Technical Assistance (TA) Papers highlight best practices in providing services to Early Head Start and Migrant and Seasonal Head Start children and families. Developed primarily for management staff (e.g., directors, supervisors, coordinators), TA papers provide clarification and in-depth information on a particular topic as well as guidance and strategies for putting the information into practice.

Early Head Start Tip Sheets are designed to give guidance and information related to specific issues. Their intent is to provide a basis for dialogue, clarification, and problem-solving among staff of the Office of Head Start, regional offices, and grantees. To obtain further clarification on Head Start policies and regulations, contact your regional program specialist.

The home-based program option is one of the types of services offered to Head Start families. These four publications are for different audiences and address different aspects of the home-based program option; they are intended to be used collaboratively.

Information sheets provide details and guidance on current issues. They are designed for everyone who works in Head Start and related agencies.

The News You Can Use e-newsletter examines topics important to staff who work directly with infants, toddlers, and families, including expectant families (e.g., home visitors, teachers, family child care providers). Each edition focuses on one particular topic, provides information about the topic and, through use of vignettes, shows how the information can be used in daily practice.

Sharing Knowledge with Infant-Toddler Teachers and Home Visitors is a series of lessons that focus on early development and quality services. The series contains information and opportunities for reflection and includes a Trainer's Companion manual that provides additional information and ideas for training activities.

EHS NRC audio conferences feature an interview format with expert faculty, who share practical information on topics of interest to Early Head Start and Migrant and Seasonal Head Start staff serving infants, toddlers, and their families, including expectant families. These audio recordings can be used in staff meetings, professional development opportunities, or by individuals at their computers or in their cars. Supplemental materials help listeners consider and apply ideas from these events in their daily work.

The annual Birth to Three Institute (BTT) is a professional development experience for early childhood professionals working in Early Head Start, Head Start, Migrant and Seasonal Head Start, American Indian and Alaska Native programs, and other group care or home visiting settings that serve infants, toddlers, and their families, including expectant families. The goal of BTT is to disseminate information about best practices and research in the early care and education field to increase knowledge and improve practice. Archived sessions from vBTT 2013 and BTT 2014 are available for online viewing.

The webisodes in the Early Essentials series offer key messages and helpful resources to get staff started with the youngest children and their families. Managers can use Early Essentials to design orientation experiences or staff can participate on their own. Webisodes can be viewed on-demand.

These online lessons are designed to offer both individuals and groups opportunities to delve into content identified as important for direct service providers—teachers, home visitors, and family child care providers. The content is written in easy-to-read, accessible language. Coupled with complete voice-over narration, written script, video examples of appropriate practices, and reflective questions, the online lessons may be used by managers, coordinators, and trainers in a coaching environment or in a group training event.

OpenDoors is a new, interactive tool that supports the home visitor by presenting regulations, strategies, publications, and resources. Users can read, review, rate, and save these materials. It includes the updated Home Visitor's Handbook.

These short videos (usually between five and 10 minutes long) can be watched on a computer or mobile device, or downloaded and saved. They present focused information on topics of interest to Early Head Start and Migrant and Seasonal Head Start staff and are designed to provide a short piece of professional development.

EHS NRC webcasts use a television format to provide in-depth looks at topics of interest to Early Head Start and Migrant and Seasonal Head Start staff serving infants, toddlers, and families, including expectant families. Faculty include experts and program staff familiar with the practical application of the content. Archived webcasts can be viewed alone or in groups as part of professional development experiences.

EHS NRC webinars are presented online using PowerPoint and feature topics of interest to Early Head Start and Migrant and Seasonal Head Start staff serving infants, toddlers, and families, including expectant families. Faculty include experts and program staff familiar with the practical application of the content. Archived webinars can be viewed alone or in groups as part of professional development experiences.

Browse through all the EHS NRC School Readiness materials.

Child Development & Education

Comprehensive Services & Systems

Program Options & Initiatives

Spanish Content