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Tribal Request for Information 2024

In March 2024, the Office of Head Start (OHS) issued a Request for Information (RFI) in the Federal Register, Request for Information: Office of Head Start Tribal Programs. Its goal was to gather comprehensive feedback from Tribal leaders, program staff, families, and other stakeholders on the needs and challenges of American Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN) Head Start programs. The public comment period was open for six months and closed on Sept. 16, 2024.

The RFI focused on 13 key areas, including:

  • Eligibility
  • Program Options
  • Quality Environments
  • Child Health and Safety
  • Tribal Language Preservation, Maintenance, Revitalization, and Restoration
  • Family and Community Engagement
  • Investing in the Workforce
  • Training and Technical Assistance (TTA)
  • Supporting Partnerships with State Systems
  • Facilities
  • Fiscal Operations and Management
  • Early Childhood Systems
  • Other Topics

During the comment period, stakeholders provided valuable insights into the key areas. They emphasized the importance of culturally responsive practices, the integration of Indigenous Knowledge, and the critical role of Tribal sovereignty in program design. Feedback included calls for enhanced language preservation efforts, increased workforce investment, and tailored TTA to address the unique needs of AIAN communities.

This page includes informational resources, including a summary of comments received, fact sheet, and on-demand listening sessions or other engagement activities.

OHS Tribal Programs RFI Summary Report

The RFI feedback and insights report, completed in October 2024, reflects the collective voices of Tribal stakeholders and their unwavering commitment to the well-being of AIAN children and families. This feedback will inform OHS in future policies, training and technical assistance, and support to strengthen AIAN Head Start programs while honoring nation-to-nation relationships.

Federal Register Notice

Read the Request for Information: Office of Head Start Tribal Programs. Public comments on this RFI were solicited to ensure that any changes that need to be made to existing OHS requirements, regulations and TTA supports are informed by consultation from Tribal nations, AIAN Head Start staff, and the families they serve.

Informational Webinar

In the Introducing the Tribal Request for Information webinar, OHS leadership and staff discuss the different topics and questions covered in the tribal RFI.

Fact Sheet

Read a concise overview of the topics covered and how to submit comments on the RFI while the public comment period was still open.

Dear Tribal Leader Letter

Read Director Garvin’s letter to tribal leaders that formally notified them of the topics covered and how to submit comments on the RFI during the public comment period.

Listening Sessions and Engagement Activities

In these videos, Director Garvin introduced the Tribal RFI and encouraged viewers to submit comments before the Sept. 16, 2024 deadline.

OHS also hosted a series of listening sessions, a Tribal Consultation, and other activities to hear directly from tribal leaders and communities on how to strengthen rules, regulations, and TTA supports. Comments received during these events were included for public comment in the Federal Register.

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