These resources explain why and how programs conduct an annual review of internal data to assess progress in achieving goals, objectives, expected outcomes, and compliance with federal requirements. Internal data sources may include child assessment, professional development, and family engagement data.
Community assessment and self-assessment together make up one of the 12 program management systems of the Management Systems Wheel.
In this resource, learn how to align state early learning and development guidelines with the Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework. Use this tool to help early childhood sectors work better together.
A self-assessment each year helps Head Start programs plan and grow around their strengths and needs.
Community and self-assessment systems highlight the two starting points for the program planning process. Community assessment is the initial focus on external factors for new and existing programs, ensuring they are providing the right services to the right population. Self-assessment, with its focus on internal factors like ongoing monitoring data, supports the continuous quality improvement process which occurs annually.
Use this nine-phase interactive learning module to walk through through the process of planning and executing an annual Head Start program self-assessment.