Welcome to SOLAR

SOLAR which stands for Strengthening Operations for Learning And Results is a process designed to help Head Start and Early Head Start directors, managers and supervisors to develop a T/TA plan by examining program issues and staff skill levels by using state-of-the-art-technology. Before you begin to use the SOLAR tools, there are a few important things you need to know as described below.


Download the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) can be found on the SOLAR Home page. Program directors, managers and supervisors are encouraged to download the FAQs before using the SOLAR tools. The FAQs explain what is required for using the SOLAR tools and how the process can be integrated as part of planning staff development and training.  

Register to the ECLKC

If you already have registered and have an ECLKC user account, you will not need to register again. If you have not registered to the ECLKC, while on this page, to the left of your screen, select the link “Registration” located under the Search box and follow the steps for completing the online form. This will only takes a few minutes.

Once you complete the registration, you will receive an email confirmation with your user name and password. You will need this information to complete the following next step. 

Request Access to the SOLAR Profiler

To use the Profiler, directors, managers and supervisors will need to login with an ECLKC User ID. With an ECLKC user ID, log in to the ECLKC by selecting the link “Profile” located under the SEARCH box in the upper left hand corner. A new page will open and you will see a link “Request SOLAR Access.” Follow the steps on each page and select “Submit.”

Manage SOLAR Profiler Access

To manage the requests that are submitted, the Head Start or Early Head Start Director must establish their access using the Grantee Profile system on the ECLKC. Directors are designated as a Level 1 user for SOLAR and are responsible for granting access to their managers, supervisors and/or designee. Directors are also responsible for approving their access request while logged into the Grantee Profile.

Using the Grantee User ID, directors will login to the Grantee Profile on the ECLKC and select the link that says “Access your program profile.” When you select this link it will take to the page to “Edit Your Profile.”

When this page opens you will have two options. Choose the option “Pending Requests for SOLAR Access” and follow the steps to approve or deny requests. The Director should approve their access prior to approving the other pending requests from staff.

After the director completes their access, follow the prompt back to the Grantee Profile and follow the same steps for responding to requests from Level 2 and 3 users. The Level 1 User is the only level that can approve Level 2 and 3 accesses.

After responding to “pending requests,” you must log out of the Grantee Profile. You will receive an email confirmation which will include a direct link to the SOLAR Profiler. To access the Profiler, all users (Levels 1-4) must login with an ECLKC User ID.

For more information on each level and access, be sure to read the SOLAR Profiler FAQs. 

Activate the Program

If your local program chooses to use the SOLAR Profiler, be sure to read and follow the steps that are important to know before you begin. If the program is activated before your team reads about what is involved in the process, you will be unable to add custom indicators or additional center locations.  

Download the SOLAR Planner

Before you install the SOLAR Planner to your computer, you must select an account name and password. If you download the Planner before selecting a user name, the Planner will not open and you will be unable to continue. The user names for the SOLAR Planner will remain the same. When prompted, you must enter a user name and password. There are three types of user accounts for the Planner, which remain the same throughout the process when using the Planner.

• ADMIN (User name=admin; password=solarsystem) allows complete access to the Planner. You can edit and/or delete any filer or record.
• EDITOR (User name=editor; password=solarwriter) allows you to add and edit all records. It is designed for data entry and should be the account your program uses most often.
• READER (user name=reader; password=solarviewer) allows you to read and view any record and/or report. It is useful for staff that need to see information, but do not need to add and/or edit records.

Print this page and keep it as a handy reference. Now you are ready to enter the SOLAR Home page!

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