By Nazario Rodriguez Jr.
Horizon news staff

The Governors’ Association and Belau Head Start Program signed a Memorandum of Understanding that would address various program agreements between both parties. The signing was done at the Penthouse on Tuesday March 6.
The MOU expressed the roles and responsibilities and clarifies the authority between the Governors and Head Start.
It said the MOU is entered into pursuant to the authority set forth in Head Start Program Performance Standards.
It stated that "Belau Head Start of Palau Community Action Agency must take an active role in community planning to encourage strong communication, cooperation, and the sharing of information among agencies and their community partners and to improve the delivery of community services to children and families in accordance with the agency’s confidentiality policies. Documentation must be maintained to reflect the level of effort undertaken to establish community partnerships."
The MOU said that it is the desire of both parties to provide the respective State and all eligible and families with an effective and comprehensive child development programs and services.
"This MOU will strengthen the communication, cooperation and sharing of information and to maximize the use of all available services and resources to all eligible children and families in each of the respective State," the MOU stated.
Both parties have agreed in the sharing and dissemination of information (information sharing, information to the public).
They have also agreed in the coordination of programs, services and resources (comprehensive community assessment, recruitment of children, transportation services, emergency crisis, educational and health services, sharing of resources).
"Sharing of resources can ensure that ‘No Child is left behind’ and at the same time help in meeting the required 20 percent Non-Federal Share," the MOU said.
It also noted that the Head Star Program appreciates all the donations and contributions from the respective State Governments including land use, facilities and other contributions.
It said that Head Start would continue to work with the respective State Governors to make sure all eligible children receive the available services.
"All donated services and resources by he respective State Governments including personnel, land use, facilities, transportation, food, supplies, materials, matching funds, etc. will be recorded as in-kind contribution.
The MOU would be reviewed every three years and might be revised or annulled at any time as the need arises.
Those who signed were PCAA President Salvador Tellames, Belau Head Start Policy Council Chairman Harry Fritz, PCAA Executive Director Doroteo Nagata, Belau Head Start Program Director Regina Mesebeluu and Family/Community Service Manager Florence Kambalang.
The Governors’ Association is headed by its Chairman Lazarus Kodep (Melekeok), Vice Chairman Jackson Ngiraingas (Peleliu), Secretary Vicky Kanai (Airai), Treasurer John Skebong (Ngeremlengui), Demei Obak (Aimeliik), Yositaka Adachi (Koror), Laurentino Ulechong (Ngaraard), Akiko Sugiyama (Ngardmau), Duane Hideo (Ngchesar), Horace Rafael (Angaur), Crispin Emilio (Hatohobei), Damian Albis (Sonsorol), Edwin Chiokai (Kayangel), Browny Salvador (Ngerchelong), Shallum Etpison (Ngatpang), Masasinge Arurang (Ngiwal).