and 2007, with an upward trend since 2008. Between 2005 and 2006
the State of Kansas dropped 18.2%, but rebounded 7.9% in 2007 and another 4% in 2008. Between
2009 and 2010, there was a sharp increase of 17.8%. Saline County was up 9% and Dickinson County
up 2%. Ellsworth County was down 3.7% in 2005 and 2006, but rebounded significantly in 2007 by
22.8%. By 2010, Ellsworth county had increased to 86%.3
2012 Kids Count Data
Percentage of Kindergartners
Immunized by Age 2
100%
90%
80%
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
Kansas
Dickinson
Ellsworth
Saline
2004
69%
73%
83%
72%
2005
58%
63%
70%
54%
2006
51%
66%
52%
61%
2007
58%
62%
75%
66%
2008
63%
71%
84%
70%
2009
80.50%
88%
77%
77%
2010
80.80%
75%
86%
81%
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Community Needs Assessment
2012-2013
Health Insurance
Children in poverty may qualify for state funded health insurance benefits. The gap between those
who qualify for government assistance and those who can afford private insurance is large. The
working poor are most often caught in this gap18
Saline County:
Kansas Dept. of Health and Environment records show that Saline County had an increase in
Medicaid/CHIP enrollment over the last two years (county specific data was not available prior to
2010). Enrollment in Medicaid/CHIP increased from 10,288 in FY2010 to 10,616 in FY2011, up 3%.23
Community health care is available to uninsured Saline County residents through the Salina Family
Healthcare Center. The clinic is located at 651 E. Prescott. It is open Monday through Friday 8:00 to
5:00. This clinic is also open on Monday evenings 5:30 to 8:30 and provides financial screening on
Thursday evenings from 5:30 to 8:30. Affordable health care is available for all.11
Dickinson County:
Kansas Dept. of Health and Environment records show that Dickinson County had an increase in
Medicaid/CHIP enrollment over the last two years (county specific data was not available prior to
2010). Enrollment in Medicaid/CHIP increased from 2,723 in FY2010 to 2,788 in FY2011, up 2%.23
In December 2011, the Abilene School District reported an outbreak of Pertussis (Whooping Cough)
with both substantiated and unsubstantiated case
Ellsworth County:
Kansas Dept. of Health and Environment records show that Ellsworth County had a slight decrease in
Medicaid/CHIP enrollment over the last two years (county specific data was not available prior to
2010). Enrollment in Medicaid/CHIP decreased from 777 in FY2010 to 770 in FY2011, down 1%.23
Dental Care
Saline County:
Access to dental care is still a significant problem for Saline County children with a medical card Since
opening in the fall of 2005, the Salina Family Healthcare Dental Center has been working at capacity to
give area residents a chance to plan for and receive dental care. The clinic serves uninsured, Medicaid,
and HealthWave patients onsite and does outreach work with USD 305, Heartland Programs, and the
Salina-Saline County Health Department.2 According to Charyl Zier, Program Coordinator with
Heartland Programs, many Head Start students who require dental work are being referred to an out of
county pediatric dentist. There are no pediatric dentists in Salin
Dickinson and Ellsworth Counties:
The dental providers in the surrounding counties have set a priority to take consumers within their own
counties before treating those from other counties. Only six dentists serve Dickinson County and m
do not accept medical cards for payment. However, the Medicaid eligible children are able to have their
dental needs met in Dickinson County through Konza Prairie Clinic. Konza Praire Clinic is a federally
funded safety net clinic which provides dental services to the residents of Dickinson County. Ellsworth
County is fortunate to have two dentists that both take medical cards
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Community Needs Assessment
2012-2013
COMMUNITY CHILD DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS
Parents As Teachers
Parents as Teachers (PAT) is a home visiting program offered to pregnant women and families with
children birth to age three. Services are provided free of charge, and there are no income guidelines for
eligibility. Monthly home visits provide parents with practical, effective parenting tools and address a
concerns that the they may have regarding their child.
PAT is available in the following Saline County school districts: USD305 Salina, USD306 Southeast of
Saline and DO629 Smoky Hill Service Center. Dickinson school districts included are USD435 Abilene,
USD393 Solomon, USD473 Chapman and USD487 Herington. PAT is not available in Ellsworth County.
Parents as Teachers (PAT) served 121 children in the USD#305 service area during the 2012-13 school
year. The program is funded through a $79,283 grant from the Kansas Dept. of Education and is
matched with $51,534 from the USD #305 general fund.
Kansas Preschool
Unified School District #305 (within Saline County) and
Unified School District #487 Herington (within Dickinson County)
Kansas Preschool is funded through the Kansas Dept. of Education. It provides preschool to children
that turn four years old by August 31st and who
meet at least one of the following criteria:
At-Risk Criteria
qualify for free lunch, parent lacks high school
60%
48%
43%
diploma or GED, parent was a teen at the time
40%
of the child’s birth, limited English (as per
15%
20%
assessment), single parent, or a written referral
4%
from the Department of Children and Families
0%
Lacks GED or Single parent
Free Lunch
Teen parent
(DCF). During the 2011-12 school year, 78
diploma
children were served through this program.
Herington: Children are integrated in the same double-session classroom that provides Head Start.
Salina: The Heartland campus and the Schilling
Elementary School each host a classroom that
operates Monday-Thursday with morning and
afternoon sessions. Children served at the
Heartland campus are integrated into the six
double-session classrooms serving Head Start
children. All Kansas Preschool children receive
two meals and transportation is available for
those that qualify.
Hispanic Ethnicity of Salina Participants
80%
60%
40%
20%
46%
49%
52%
58%
2008-09
2009-10
2010-11
2011-12
0%
Page 21
Community Needs Assessment
2012-2013
Race of Salina Participants
100%
84%
74%70% 70%
50%
0%
White
11% 6%
3% 4%
3% 4% 6% 2%
7% 10% 6% 9%
14%
3% 7% 6%
Black
Asian
Native American
Multi-Racial
2008-09
2009-10
2010-11
2011-12
These charts indicate the changes in ethnicity and race of the children enrolled in the Salina Kansas
Preschool classrooms. In the last four years there has been an increase of over 25% of children served
with Hispanic ethnicity. The enrollment of mult-racial children has increased from 3% to 14% over four
years and during that same time frame, the enrollment of white children decreased frm 84% to 70%.
Building Blocks Therapeutic Preschool
Building Blocks began in the fall of 2010 to provide therapeutic preschool, year round, through a
partnership between Heartland Programs and Central Kansas Mental Health Center (CKMHC). Between
June 2011 and May 2012, the program served a total of 29 children. Children were served in a double
session group, with eight children in each group receiving 12 hours of psychosocial services per week.
Unfortunately, due to CKMHC budget restrictions in March 201 the program was reduced to a single
session serving eight children.
Building Blocks includes psychosocial services for preschoolers that are part of a comprehensive
treatment plan and focuses on improving the social and emotional wellness of children wh have
serious emotional disturbances (SED). Children spend time interacting with one another, strengtheni
their problem solving skills, learning empathy, increasing self-esteem, and improving self-regulation
skills. The research based Promoting Alternave Thinking Skills (PATHS) curriculum and Conscious
Discipline are incorporated into lessons. Children also use Bal-A-Vis-X, drumming, social skill activities
and sensory based play to achieve their individual goals outlined in their treatment plan. Only children
identified through CKMHC as meeting state mental health guidelines for treatment may be enrolle
Page 22
Community Needs Assessment
2012-2013
COMMUNITY ISSUES
Community and Family Needs Survey
Community social service agencies and families were surveyed in 2012 to determine what they saw as
the most pressing needs for families in poverty. The chart below contains the results of that survey.
Topics Surveyed
Community Agency
Replies
Family Replies
• School Readiness
• Quality child care for
infants/toddlers
• Child care while attending
school
•
•
School Readiness
Access to preschool
•
Diploma/GED
•
•
Access to dental care
Health insurance
•
Nutrition needs for low income
children and families
• Low cost health insurance
• Dental care for young
children
• Classes to teach how to
shop on a budget
• Meal planning
Information on how to
prepare affordable and
healthy meals
•
Social Service needs of children
and families
• Job Training
• Easy access to Department
of Children and Families
(DCF)
Basic needs
o Food
o Shelter
o Clothing
Education needs of low income
children
Education needs of low income
families
Health needs of low income
children and families
Teen Pregnancy
As can be seen from this chart, although the state percentage of teenage births has remained stable
since 2004, Dickinson and Ellsworth Counties have shown a dramatic decrease and are well below th
state rate. However, Saline County teen births are not only at a higher rate than the state, they are also
on the increase.
Percent of births to teen parents
15.0%
10.0%
5.0%
0.0%
2004-06
2008-10
12.8%
9.4%
Dickinson County
12.8%
9.4%
8.3% 5.5%
Ellsworth County
8.3%
5.5%
12.2% 13.2%
10.0% 10.1%
Saline County
12.2%
13.2%
State of Kansas
10.0%
10.1%
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Community Needs Assessment
2012-2013
Salina is currently participating in a Community HealtAssessment being conducted by three
community agencies. The Salina Regional Health Center, the Salina-Saline County Health Dept. and
Central Kansas Foundation are combining their efforts to analyze data regarding Saline County. Several
areas of concern have been made priorities during this process. Teen pregnancy is one of these
concerns. In 2010 the Saline county rate of live births to 18-19 year olds was 108.5 out of 1,000 as
opposed to the state’s rate of 67.6 per 1,000. This statistic also follows alo with the chart shown
above. As seen below Saline County has higher rates of teen pregnancy for other age groups as well.
Pregnancies/1,000 10-19 year old
females
120
108.5
100
80
67.6
60
Saline County
32.8
40
25.4
23.1
20
0
Saline County
State of Kansas
10-19 year olds
32.8
23.1
State of Kansas
19.1
15-17 year olds
25.4
19.1
18-19 year olds
108.5
67.6
The chart below indicates the number of pregnant and/or parenting teen mothers enrolled in the
Heartland Early Head Start program in Salina.
Heartland Programs
Saline County Only
Number of Pregnant and/or Parenting Teens Enrolled
50
40
30
20
10
0
34
13
16
October
2003
October
2004
Page 24
October
2005
39
41
42
October
2006
October
2007
October
2008
39
October
2009
32
35
36
October
2010
October
2011
October
2012
Community Needs Assessment
2012-2013
Hunger
In Kansas, one in seven families struggle to get enough food. More than one in five children live in a
home where there is uncertainty about how everyone will be fed. Since first measured in 1995, rates of
food insecurity and hunger have continued to rise, with sharp increases observed with the onset of the
2008 recession. The costs and consequences of food insecurity are multifaceted, and severe. Hunger is
strongly correlated with lower educational achievement and impaired work performance. By one
estimate, economic costs related to hunger and food insecurity in Kansas exceeded $1.6 billion in
2010.16
Saline County:
According to USD#305, during the 2012-13 school year, 48% of the K-12 students were approved to
receive free school lunches. This constitutes 3,382 students and a 3% increase over the number of
eligible students in 2011-12. Furthermore, the specific data from Salina USD #305 shows a 20%
increase over the last 10 years. To qualify for Free Lunches, family income must be no more than 130%
of Federal Poverty guidelines.
In 1997, Heartland established a summer food program serving free lunch to children ages one through
eighteen. The program, now sponsored by USD#305 and Heartland Programs, currently serves a free
lunch at nine sites and a free breakfast at one site. During the eight week program in 2012, 22,533
lunches were served averaging 596 per day. In addition to this, 3,895 breakfast meals were served
averaging 162 per day. A partcipating site must be located in an area in which at least 50% of the
children are from households eligible for free or reduced meals.
According to a June 19, 2011 article in theSalina Journal, The Salvation Army has seen a large increase
in the number of free meals being served. In 2010, an average of 800 meals were served every month.
The number of meals served in May 2011 jumped to 1,080 per month, a 35% increase. According to a
representative from the Salvation Army, they rely heavily on Project lina to stock their food pantry. At
times they run out of food before the needs of their clients are met
On October 29, 2012 The Salina Journal reported that the Salina Emergency Aid Food Bank served
12,455 people, which represented 3,878 households. They also reported that in a usual day, the food
bank saw between 20 and 30 people, but recently, the charity set a one-day record when 40 people
walked through the doors. There have been days when the numbers topped 35. The food bank has
begun rationing tis year in order to stretch the dwindling food stores.
According to the Kansas Dept. for Children and Families, the number of Food Assistance beneficiaries in
Saline County increased 7.5% in one year, from 4,358 in 2009 to 5,759 in 2010. It increased again in
2011, jumping from 5,759 to 6,725. Also in Saline County, between 2008 and 2011 the average
number of persons receiving TANF (Temporary Assistance for Families) increased by 7% (562 to 724). 19
According to the 2012 Hunger Atlas, published by kacap.org, the number of persons who are food
insecure in Saline county is 7,350 (14% of total population). Of those, 2,980 are children. In 2012,
1,395 infants & children received WIC benefits.
The Salina Rescue Mission reported serving 39,459 meals between January 1 and December 31, 2011.
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Community Needs Assessment
2012-2013
Dickinson County:
According to the Kansas Department of Education, during the 201-13 school year, 32% of the K-12
students in Dickinson County were approved to receive free school lunches.17 This constitutes 1570
students,a 20% increase from 2011-12. During the 2011-12 school-year, the Dickinson County
Food4Kids program provided 4,546 food packets to 157 local children. The packets went home
anonymously to chronically hungry or food insecure children.26
The Abilene Area Food and Clothing Center, located at 311 North Cedar St. provides food for families in
need. The organization is sponsored by local churches and businesses. The center is open Monday,
Wednesday and Friday 9:00am – 12:00pm. Families can receive food once per month for up to three
months. After receiving three monthly distributions, families must wait three months to participate
the program again. According to staff, they serve an average of 5-6 families per day. The center also
provides clothing to families at no charge.27
According to the 2012 Hunger Atlas, published by kacap.org, the number of persons who are food
insecure in Dickinson county is 2,540 (13% of total population). Of those, 1,010 are children. In 2012,
371 infants & children received WIC benefits.
Ellsworth County:
According to the Kansas Department of Education, during the 2012-13 school year, 31% of the K-12
students in Ellsworth County were approved to receive free school lunches.17 This constitutes 362
students with no increase since the 2011-12 school year. “Heartland Shares” is a program available in
Ellsworth County that provides nutritional food at low prices. SHARE is a not-for-profit program that
provides nutritious food packages once a month to people willing to help themselves and others
through volunteer work. Because of the bulk buying power and the volunteer distribution network,
savings of up to 60% are passed onto SHARE participants. The Ellsworth County Food Bank distributes
food to families by appointment.
According to the 2012 Hunger Atlas, published by kacap.org, the number of persons who are food
insecure in Ellsworth county is 740 (12% of total populatio). Of those, 200 are children. In 2012, 105
infants & children received WIC benefits.
Children in Pover ty
When children grow up in poverty there are lasting negative consequences for them and for society a
a whole.
According to the 2012 Kids Count Data, A recent Stanford study29 found that the gap in standardized
test scores between affluent and low-income students has grown by about 40% since the 1960s and is
now double the testing gap between African Americans and no-Hispanic whites, which declined over
the same period. Comprehensive early childhood programs and high-quality preschool can help
improve school readiness among low-income children, and access to such programs has increased. But
only a small percentage of poor children participate in programs of sufficient quality and intensity to
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Community Needs Assessment
2012-2013
overcome the developmental deficits associated with chronic economic hardship and low levels of
parental education
The negative consequences for children are not surprising, given the experiences that shape their
childhood. While we need to always be aware of the risk of over generalizing, children growing up poor
are more likely to be exposed to circumstances that increase the chance for bad outcomes, including:
parents with low levels of education; experiencing chronic stress; moving frequently; going hungry; and
inadequate health care.
The 2012 Kansas Statistical Abstract reported in 2010 that Saline County had 17.2% of its citizens livi
in poverty. Ellsworth was reported as 10.8% and Dickinson County was at 11.6%.
The 2012 Kansas Hunger Atlas reports that in Saline County, 28.3% of children under 18 are living in
poverty as compared to the state rate of 18.1%. In Ellsworth County, 15.2% of children under 18 are
living in poverty. In Dickinson County, 16.6% of children under 18 are living in poverty.16
According to the Kansas Health Institute, the odds of a baby dying before its first birthday are higher in
Kansas than in most places in the U.S. But health experts aren’t sure why that is and efforts to reverse
the trend are moving slowly.
The statistics have been alarming for at least the past six years, with Kansas currently ranked 40th
worst overall among the U.S. states for infant deaths. The Kansas death rate for black infants is the
worst in the nation, according to the National Center for Vital Statistics.
For every 1,000 white births in the state, about seven babies die. For every 1,000 black births, 19.6
babies die. The national rates are 5.6 and 13.2, respectively.15
Child Abuse
State of Kansas
•
•
•
•
•
•
In 2010, Kansas had 32,377 total referrals for child abuse and neglect. Of those, 17,379 reports
were referred for investigatio14
In 2010, 1,552 children were victims of abuse or neglect in Kansas, a rate of .2 per 1000 children,
representing 13.9% increase from 2009. Of these children, 22.3% were neglected, 22.3% were
physically abused, and 34.6% were sexually abused. 14
In 2010, 6 children in Kansas died as a result of abuse or neglect.14
In 2010, 5979 children in Kansas lived apart from their families in out-of-home care, compared with
5,691 children in 2009. In 2010, 2,103 of the children living apart from their families were age 5 or
younger, and 1,045 were 16 or older. 14
Of Kansas children in out-of-home care in 2010, 65.6% were white, 18.2% black, 10.6% Hispanic,
.08% American Indian/Alaskan Native, 0.4% Asian or Pacific Islander and 4.3% of more than one
race or ethnicity. 14
In 2010, approximately 20,250 Kansas grandparents had primary responsibility caring for their
grandchildren. 14
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Community Needs Assessment
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Saline, Dickinson and Ellsworth Counties
Salina Dept. of Children and Families (DCF, formerly known as SRS) office covers Ottawa, Ellsworth, and
Dickinson (specifically Abilene) counties andis no longer under the NE Region. They have joined with
Manhattan, Junction City, Hays, Hutchison, Dodge and Great Ben Kansas DCF now has four regions;
they are the West, East, Kansas City and Wichita Regions. 31 Our service area is in the West Region.
According to DCF, children considered as awaiting adoption have had parental rights terminated o
both parents, have a permanency goal of adoption, and are not yet placed in a pr-adoptive home
placement. Currently there are eight children awaiting adopti in Salina County, nine children
awaiting adoption in Dickinson County and three children awaiting adoption in Ellsworth Cou
As of August 2012, there were 1573 children in DCF custody in the West Region. Of those, 1,479 were
in Out-of-Home Placement. 528 (36%) of those children were five years and under. In August, 2012,
154 children in Saline County (2.7% of the child population) were in Ou-of-Home Custody. In Ellsworth
County, seven children (.2% of the child populatio) were in Out-of Home Custody and in Dickinson
County, 33 children (.6% of the child population) were in Ou-of-Home Custody. In the West Region
from July 2011 to June 2012, there were 8145 reports of abuse and/or neglect. Of those, 334 were
substantiated. The same report for Jly 2010 – June 2011 showed a total of 3,040 reports of abuse,
with 187 substantiated. That is an increase in one year of 44% of substantiated reports32
Children Placed In Out of Home Placement by Primary Reason
Removed between 7/1/11 and 6/30/12
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
Saline Co
Dickinson Co
Ellsworth Co
Domestic Violence
Domestic Violence Association of Central Kansas (DVACK)
During 2011, the Domesti Violence Association of Central Kansas provided direct and support services
to domestic violence and sexual assault victims and their childrenn a ten county catchment area,
which includes Saline, Ellsworth and Dickinson counties The majority of victim served came from
Salina and Saline County. DVACK staff and trained volunteers assisted 1,017 victims of domesti
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Community Needs Assessment
2012-2013
violence, sexual assault and/or stalking including 369 children. Shelter services were provided to 164
women, children and men for a total number of 4,306 nights of stay. DVACK provided survivors access
to emergency shelter, 24-hour hotline, assistance in obtaining protection orders, supportive counseling
personal, court, medical, hospital and economic advocacy, compensation claim filing, 911phones,
emergency transportation, referral services, support groups, and safety planning.
DVACK also assisted victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking in becomg self-sufficient
by obtaining permanent housing, child care, legal assistance and job placement. Prevention and
educational services were provided to general members of the community including educationa
institutions, health care professionals, law enforcement professionals, community agencies, clubs
organizations, yout-serving organizations and other allied professionals.
All DVACK services are free and confidential and accessible to all persons regardless of race, color, sex,
age, education level, economic status, sexual orientation, immigration status, geographic locati
spiritual beliefs and physical or mental ability.
Homelessness
Ashby House
In 2011, the Ashby House Homeless Shelter served 409 residents and provided a total of 41,400 nights
of service. This included 93 families and 173 individual women. Ashby House’s residential treatment
program also provided substance abuse counseling and shelter to an additional 87 individual women
and 22 families for a total of 9,334 nights of service. Of the residents served, 70% were Salina area
residents and 30% were transient residents. Ashby House offered emergency shelter, life skills
training, computer job readiness and financial literacy training, substance abuse treatment, and case
management.
Salina Rescue Mission
As of December 2011, the Rescue Mission had already sheltered 19,447 persons during the year, which
was above their normal rate. The shelter reported serving more persons and keeping mattresses on
the dining room floor to accommodate the growing need. (Note: families and/or individuals staying at
the shelters may reside there for quite some time.)4
The Salina Rescue Mission provides sleeping accommodations, meals and counseling for homeless
men. Life skill training and coaching for re-entering the job market are also provided, mostly by
members of the Mission’s Board of Directors, staff and volunteers. The mission is funded entirely by
donations The residential capacity of the mission is 72 Many men are disenfranchised from their
families and/or community. Many of the men are former residents from the 10 counties surrounding
Saline County. They are experiencing a higher number of men that are suffering from medical/mental
health issues and they have no resources or support. In addition the average age of the men is younger
than in the past. 6
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Community Needs Assessment
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Public Transpor tation
Saline County:
CityGo
Salina’s fixed-route bus system, CityGo, serves more than 65% of the city with safe, reliable, and costeffective transportation service. In partnership with the City of Salina and the Kansas Department of
Transportation, OCCK operates and manages CityGo transit services, including a fleet of eleven buses,
147 bus stops throughout Salina, and comprehensive accessibility.
Wave and Ride Routes are indicated by dashed lines on the CityGo map. Passengers may wave to a
passing bus from any corner within this area, indicating that they want to board. Drivers will stop at the
nearest safe location, usually the far side of an intersection.
CityGo spans the city from North to South and East to West with four routes, noted by colors on route
maps and bus stops: red, blue, purple, and yellow. There are five transfer points to make crossing from
one line to the next fast and efficient. Service hours are:





6 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Friday
9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday
Peak hours (service every 30 minutes): 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through
Friday
Non-peak hours (service every 60 minutes): 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., Monday
through Friday. All day Saturday.
There is no bus service on Sunday
Fares for the CityGo buses are $1 per trip, $2 per one-day pass, $5 for a six-trip pass, and $30 for a
monthly pass. Children 10 and under will ride for free, but must be accompanied by someone 16 or
older. Personal Care Attendants will also ride without charge. Each bus is wheelchair accessible.
A representative from CityGo reported that CityGo has seen a large increase in usage by the
community during 2012.7
Paratransit
OCCK offers Regional Paratransit, door-to-door, on-demand service for the general public throughout
North Central Kansas including passengers with disabilities and seniors. Passengers seeking Paratransit
services in Salina are required to meet medical eligibility due to fixed route regulations. The Regional
Paratransit service has been a successful and popular program. Riders will be picked up at their door
and dropped off at their destination.
Regional Paratransit service is available anywhere in North Central Kansas. Regional Service hours
are:
 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Friday
 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday (Salina only)
Fares are $2 per person each way in Saline County and 10-cents per mile outside Saline County.
Children 10 and under ride free when they are accompanied by an adult. If OCCK transportation
schedules are full or rides are requested after hours in Salina only, the dispatcher will call a taxi for a
cost of $4 - $5 each way.7
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Community Needs Assessment
2012-2013
MED-A-VAN: (Also available in Dickinson and Ellsworth Counties)
Non-emergency medical transportation to and from the Salina Regional Health Center and its affiliates
– Salina Medical Arts Building, Santa Fe Medical Plaza, Tammy Walker Cancer Center, Salina Surgical
Center, Central Kansas Foundation and Hospice of Salina – is available at no cost for persons in the
following counties: Clay, Cloud, Dickinson, Ellsworth, Jewell, Mitchell, Lincoln, Marion, McPherson,
Osborne, Ottawa, Republic, Saline, and Smith. Advance notice of at least 24 hours is appreciated.
Non-emergency medical transportation to and from other area medical facilities, doctor’s offices, and
clinics is available for $2 per ride in Saline County and 10-cents per mile outside Saline County.
Medicaid Medical Transportation
OCCK contracts with Medical Transportation Management (MTM) to provide non-emergency medical
transportation throughout Kansas. However, only Medicaid-recipient passengers are eligible for this
service. Advance notice of at least 48 hours is required. Medicaid Medical Transportation is available 8
a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday with special hours arranged by request. 7
Taxi
Taxi Service is available in Saline County, but fares make it too expensive for Head Start parents.
Dickinson County:
The Abilene Senior Center provides free transportation for seniors to a nutrition site for meals. A
other times, a van isavailable Monday through Friday to the general public for trips within the city.
Arrangements for bus usage funnel through the city of Abilene – Parks & Recreation. The fare is $2.00
one way or $3.00 round trip. Abilene no longer has a taxi service. In Herington, Hilltop Community
Center does operate one bus for general public transportation within the city for a $1.50 on-way fare.
Ellsworth County:
Ellsworth County has buses available for general public transportation with low fares in Holyrood,
Wilson and Ellsworth. The Ellsworth Council on Aging charges $1 and up for general public riders and
covers the entire county. They also help with ‘Medical Miles’ which is a program to help find rides to
medical visits within the state from volunteers. There is no taxicab service that originates in the
county; taxicabs from Salina will travel at a premium rate.
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Community Needs Assessment
2012-2013
Housing
Saline County:
The Salina Housing Authority manages almost 500 Housing contracts within the City Limits of Salina:
162 Public Housing units; 318 Section 8 rental vouchers; and 15 Shelter Plus rental vouchers for
homeless individuals. As of October 2012, 210 families were on a Public Housing waiting list The
Housing Authority offers Section 8 vouchers to income qualified families and cnsistently has 311
families enrolled. There are an additional 332 families waiting for Section 8 housi Assistance dollars
are limited and occupancy rate is high and the Section 8 waiting list has been close The Salina
Housing Authority offers a Family Self Sufficiency program to Public Housing tenants. The programs
provide monthly social services assistance to help the tenant try to move to self-sufficiency. The
Housing Authority is actively pursuing the development of new units in order to meetthe
overwhelming housing needs in Salina.22
OCCK, Inc. offers 24 public housing units for developmentally delayed adults, which are almost 100%
occupied with very little turnover7
A number of private agencies, including the Salvation Army and Food Bank, offer minimal financial aid
for residents needing help paying rent during emergencies. On average, the Salvation Army assists
between 80-100 households each month with emergency funds. They are currently receiving 90-120
applications per month. This number has stayed constant through 2012.
The Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) showed a dramatic increase in need since 2008. In
2008 2,271 families participated. By 2010, that number had increased to 3,165, a 39.4% increase in
three years. In 2011, the number increased again to 3,523, an 11% in one year and a 55.1% increase in
four years. Without this program, many families would not be able to heat their homes during the
winter months. 19
Dickinson County:
In October 2012, the North Central-Flint Hills Area Agency on Aging reported that they are currently
serving 25 residents in Dickinson County. There is no shelter for the homeless, although the Salvation
Army offers transients temporary lodging assistance and helps Dickinson County residents with their
rent in emergencies. The Hope Center in Abilene is a single family dwelling for families in crisis who
must apply and be approved by the board. If approved, the family can stay in the home for up to three
months free, based upon the need.
The Hope Center in Abilene, Kansas provides emergency assistance to families in need. They provide
funds for individuals to purchase prescriptions, pay rent and utilities. In 2011, the Hope Center serv
197 households.
The Abilene Area Food and Clothing Center of Abilene, Kansas provides families with emergency funds
to pay utilities. This service can be used by a family once per yea
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Community Needs Assessment
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The Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) shows a dramatic increase in need since 2008. In
2008 845 families participated. In 2011, the number dramatically increased to 1,043, a 23% increase i
4 years.19
Ellsworth County:
The Ellsworth Housing Authority, doing business as The Pines Apartments, manages 24 Section 8
apartments. These units are earmarked for elderly and disabled individuals who are capable of
independent living. All apartments are one bedroom, 588 sq. feet of living space. Some of the
advantages of "Pines" living are: washers and dryers are located in the building and are FREE of charge,
all utilties are paid (less phone and internet), the cable TV rate is greatly discounted appliances are
furnished, and all units have central heat and air with individual thermostats. Rent is based on income
minus medical expenses. This usually works out at 30% of adjusted income.
The Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) shows a dramatic increase in need since 2008. In
2008, 209 families participated. In 2010, the number of families needing assistance dramaticall
increased to 271, a 29.7% increase. In 2011, the number increased to 293, a 40.2% increase in four
years.19
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Community Needs Assessment
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COMMUNITY AWARENESS & PARTICIPATION
Child Advocacy and Parenting Services, Inc. (CAPS) 1 0
CAPS provides the following services for families in Saline County:
• Family Mentoring
• Parenting Educatio
• Happy Bear
• Morning Out for Moms and Dads
• Bullying Preventio
• Smart Start – Ending December 31, 2012
• Chris’s Place Child Advocacy Center
Partners In Early Childhood Education (PIECE) – Saline County
Partners in Early Childhood Education (PIECE) began in 2008 to strengthen early childhood
collaboration, to reduce duplication of services and resources and to increase school readiness fo
Saline County children. PIECE consists of 14 community agencies that meet monthly to focus their
resources and services towards closing the current school readiness gap by June 2015.
PIECE has three areas of focus: school readiness, improving social emotional skills in young children and
improving the quality of child care in the community.
As part of the United Way ACT for 2020 Early Childhood grant the PIECE partners strive to increase
community awareness of developmentally appropriate practices and resources for early childhood.
One way this is being accomplished is through a media campaign of monthly radio PSA’s,
advertisements in local newspapers andthe city transportation system. Committee members als
sponsor activities to promote family engagement in school readiness activities through participati
community events such as the Back to School Fair, Story Hour at the public library and early childhood
events at the local shopping mall.
School Readiness
To help determine children’s school readiness skills, PIECE has assessed all children entering
kindergarten in USD 305 (Salina), USD 306 (Southeast of Saline), USD 307 (Ell-Saline) and St. Mary’s
Catholic School. The Pre-Kindergarten Screen (PKS) will be used to determine the number of children
ready for school. The PKS screens for readiness in concepts such as letter recognition, gross and fin
motor skills and ability to follow directions. Dat will be shared with each of the above schools which
will assist them in building their academic curriculum. This same data will also be used to plan
community events aimed at helping parents and community members become more aware of school
readiness skills.
PIECE recognizes that blending school readiness skills and young children’s social emotional needs
better prepare children to enter school ready to learn and have later academic success.
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Community Needs Assessment
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Mental Health
All Early Head Start and Head Start children are screened with the ASQ-SE and SEST-R social/emotional
screens within the first 45 days of enrollment. Mental health staff are also available for consultation
and to provide referrals. The chart below indicates the number of Head Start children that have been
assessed and referred by a mental health professional for mental health consultation
Head Start Children Referred for Mental Health Services
45
40
35
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
38
2007-08
42
34
33
2008-09
2009-10
32
2010-11
2011-12
By providing regular on site mental health consultation and reflective practice with center based chi
care, Head Start and Early Head Start children have a stronger base of emotional vocabulary and
problem solving skills. A social emotional curriculum, Promoting Alternative Thinking Strategi
(PATHS), has been embraced by many Saline and Dickinson County child care centers, family child care
providers and community preschools. This curriculum provides lessons in a fun way that helps children
learn how to solve problems and label the strong feelings that they have. Programs using this
curriculum have received training and mentoring in implementing the program
Child Care
In Kansas, child care subsidies are available through Department of Children and Families (DCF) to
families that earn up to 185% of poverty. The challenge with these subsidies is that a family can be
below an income level that allows them to meet a basic family needs budget and still have a very large
co-payment due for child care. Many low income families also work split shifts, weekends, and evening
hours that make it difficult to find quality child care.
Affordable, full-day, quality care has been a problem and one of the most persistent barriers to lowincome parents who want to work or go to school. Reliable infant care is an even more serious
problem for mothers who are forced into the workplace. Because the infant to adult ratio must remain
low to meet licensing standards, infant care is expensive and providers often elect not to provide this
service; thus infant slots are few.
As of November 2012, Saline County had 13 licensed child care centers, and 175 licensed family child
care providers and family group homes. The majority of the slots at these centers were reserved for
children ages three to school age. There were 263 slots for infants and toddlers and of these only 12
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Community Needs Assessment
2012-2013
were not filled. Child Care Aware of Northeast and North Central Kansas made 366 referrals in Saline
County from January through October in 2012.13
As of November 2012, Ellsworth County had 15 licensed family child care providers and family group
homes. There is one child care center, The Ellsworth Child Care and Learning Center. It is licensed for 78
children with 19 of them being infants and toddlers. Child Care Aware of Northeast and North Central
Kansas made 6 referrals in Ellsworth County from January through October in 2012.13
As of November 2012, Dickinson County had four licensed child care centers and 41 licensed family
child care providers and family group homes. The county child care centers were serving 152 infants
and toddlers which is 25 over the desired capacity for their slots. The total license capacity under one
year is 103 and desired capacity is 59. At this time there are 10 infant openings. There are 249 total
capacity slots for toddlers, the desired capacity is 152. There are currently 30 toddler spots available.
Child Aware of Northeast and North Central Kansas made 59 referrals in Dickinson County from January
through October in 2012.13
As of January 1, 2013 the Smart Start program will no longer exist. This will be a huge loss to Saline and
Dickinson Countis. Smart Start of Kansas, a grant program that was funded through the Master
Tobacco Settlement monies, and governed by Kansas Children’s Cabinet and Trust Fund, was designed
to target children ages birth to five years old to ensure that all children entered school ready to learn
and succeed. Saline County was awarded a Smart Start grant in 2001 and was one of seven grantees in
Kansas. As of 2005, there were 17 Smart Start grantees in Kansas that served 47 counties including
Saline and Dickinson Countes. Child Advocacy and Parenting Services, Inc. (CAPS) is the grant
administrator for the Saline County Smart Start grant. 249 child care providers have been awarded
college scholarships toward completing an associate’s degree in early childhood education of Dec.
31, 2009.
Dickinson County became a Smart Start grantee when Smart Start Kansas expanded in 2005. Dickinson
County was awarded $226,532 to start implementing WAGE$ and TEACH, improve availability of mental
health services to teachers and students, and to sponsor a child care center in a rural settin The child
care center that was sponsored is now known as Discovery Child Care Learning Center (DCCLC) in
Herington. DCCLC is a partner with Heartland Programs.
Low pay and lack of benefits for child care workers continues to be a stumbling block for recruitin
quality workers. According to the 2011 May US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average child care cente
wages are about $9.40 an hour in Kansas, with an annual average salary of $19,600.12 In contrast, an
elementary school teacher averages $44,240 a year – that translates to $30.30 per hour.
During 2012, most child care teachers in Saline and Dickinson Counties who have bachelors’ degree
start at $10.15 per hour. In contrast, a beginning public school teacher averages around $22.50 an hour
and has an annual salary of $32,900. Low wages drive away nearly a third of child care teachers. Worse
yet, few child care centers can afford to offer health insurance or other benefits that could help retain
staff.
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Community Needs Assessment
2012-2013
Heartland partners with local child care centers and family child care homes in Saline and Dickinson
Countes to ensure quality child care slots will be available for a limited number of Head Start and Early
Head Start eligible children. This program, called Heartland Child Care Partnerships (HCCP), requires
partners to meet Head Start requirements which include lower ratios, quality standards, quarterly
training, on-going child assessments, and home visits. Early Education Specialists provide weekly
mentoring and support to child care teachers. HCCP directors meet quarterly to discuss concerns and
ways to improve the partnerships. Currently, HCCP has nine partnering centers and family child care
homes in Saline and Dickinson Countes that serve about 130 children up to five years old. Another 170
non-Head Start children also benefit from the partnerships. To qualify for child care through HCCP,
parents must be working or enrolled in a job training program approved by Temporary Assistance to
Needy Families (TANF), and meet income guidelines.
Quality for Life Coalition (QLC) – Dickinson County
The mission of the QLC is to provide a catalyst to promote social, physical and mental well-being for
residents of Dickinson County by fostering a thriving environment in which to live, work, play and learn.
The QLC began in 1991 through a collaboration of local agencies nd concerned citizens who shared a
common vision of working together to provide needed programs and ensuring non-duplication of
services. The QLC consists of over 60 different agencies including schools, local governments, health
providers, law enforcement, recreational and youth organizations, social services, and many volunteer
and concerned citizens
Community Health Assessment – Saline County
A community health assessment is in the works, and it couldn't come at a more crucial time, according
to the results of Saline County's most recent physical exam. In the past three years, the county's overall
health has declined, so say the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute and the Rober
Wood Johnson Foundation. Their annual County Health Rankngs show Saline County has slipped to
78th in the state in 2012 from 68th in 2011 and 61st in 2010.
A community health assessment could reverse the slide, at least that's the hope of Del Myers, a
registered nurse and health education supervisor for the Saina-Saline County Health Department. The
department is joining Salina Regional Health Center and Central Kansas Foundation in conducting th
assessment, which is expected to be completed by December 31, 2012. Myers said that her
department will have a beter view of health needs once the data is compiled from the assessment,
which is believed to be the most comprehensive look at overall community health to date. One known
concern is childhood obesity, which Myers termed "scary." "They are going to have shorter life spans
than their parents," she said. "That's a real concern."
The 2010 Pediatric Nutrition Surveillance System (PNSS) report indicated the following for Kansas
children aged two years to less than five years:
• 15.7% were overweight (85th to < 95th percentile BMI-for-Age)
• 13.0% were obese (≥ 95th percentile BMI-for-Age)
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Community Needs Assessment
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The number of Saline County adult residents who are obese has risen since 2010, according to the data.
It indicated that 34% of adults are obese, compared with 32% in 2011 and in 2010.
A few factors improved in 2012. The adult smoking rate dropped -- slightly -- to 19% from 20% in 2011
and 21% in 2010. Also improving were preventable hospital stays and high school graduation rates
The premature death rate rose, as did the percentage of residents in poor or fair health. According to
the rankings, 15% of Saline county residents are uninsured, the same level in 2011, but up from 12% in
2010. Also, 25% of Saline County residents are physically inactive, a category that was notmeasured in
2011 or 2010.
Childhood poverty took a big leap – 15% in 2010 to 17% in 2011 and all the way to 28% in 2012.
The assessment’s core group has identified nine preliminary issues from the data analyzed so far. They
are:
1. High risk teenage reproductive health / sexual behavior
2. Teenage pregnancy
 Sexually transmitted infectio
 Babies born small for gestational age (SGA
 Smoking during pregnancy
 Births to unmarried mothers
3. Adults obese or overweight
 Adult hypertension
 Deaths among 45-64 year olds due to heart disease
4. Childhood Obesity
5. Low influenza vaccination rat
6. Black / African American deaths due to stroke
7. Black / African American deaths due to cancer
8. Deaths due to chronic lower respiratory condition
9. Hospital admissions due to injury
10. Domestic Violenc
The next steps for the process include narrowing the issues to five priority areas and to apply the
Prioritization Matrix to determine the order of addressing the issues. The steps or prioritizing are
follows:
1. Size of the problem
2. Seriousness of problem
a. Urgency
b. Severity
c. Economic loss
d. Impact on other people
3. Effectiveness of interventio
4. Assign a numerical value and weight to each factor
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Community Needs Assessment
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COMMUNITY ADULT EDUCATION PROGRAMS
Cloud County Community College
Heartland Programs has been hosting andoffering early childhood courses for child care staff and
Heartland employees through Cloud County Community College (CCCC) since 2001 with Smart Start
funding. As of December 31, 2012, Kansas Smart Start funding is not available. Through a Child
Development Block Grant, through the State of Kansas, these classes will be able to continue for staff
members serving at-risk areas in Salina.
During the 2011-12 school year, 17 students completed CCCC classes through Heartland Programs.
Many of these students took more than one class. Of this total, eight were Heartland employees and
nine worked in our partnering child care centers and family child care homes. Classes were held three
nights per week in the evenings to accommodate work schedules of the students.
Salina Adult Education Center
GED® Preparation & Adult Basic Education
The ABE/GED program offers classes designed to help students strengthen their educational,
technological and workplace skills. Classes are offered in the following areas:
Math
Grammar
Writing
Pre-Employment Skills
Technology Skills
SAEC students attend classes morning, afternoon or evening. Mond-Thursday. Each student will meet
with an instructor at the end of orientation week to design a class schedule that meets that student’s
academic needs and meets the requirement for 12 hours of instruction per week
•
•
•
•
•
English as a Second Language
ESL curriculum is designed to help students progress through appropriate levels of lessons to meet
their needs and allow them to "graduate" to higher levels of learning. Prescreening at the time of
registration will allow staff to fit students into appropriate class times and sites based on thei
educational needs.
The ESL program provides students with the opportunity to develop skills in the following areas:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Reading
Writing
Speaking
Listening
Citizenship Skills
Technology Skills
Transitioning from ESL to ABE/GE
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Community Needs Assessment
2012-2013
Classes are offered at convenient times of day and various locations. Day and nig-tme classes are
offered for beginning and more advanced skill levels between Memorial Hall and Salina Area Technical
College locations. Sign up for both sites is at Memorial Hall. Families being served by Heartland
Programs should talk with their Family Consultants or Rosie Sicker about morning and afternoon ESL
classes with child care provided located at Heartland.
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Community Needs Assessment
2012-2013
2012 – Community Needs Assessment Bibliography
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US Census Bureau, http://www.census.gov
Salina Saline County Health Department www.sschd.org
Kansas Action for Children, 211 Kids Count Data book, www.kac.org
Ashby House Homeless Shelter www.ashbyhouse.org
US Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statisticswww.bls.gov
Salina Rescue Mission www.salinarescuemission.com
OCCK – www.occk.com
Kansas Statistical Abstractwww.ipsr.ku.edu/ksdata/ksah/ksa45.pdf
Salina Regional Health Center www.srhc.com
CAPS, Child Advocacy and Parenting Services, Inc.,www.capsofsalina.org
Salina Family Healthcare Center, www.salinahealth.org
Kansas Department of Labor, http://laborstats.dol.ks.gov/lfe/lfecurrent.ht
Child Care Aware of Northeast and North Central Kansas – Billie Segrist 800-279-2372
www.cwla.org/advocacy/statefactsheets/2011/kansas.pdf
http://www.khi.org/news/2011/apr/18/infan-mortality-in-kansas
2012 Hunger Atlas, www.kacap.org
Kansas Department of Education,www.ksde.org
Kaiser Family Foundation,www.statehealthfacts.org
Kansas Department of Social Rehabilitative Service
CKCIE, Central Kansas Cooperative in Educatio– Mona Tjaden
ICD, Infant Child Development – Joyce Trower, www.srhc.com/services/rehab/icd.html
Salina Housing Authority – Larry Pankratz, www.shaks.org
Kansas Dept. of Health and Environment: http://www.kdheks.gov/ches/index.htm
Kansas Information for Communities (KIC)http://kic.kdhe.state.ks.us/kic
Salvation Army– 2011
http://www.kansasfoodbank.org/programs/foo-4-kids/
Abilene Area Food & Clothing Center (785)263-1221 – 311 N. Cedar, Abilene, KS 67410
Jean Gobber, OCCK, Inc. [email protected]
Reardon, S. F. (2011). The widening academic achievement gap between the rich and the poor: New
evidence and possible explanations. In R. Murnane & G. Duncan (Eds.),Whither opportunity? Rising
inequality and the uncertain life chances of low income children. New York, NY:Russell Sage
Foundation Press.
Feb 13, 2012 Kids Count Data Snapshot on High Poverty Communities
http://media.khi.org/news/documents/2012/02/23/DataSnapshot_HighPoverty.pd
Rhonda Sanders, Salina DCF Office
http://www.dcf.ks.gov/services/PPS/Pages/ChildrenServedDCFCustody.asp
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