INFORMATION MEMORANDUM

TO: All Head Start Grantees and Delegate Agencies

SUBJECT: Head Start Facilities Manual

INFORMATION:

The attached Head Start Facilities Manual was developed for the Head Start Bureau in response to requests from a number of Head Start grantees and delegate agencies for assistance relating to finding and operating high quality facilities for center-based programs. The issues that surround how to locate, finance, purchase or otherwise procure, and/or design facilities can be complex and challenging, requiring specialized skills and knowledge by Head Start programs making major decisions regarding where and how their program will be "housed."

This Manual is designed as a tool to help Head Start grantees and delegate agencies assess their facilities needs in order to determine whether improvements are needed in existing sites, whether other facility alternatives should be considered based on the program's future space needs, and which various funding and financing options are most advantageous. Particularly important is the section entitled "Finding More Help" which highlights specialized resources expertise relating to facilities issues.

We hope this manual will be helpful to grantees as they make decisions regarding facilities.

/S/
Helen H. Taylor
Associate Commissioner
Head Start Bureau