Explore the Office of Head Start approach to monitoring that ensures consistent quality and accountability of Head Start programs across the country, as well as opportunities for continuous improvement. 

Monitoring review reports summarize the results of on-site reviews that assess grant recipient compliance with requirements governing Head Start programs.

Check this page for FAQs about open notices of funding opportunities (NOFOs) from the Office of Head Start.

The Research to Practice Series addresses each of the Family Engagement Outcomes of the Office of Head Start (OHS) Parent, Family, and Community Engagement (PFCE) Framework.

The community assessment describes the context in which Head Start programs operate and is useful for ensuring that the correct services are provided to the appropriate population. This resource can assist program staff in coordinating their efforts to gather information required for a community assessment. The assessment paints a picture of the community and describes the diverse needs of families who may receive services. In addition, the community assessment covers the community's history, its economic and political scene, and its strengths and challenges.

One-third of the children in Head Start programs are dual language learners (DLLs) who are learning English while also learning their home language. Virtually all of these children will code switch. In other words, they mix two or more languages in the same sentence while speaking. It is important that teachers, home visitors, and other staff understand what code switching is, the role it plays in language development, and how to respond to it.

Head Start programs are increasingly involved in efforts to assist adult family members in gaining parenting skills that can both promote positive social-emotional development and prevent challenging behaviors. In recent years, a number of formal parenting curricula have been developed and researched. We have identified five such programs with promising effects.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued new federal crib safety regulations that will become effective Dec. 28, 2012. All cribs provided by Head Start programs must meet these new standards. Programs may use this information to learn more about how to comply with these new crib safety regulations.

The Head Start program launched 34 American Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN) Head Start programs in the summer of 1965.