The answers to Questions 1 - 13 were provided by the Office of the Head Start as of May 14, 2009.

Question 1
The Early Head Start (EHS) Expansion Request for Application (RFA) did not include a list of currently served areas. Is there an available list of current Early Head Start providers and the geographic area they serve? How can I access that list or find out if there are current Early Head Start providers in the communities that we are interested in serving?

Question 2
The recent EHS expansion competition RFA mentions that OHS anticipates proposals of full-year models. What is the definition of a full-year program? Is it a certain number of weeks/days?

Question 3
Did you want a separate budget for startup, training/technical assistance, and implementation? Or did you want those costs identified within one budget?

Questions 4
In the RFA for Early Head Start Expansion, p. 3, OHS suggest 72 as a "sufficient number of infants, toddler, pregnant women, and their families" for EHS grantees to serve. Does this number include current enrollees or exclude current enrollees? For instance, if a program already serves 90, would they need to have a minimum of 72 targeted enrollees in their expansion? Or, has this program already reached the 72 mark and now may expand with a smaller amount (e.g., 50)?

Questions 5
On page 3 of the RFA (last paragraph), it states that the Office of Head Start believes that an efficient number of clients being served in EHS should be 72 or more. Does this imply that they are looking for grants that will expand services by 72 or more; or if an agency currently serves, say, 16 center-based EHS kids and 40 home-based EHS kids that a grant requesting an expansion for only 32 more center-based kids will be as competitive? I am not clear if the 72 is the minimum number of new clients they expect a grant to include or is the grant as competitive serving fewer as long as infrastructure is in place.

Question 6
Did you want ALL of an organization's personnel policies and procedures, which is extensive and includes Staff Responsibilities, Procedures to Follow, Policies and Requirements, and Working with Students and Clients?

Question 7
Will OHS accept two different applications from the same agency under this funding opportunity?

Question 8
If an applicant may submit two applications, must the ceiling of the award for both applications together be $5 million, or will each application have a ceiling of $5 million? In other words, does the $5 million ceiling apply to each agency seeking funds, or to each application submitted?

Question 9
The application states that there is a limit of 60 pages for all appendices and resumes. Does this include all attachments beyond the narrative and budget documents, (including certifications, assurances, letters of support, third-party agreements, audit reports, job descriptions, etc.)?

Question 10
STARTUP: Page 6 states OHS recognizes that startup planning is critical to the success of EHS programs. Page 52 (in Attachment 1, American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 [ARRA] standard terms and conditions) states recipients shall be given preference for activities that can be started and completed expeditiously, including a goal of using at least 50% of funds for activities that can be initiated not later than 120 days after enactment of ARRA.

Because previous EHS funding included a full year of startup planning, it is difficult to determine what can be a reasonable amount of startup time under this project. Can you provide some parameters? Is it 120 days? One year?

Question 11
Does the program have to be a Head Start Program?

Question 12
If successful in obtaining the award, when would the program have to commence?

Question 13
Are not-for-profit agencies that do not currently provide Early Head Start eligible to apply?

The answers to Questions 14 - 25 were provided by the Office of the Head Start as of May 19, 2009.

Question 14
I operate a daycare for teen mothers in our public school alternative high school. I was made aware of the new 0087 Early Head Start Expansion Grant recently and have some questions about qualifying for a grant. Am I required to have a certified teacher the entire day? I am the director and have an elementary education 1–6 grade degree and my daycare worker has a CDA. What happens if I ask for grant money to fund 3–4 children and then enrollment drops under that number?

Question 15
For those applicants that OHS ultimately becomes interested in potentially awarding these grants to, will it be a potential negotiation process, or, an all-or-nothing straight up-and-down decision?

Question 16
If the proposed expansion would necessitate a different facility, and/or other costs, should those anticipated costs manifest in the requested funding per slot, or as a separate set of costs deemed necessary to successfully implement these additional slots?

Question 17
I am requesting some clarification in regards to whether expansion can include partnerships with existing childcare facilities.

Question 18
My organization's Child Development Center has been in operation for over 20 years and currently serves 26 infants and toddlers with and without disabilities who would be eligible for Early Head Start, although none of them currently receives EHS funding. I am wondering whether children who currently receive services through our program would be considered "new Early Head Start participants" under the guidelines, or whether we would need to seek out children and families who are not currently receiving comparable services? In other words, can children we currently serve be included in our numbers for the proposal?

Question 19
I am writing to request a clarification of the eligibility requirements for the ARRA 2009 Early Head Start Expansion RFA. The summary posted in Grants.gov states that "Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education" are eligible to apply for funding. However, the ACF announcement does not include this type of organization under its list of eligible organizations. Additionally, the section that describes "Proof of Non-Profit Status" indicates that organizations may submit other forms that are not related to the 501(c)(3) exemption category. Please let me know if nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS are eligible for this RFA.

Question 20
I would like to request an application package. My address and contact information are below. Does this e-mail suffice to make the request, or do I need to send a hard copy of the request?

Question 21
Everything is to be double spaced. What about footnotes? Should they be double spaced also?

Question 22
What is the Web site for updates?

Question 23
In the section titled, "Non-Federal Reviewers," it is stated that the original copy needs to have salary levels for individuals including Social Security numbers, but not to include this in the two copies. Please confirm that this is required for the original copy.

Question 24
Is this particular grant opportunity open to new grantees or must you have an Early Head Start Program already in existence?

Question 25
Are the funding levels in the Early Head Start expansion announcement 1-year or 2-year numbers?

The answers to Questions  26 - 49 were provided by the Office of Head Start as of May 27, 2009.

Question 26
I have a question regarding CFDA 93.709 – Early Head Start Expansion. My agency is currently the Head Start grantee in six counties. We are currently looking at adding Early Head Start in two of these counties. Should this be two separate proposals submitted (one per county) or is it permissible to submit one proposal that incorporates both counties?

Question 27
Early Head Start class size, to my understanding, is 8 children with a 1 to 4 teacher child ratio. Is the class size and ratio the same for a 6 month old and a 2 1/2 year old? Where can I get a copy of this policy?

Question 28
For Early Head Start, what is the needed square foot per child?

Question 29
The RFA refers to the usual 2.5 percent T/TA, but says during Start Up, programs are encouraged to use higher amounts – even up to 10%. Are we to write an additional grant application for the T/TA money or are we supposed to include up to 10% above our determined cost per child in the same grant?

Question 30
I am inquiring about the criteria for a for-profit entity to apply for the Head Start and Early Head Start funding. It is mentioned that a "small business" is not qualified. What is your definition of small business?

Question 31
Start-Up Period: The RFA states that services should begin as soon as quality services that meet Head Start Performance Standards can begin. It states that home-based services can initially start while facilities are being readied. If start-up costs come out of the total first year funding, implementing services in a timely manner reduces funds available for start-up needs. Would it be best to plan a faster start-up for ARRA purposes and contribute less funds to quality improvements?

Question 32
Would it be best to use one-half to 2/3 of the first year funding for start-up needs to include facilities renovations and intense staff training and fully implement services later in the first year?

Question 33
Start-Up Budget: I saw no mention of a start-up budget in the RFA so I am assuming that any start-up costs would come from the first-year grant award and expended prior to the full implementation of services. The ability to use the first year grant funds for start up costs affects the implementation timeline. Is there an expectation that a start-up budget is included in the proposal?

Question 34
Is a start-up budget to be negotiated between the OHS and successful grantees?

Question 35
Is there an assumption that the timeline and start-up costs are interdependent?

Question 36
Training budget: The RFA states the regular training budget is 2.5% of total budget and in the first year training costs are expected to be up to 10%. Is it expected that a training budget for the first year at around 10% of the total grant awarded be submitted with the budget? Should a second training budget for 2.5% also be submitted to reflect the cost of an ongoing training plan?

Question 37
Socialization Facilities - Because socialization time is 3.5 hours or less, the facility does not have to meet child care licensing regulations in our state. I could find no requirements that address whether or not the Head Start Performance Standards requiring space apply to areas used for socializations. When the parents and children of a home visitor are at a socialization, the center-based group size is exceeded. Do facilities for socializations need to meet Head Start facilities requirements? Do group-size requirements for infants and toddlers in center-based programs apply to socializations?

Question 38
Can this funding be used to rehab a site and bring it up to the specifications required by Head Start? If so, what percentage of an award could be used for bricks & mortar vs. program expenses?

Question 39
Would an awardee be able to receive fees for services from Head Start for children in their center, over and above the funds provided in this grant?

Question 40
Can the Office of Head Start provide any guidance as to how successful grantees should manage their expanded enrollment levels after the two-year ARRA funding ends? Is there any hope that these funding levels would continue, or should funded EHS programs plan on reducing enrollment capacity after the two-year expansion grants end?

Question 41
The application requires a Certification of Organization's Last Audit Report. Who do you require certify the audit? We have contacted our Auditor and they have never heard of such a thing.

Question 42
In the Project Description section, Approach, the RFA states "If any data is to be collected, maintained, and/or disseminated, clearance may be required from OMB. This clearance pertains to any collection of information that is conducted or sponsored by ACF." We are required by Head Start and Early Head Start regulation to collect a great deal of information on a regular basis. We are considering including such collection as part of an upcoming grant submission should we choose to make such a submission. Does the above statement apply to Head Start and Early Head Start? If so, how do we obtain such permission and how long does it take?

Question 43
How long is considered "reasonable" for start-up planning?

Question 44
The "Project Summary/Abstract" section - it only says to "reference the funding request." Do we also need to include the information that is requested on this page as it states in the Head Start RFA (i.e. name and address of agency, competitive area applying for, number of children to serve, etc...)?

Question 45
Is there a separate certification to submit regarding environmental tobacco smoke or is that one when the application is signed and submitted?

Question 46
The RFA says that the project period is 2 years. I thought that the ARRA monies is only through September, 2010. Will programs who are awarded EHS expansion slots have these slots for 2 years from the award date or only until September, 2010? Also, what happens to these expansion slots after the 2 years or after September, 2010?

Question 47
Service in about half of our service area is provided by a contracted delegate agency and we have questions about how to include information about the delegate information in the application. In the Budget Narrative section of the instructions, it states that "the applicant must provide a detailed budget and budget narrative for each delegate agency along with the required supporting information." We read this to mean that the application will have two budget narratives. Is this correct?

Question 48
How much supporting information for the delegate is required? Is it just supporting information for the budget narrative or supporting information for all sections of the application? If it is for each section of the application, should information on the delegate agency's organization and proposal be presented as a separate section of the application following the format given in the instructions, or integrated throughout all sections of the application?

Question 49
How does the inclusion of the delegate agency's information influence the page limit? Will there be an allowance for extra pages in narrative?

The answers to Questions  50 - 75 were provided by the Office of Head Start as of June 2, 2009.

Question 50
Can the expansion funds be used to expand operation hours in Early Head Start classrooms that are already operating?

Question 51
The National EHS Expansion Conference was referenced during the EHS Expansion Grant webcast on 5/26/09. We wish to include it in our start-up budget but have no information – when, where, cost, etc. Can you help?

Question 52
Our University has a negotiated Indirect Cost Rate of 56% calculated on salaries and benefits. Is it possible to forgo a percentage of that rate and count it as non federal share?
Example: Indirect cost = $400,000; Non Federal share required = $200,000; University accepts the difference ($200,000) and forgoes $200,000 which is then accepted as Non federal share?

Question 53
Given the short time frame and lack of resources pre-award, can we use our own community data to apply for Early Head Start now and complete the Community Assessment (Five Steps to Community Assessment: A Workbook for Head Start and Early Head Start Programs) when we become a grantee?

Example: Indirect cost = $400,000; Non Federal share required = $200,000; University accepts the difference ($200,000) and forgoes $200,000 which is then accepted as Non federal share?

Question 54
Does Early Head Start have an average per child funding formula/allotment either for center-based or home-based care and/or home visiting, etc?

Question 55
Does this ARRA award have a capital outlay cap? Or a percentage of expectable capital outlay funds on an award?

Question 56
What percentage/amount of the budget can be used for start-up for HS Expansion and for EHS Expansion? (Page 4 of the EHS RFA discusses T/TA percentages for start-up and ongoing operations, but I haven't been able to locate a discussion of amounts allowed for actual start-up.)

Question 57
How much time is allowed for a start-up before a program is fully operational?

Question 58
On page 2 of the RFA it states that funds can not be used to "enhance existing services or convert Head Start enrollment to Early Head Start enrollment." I work for an organization that IS NOT a Head Start program but it has an infants and toddlers program with most participating in the local child care subsidy program. Does the guidance mean that we cannot convert our current enrollment to Early Head Start?

Question 59
What percentage of the funds can be used for any renovations that might be needed on an existing building?

Question 60
I have some questions with regards to the application format and length of application. The instructions indicate including an appendix. I would like to include such things as a Community Needs Assessment, Personnel Policies, Letters of support, etc in the appendices. The application format states in BOLD that appendices have a limit of 60 pages. By the time we include the items mentioned above, we will certainly exceed the 60 pages. To support our application we will need to include a Community Needs Assessment. Our CNA alone is 28 pages and small in comparison to CNA's I have seen from other programs. Has an allowance been made for applicants that exceed 60 pages in the appendices? What happens if an applicant exceeds 60 pages in the appendices?

Question 61
Is the budget that we are to include with this application a two year budget—including all funds requested and all proposed expenses needed for the two year project period?

Question 62
The EHS Expansion RFA indicates the average projected award amount is $965,000 per budget period. Is the budget period one year or two years? Is the budget period and the project period the same or different? When does the budget/project period start and end?

Question 63
In creating the start-up budget portion for the EHS grant proposal; are we required to have the 20% non-federal shares match for the start-up portion?

Question 64
I am requesting clarification on the Early Head Start expansion grant through the ARRA. The application states that the Objectives and Need for Services should be "based on the current community assessment". Does this mean that a separate community assessment should be included, or that this part of the narrative would essentially incorporate a needs assessment?

Question 65
If the applicant is requesting start up funds for the program, is that a different budget with the amount not included in the operational budget? If so, is that included in the page numbers for the narrative or the appendices?

Question 66
For clarity, can we pay consultant travel costs?

Question 67
For indirect cost calculations, can we use the amount approved for the school district by the State Department of Education or do we need one from HHS?

Question 68
On the Checklist in section VIII, it refers to "Documentation and explanation regarding being local within the community." I looked under the referenced headings, but did not find a clear explanation of how to do this or what this is. Please advise.

Question 69
Can the Early Head Start Grant funds be used solely for child care assistance?

Question 70
Is the Award Ceiling of $5,000,000 for the entire project period of two years, or is this an annual amount?

Question 71
Will we be allowed to use our excess local match from our existing continuation EHS/HS grant for the ARRA expansion application?

Question 72
My question is regarding Federal Interest in a privately owned property that uses grant money for rehabilitation to create a Head Start environment. If we are asking for re-hab monies to develop a site for an EHS program, what is the impact to the landlord whose property it benefits. Is there a difference if the property is part of a school district, or owned by a city or county or if it is privately held? How long of a lease is expected? Are certain terms of a lease required?

Question 73
First, what does the home-based option specifically mean? i.e., does it have to be a licensed home providing child care to one or multiple children, 0 to 3? Or can it be a home visiting model where the parent is providing the child care him/herself but an outside educational advocate, teacher is coming into the home regularly to instruct parents and children?

Question 74
How do we get approval for a locally designed option and would our home visiting be that type of option or is it acceptable under the "home-based" model? We currently have a center-based program which serves 3-5 year olds which is not a Head Start program, and we also offer a unique educational model based on home visiting.

Question 75
We are analyzing alternatives to providing additional 0-3 childcare slots. One idea we came up with is purchasing infant/toddler trailer units to house the program and placing the trailers on currently owned land. Are trailer units to house the program an allowable expense under this grant (CFDA 93.709)?

Question 76
Would forming the Policy Council, Policy Committee, and Parent Committee be considered as start-up activities?

The answers to Questions  76 - 100 were provided by the Office of Head Start as of June 22, 2009.

Question 77
Do the documents in the appendix, such as letters of support, have to be double spaced?

Question 78
We have a question about construction. This section of the grant description is fairly vague. Do you have any idea what the limits or expectations are for this? Is OHS willing to allow a large amount to go to constructing a center or are additions to current centers viewed more favorably?

Question 79
I am working with an organization that has a building that requires modifications to accommodate and Early Head Start Program. How can I obtain a list of building specifications and requirements for a building that will be utilized to house a program of this kind? Is it OK to cover walls that may have asbestos but have not been disturbed? What are the specifications for rest rooms, etc.?

Question 80
We are completing both a Head Start and Early Head Start expansion grant. I understand that two budgets are required: one for start up and one for operating. Should the 424 and 424A reflect the amounts in both the start up and operating budgets OR should the 424 and 424A reflect only the amounts in the operating budget?

Question 81
Are we required to submit a GABI with the applications?

Question 82
Can a grantee sub-contract for the provision of EHS home based services using a childcare partnership contract? If yes, can a sub-contractor use EHS funds to lease/purchase cars used by home visitors to make home visits and to transport parents and children as needed for EHS required services?

Question 83
I read in the EHS Questions and Answers that "each applicant must submit two budgets for the first year: a startup budget and an ongoing operating budget. A training and technical assistance budget must be included in both the startup and the ongoing operating budget."

Looking at the SF424A budget information form (for submission through Grants.gov), page 1A: would we put the startup budget in column 1 and the ongoing operating budget in column 2? Or, do we need to submit a separate SF424A budget form for each? If we need to submit a separate SF424A budget form for each, how would we submit the second form? The SF424 package doesn't appear to have the ability to add a second budget form to the package, and only the budget narrative can be uploaded as part of the package.

Question 84
Can ARRA Early Head Start funds be allocated for facility renovations? If so, could a regular Head Start program be co-located in the Early Head Start renovated facility space?

Question 85
I understand that to request a waiver or reduction in the required non-federal matching requirement, we must submit written documentation of need with each proposal. In the RFP for both Head Start and Early Head Start Expansion, it says that within that documentation we "must identify which of the five waiver criteria found at Section 640(b)(1-5) of the Head Start Act" we believe to be relevant. I have looked at Section 640(b)(1-5), but am confused about the relevance of this section to our request for a waiver. Should we simply be stating under what subsection our Head Start funds are currently allocated?

Question 86
I understand that the Early Head Start Expansion application requires that we conduct a community assessment to determine need for our program. We would like to apply for these funds to enhance our state-funded initiative. Currently the program is significantly lacking in resources and does not meet high performance standards. We want to correct that. In the case of our having already identified need, are we still required to conduct a community assessment? If so, can we conduct this assessment among current program participants (students and staff) or must we conduct an assessment of the larger community?

Question 87
Must a pregnant or parenting teen's income status be based on that of their parents (assuming the pregnant or parenting teens are still dependents)? Currently, the students in our program receiving childcare services apply for a state low-income subsidy to cover the cost of the services. Can we use their eligibility for such a subsidy, which is based on the income of the teen as opposed to that of her parent(s), as their eligibility to receive Early Head Start expansion program services?

Question 88
May funds from a current Head Start grant be used to develop, write and submit a proposal for an Early Head Start expansion program? May such funds be used to pay an outside contractor to write such a proposal?

Question 89
I would like to get assistance from Head Start Consultant in putting together Community Assessment. Where can I find a consultant?

Question 90
May a program operating in a large city have Early Head Start classrooms one flight up from the street level, which would require an elevator or steps to exit the building? (Would this meet the Early Head Start regulations?)

Question 91
Would the Office of Head Start look with favor on a program that only serves children from 18-36 months?

Question 92
My understanding is that an EHS program is expected to serve the babies born to low-income pregnant women enrolled in the program. What happens if once a woman gives birth there are no more slots open to accommodate the baby?

Question 93
We do not see a requirement in the RFP that the Community Assessment report be attached as part of the application packet—are we missing something?

Question 94
For the Community Assessment, does it matter if we use the ACF "5 Steps to Community Assessment" workbook or the "Migrant Head Start 5 Steps to Community Assessment" workbook (the outlines are a bit different) or is there a preferred format for Early Head Start/this RFP? (We looked on the web site, and it referred us to the performance standard, but not to any particular "workbook"…?)

Question 95
My question is concerning federal interest. In the instructions for the EHS Expansion grant application, it states: "current grantees proposing major renovation of facilities in which federal interest is held must include copies of the notice of federal interest." I am not sure what the "notice of federal interest" is referring to. Our grantee owns the building in which we operate our Head Start program; we want to remodel two of the rooms to accommodate the proposed infant and toddler rooms.

Question 96
Can funds be used to purchase a building with the intent to use it as an EHS center? If so, what are the requirements and guidelines?

Question 97
We are a Head Start/Early Head Start grantee currently serving multiple counties across two states. We are proposing to use different expansion approaches in each state. Should we submit one proposal or two?

Question 98
I am inquiring in regards to braiding and blending of funds. We are a daycare center that currently provides DSS subsidized care for children 6 weeks to 3 years old. Our local EHS is applying for an EHS expansion grant and we are being considered as a collaborative agency. Can we still collect DSS dollars for EHS enrolled students who are DSS eligible to assist in running this collaborative program? There will be shared staffing and programming. We have offered our facility and services to EHS as a part of the collaboration.

Question 99
We currently run a Head Start program under a sub-contract, and we are now interested in applying for an ARRA Early Head Start grant directly from ACF. In order to house Early Head Start, we need to fully renovate one floor in a building that we already own. We intend to include construction costs in our application budget. Can we use Early Head Start funds to renovate the entire floor for our Early Head Start program, and then co-locate our existing Head Start program on that floor as well? This would mean that children and families from both Early Head Start AND Head Start would benefit directly from the Early Head Start grant. The split would be somewhere between 50/50 and 60/40 in favor of Early Head Start.

Question 100
It is our intent to apply only for the Home Base Program and not participate in the classroom setting. Can we apply only for the Home Base Program or do we have to incorporate the complete program to receive funding assistance for the Early Head Start Expansion?

The Office of Head Start (OHS) is requesting each applicant proposing to expand into an unserved area, as part of preparing its application, to conduct a comprehensive community assessment of that area and to note if there are currently any Early Head Start providers in that community and, if so, where they are located. The Office of Head Start wishes to note its position that, in many cases, it is fully supportive of multiple agencies becoming Early Head Start providers in the same county, city, or even community as long as an applicant can reasonably demonstrate there are sufficient numbers of unserved eligible children in that community to warrant more than one Early Head Start provider.

Any applicant proposing such an expansion should be clear as to how it will distinguish the part of the community it is proposing to serve from that part of the community that is currently being served by the existing Early Head Start grantee(s). All successful Early Head Start expansion applicants will, as part of this competition, be given a discrete service area in which they will be authorized to operate their Early Head Start program. You may look at the grantee directory to identify any local Early Head Start grantees currently in operation.

Full-year services are those offered on a year-round basis. There is not a requirement for weeks and days. Most full-year programs offer services 48–50 weeks, allowing for holidays and facilities work.

Each applicant must submit two budgets for the first year: a startup budget and an ongoing operating budget. A training and technical assistance budget must be included in both the startup and the ongoing operating budget. It is not a separate budget.

The 72 children is not a requirement but rather a recommendation. The Office of Head Start considers it important that Early Head Start programs be of sufficient size that can support the provision of both comprehensive and cost-effective services. As a general rule, we believe that size to be at least 72 children and families. That is, most applicants that are not current Early Head Start grantees should consider proposing to serve at least 72 children and families. Applicants that already have appropriate administrative and management infrastructures in place that will support cost-effective services can propose to serve fewer children, as can current Early Head Start grantees, which can apply for whatever additional number of children they think appropriate for their community.

The 72 children is not a requirement but rather a recommendation. The Office of Head Start considers it important that Early Head Start programs be of sufficient size that can support the provision of both comprehensive and cost-effective services. As a general rule, we believe that size to be at least 72 children and families. That is, most applicants that are not current Early Head Start grantees should consider proposing to serve at least 72 children and families. Applicants that already have appropriate administrative and management infrastructures in place that will support cost-effective services can propose to serve fewer children, as can current Early Head Start grantees, which can apply for whatever additional number of children they think appropriate for their community.

It is not necessary to submit the entire personnel policies and procedures manual with the application. Applicants can include the cover page and the table of contents.

No. Any successful Early Head Start applicant will be funded through the award of one grant. Applicants should submit only one proposal. If that proposal is requesting to establish an Early Head Start program in multiple communities, the applicant should provide sufficient demographic detail on each community and, as appropriate, on the applicant’s approach for serving the children and families of each community.

The ceiling applies to each application.

Yes.

Applicants should begin planning for implementation when preparing the application and be prepared to continue planning as soon as funds are awarded. Successful applicants must submit a startup plan that includes a timeline for completing startup activities as soon as possible after funding. It will be different for each community. There is a list of resources to support startup efforts in the EHS announcement, including a link to the Organizational Readiness Chart.

No.

Applicants must submit a startup plan with timelines for implementation of services. There is an Organizational Readiness Chart on the EHS information page that will help develop the timeline.

Yes.

Yes, a qualified teacher must be present at all times. Head Start Regulations require that grantees maintain full enrollment at all times.

There may be a potential negotiation process.

Anticipated facilities costs—such as construction or renovation costs—should be included in the startup budget.

Programs are encouraged to collaborate with child care and other partners. All applicants, including those with childcare partnerships, must offer program services that meet all Head Start regulations, including those specifically for Early Head Start, such as staffing ratios and group size.

Those children not currently being served through funds awarded to an Early Head Start grantee would be eligible to be served through expansion.

They may apply.

Applications may be downloaded from http://www.grants.gov or http://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov. You can obtain a copy by contacting the ACYF Operations Center at 118 Q Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002; by calling 866-796-1591; or by emailing the request at OHS@dixongroup.com.

No. Footnotes do not have to be double spaced.

Answers to questions can be accessed at http://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/hslc.

This information is required for the original application only.

This opportunity is open to all.

The numbers are for one year. There will be approximately $578 million awarded to successful applicants nationally in fiscal year 2009 and another $578 million awarded to these same applicants in fiscal year 2010. Similarly, the amounts in the state allocation in the current announcement are for one year. The total 2-year expenditure will be $1.156 billion.

Answer:  Any successful Early Head Start applicant will be funded through the award of one grant. Applicants should submit only one proposal. If that proposal is requesting to establish an Early Head Start program in multiple communities, the applicant should provide sufficient demographic detail on each community and, as appropriate, on the applicant’s approach for serving the children and families of each community

The staffing for Early Head Start is a federal regulation and it requires one (1) qualified teacher for every four (4) infants and toddlers served in a classroom setting. There can be no more than 8 children in a classroom group. [45 CFR 1304.52(g)(4)]

Centers must have at least 35 square feet of usable indoor space (exclusive of cribs, storage spaces, staff space) and at least 75 square feet of usable outdoor space. [1304.53(a)(5)]

Each applicant must submit two budgets for the first year: a start-up budget and an ongoing operating budget. A training and technical assistance budget must be included in both the start-up and the ongoing operating budget. It is not a separate budget.

Answer:  Small businesses are eligible to apply. Refer to the list of eligible applicants in Section III.1.

Each applicant must determine a start-up plan with a timeline for implementation of services. Each applicant must submit two budgets for the first year: a start-up budget and an ongoing operating budget. These are two separate budgets and must include all costs for start-up in one, and all costs for ongoing operations in the second.

Applicants should begin planning for implementation when preparing the application and be prepared to continue planning as soon as funds are awarded. Successful applicants must submit a start-up plan that includes a timeline for completing start-up activities as soon as possible after funding. It will be different for each community. There is a list of resources to support start-up efforts in the EHS announcement, including a link to the Organizational Readiness Chart.

Applicants should begin planning for implementation when preparing the application and be prepared to continue planning as soon as funds are awarded. Successful applicants must submit a start-up plan that includes a timeline for completing start-up activities as soon as possible after funding. It will be different for each community. There is a list of resources to support start-up efforts in the EHS announcement, including a link to the Organizational Readiness Chart.

There may be a potential negotiation process.

No. Each applicant must propose a timeline and start-up costs that best serves their community.

The Office of Head Start expects each grantee to submit a T/TA budget for start-up that reflects necessary costs. Some programs may require as much as 10% of the total request for funding. And yes, a second training budget reflecting an ongoing training plan should also be submitted.

Yes. Grantee and delegate agencies must provide appropriate space for the conduct of all program activities. [45CFR 1304.53] [45CFR 1308.4]. The purpose of socialization experiences for infants and toddlers is to support child development by strengthening the parent-child relations. Group socializations offer unique opportunities for parents and young children to build on the experiences of home visits. As a result, group sizes are not the same as for center-based because parents are interacting with their children throughout the experience.

Construction costs can be included in the start-up budget. There is no predetermined percentage as to how much an applicant may request for one-time costs.

No. There is no provision for the charging of any fees for participation in Head Start programs. Head Start Act, Section 645(b)

ARRA funds are designated for a two year period. There is, at this point, no assurance that funds will be available beyond this two year period.

The certification of the agency’s last audit report must come from the auditor that completed the agency audit.

The information collection clearance requirement does not apply to Head Start and Early Head Start grantees.

Applicants should begin planning for implementation when preparing the application and be prepared to continue planning as soon as funds are awarded. Successful applicants must submit a startup plan that includes a timeline for completing startup activities as soon as possible after funding. It will be different for each community. There is a list of resources to support start-up efforts in the EHS announcement, including a link to the Organizational Readiness Chart.

Applicants must only include the funding dollars requested with the Project Summary/Abstract. Applicants should reference the Funding Opportunity Number and provide a summary of the project description.

The certification regarding tobacco smoke can be printed (Section VIII, checklist) and included with the application.

The Office of Head Start must make all of the ARRA grant awards by the conclusion of FY 2010 (September 30, 2010). Grantee project periods may extend beyond that deadline.

Applicants must submit a separate budget narrative for each proposed delegate agency.

The applicant should provide adequate detail to demonstrate grantee capacity to ensure provision of compliant services for all children and families, including those enrolled through a delegate agency.

No.

No. This EHS expansion is for children not currently served in Early Head Start.

Successful applicants will be expected to attend the National Orientation Conference. It will be in Washington, DC, and is usually for 3-4 days. There is also a Birth to Three Conference for Early Head Start Grantees annually in DC. That is also 3-4 days. Per diem costs for Washington, DC can be found at this website: http://www.gsa.gov/Portal/gsa/ep/contentView.do?contentType=GSA_BASIC&contentId=17943

Yes, it can be counted.

Applicants may submit data from a current assessment. That data must be used to identify the population to be served, and support the services that are being proposed.
 

Each applicant must determine the cost per child for providing Early Head Start services in full compliance with Head Start regulations.

There is a total $5,000,000 cap on all funding applications. However, ACF may decide not to fund projects with what it regards as unreasonably large initial start-up costs for facilities or equipment, or projects with unreasonably high operating costs.

Answer:  Each applicant must determine the appropriate amounts for both the start-up and  the ongoing operating budget. Two budgets must be submitted for the first year:  a start-up budget and an ongoing operating budget. A training and technical assistance budget must be included in both the start-up and the ongoing operating budget.

Applicants should begin planning for implementation when preparing the application and be prepared to continue planning as soon as funds are awarded. Successful applicants must submit a start-up plan that includes a time line for completing start-up activities as soon as possible after funding. It will be different for each community. There is a list of resources to support start up efforts in the EHS announcement, including a link to the Organizational Readiness Chart.

The guidance refers to current Early Head Start programs only. Those children not currently being served through funds awarded to an Early Head Start grantee would be eligible to be served through expansion.

Construction/renovation costs are to be included in the start-up budget. There is no predetermined percentage as to how much an applicant may request for one-time funds. Applicants must meet requirements for renovation of facilities described in Section 644(f) and (g) of the Head Start Act and 45 CFR Part 1309.

No allowance will be made. Anything over 60 pages in the appendices will be removed. It is not necessary to submit the entire Personnel Policies and Procedures Manual with the application. Applicants can include the cover page, and the table of contents.

The funding for this announcement is for one year. Each applicant must submit two budgets for the first year: a start-up budget and an ongoing operating budget.

The budget period is one year; the project period is two years.

Yes.

Applicants may include community assessment data and how the analysis of the data was used to determine objectives and need for services.
 

Each applicant must submit two budgets for the first year: a start-up budget and an ongoing operating budget. These are two separate budgets and must include all costs for the start-up in one, and all costs for ongoing operations in the second. It is part of the narrative.
 

Yes.

No. Applicants must have an agreed upon Indirect Cost Rate with a cognizant federal agency. See OMB Circular 2 CFR Part 255.
 

Applicants should refer to the Objectives and Need for Assistance Criteria, Subsection – Community Presence.
 

No. Early Head Start expansion funds are to be used to provide comprehensive services to pregnant women, infants and children in a program that meets all Head Start regulations.
 

It is the annual amount.

No. This will be a separate grant, with a separate number, and separate account. It must have its own non-federal match.

Applicants must be able to amortize the cost of the improvements over the life of the lease. The length of the lease will depend on the cost of the renovation. The higher the costs of the improvements, the longer the terms of the lease should be. The Office of Head Start does not prescribe the terms of the lease. The lease or an affidavit must be filed with the land records showing the terms of the lease. [45 CFR 1309]
 

Applicants can refer to the Head Start Performance Standards that define services to be provided through the home-based program option: 45 CFR 1306.33. Head Start Performance Standards that define services to be provided through the Family Child Care program option can be found within 45 CFR 1306.35.
 

Locally designed program options must be approved by the Director of the Office of Head Start [45 CFR 1306.36].

CORRECTION: Applicants must determine the most appropriate facility for their community, include a reasonable cost for providing the facility, and then ensure that the facility meets all regulations in 45 CFR Part 1309 and 45 CFR 1304.53. For example, Early Head Start Centers must have at least 35 square feet of usable indoor space per child (exclusive of cribs, storage spaces, staff space) and at least 75 square feet of usable outdoor space per child. [45 CFR 1304.53(a)(5)]

Posted on June 12, 2009
Revised on June 17, 2009
 

Yes. There is a list of resources to support start up activities in the EHS announcement, including a link to the Organizational Readiness Chart.

No.

Applicants must determine the most appropriate facility for their community, include a reasonable cost for providing the facility, and then ensure that the facility meets all regulations in 45 CFR Part 1309 and 45 CFR Part 1304.53.

Applicants must determine the most appropriate facility for their community, include a reasonable cost All Head Start building specifications and codes must meet local licensing regulations. Applicants can obtain information on building specifications from local licensing and code enforcement agencies. The Head Start Design Guide is also helpful in building an Early Head Start facility.

The 424A should reflect both budgets.

No.

Yes, you can contract and the subcontractor can use EHS funds to lease/purchase cars for home visits.

The applicant would submit two separate budgets on one form. The start up budget can go in Column 1 and the operating budget in Column 2.

Yes, ARRA Early Head Start funds can be allocated for facilities that meet Early Head Start Requirements. Applicants must determine the most appropriate EHS facility for their community, include a reasonable cost for providing the facility, and then ensure that the facility meets all regulations in 45 CFR Part 1309 and 45 CFR Part 1304.53.

Head Start programs must meet facility guidelines for 3-5 year olds. Early Head Start programs must meet facility guidelines for birth to three year olds. All Head Start building specifications and codes must meet local licensing regulations. Applicants can obtain information on building specifications from local licensing and code enforcement agencies. The Head Start Design Guide is also helpful in building an Early Head Start facility.

To receive a waiver or a reduction in the required non-Federal share, the applicant must provide ACF with written documentation of need. This request must identify which of the five waiver criteria found at Section 640(b)(1-5) of the Head Start Act it believes to be relevant. Applicants must identify which of the five criteria requires them to request a waiver.

Planning for the provision of EHS services is guided by the needs of the community, as identified in the community assessment results. Each applicant must demonstrate that services will be provided to those families and children who have the most urgent need for Early Head Start services.

Income eligibility for a pregnant or parenting teen is determined only for the pregnant or parenting teen. For purposes of income eligibility, the pregnant teen counts as a family of two, as does the parenting teen and baby.

Funds from a current Head Start grant may not be used to write and submit an EHS proposal. Funds from a current Head Start grant may not be used to pay an outside contractor to write such a proposal.

There is a Consultant Directory located on the ECLKC.

The facilities used by Early Head Start and Head Start grantee and delegate agencies for regularly scheduled center based and combination program option classroom activities or home based group socialization activities must comply with State and local requirements concerning licensing. [45 CFR 1306.30.]

Early Head Start programs were established to serve pregnant women, infants and toddlers. Each applicant is expected to develop services based on analysis of a thorough Community Assessment that identifies those pregnant women, infants and toddlers with the greatest need for services.

Successful applicants must begin working with pregnant women as soon as they are enrolled to ensure a smooth transition of services from the pregnant woman to the newborn. EHS programs plan with the pregnant woman to determine the services that are needed after the baby is born and plan for those programs.

It is not necessary to include the Community Assessment in the application. Analysis of the community assessment data must be included in the narrative to justify proposed services and program options.

Those are recommended resources.

Head Start Regulations concerning federal interests in buildings can be found in CFR Part 1309.21.

Regulations for Head Start Facilities Purchase, Major Renovation and Construction can be found at CFR Part 1309.

Any successful Early Head Start applicant will be funded through the award of one grant. Applicants should submit only one proposal. If that proposal is requesting to establish an Early Head Start program in multiple communities, the applicant should provide sufficient demographic detail on each community and, as appropriate, on the applicant’s approach for serving the children and families of each community.

Yes, as long as you are not receiving reimbursement for offering the same services to the same children.

No. You cannot use funds from this announcement to co-locate your Head Start program.

Applicants can refer to the Head Start Performance Standards that define services to be provided through the home-based program option: 45 CFR 1306.33. Home based services must provide socialization activities twice monthly for enrolled families. Grantee and delegate agencies must provide appropriate space for the conduct of all program activities. [45CFR 1304.53] [45CFR 1308.4]