Interim Head Start Services

Current as of: June 30, 2023

Group of children in a daycare setting with teacher.

In communities throughout the country where the local Head Start or Early Head Start program can no longer operate, the Office of Head Start (OHS) Interim Management offers Head Start services. This happens when the entity that had been offering Head Start services has relinquished its funding, is under suspension, or has had its grant terminated by OHS.

OHS makes every effort to support continuity of Head Start services when existing grant recipients are no longer operational. OHS Interim Management gives administration and oversight of the day-to-day Head Start and Early Head Start services while offering the least disruption possible to children, families, and staff.

Families Are Our First Priority

Children enrolled in Head Start programs with the previous grant recipient continue to be enrolled under OHS Interim Management. With the cooperation of the previous grant recipient, child files and family contact information, as well as waitlists, can be transferred to OHS Interim Management, minimizing the burden on families.

Soon after OHS Interim Management begins to run the program, the responsibilities of the previously elected Policy Council and the former grant recipient's board of directors end. A separate governance structure is determined, and a new Policy Council is elected using the administrative processes of the OHS Interim Management bylaws. Elections are held through the parent committees and in accordance with the Head Start Program Performance Standards.

The contribution of parents and community members continue to be highly valuable. OHS Interim Management needs their input and support to develop a high-quality program.

Local Staff Are Essential

OHS Interim Management often assigns a site manager, lead site manager, program director, and team of content area specialists to support program operations, staff development, and progress in meeting all Head Start Program Performance Standards.

OHS recognizes that consistency in staff is advantageous for children. The existing staff maintain critical relationships with children, families, and community partners. OHS Interim Management is often supported by a contractor who generally hires qualified staff into positions similar to what they held under the previous grant recipient.

With cooperation from the previous grant recipient, OHS Interim Management usually comes onsite to speak directly with staff about opportunities for employment. An orientation and job fair is held where potential applicants can learn about new terms and conditions of employment and decide whether they want to apply for a position. An offer of employment is neither promised nor guaranteed. If offered employment, it is the applicant's choice whether to accept the offer; this is not automatic.

The employee's new employer is the entity contracted to provide OHS Interim Management in that community. This contractor is often, but not always, Community Development Institute (CDI) Head Start.

Upon offer of employment, each employee will receive an organizational chart showing Head Start positions and supervisors for each position. Early in the OHS Interim Management's administration of the program, the structure is evaluated to make sure it is sufficient for optimal program operations. To meet the needs of the program, the organizational chart is revised based on the size and scope of the program and its ability to meet the budget.

Find an interim management job with CDI Head Start .

Vendors Support Our Mission

Vendor services are essential to continued Head Start program operations. Establishing and maintaining accounts in good standing is a priority for OHS Interim Management. OHS Interim Management has no legal or historic relationship to the prior grant recipient. As a new entity, OHS Interim Management needs a new account number and a new contract for each vendor. CDI Head Start is often the entity that provides OHS Interim Management.

OHS Interim Management will call and send a letter of interest to vendors it is interested in contracting for services. These accounts and contracts will be initiated when Head Start services resume.

OHS Interim Management is not liable for, nor is it permitted to issue, payments for expenses incurred by the prior grant recipient. Any matters related to outstanding bills and debt need to be addressed with the entity sponsoring the Head Start program at the time those expenses were incurred. OHS Interim Management will pay vendors with established accounts after the official start date for OHS Interim Management operations.

Community Partnerships Remain a Cornerstone

OHS Interim Management will continue to work with community partners that have relationships with Head Start and Early Head Start programs. OHS Interim Management will contact existing community partners to discuss the establishment of services and to establish new contracts and agreements.

Current Updates for Service Areas Under OHS Interim Management

The Office of Head Start Interim Management has operations in several communities. Find key information for families and staff below:

Media Contacts

Our communities look to the media for accurate and up-to-date information. Please contact media@acf.hhs.gov or 202-401-9215 for information regarding OHS Interim Management.