Key Head Start Resources
Legislation, Regulations, Policies, and Principles
Early Childhood Learning & Knowledge Center (ECLKC)
ECLKC is is the Office of Head Start’s (OHS’s) online information and resource site for the Head Start and Early Head Start community. It provides the latest information on OHS priorities, policies, and programs. The ECLKC also offers tips and promising practices on many early childcare topics including child development, education, and health. The resources listed below are available on ECLKC.
The “Improving Head Start for School Readiness Act of 2007,” or the Head Start Act of 2007, is the legislation that authorizes the Head Start program and contains the rules governing the program. It provides the statutory foundation for Head Start and Early Head Start services and activities. The Act outlines the intent of Congress for the program, the types of services provided by the program, the population served by the program, and program reporting, evaluation, and administrative requirements.
Head Start Performance Standards
All Head Start programs operate under the detailed regulations included in the Head Start Performance Standards. The Head Start Performance Standards provide the standard definition of quality services for all Head Start programs. The regulations are applicable to program administration and grants management.
Head Start Program Instructions (PIs)
Program Instructions (PIs) address a specific a requirement that Head Start grantees and delegate agencies must implement in their programs.
Head Start Information Memorandums (IMs)
An Iormation Memorandum (IM) is a targeted communication tool from the Office of Head Start which provides policy information to Head Start and Early Head Start grantees and delegate agencies.
Head Start Policy Clarifications
The Office of Head Start (OHS) issues Policy Clarifications to help assure a consistent understanding of all Head Start policies and requirements. Policy Clarifications are issued to address questions posed by programs where statute or regulation is unclear or when an issue is not addressed in statute or regulation.
Policy Clarifications are categorized as either “Requirement” or “Informal Guidance.” Policy Clarifications that are requirements explain the meaning of an existing statute or regulation and contain one or more statutory/regulatory citation(s). They may or may not allow for some discretion on the part of the program, however, compliance with the requirement described in the specific Policy Clarification is required and a condition of receiving Head Start funds. Policy Clarifications offering informal guidance address a particular program concern not covered in statute or regulation. These Policy Clarifications offer OHS guidance that is non-binding and which does not require any specific course of action to be followed. Programs have full discretion to follow or disregard OHS’s guidance.
Office of Head Start Monitoring System
Provides protocol and guides for Head Start programs preparing for their on-site triennial reviews to ensure program compliance with government standards and successful implementation of Head Start goals and objectives.
The Head Start Roadmap to Excellence
Details a set of specific actions that OHS is taking to improve school readiness outcomes among Head Start children and to promote their long-term success.
