Performance Standards Relevant to Program Planning
Key Data Sources for Effective Program Planning
A Step-by-Step Method of Planning

Managing Programs: A Systemic Approach to Program Planning

Performance Standards Relevant to Program Planning

1304.51 Management systems and procedures

(a) Program Planning. Grantee and delegate agencies must develop and implement a systematic, ongoing process of program planning that:

• includes consultation with the governing body, policy groups, program staff, and other community organizations

• reflects the Community Assessment and self-assessment

• results in formulation of long-range goals and short-term program and financial objectives

• includes the development of written service plans

Key Data Sources For Effective Program Planning

• Annual Program Information Report (PIR)
• Child Records
• Child Outcome Data
• Family Partnership Records
• Staff Performance Appraisals
• Federal Monitoring and Funding
• Head Start/Early Head Start Grant
• Grant Application Budget Instrument
• OHS Monitoring Protocol
• Quality Improvement Plan (QIP), if applicable

A Step-By-Step Method of Planning

Step 1: Synthesize data.

Step 2: Analyze data.

Step 3: Chart goals and priorities.

Step 4: Assess the effectiveness of present systems for data collection and design a systems improvement plan.

Step 5: Develop a program improvement and/or staff development plan and budget.

Step 6: Secure approval of the plan(s).

For more information on each step see Step-By-Step Guide to Head Start.