Head Start Program Performance standards and Other Regulations 45CFR

Head Start Program Performance Standards and Other Regulations 45CFR
Cultural Diversity


In order to develop meaningful relationships with families, Head Start programs should respect the diversity of each child and each family. Head Start programs should also train staff and volunteers to recognize that families differ across many dimensions, including language, family structure, religion, and educational and socioeconomic background. Staff should be familiar with the ethnic backgrounds of the families they serve and must be able to communicate with them either directly or through a translator.

45 CFR 1304.40(a)(5) -- Meetings and interactions with families must be respectful of each family's diversity and cultural and ethnic background. 45 CFR 1304.52(b)(4) -- Staff and program consultants must be familiar with the ethnic background and heritage of families in the program and must be able to serve and effectively communicate, to the extent feasible, with children and families with no or limited English proficiency. 45 CFR 1306.20(e) -- Classroom staff and home visitors must be able to communicate with the families they serve either directly or through a translator. They should also be familiar with the ethnic background of these families.

"Head Start Program Performance Standards and Other Regulations 45CFR". Cultural Diversity. DHHS/ACF/HSB. 1996-2006. English.

Last Reviewed: June 2009

Last Updated: May 11, 2012