Eligibility, Recruitment, Selection, Enrollment, and Attendance (ERSEA) tasks are some of the most important work performed by Head Start programs. ERSEA governs how programs determine eligibility, enroll children, and track attendance. Discover resources to help programs assess the needs of their communities and recruit the children and families most in need. Explore materials and tools to help programs market their services, and develop and implement selection criteria. Also, find resources to identify community partners and better address community needs.
Eligibility is the first step and a key component in implementing ERSEA services. These strategies and guiding questions help programs identify and enroll children and families with the greatest need.
Recruiting for Head Start programs is a systematic year-round process. These strategies and guiding questions help programs manage data-informed and measurable recruitment efforts.
Programs must identify and enroll children and families who are most in need of Head Start services. These strategies and guiding questions help programs implement thoughtful selection policies and procedures.
Explore Eligibility, Recruitment, Selection, Enrollment, and Attendance (ERSEA) systems to help programs enroll the neediest families in a timely manner. Find tips and questions to stay at full enrollment all year.
Learn about strategies programs can use to work with key stakeholders to promote regular attendance. These strategies and guiding questions help grantees develop policies around program attendance.
This resource outlines strategies and guiding questions to help programs build and maintain responsive ERSEA systems.
Log Number: ACF-IM-HS-22-09 | Issuance Date: 11-07-2022
Head Start programs can use the video Head Start Cares About Your Whole Family to recruit new families. Review this guidance for how to integrate the video into your recruitment strategies.
This video highlights the Head Start strengths-based approach that recognizes families as their children’s first teachers and honors cultural perspectives when building relationships with families.
Watch this webinar to hear OHS leadership discuss the addition of receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Benefits to the Head Start eligibility criteria.