Project size may be determined in three ways:

• Defining Project Size according to Funding for the Renovation Project : Renovation projects (not "construction projects") can be considered "major" or "incidental" as defined by the Head Start Bureau in Section 1309 of the Head Start Performance Standards. "Alterations and renovations are considered 'incidental' if they readily modify a facility to meet program requirements, if the cost of the alterations and renovations do not exceed the lesser of $150,000 or 25 percent of total direct costs expected to be approved for the grantee's budget period, and do not meet the definition for major renovations …" Also, "Major renovation means structural changes to the foundation, roof, floor, or exterior or load-bearing walls of a facility, or the extension of an existing facility to increase its floor area, or extensive alteration of a facility, such as to significantly change its function and purpose, even if such renovation does not include any structural changes to the facility." Refer to Section 1309.5,  Eligibility, for further explanation of when funds may be requested for major renovations.
  
• Defining Project Size according to Enrollment: The second way to define the size of a construction/renovation project is according to the enrollment of the program. Small grantees/agencies typically have an enrollment of less than 200 children. Small-to-medium size grantees/agencies have an enrollment between 200 and 600 children. Medium size grantees/agencies have an enrollment between 600 and 1,000 children. Large grantees/agencies have an enrollment of over 1,000 children.
  
• Defining Project Size according to the Project Scale . The third way to define the size of the construction/renovation project is according to the degree the project requires outside professional assistance. Within this definition, there are two sub-divisions. Projects that require the use of outside professionals will be referred to as Full Scale Projects. Projects that do not require the use of outside professionals will be referred to as Limited Scale Projects. Note that some states require an architect's stamp before a building permit will be issued. Please check with state or local building departments.