Areas of Interest

The ECLKC was designed around the needs of the early childhood community. The topics listed below address specific areas of interest for users.

For Parents

This section provides information that supports parents' involvement in their children's lives. It is also designed to inform families about Head Start and Early Head Start. It shares with parents how they can support their child's experiences in the program.

Early Childhood Development & Health

This area of the ECLKC includes a variety of resources and information related to services for young children ages birth to five and their families. You will find relevant Head Start Program Performance Standards, articles, tip sheets, training materials, and much more. These resources support the delivery of quality program services, with an emphasis on topics such as parent involvement, staff development, and collaborations.

Family & Community Partnerships

The success of Head Start programs evolves when strong partnerships with its families and communities are nurtured. The Family and Community Partnerships section is designed to inform the Head Start community and provide programs and partners with strategies for working collaboratively. Staff and community members who work with families can use the resources, knowledge, and materials provided here in their shared efforts to support families and communities.

Program Design & Management

Policy information such as the Head Start Act and Head Start Program Performance Standards are included here. Also included are articles, tip sheets, training materials, and much more. These resources support the delivery of quality program services, with an emphasis on topics such as parent involvement, staff development and collaboration.

Professional Development

Resources to support individual, organizational and staff development are included in the ECLKC.

Program directors, content area coordinators, and managers can find resources for developing, establishing, and implementing management systems for administering their local programs. Policy group members can find key information that aids their understanding of the program structure and overall agency mission.

Head Start and Early Head Start key management staff and their partners can access resources for furthering their understanding of program requirements, program governance policies, and procedures. In addition, the resources provided support collaboration between Head Start and other organizations in their local communities.

Resources

The Resources section of ECLKC has been designed to support your early childhood program with information such as publications, conference proceedings, materials for emergency preparedness, and more.

Directories

The Directories section of ECLKC offers a broad range of contact and resource information. Each directory provides a brief description and, most importantly, details of how to obtain additional information. A directory of screened early childhood consultants is available and searchable by area of expertise. Examples of other directories include a National Head Start Program Directory, National Head Start Training and Technical Assistance (T/TA) Network, and Head Start State Collaboration Offices.