2006 What's New Archive

ACF-PI-HS-06-03 Oral Health - Revision
http://www.eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/hslc/Program%20Design%20and%20Management/Head%20Start%20Requirements/PIs/2006/resour_pri_00109_122006.html
This Program Instruction supersedes ACF-PI-06-02. Beginning February 2007, the Office of Head Start (OHS) will monitor compliance with 45 CFR 1304.23 (b) (3). The Office of Head Start's policies and expectations regarding grantee compliance with selected oral health requirements of 45 CFR 1304 Subpart B-Early Childhood Development and Health Services are detailed.

December 8, 2006

ACF-IM-HS-06-07 E-Rate Discounts Available in Select States - Apply Now!
http://www.eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/hslc/Program%20Design%20and%20Management/Head%20Start%20Requirements/IMs/2006/resour_ime_00114a_120706.html
Head Start programs in twenty-seven states are eligible for reduced-priced telecommunication and Internet access charges that can result in substantial savings. Head Start managers should apply on-line at http://www.universalservice.org/menu.asp for the Federal E-Rate program. Applications are due January 10, 2007.

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November 6, 2006

Request for Presenters - The 11th Annual Birth to Three Institute
Presenters are sought in support of BTT's theme: -- Quality Practices for Babies and Toddlers: Systems and Services that Work. The institute will be held June 25-28, 2007 at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel in Washington, DC. Please submit your proposals online at http://ztt.confex.com/ztt/btti07/cfp.cgi or you may access this link from the EHS NRC web site at www.ehsnrc.org.
The deadline for on-line submissions is midnight (ET), Friday, December 8, 2006. Direct your queries to BTTinfo@zerotothree.org.

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October 31, 2006

ACF-PI-HS-06-02 Oral Health
http://www.eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/hslc/Program%20Design%20and%20Management/Head%20Start%20Requirements/PIs/2006/resour_pri_00108_103106.html
This Program Instruction explains the Office of Head Start's policies and expectations regarding grantee compliance with selected oral health requirements of 45 CFR 1304 Subpart B-Early Childhood Development and Health Services.
Beginning January 2008, the Office of Head Start (OHS) will monitor compliance with 45 CFR 1304.23 (b) (3).

October 23, 2006

ACF-IM-HS-06-06 Fiscal Year 2007 PRISM Monitoring
http://www.eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/hslc/Program%20Design%20and%20Management/Head%20Start%20Requirements/IMs/2006/resour_ime_00113_091306.html
In Fiscal Year 2007, OHS is introducing an integrated monitoring review protocol. This integrated protocol contains a set of compliance questions that cover all program service areas and management systems. Each compliance question is directly linked to a regulation; therefore, any review activity including interviews, observations or document reviews relates to a clearly defined performance requirement. This integrated protocol will be available on October 24, 2006 at www.headstartreviews.com.

October 16, 2006

2006-2007 Head Start Fellows Announced
http://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/hslc/Professional%20Development/Professional%20Development%20Resources/prodev_ant_00050_101206.html
Established in 1995, the National Head Start Fellowships Program offers the opportunity to gain first-hand experience and a national perspective on the Office of Head Start and other Federal programs serving children and families. Ten Fellowships were awarded on the basis of demonstrated commitment to the field of early childhood development and education and professional contributions for the term October 2006 - September 2007.

October 13, 2006

ACF-IM-HS-06-05 Head Start Transportation Waivers
http://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/hslc/Program%20Design%20and%20Management/Head%20Start%20Requirements/IMs/2006/resour_ime_00112_101206.html
A change to the Head Start Transportation Regulation (45 CFR part 1310) was announced in the Federal Register October 4, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 192) Page 58533-58536. This final rule authorizes approval of annual waivers, under certain circumstances, from two provisions in the current regulation. These two requirements are that children be secured in age and weight appropriate child restraint systems and that there be at least one monitor onboard any bus transporting Head Start children. The Information Memorandum explains the waiver request submission process and describes circumstances under which waivers will not be granted.

October 10, 2006

NRS Social-Emotional Development Rating
https://www.hsnrs.net
The Fall 2006 Webcast provides information on the NRS Social-Emotional Development Rating. The webcast will be helpful to all Head Start staff as teachers prepare to complete the rating forms. The webcast is approximately 15 minutes long.

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September 20, 2006

Program Instruction ACF-PI-HS-06-01 -- Office of Head Start Policy Clarifications on Hiring of Key Staff and Board Approval of Refunding Proposals and Quality Improvement Plans (QIPs)
http://www.eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/hslc/Program%20Design%20and%20Management/Head%20Start%20Requirements/PIs/2006/resour_pri_00107_091906.html
Clarification is provided on two policy issues. The first is the role that all grantee Boards are expected to play in regard to submission of refunding applications and Quality Improvement Plans. The second is the role that the Regional Office will play when Head Start grantees propose the hiring of new "key personnel".

September 14, 2006

ACF-IM-HS-06-04 On-line Enrollment Reporting
http://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/hslc/Program%20Design%20and%20Management/Head%20Start%20Requirements/IMs/2006/resour_ime_00111_091306.html
End of month enrollment statistics are used by the Office of Head Start to determine whether programs have achieved and maintained their funded enrollment level. Beginning Fall 2006, the Office of Head Start will collect end of month enrollment data from all grantees on a "real-time" basis during the enrollment year. The newly developed End of Month Enrollment Reporting System is a web-based application that programs can conveniently access to submit their data, and will provide the national and regional offices more timely access to this important data.

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August 14, 2006

Assistance to States for the Education of Children With Disabilities and Preschool Grants for Children With Disabilities. Department of Education. Federal Register: August 14, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 156) Page 46539-46845
http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20061800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2006/06-6656.htm
Final regulations are issued governing the Assistance to States for Education of Children with Disabilities Program and the Preschool Grants for Children with Disabilities Program. These regulations are needed to implement changes made to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, as amended by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004 (Act or IDEA).
These regulations take effect on October 13, 2006.

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July 31, 2006

Head Start Research to Practice: Assessing Evidence-Based Head Start Program Activities
http://www.eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/hslc/resources/Research/resour_00001_073106.html
Head Start Program Directors are asked to be part of a new important project, Head Start Research to Practice: Assessing Evidence-Based Head Start Program Activities, being carried out between the Office of Head Start (OHS) and the Office of Planning, Research, and Evaluation (OPRE) at the Administration for Children and Families. The project will collect, review, evaluate and inventory applied research focusing on knowledge and practices that are targeted toward improving outcomes for Head Start.
Head Start Program Directors are asked to submit relevant research studies either electronically or by mail not later than August 31, 2006.

July 14, 2006

Parents' Day Proclamation
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2006/07/20060713-1.html
Citizens, private organizations, and governmental bodies at all levels are encouraged to engage in activities and educational efforts that recognize, support, and honor parents, and [President Bush] encourages American sons and daughters to convey their love, respect, and appreciation to their parents on July 23, 2006.

July 11, 2006

ACF-IM-HS-06-03 Early Childhood Learning and Knowledge Center
http://www.eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/hslc/Program%20Design%20and%20Management/Head%20Start%20Requirements/IMs/2006/resour_ime_00110_060506.html
The Office of Head Start is pleased to announce the launch of a new interactive web site, the Early Childhood Learning and Knowledge Center (ECLKC). [http://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov]
The ECLKC offers relevant, timely information, knowledge and learning to Head Start programs and the early childhood community in an easy-to-use format. It will grow and evolve over the next several years and is designed to be a comprehensive resource for anyone involved with or interested in early childhood education.

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June 30, 2006

ACF-IM-HS-06-02 Extension of the Effective Date for Head Start Vehicle Requirements
http://www.eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/hslc/Program%20Design%20and%20Management/Head%20Start%20Requirements/IMs/2006/resour_ime_00109_060506.html
The President recently signed P.L.109-234 which contains a provision extending the effective date of complying with the requirements of 45 CFR Part 1310.12; i.e. that children are transported in school buses or allowable alternate vehicles, from June 30, 2006 to December 30, 2006.

June 15, 2006

2007 American Dental Association Foundation Harris Grant Applications
http://www.ada.org/ada/prod/adaf/prog_access_harris.asp
Competitive grants of up to $5,000 will be awarded to applicants whose oral health promotion programs are designed to improve and maintain children's oral health through community education programs. In 2007, a total of $210,000 will be available for the program. "The majority of requested funds should be used for materials and/or supplies directly related to oral health education for children. This is an excellent opportunity for community programs, such as Head Start, to obtain funding for supplies (like toothbrushes), often a difficult category to fund." Applications are due by July 10, 2006.

June 6, 2006

Head Start NRS 2006 Training and Certification of Replacement Trainers
http://www.headstartinfo.org/nrs_register.htm
The training provides opportunities for Head Start programs to build or restore internal capacity for implementing the coming and future years of Head Start National Reporting System (NRS) child assessments and/or to build capacity for bilingual/Spanish assessments. These sessions will also include training on the Computer Based Reporting System (CBRS). Limited training opportunities are available to Head Start grantees.
PLEASE NOTE: There is no registration fee to attend the NRS Training.

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May 31, 2006

ACF-IM-HS-06-01 Head Start Transportation
http://www.eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/hslc/Program%20Design%20and%20Management/Head%20Start%20Requirements/IMs/2006/resour_ime_00108_060506.html
A Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) on Head Start Transportation was published in the Federal Register
http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20061800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2006/E6-8222.htm on May 30, 2006.
Head Start and Early Head Start grantees and delegates are encouraged to comment on the NPRM (45 CFR part 1310) which, if finalized, would offer the opportunity for annual waivers, under certain circumstances, of two provisions in the current Head Start transportation regulation, and would revise the definition of child restraint system.

May 24, 2006

Office of Head Start Announced. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families. Federal Register: May 23, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 99) Page 29649-29650
http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20061800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2006/06-4758.htm
The Head Start Bureau will now be known as the Office of Head Start and will no longer be housed in ACYF but will, instead, report directly to the Assistant Secretary for Children and Families. Channell Wilkins will be the Director, Office of Head Start and Frank Fuentes will be the Deputy Director.

May 17, 2006

Head Start Graduate Student Research Grants
http://www.grants.gov/search/search.do?oppId=9514&mode=VIEW
    Funds are provided for Graduate Student Research Grants to support dissertation research by students who are working in partnership with Head Start programs.
    Due date for letter of intent: June 23, 2006
    Due date for applications: July 14, 2006

Physically Healthy and Ready to Learn. (Technical Assistance Paper No.1)
http://www.headstartinfo.org/cgi-bin/pubcatstore.cfm?CatID=404&do=detail
http://www.headstartinfo.org/pdf/HealthTAPaperNo1.pdf
Head Start's overall mission is to help children from low-income families start school ready to learn - to be ready to learn, young children need to be healthy. Healthy Foundation; Ongoing Care; Communication; Health and Safety; and Nutrition are among the ten topics included. The links above enable you to order and/or download the new resource.

May 10, 2006

ACYF-PI-HS-06-06 Fund-raising-Federal Policies
http://www.eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/hslc/Program%20Design%20and%20Management/Head%20Start%20Requirements/PIs/2006/resour_pri_00106_051706.html
Fund-raising activities to generate additional resources to support special projects that Head Start programs would not otherwise be able to afford using only its Head Start grant funds are permissible; provided that they occur within the requirements of applicable grant cost principles, Head Start regulations, and other applicable law. Grantees are reminded of applicable restrictions as well as provided examples of permissible activities.

ACYF-PI-HS-06-05 Loans Incurred By Head Start Programs
http://www.eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/hslc/Program%20Design%20and%20Management/Head%20Start%20Requirements/PIs/2006/resour_pri_00105_051706.html
Grantees are reminded the Federal government has an interest in all equipment acquired with grant funds, as well as real property acquired or upon which major renovation has been undertaken with grant funds and that such property may not be encumbered without the prior approval of the awarding agency. In particular, grantees are not permitted to take out loans using Head Start-purchased equipment or real property as collateral.

May 1, 2006

ACYF-IM-HS-06-04 Head Start Program Information Report, 2005-2006
http://www.eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/hslc/Program%20Design%20and%20Management/Head%20Start%20Requirements/IMs/2006/resour_ime_00106_051706.html
The 2005-2006 Head Start Program Information Report (PIR) data collection will begin Monday, May 15th. All Head Start and Early Head Start grantees and delegate agencies that served children for any length of time during the 2006 enrollment year are required to submit a PIR.
Beginning in 2006, all programs are expected to submit the PIR through the online PIR Reporting System at https://www.pirweb.net. The deadline for submission of the 2006 PIR is August 31, 2006.

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April 25, 2006

ACYF-IM-HS-06-03 Program Information Report (PIR) Validation Study and Program Review Instrument for Systems Monitoring (PRISM) Re-Review Study
http://www.eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/hslc/Program%20Design%20and%20Management/Head%20Start%20Requirements/IMs/2006/resour_ime_00105_051706.html
Two of the most important data sources available to the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) about the Head Start program are the PIR and the PRISM data generated during a grantee's triennial monitoring review. These data are the primary means by which ACF is able to understand both the scope and the quality of services being provided to more than 900,000 Head Start children and families. Toward that end, ACF will undertake a PIR Validation Study and a PRISM Re-Review Study.

April 3, 2006

ACYF-PI-HS-06-04 One-time Program Improvement Funds
http://www.eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/hslc/Program%20Design%20and%20Management/Head%20Start%20Requirements/PIs/2006/resour_pri_00104_051706.html
In FY 2006, the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) will make available one-time Program Improvement funds. These funds are intended to allow Head Start grantees to make one-time investments in improving program quality that would not be possible without this supplemental funding. ACF will be using these one-time funds only to meet grantee needs for items that are non-predictable or non-recurring.

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March 29, 2006

ACYF-PI-HS-06-03 FY 2006 Head Start Funding
http://www.eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/hslc/Program%20Design%20and%20Management/Head%20Start%20Requirements/PIs/2006/resour_pri_00103a_051706.html
Public Law 109-149 mandated a one percent rescission in virtually all discretionary programs. Grantees have several options to consider when deciding how to use Fiscal Year (FY) 2006 grant funds in a manner that will support high-quality Head Start services in a cost-effective manner while maintaining grantee commitments related to enrollment. The Program Instruction provides grantees guidance on the options.

March 23, 2006

Spring 2006 NRS Webcast
https://www.hsnrs.net/webcast06.jsp
View the webcast video or read the transcript, and download PowerPoint presentations about the NRS Assessment. The Power Point presentations include the Fall 2005 Results of NRS, Spring 2006 Procedures, and Quality Assurance Study Slides. You must log in to CBRS to access the Spring NRS Refresher Training materials. Please send questions to: hsnrshelp@westat.com

March 17, 2006

Head Start Statistical Fact Sheet, 2006
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/hsb/research/2006.htm
FY 2005 data on Head Start includes descriptive information about Head Start children and families and state funding and enrollment levels. Also included are historical data on Head Start funding and enrollment levels from 1965-2004.

March 14, 2006

Family Income Guidelines - Military Income
http://www.irs.gov/publications/p3/ar02.html#d0e350
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) provides information that will assist programs in determining what is included or excluded from the gross income of those families with members in the armed forces for the purpose of determining eligibility for Head Start.

March 10, 2006

ACYF-IM-HS-06-02 Family Income Guidelines
http://www.eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/hslc/Program%20Design%20and%20Management/Head%20Start%20Requirements/IMs/2006/resour_ime_00104a_031306.html
Children are eligible to participate in Head Start if they are from low-income families or if their families are eligible for public assistance. The 2006 Family Income Guidelines (attached) must be used to determine eligibility for Head Start for families who are eligible because they have low- incomes.
In the near future we will be developing guidance on how military income should be counted for purposes of determining Head Start eligibility.

March 2, 2006

Save Your Vision Week
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2006/02/20060228-1.html
George W. Bush, President of the United States of America, proclaims March 5 through March 11, 2006, as Save Your Vision Week. All Americans are encouraged to make eye care and eye safety an important part of their lives.

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February 24, 2006

Changes to NRS materials order due by March 15, 2006
http://www.headstartinfo.org/nrs_i&r.htm
    Head Start programs that need to make changes and/or corrections to their NRS materials order should do so by March 15, 2006. Changes and/or corrections, if warranted, should be made to:
           NRS Contact Information
           NRS Shipping Information
           Program Demographic Information
                Program Closing Date (last date children attend Spring, 2006)
                Number of Students to Be Assessed
                     English Speaking
                     Spanish Speaking
                Number of Trained Assessors
                     English Language
                     Spanish Language
                     Bilingual
           Materials needed

If you have any questions regarding your order, please call Head Start Information and Publication Center toll-free 1-866-763-6481.

February 22, 2006

Annual Update of the HHS Poverty Guidelines. Federal Register: January 24, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 15) Page 3848-3849
http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20061800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2006/06-624.htm
    This notice provides an update of the HHS poverty guidelines to account for last calendar year's increase in prices as measured by the Consumer Price Index.
     As required by law, this update is accomplished by increasing the latest published Census Bureau poverty thresholds by the relevant percentage change in the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U). The guidelines in this 2006 notice reflect the 3.4 percent price increase between calendar years 2004 and 2005. After this inflation adjustment, the guidelines are rounded and adjusted to standardize the differences between family sizes. The same calculation procedure was used this year as in previous years. (Note that these 2006 guidelines are roughly equal to the poverty thresholds for calendar year 2005 which the Census Bureau expects to publish in final form in August 2006.)
     Effective Date: Date of publication, unless an office administering a program using the guidelines specifies a different effective date for that particular program.
     Contact: For information about how the guidelines are used or how income is defined in a particular program, contact the Federal, state, or local office that is responsible for that program.

February 8, 2006

ACYF-IM-HS-06-01 Transportation Waivers and Effective Date Extensions.
http://www.eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/hslc/Program%20Design%20and%20Management/Head%20Start%20Requirements/IMs/2006/resour_ime_00103a_011306.html
The new second edition of this essential reference is now available for downloading. Planning and designing new Head Start centers and/or expanding or renovating existing centers are challenging tasks requiring considerable guidance. Head Start center design teams, grantees, architects, and engineers are among those who will find these benchmarks for best practice helpful. The recommendations are intended to establish optimal design.

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January 31, 2006

ACYF-PI-HS-06-02 Fiscal Year (FY) 2006 Head Start Funding
http://www.eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/hslc/Program%20Design%20and%20Management/Head%20Start%20Requirements/PIs/2006/resour_pri_00102_031306.html
Two pieces of legislation impact Head Start funding for FY 2006. In the first measure, funding would have been the same for FY 2006 as it was in FY 2005. In the second piece of legislation, FY 2006 funding allocation for all Head Start grantees is reduced one percent. ACF Regional Offices will notify grantees of their new FY 2006 allocation.
Also in the second measure, Head Start is provided with $90 million dollars for one-time hurricane relief funding. This emergency funding will be used to serve children displaced by Hurricanes Katrina or Rita and to renovate facilities that were damaged by these hurricanes.

January 30, 2006

Use of Grants.Gov Suspended for Continuation or Refunding Head Start Applications
    Errors have been detected in the current Grants.gov Head Start electronic application package. These errors result in inaccurate values in some of the form fields.
    Until the errors have been corrected, the Administration for Children and Families Office of Information Services in consultation with the Head Start Bureau has suspended collection of the Grants.gov Head Start electronic application package for continuation or refunding applications effective immediately.
    Once the errors have been corrected, the Head Start Bureau will pilot the application with a small number of grantees before expanding to a larger number or recommending its usage by all Head Start grantees.
    During this period of retesting and piloting, Head Start grantees should continue to submit their continuation or refunding applications using the Head Start GABI process at http://www.acfgabi.com. Please contact your Regional Office if you have submission questions.

January 24, 2006

National Head Start Oral Health Resource Center
http://www.mchoralhealth.org/HeadStart/
The resource center collects, reviews, and disseminates Head Start oral health technical and programmatic information and materials. The information and materials are intended for health professionals and families. They include: Forum reports at national, regional and state levels; Links to relevant web sites; Materials including pamphlets, videos, curricula, etc.; Partnership Projects; and Regional consultants.

January 20, 2006

Medicare Prescription Drug Program
http://www.cms.hhs.gov/Partnerships/Downloads/PartnerLetter113.pdf
A letter from Dr. Mark B. McClellan, CMS Administrator, regarding the current status of implementation of the Medicare drug benefit, contains details about improvements being made to the operation of this new program. The steps include: Systems, States, Expedited Cost Sharing Approvals, Transition Policies, and Casework services.

January 12, 2006

Aids for Tax Preparers Assisting Taxpayers Affected by the 2005 Hurricanes.
http://www.headstartinfo.org/hurricane_rir.htm
    A pair of aids, a comprehensive Disaster Services Referral Guide to information and forms and Instructions for the Use of Disaster Services Referral Guide, is available. They are intended for use by IRS employees and volunteers at IRS Volunteer Return Preparation Program sites (VITA, TCE, Military VITA, etc.) who help taxpayers affected by the 2005 hurricanes.

        Disaster Services Referral Guide
        http://www.irs.gov/individuals/article/0,,id=150899,00.html

        Instructions for the Use of Disaster Services Referral Guide
        http://www.headstartinfo.org/pdf/ins_disaster_referral.pdf

January 9, 2006

ACYF-PI-HS-06-01 Appropriate Use of Head Start State Collaboration Office Grant Funds
http://www.eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/hslc/Program%20Design%20and%20Management/Head%20Start%20Requirements/PIs/2006/resour_pri_00101_031306.html
The Head Start Bureau is reissuing these instructions to ensure the appropriate use of Head Start State Collaboration Office (HSSCO) grant funds, including appropriate forms of providing sub-contracts with grant funds. These requirements were first issued in January 1999 and continue to be enforced by the Head Start Bureau.

January 5, 2006

ACYF-IM-HS-06-01 Transportation Waivers and Effective Date Extensions
http://www.eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/hslc/Program%20Design%20and%20Management/Head%20Start%20Requirements/IMs/2006/resour_ime_00103a_011306.html
     The Labor-HHS-Education FY 2006 appropriations bill extends the effective date of 45 CFR Part 1310.12(a) until July 1, 2006 when all Head Start children must be transported on a compliant vehicle. In addition, the bill allows the Secretary to grant waivers to two of the requirements of the transportation regulation - the mandated use of child restraint systems and the requirement that each bus have at least one bus monitor. ACF will, at this point, consider waiver requests that cover the remainder of the agency's current program year.

     Such requests should be submitted using the form attached to the IM and should be sent as an e-mail attachment to HSTransportationWaiver@Cleverex.com

     Grantees may alternatively fax their waiver requests to 240 238-9769 or mail them to the following address:

           Head Start Transportation Waiver Request
           Cleverex Systems
           1801 Robert Fulton Drive
           Suite 500
           Reston, VA 20191

     Grantees should also send their waiver request to their ACF Regional Office.

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