This learning module takes you on a road trip with the Moving Forward Head Start program. It explores a nine-phase process of planning and executing Head Start's required annual self-assessment.

About the Module

Self-Assessment: Your Annual Journey is a self-directed, interactive training module. It leads participants through the process of planning and executing an annual Head Start program self-assessment. 

Go with the Moving Forward Head Start program through the transition from ongoing monitoring to self-assessment, and end with a move back into the program planning cycle. Along the way, you'll practice each key aspect of self-assessment in the phases below.

This module takes approximately one hour to complete. We strongly recommend you work through each phase. Revisit the module at any time to review the phases that best match your interest, knowledge, and needs regarding the annual self-assessment.
 

Overview

Learn about new thinking and best practices for the annual Self-Assessment.

PRE: From Ongoing Monitoring to Self-Assessment

Prioritize what to bring to the annual Self-Assessment.

Phase 1: Design the Process

Identify and invite the right team members to join the team.

Phase 2: Engage the Team

Orient your Self-Assessment team. Keep your team on the right path with helpful facilitation techniques.

Phase 3: Analyze and Dialogue

Explore data analysis techniques and keep dialogue flowing throughout the team process.

Phase 4: Recommend

Group discoveries into themes. Sort recommendations based on these themes into: Progress on Goals and Objectives, Systemic Issues, and/or Innovations.

Phase 5: Prepare Report

Determine where information belongs in the final report.

POST: From Self-Assessment to Program Planning

Make the link from Self-Assessment back to each part of ongoing program planning.

Wrap-Up

Download all resources and forms from this module.

• Overview
  • Learn about new thinking and best practices for the annual self-assessment.
• PRE: From Ongoing Monitoring to Self-Assessment
  • Prioritize what to bring to the annual self-assessment. 
• Phase 1: Design the Process
  • Identify and invite the right team members to join the team. 
• Phase 2: Engage the Team
  • Orient your self-assessment team.
  • Keep your team on the right path with helpful facilitation techniques. 
• Phase 3: Analyze and Dialogue
  • Explore data analysis techniques.
  • Keep dialogue flowing throughout the team process. 
• Phase 4: Recommend
  • Group discoveries into themes.
  • Sort recommendations based on these themes into:
    • Progress on Goals and Objectives
    • Systemic Issues
    • Innovations
• Phase 5: Prepare Report 
  • Determine where information belongs in the final report. 
• POST: From Self-Assessment to Program Planning
  • Make the link from self-assessment back to each part of ongoing program planning.
• Wrap-up
  • Test your knowledge about the self-assessment process.

Materials

Facilitator's Guide
Use this guide to support Head Start leaders in facilitating an annual self-assessment. Find tips on how to plan the process, prioritize issues, build the team, and conduct the self-assessment. It also includes a sample self-assessment report and three fillable forms, the Ongoing Monitoring Summary and two versions of Progress on Goals and Objectives.

Orientation to the Self-Assessment Process in Head Start
Customize these PowerPoint slides to orient your self-assessment team. The slide deck can be a valuable reference throughout the process but is used most often during Phase 2: Engage the Team. It offers a 30-minute overview of the Head Start program, the self-assessment process, and what self-assessment team members can expect as they embark on their work. Available as a PDF.

Self-Assessment: Your Annual Journey Text Version
This file contains the information found in the interactive tool.

Related Resources

Learning for New Leaders: Self-Assessment
This session is an alternative training tool for exploring the nuts and bolts of the self-assessment journey. Learn about new thinking and best practices and how to use the self-assessment report as a source of vital data for the planning process.

Last Updated: June 2, 2021