Head Start Act, Performance Standards
Submitted on: November 20, 2020https://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/policy/head-start-act
OHS COVID-19 Updates
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has deeply impacted Head Start and Early Head Start programs, enrolled children and families, and their communities. This section is regularly updated with guidance and resources from the Office of Head Start (OHS) to help all programs support staff, children, and families during this challenging time.
Head Start Act
On December 12, 2007, former President Bush signed Public Law 110-134 "Improving Head Start for School Readiness Act of 2007"[PDF, 278KB] reauthorizing the Head Start program. This law contains significant revisions to the previous Head Start Act and authorizes Head Start through September 30, 2012
About the Office of Head Start
The Head Start and Early Head Start programs are administered by the Office of Head Start, within the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
The Office of Head Start (OHS) administers grant funding and oversight to the 1,600 public and private nonprofit and for-profit agencies that provide Head Start services in local communities. Head Start and Early Head Start grantees provide services to over a million children every year, in every U.S. state and territory, in farm worker camps, and in over 155 tribal communities.
OHS provides federal policy direction, ongoing oversight, and a training and technical assistance (T/TA) system to assist grantees in providing comprehensive services to eligible young children and their families
https://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/policy/45-cfr-chap-xiii
Head Start Program Performance Standards
Head Start agencies that provide services to children and families must meet the Head Start Program Performance Standards and the requirements set forth in the Head Start Act of 2007. The Office of Head Start (OHS) also offers direction through Program Instructions (PIs) and Information Memorandums (IMs). More guidance is available to grantees through their federal program specialist.