What's New
The "What's New" section contains the latest information relevant to the Head Start community. Each dated entry below provides a brief description and links to the corresponding materials. You may also register on the ECLKC to receive automatic alerts for "What's New" and other topics.
Choose a month to scroll down the page:
2017
January
January 2017
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01/06/17
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Program Instruction
Application of the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for HHS Awards to For-Profit Head Start Grantees (ACF-PI-HS-17-01)Instrucción del Programa
Aplicación de los Requisitos administrativos uniformes, principios de los costos y requisitos de las auditorías para las adjudicaciones federales del HSS para los concesionarios con fines de lucro (ACF-PI-HS-17-01) -
01/03/17
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Press Release
Funds to Extend Program Duration AwardedList of Awardees
Agencies Receiving Funds to Extend Head Start and Early Head Start Duration [PDF, 717KB]
Choose a month to scroll down the page:
2016
January | February | March | April | May | June | August | September | October | November | December
December 2016
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12/12/16
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Blog Post
A Farewell Letter from Dr. Enriquez -
12/8/16
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Program Instruction
Background Checks – Extension of Compliance Date and Questions (ACF-PI-HS-16-05)Instrucción del Programa
Verificación de antecedentes - Prórroga de la fecha de cumplimiento y preguntas (ACF-PI-HS-16-05)
November 2016
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11/7/16
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Information Memorandum
Expulsion and Suspension Policy Statement (ACF-IM-HS-16-01)Memorando de Información
Declaración de la política sobre la expulsión y suspensión (ACF-IM-HS-16-01)
October 2016
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10/13/16
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Blog Post
Preventing Bullying
September 2016
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9/29/16
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Blog Post
#HeadStartStrong: Head Start Kids Grown Up, Strong and Successful -
9/06/16
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Blog Post
An Exciting Day for Head Start -
9/01/16
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Program Instruction
Head Start Program Performance Standards (HSPPS) Final Rule (ACF-PI-HS-16-04)Instrucción del Programa
Disposición final de las Normas de Desempeño del Programa Head Start (HSPPS) (ACF-PI-HS-16-04)
August 2016
June 2016
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6/17/16
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Blog Post
Reflections of Fathers -
6/15/16
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Blog Post
A Renewed Focus on Fathers
May 2016
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5/18/16
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Blog Post
Head Start: Beyond 50 Years -
5/16/16
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Blog Post
New Ways to Approach School Readiness in Home Visiting -
5/12/16
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5/9/16
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Blog Post
Head Start's Comprehensive Approach to Child Development
April 2016
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4/27/16
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Program Instruction
FY 2016 Head Start Funding Increase (ACF-PI-HS-16-03)Instrucción del Programa
Aumento de la financiación para Head Start en el AF 2016 (ACF-PI-HS-16-03) -
4/25/16
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Program Instruction
Supplemental Funds Available to Extend Duration of Services in Head Start and Early Head Start (ACF-PI-HS-16-02)Instrucción del Programa
Se dispone de fondos suplementarios para extender la duración de los servicios en Head Start y Early Head Start (ACF-PI-HS-16-02)Blog Post
New Funding to Increase the Duration of Head Start Programs
March 2016
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3/28/16
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3/24/16
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3/3/16
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Blog Post
Nutrition for Body and Mind: "Jenny is a Good Thing" and the Head Start Program -
3/2/16
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Press Release
HHS Expands Head Start in FlintBlog Post
Investing in Flint's Children
February 2016
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2/25/16
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Blog Post
Our Oral Health Campaign
January 2016
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1/13/16
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Blog Post
Remembering Vanessa Ann Rich -
1/5/16
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Program Instruction
Changes in Federal Reporting (ACF-PI-HS-16-01)Instrucción del Programa
Cambios en los Informes federales (ACF-PI-HS-16-01)
Choose a month to scroll down the page:
2015
January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October
November 2015
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11/13/15
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Blog Post
Collaborating Across Federal Programs to Address Maternal Depression -
11/3/15
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Blog Post
Promoting Health Literacy for Families
October 2015
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10/5/15
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Blog Post
Launching a Federal Training and Technical Assistance System
September 2015
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9/25/15
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Blog Post
Take Time to Prepare During National Preparedness Month -
9/18/15
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Information Memorandum
Mandated Reporting of Child Abuse and Neglect (ACF-IM-HS-15-04)Memorándum de Información
Denuncia obligatoria del maltrato y descuido de menores (ACF-IM-HS-15-04)Information Memorandum
Supervision and Transitions (ACF-IM-HS-15-05)Memorándum de Información
Supervisión y transiciones (ACF-IM-HS-15-05) -
9/9/15
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Blog Post
Head Start Staff Serve as a Lifeline for Families and Communities -
9/1/15
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Blog Post
Supporting Head Start Teachers through Professional Development
August 2015
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8/21/15
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Blog Post
One Year in the Life of the Early Head Start – Child Care Partnerships Program -
8/11/15
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Press Release
HHS Extends Comment Period for Proposed Revisions to Head Start Performance Standards -
8/6/15
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Information Memorandum
Policy and Program Guidance for the Early Head Start-Child Care Partnerships (EHS-CCP) (ACF-IM-HS-15-03)Memorándum de Información
Orientación sobre el programa y las políticas de las asociaciones entre Early Head Start - Cuidado infantil (EHS-CCP) (ACF-IM-HS-15-03)
July 2015
June 2015
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6/23/15
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Blog Post
50 Years of Service to Children, Families, and Fathers -
6/16/15
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Program Instruction
Notice of Proposed Rule Making: Head Start Program Performance Standards (ACF-PI-HS-15-01)Instrucción del Programa
Aviso de Propuesta Normativa: Las Normas de Desempeño del Programa Head Start (ACF-PI-HS-15-01)Blog Post
Increased Head Start Quality through Revision of the Head Start Program Performance StandardsPress Release
HHS Proposes Vision for the Future of Head Start, Releases New Performance StandardsNotice of Proposed Rule Making
Head Start Performance Standards
May 2015
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5/18/15
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Blog Post
Celebrating the Launch of Head Start: May 18, 1965 -
5/8/15
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Video Message
Dr. Enriquez, Director of the Office of Head Start, wishes every teacher, assistant teacher, home visitor, caregiver, and family child care provider a happy Teacher Appreciation Week! Your dedication and support has helped countless children succeed in kindergarten and beyond. You are the heart of Head Start!
April 2015
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4/23/15
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Blog Post
Healthy and Ready to Learn: The Importance of Health Services in Head Start -
4/16/15
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4/3/15
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Blog Post
Dr. Blanca Enriquez: Honoring Our History, Carrying on the Legacy -
4/2/15
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Welcome Dr. Blanca Enriquez
Today, HHS Secretary Sylvia M. Burwell announced that Dr. Blanca Enriquez has been appointed as the director of the Office of Head Start. Read more about it in this Family Room blog post from Linda Smith: Welcome the New Office of Head Start Director.
March 2015
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3/26/15
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Blog Post
Head Start and the Evolving Concept of Family Involvement -
3/17/15
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Information Memorandum
Native Language Preservation, Revitalization, Restoration, and Maintenance in Head Start and Early Head Start Programs (ACF-IM-HS-15-02)Memorándum de información
Preservación, revitalización, restauración y mantenimiento de las lenguas nativas en los programas Head Start y Early Head Start (ACF-IM-HS-15-02)
February 2015
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2/10/15
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Final Rule
Final Rule on Head Start Eligibility [PDF, 279KB] -
2/9/15
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Infographic
Head Start Volunteers Make a Difference
January 2015
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1/27/15
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Information Memorandum
Real Property Reporting and Request Requirements (ACF-IM-HS-15-01)Memorándum de información
Requisitos de los informes acerca de bienes inmuebles y las solicitudes relativas a ellos (ACF-IM-HS-15-01) -
1/21/15
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1/12/15
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Blog Post
Leading the Way for 50 Years
Choose a month to scroll down the page:
2014
January | February | March | April
| June | July | August | September | October | November | December
December 2014
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12/17/14
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Information Memorandum
New Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (ACF-IM-HS-14-07)Memorándum de información
Nuevos requisitos de administración uniforme, principios de costos y requisitos para las auditorías de las adjudicaciones federales (ACF-IM-HS-14-07) -
12/15/14
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Designation Renewal System
Fourth Cohort of Head Start Grantees Designated to Compete for Funding -
12/12/14
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Blog Post
In Brief: 50 Years of Family Engagement in Head Start -
12/10/14
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Press Release
Preliminary Awards for the Early Head Start-Child Care PartnershipsThe Administration for Children and Families (ACF) is in negotiation with 234 agencies for the award of Early Head Start-Child Care Partnership and Early Head Start Expansion grants. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will continue to negotiate with these and other applicant agencies to award all grants on a rolling basis beginning Jan. 1, 2015. The full allocation of $500 million will be awarded by the end of March 2015. Read the press release and review the list of preliminarily selected awardees.
November 2014
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11/13/14
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Blog Post
OHS Anytime, Anywhere, Anyhow: User Experience Drives Improvements to Head Start Communications
October 2014
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10/27/14
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Information Memorandum
Helping Children and Families Experiencing Domestic/Intimate Partner Violence (ACF-IM-HS-14-06)Memorándum de información
Ayuda a los niños y las familias que están experimentando violencia doméstica o de pareja (ACF-IM-HS-14-06)Blog Post
New Infant-Toddler Training and Technical Assistance Projects
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10/15/14
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Blog Post
Practicing Your Preparedness Plan
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10/09/14
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Blog Post
Early Head Start-Child Care Partnership Applications Under Review
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10/07/14
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Information Memorandum
2014 Head Start Audit Compliance Supplement (ACF-IM-HS-14-05)Memorándum de información
Suplemento sobre el cumplimiento con la auditoría de Head Start para 2014 (ACF-IM-HS-14-05)
September 2014
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9/29/14
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Reports
2013-14 Head Start Services Snapshot Reports Available -
9/26/14
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Blog Post
September Is National Preparedness Month -
9/25/14
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Press Release
New Grant Funding Opportunities Now Available Focus on Community Needs and Collaboration
August 2014
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8/25/14
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Information Memorandum
Bus Transportation and Safety (ACF-IM-HS-14-04)Memorándum de información
Transporte en bus y seguridad (ACF-IM-HS-14-04) -
8/18/14
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Program Instruction
Electronic Grant Applications and Program Communications (ACF-PI-HS-14-03)Instrucción del Programa
Solicitudes electrónicas de subvenciones y comunicaciones dirigidas a los programas (ACF-PI-HS-14-03)
July 2014
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7/30/14
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7/22/14
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Funding Opportunity Announcement
Funding Opportunity Announcement for American Indian and Alaska Native EHS Expansion and EHS-Child Care PartnershipsFunding Opportunity Announcement
Funding Opportunity Announcement for EHS Expansion and Migrant and Seasonal EHS-Child Care Partnerships
June 2014
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6/18/14
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Program Instruction
Conversion of Enrollment Slots from Head Start Children to Early Head Start Children (ACF-PI-HS-14-02)Instrucción del Programa
Conversión de cupos de matrícula para niños en Head Start a cupos para niños en Early Head Start (ACF-PI-HS-14-02) -
6/6/14
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Press Release
Early Head Start Expansion and Child Care Partnerships Will Increase Early Learning OpportunitiesFunding Opportunity Announcement
Early Head Start Child-Care Partnerships and Early Head Start Expansion -
6/4/14
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Information Memorandum
Federal Recognition of Same-Sex Spouses/Marriages (ACF-IM-HS-14-03)
April 2014
March 2014
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3/27/14
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Initiative Launch
Birth to 5: Watch Me Thrive! -
3/19/14
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Information Memorandum
Federal Oversight of Five Year Head Start Grants (ACF-IM-HS-14-02)Memorándum de Información
Supervisión federal de las subvenciones de cinco años de Head Start (ACF-IM-HS-14-02)
February 2014
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2/21/14
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Press Release
Head Start Birth-to-Five Pilot Shows Strong Push for Earlier Care and Education -
2/19/14
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Dr. Robert E. Cooke, the Johns Hopkins pediatrician who chaired a panel of experts charged with designing and implementing Head Start, passed away Feb. 2 at his home on Martha's Vineyard.
Cooke, who became a close friend to Eunice and Sargent Shriver through his work to improve the lives of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities, worked closely with presidents Kennedy and Johnson to form many policies and programs related to early childhood development. Many of those programs still exist today, Head Start and the National Institute for Child Health at NIH among them, enriching the lives of millions of children and their families.
Driven by a commitment to his own children, two of whom had cru di chat (cry of the cat) syndrome, Dr. Cooke's profound legacy includes groundbreaking medical research and visionary academic leadership as well as innovative public policy.
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2/10/14
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Program Instruction
FY 2014 Head Start Funding Increase (ACF-PI-HS-14-01)Instrucción del Programa
Aumento de los fondos de Head Start para el año fiscal 2014 (ACF-PI-HS-14-01)
January 2014
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1/22/14
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Annual Update of the HHS Poverty Guidelines
2014 HHS Poverty Guidelines -
1/9/14
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Information Memorandum
Head Start Audit Supplement (ACF-IM-HS-14-01)Memorándum de Información
Suplemento de 2013 sobre auditorías a entidades que ejecuten programas de Head Start (ACF-IM-HS-14-01)
Choose a month to scroll down the page:
2013
January | February | March | April | May | June | July
| November
November 2013
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11/22/13
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Farewell Blog Post from Office of Head Start Director Yvette Sanchez Fuentes
Farewell from OHS Director Yvette Sanchez Fuentes
July 2013
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7/01/13
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Information Memorandum
Five-Year Head Start Project Periods (ACF-IM-HS-13-02)Memorándum de Información
Perìodos de proyectos de cinco años en Head Start (ACF-IM-HS-13-02)
June 2013
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6/12/13
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Tool Kit
Sesame Workshop's Little Children, Big Challenges: IncarcerationKit de herramientas
Niños pequeños, retos grandes: Encarcelamiento -
6/4/13
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Information Memorandum
Improving Father Engagement in Head Start and Early Head Start (ACF-IM-HS-13-01)Memorándum de Información
Mejorar la participaciòn del padre en Head Start y Early Head Start (ACF-IM-HS-13-01)
May 2013
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5/20/13
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Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) Regulations
April 2013
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4/26/13
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Program Instruction
Final FY 2013 Funding Level (ACF-PI-HS-13-03)Instrucción del Programa
Nivel final de financiación para el AF 2013 (ACF-PI-HS-13-03) -
4/15/13
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Program Instruction
Hurricane Sandy Emergency Relief Funds (ACF-PI-HS-13-02)Instrucción del Programa
Fondos de ayuda de emergencia por el huracán Sandy (ACF-PI-HS-13-02)
March 2013
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3/01/13
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Program Instruction
Sequestration (ACF-PI-HS-13-01)Instrucción del Programa
Embargo presupuestario (ACF-PI-HS-13-01)
February 2013
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2/4/13
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Press Release
Head Start Launches Pilot Project to Encourage Innovation in Birth-to-5 Education
January 2013
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1/24/13
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Annual Update of the HHS Poverty Guidelines
2013 HHS Poverty Guidelines
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1/17/13
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Press Release
Head Start Continues Program Quality Reforms with Second Group of Competitions
Choose a month to scroll down the page:
2012
January | February | March | April | May | June
| October | November
November 2012
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11/30/12
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Information Memorandum
E-Rate Discount Options (ACF-IM-HS-12-09)Memorándum de Información
Opciones de descuento del programa E-rate (ACF-IM-HS-12-09)Information Memorandum
Disposition of Older Modular Units (ACF-IM-HS-12-08)Memorándum de Información
Cómo deshacerse de unidades modulares viejas (ACF-IM-HS-12-08)
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11/06/12
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Information Memorandum
Supporting Children and Families after Hurricane Sandy (ACF-IM-HS-12-07)Memorándum de Información
Apoyo a los niños y las familias tras el huracán Sandy (ACF-IM-HS-12-07)Information Memorandum
Hurricane Sandy (ACF-IM-HS-12-06)Memorándum de Información
El huracán Sandy (ACF-IM-HS-12-06)
October 2012
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10/05/12
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Program Instruction
Non-Competitive 5-Year Grant Awards (ACF-PI-HS-12-03)Instrucción del Programa
Adjudicación de subvenciones no competitivas de 5 años de duración (ACF-PI-HS-12-03)
June 2012
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6/06/12
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Information Memorandum
Head Start and Early Head Start Relationship-Based Competencies for Staff and Supervisors who Work With Families (ACF-IM-HS-12-05)Memorándum de Información
Competencias, basadas en las relaciones, para el personal y los supervisores que trabajan con las familias de Head Start y Early Head Start (ACF-IM-HS-12-05)
May 2012
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5/09/12
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Information Memorandum
Head Start, Child Care, and Public Libraries: Partnerships
to Support Young Children and Their Families (ACF-IM-HS-12-04)Memorándum de Información
Head Start, Cuidado infantil y bibliotecas públicas: Asociaciones para apoyar a los niños pequeños y a sus familias (ACF-IM-HS-12-04)
April 2012
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4/24/12
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Information Memorandum
Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) New Crib Standards (ACF-IM-HS-12-03)Memorándum de Información
Nuevos estándares para la seguridad de las cunas de la Comisión para la Seguridad de Productos para el Consumidor (CPSC) (ACF-IM-HS-12-03) -
4/19/12
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Head Start Funding Opportunities Now Available
HHS releases funding opportunities for 97 Head Start service areas
March 2012
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3/29/12
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Information Memorandum
SF-428 Tangible Personal Property Report, SF-429 Real Property Status Report (ACF-IM-HS-12-02)Memorándum de Información
Informe de propiedad personal tangible SF-428; Informe del estado de propiedad real SF-429 (ACF-IM-HS-12-02) -
3/28/12
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Designation Renewal System
Frequently Asked Questions
February 2012
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2/10/12
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Program Instruction
Non-Federal Share Issues (ACF-PI-HS-12-02)Information Memorandum
Choosing an External Auditor (ACF-IM-HS-12-01)
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2/01/12
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Instrucción del Programa
Aumento de los fondos de Head Start para el AF 2012 (ACF-PI-HS-12-01)
January 2012
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1/26/12
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Program Instruction
FY 2012 Head Start Funding Increase (ACF-PI-HS-12-01)
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1/06/12
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Notice of Upcoming HS and EHS Grant Opportunities[PDF, 561KB]
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Administration for Children and Families (ACF), Office of Head Start (OHS) has forecasted its upcoming Early Head Start and Head Start grant opportunities at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/hhsgrantsforecast/. The publication of this announcement is in response to the statutory provisions of the Improving Head Start for School Readiness Act of 2007 to establish a system of designation renewal. Each Forecast record contains:
- Communities receiving Head Start and/or Early Head Start services
- Available Federal funds
- Expected number of awards (represents an estimated range of awards)
When OHS is ready to accept applications, an official notice known as a Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) will be made available on www.grants.gov, under CFDA 93.600. OHS expects to begin publishing Funding Opportunity Announcements in early 2012. Dates included in Forecast records are subject to change.
For additional information, please email DRS@headstartinfo.org.
Choose a month to scroll down the page:
2011
January |
March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December
December 2011
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12/20/11
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Grantees Required to Compete for Continued Funding
Pursuant to 45 C.F.R. § 1307, "Policies and Procedures for Designation Renewal of Head Start and Early Head Start Grantees", these grantees, organized by state, were notified in December 2011 [PDF, 107KB]. -
12/19/11
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Press Release — ACF News
HHS continues Head Start quality push, notifies grantees selected to compete for continued funding -
12/16/11
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Press Release — whitehouse.gov
We Can't Wait: Nine States Awarded Race To The Top-Early Learning Challenge Grants
November
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11/9/11
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New Regulations to Improve Quality and Promote Accountability
PART 1307-Policies and Procedures for Designation Renewal of Head Start and Early Head Start GranteesPresident Obama's presentation while visiting
Yeadon Regional Head Start Center in Yeadon, Pennsylvania -
11/8/11
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White House Press Release
President Obama Takes Action to Improve Quality and Promote Accountability in Head Start ProgramsWhite House Blog
Secretary Kathleen Sebelius: Our Children Can't Wait: New Regulations Increase Accountability and Boost Quality in Head StartProgram Instruction
School Readiness in Programs Serving Preschool Children (ACF-PI-HS-11-04)
October 2011
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10/3/11
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HHS Secretary Kathleen Sibelius addresses 1st National Leadership Institute
Read her full remarks as prepared for delivery [PDF 27KB]Head Start Awareness Month, by Yvette Sanchez Fuentes
Blog posting on www.whitehouse.gov
September 2011
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9/26/11
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Information Memorandum
Head Start Parent, Family, and Community Engagement Framework (ACF-IM-HS-11-06)Press Release from ACF
Office of Head Start Announces National Parent, Family Engagement Week
Releases Head Start Parent, Family and Community Engagement Framework -
9/21/11
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Information Memorandum
Early Childhood Education, Financial Stability, and Asset Building Strategies for Families with Young Children (ACF-IM-HS-11-05) -
9/14/11
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Press Release
ACF awards grant to American Academy of Pediatrics to run new Head Start National Center on Health -
9/9/11
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Information Memorandum
Center-based Preschool Classroom Teacher Qualification Waiver Authority and Procedures
(ACF-IM-HS-11-04) -
9/9/11
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Information Memorandum
Statutory Degree and Credentialing Requirements (ACF-IM-HS-11-03)
August 2011
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8/3/11
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Information Memorandum
Physical Health and Development (ACF-IM-HS-11-02)
July 2011
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7/20/11
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Program Instruction
Participation in Your State's Race to the Top Early Learning Challenge Plan (ACF-PI-HS-11-03)
June 2011
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6/17/11
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Information Memorandum
Head Start's Father's Day Communication in Support of Responsible Fatherhood (ACF-IM-HS-11-01) -
6/09/11
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Office of Child Care and the Office of Head Start Collaboration Webcast
Directors announce two new initiatives: Learning Labs & Early Head Start for Family Child CareRead the transcript [PDF 23KB]
May 2011
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5/25/11
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OBAMA ADMINISTRATION ANNOUNCES $500 MILLION FOR RACE TO THE TOP-EARLY LEARNING CHALLENGE
New State Competition to Establish and Expand High Quality Early Learning ProgramsU.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan and U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius today announced a new $500 million state-level grant competition, the Race to the Top-Early Learning Challenge. Joining Duncan and Sebelius at the announcement were business, law enforcement and military leaders who have advocated for increased investments in early learning to reduce crime, strengthen national security, and boost U.S. competitiveness.
"For kids, high quality early learning programs mean they will enter school better prepared with a greater chance of finishing high school and college," said Vice President Joe Biden, Chairman of the Administration's Middle Class Task Force. "Expanding access to such early education and child care programs will also make it easier for working parents to hold down a job - a key priority of the Middle Class Task Force - giving them peace of mind that their children are in a high quality learning environment while they are at work."
"To win the future, our children need a strong start," said Secretary Duncan. "The Race to the Top-Early Learning Challenge encourages states to develop bold and comprehensive plans for raising the quality of early learning programs across America."
"This Challenge represents the Obama Administration's commitment to helping vulnerable children and families reach their full potential," said Secretary Sebelius. "Our collective health and financial security as a nation will depend on high quality investments during the critical early years of a child's life."
The Race to the Top-Early Learning Challenge will reward states that create comprehensive plans to transform early learning systems with better coordination, clearer learning standards, and meaningful workforce development. Secretary Duncan and Secretary Sebelius also challenged the broader innovation community - leading researchers, high-tech entrepreneurs, foundations, non-profits and others - to engage with the early learning community to close the school readiness gap.
States applying for challenge grants will be encouraged to increase access to quality early learning programs for low income and disadvantaged children, design integrated and transparent systems that align their early care and education programs, bolster training and support for the early learning workforce, create robust evaluation systems to document and share effective practices and successful programs, and help parents make informed decisions about care for their children.
Research shows that high-quality early learning programs lead to long-lasting positive outcomes for children, including increased rates of high school graduation, college attendance and college completion. Yet, just 40 percent 4-year olds in America are currently enrolled in preschool programs. The most recent report from the National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER) indicates that, for the first time in a decade, states are reducing some of their key investments in early learning.
The Race to the Top-Early Learning Challenge grants will encourage states to make the best possible use of current federal and state investments in child care and early learning. The Obama Administration has sought and secured increased investments in Head Start and child care so that more families have access to quality, affordable care, while also pursuing important reforms such as requiring Head Start grantees to compete for continued funding. The administration has also steered resources towards evidence-based, cost-effective home visiting programs.
In his remarks today, Duncan also thanked Congress for supporting Race to the Top saying, "We are deeply grateful to Congress for supporting these programs. Congress understands the value of investing in education reform, particularly early learning, even in these economic times."
The Race to the Top-Early Learning Challenge will be administered jointly by the Department of Education and the Department of Health and Human Services. Starting today, the public may provide input, including data and relevant research, by visiting http://www.ed.gov/blog/2011/05/watch-live-duncan-and-sebelius-make-major-announcement-about-race-to-the-top-and-early-learning/. Guidance, eligibility, range of awards and number of grants will be announced in coming weeks. The application will be released later this summer with grants awarded to states no later than December 31, 2011.
April 2011
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4/25/11
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Conference Call Regarding the FY2011 Budget
Download [MP3 3.1MB]
Read the Transcript [PDF, 201KB]
Presenter's Notes and Selected Q&A [PDF, 36KB]
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4/21/11
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Program Instruction
Fiscal Year 2011 Head Start Funding Guidance (ACF-PI-HS-11-02) -
4/19/11
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Program Instruction
SF-425 Federal Financial Report Form Replaces SF-269 (ACF-PI-HS-11-01) -
4/12/11
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Office of Head Start 1st National Birth to Five Leadership Institute
The Office of Head Start 1st National Birth to Five Leadership Institute will provide opportunities for leadership development through the promotion of effective strategies for achieving school readiness and continuous program improvement. While all Head Start staff have a leadership role to play in achieving positive outcomes for children, families, and communities, this Institute is designed for staff and parent leaders. Programs are encouraged to select a team of leaders who, after the Institute, will be prepared to lead the way for 2011 and beyond. Early Bird Registration now open!
March 2011
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3/29/11
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Early Care and Education Research Scholars: Head Start Graduate Student Research Grants
The Office of Planning, Research and Evaluation (OPRE) of the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) plans to provide funds for Graduate Student Research Grants to support dissertation research by advanced graduate students who are working in partnership with Head Start programs and with faculty mentors. Competitive applicants will 1) demonstrate a collaborative partnership with their program partners and 2) pursue research questions that directly inform local, state or federal policy relevant to multiple early care and education contexts. Applicants should consider pursuing data collection across contexts, including child care, pre-k, home-visiting programs, Head Starts and/or others. Funding for this announcement is based on availability. -
3/18/11
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Notice of Proposed Rulemaking - Eligibility
Federal Register notice of proposed rule to codify statutory eligibility requirements for Head Start and Early Head Start program enrollment. -
3/18/11
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OHS Summit PowerPoints Now Available
The OHS Summit: On the Road to School Readiness provided information, tools, and strategies to promote program quality and positive child outcomes.
January 2011
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1/21/11
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The 2011 HHS Poverty Guidelines Announced
The poverty guidelines are the other version of the federal poverty measure. They are issued each year in the Federal Register by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). -
1/19/11
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A Message from Acting Assistant Secretary David Hansell on the Passing of Sargent Shriver.
Earlier this week America lost Sargent Shriver, an extraordinary champion of our country's most vulnerable children and families.He is perhaps best remembered as the person President Johnson chose in February of 1964 to lead the War on Poverty as Director of the Office of Economic Opportunity. Mr. Shriver developed a multi-faceted campaign designed not only to address problems of economic hardship, but also to bolster the efforts of those struggling to assure civil rights for all Americans. It would become one of the most important initiatives of the Johnson Administration and led to the creation of programs such as Head Start, now a part of ACF.
At the time, Mr. Shriver laid out a philosophy remarkably similar to our mission today. "The War on Poverty," he said, "is a means of making life available for any and all pursuers. It does not try to make men good -- because that is moralizing. It does not try to give men what they want -- because that is catering. It does not try to give men false hopes -- because that is deception. Instead, the War on Poverty tries only to create the conditions by which the good life can be lived -- and that is humanism."
Sargent Shriver's dedication and commitment ensured that millions of disadvantaged children and their families had an equal opportunity to succeed. The Administration for Children and Families continues to live Sargent Shriver's vision daily as we work to promote the economic and social well-being of families, children, individuals and communities across the country.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family as we continue to implement his vision of an America where all can prosper.
Choose a month to scroll down the page:
2010
January | February |
May | June | July | August | September | October | November
November 2010
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11/11/10
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HHS Grantee Announcement
HHS Announces Early Learning Mentor Coach Grantees [PDF, 396KB] -
11/10/10
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Information Memorandum
Fiscal Year 2011 Monitoring - (ACF-IM-HS-10-08) -
11/04/10
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Statement from Yvette Sanchez Fuentes, Director of the Office of Head Start, on the Passing of Jule Sugarman
Today Head Start and the early education community mourn the loss of Jule Sugarman, who helped to found Head Start during the Johnson Administration. Jule was deeply committed to ensuring that low-income children receive comprehensive services so they can enter school ready to learn. His constant dedication and commitment to America's most vulnerable are a beacon to us all. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family as we remember his decades of service and contributions to the field of early education.
October 2010
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10/29/10
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Information Memorandum
Helping Victims of Domestic Violence and Their Children - (ACF-IM-HS-10-07)
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10/27/10
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Information Memorandum
Qualifications for Early Head Start Infant and Toddler Center-based staff - (ACF-IM-HS-10-06)
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10/26/10
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Program Instruction
Application Procedures for Locally Designed or Specialized Delivery Models - (ACF-PI-HS-10-04)
September 2010
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9/22/10
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Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
Official Federal Register Notice: Recompetition of Head Start Grantees
Printed version, [PDF 199KB] -
9/21/10
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Announcements and Video Message from the OHS Director
HHS Announces National Effort To Raise Quality in Head Start Programs -
9/08/10
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Announcement
Overview of the Redesigned Training and Technical Assistance System [PDF, 166KB]
August 2010
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8/23/10
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Program Instruction
Enrollment and Re-enrollment of Migrant Children - (ACF-PI-HS-10-03)
July 2010
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7/29/10
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Information Memorandum
Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting Program - (ACF-IM-HS-10-05) -
7/28/10
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Information Memorandum
Head Start and Child Welfare Partnerships - (ACF-IM-HS-10-04) -
7/20/10
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HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius Responds to USA Today Editorial
June 2010
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6/28/10
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Information Memorandum
Strengthening Head Start and Ensuring Accountability - (ACF-IM-HS-10-03) -
6/01/10
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Funding Opportunities for National Centers
National Center on Quality Teaching and Learning
National Center on Cultural and Linguistic Responsiveness
National Center on Program Management and Fiscal Operations
National Center on Parent, Family and Community Engagement
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6/01/10
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Funding Opportunities for Head Start and Early Head Start Grantees
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 - Early Learning Mentor Coaches
ACF Head Start Center of Excellence Funding Opportunity
May 2010
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5/17/10
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HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius Outlines Plans and Steadfast Commitment to Upholding the Integrity of Head Start Program
The Office of Head Start forwarded an important message from HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius to every Head Start grantee in the country underscoring the serious nature of allegations of fraud, making clear that the Department will not tolerate intentional violations of Head Start rules and regulations.U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius sent a letter to Chairman George Miller and the Committee on Education and Labor regarding the Government Accountability Office (GAO) investigation into improper practices by Head Start grantees. The investigation is the subject of the Committee's upcoming hearing. Secretary Sebelius' letter outlines HHS's plans and steadfast commitment to upholding the integrity of this critical program.
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5/13/10
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Information Memorandum
Revisiting and Updating the Multicultural Principles for Head Start Programs Serving Children Ages Birth to Five - (ACF-IM-HS-10-02) -
5/10/10
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Program Instruction
Income Eligibility for Enrollment in Head Start and Early Head Start Programs - (ACF-PI-HS-10-02)
February 2010
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2/17/10
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Program Instruction
FY 2010 Head Start Funding Increase - (ACF-PI-HS-10-01)
January 2010
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1/11/10
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Information Memorandum
Training and Technical Assistance System - (ACF-IM-HS-10-01)
Last Reviewed: January 2017
Last Updated: January 12, 2017