American Indian and Alaska Native
Head Start launched 34 American Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN) Head Start programs in the summer of 1965. Today, there are around 44,000 children of AIAN heritage served, both in AIAN programs and in non-tribal programs. The Office of Head Start (OHS) honors the rich cultural heritage of our AIAN children, families, and communities. Based on the needs of local communities, Head Start programs offer traditional language and cultural practices to provide high-quality services to young children and their families. The targeted tools and resources below are available to assist in the planning, development, and organization of AIAN programs and other programs serving AIAN communities.
Grant Processes
Tribal Consultations
Tribal Language and Culture Materials
- Language Revitalization Report
- A Report on Tribal Language Revitalization in Head Start and Early Head Start
- Native Language Preservation, Revitalization, Restoration, and Maintenance in Head Start and Early Head Start Programs (ACF-IM-HS-15-02)
- OHS Tribal Language Report 2012
- Native and Heritage Language Preservation, Revitalization, and Maintenance (second edition) [Head Start Cultural and Linguistic Responsiveness Resource Catalogue Vol 2] [PDF, 3.9MB]
- Making It Work: Connecting Cultural Learning Experiences in American Indian and Alaska Native Classrooms and Communities with the Head Start Child Development and Early Learning Framework [PDF, 2MB]
AIAN-Specific School Readiness Materials
- AIAN Education Manager Webinar Series
- AIAN Teacher Webinar Series
- Teen Parenting: Bridging Multigenerational Support (AIAN)
- Foundation for School Readiness: Supporting AIAN Early Head Start Programs
Fiscal Management Materials
- Cost Principles for State, Local, and Indian Tribal Governments (Title 2 CFR Part 225)
- At-a-Glance Comparison: Tribal Child Care and Development Fund and AIAN Head Start
Last Reviewed: May 2016
Last Updated: May 26, 2016