Program Governance
Major Federal Performance Standards
- Establish and maintain a formal structure of shared governance through which parents can participate in policy making or in other decisions about the program, including a Policy Council at the grantee level, one or more Policy Committees at the delegate level, and Parent Committees at the center level for center-based programs and at an equivalent level for non-center-based options.
- Require governing bodies to propose the total size of their policy groups, the procedures for the election of parent members, and the procedures for the selection of community representatives. Note that Policy Council and Policy Committees must have a membership of at least 51 percent parents of currently enrolled children; all parent members must stand for election annually and community representatives selected annually; no member may serve more than three one-year terms; and no grantee or delegate agency staff (or their immediate families) may serve on Policy Councils or Policy Committees.
- Ensure Policy Councils work with management staff and the governing body to develop, review, and approve or disapprove all funding applications and amendments; share decision-making about procedures for program planning, long and short-range goals and objectives, the selection of delegate agencies and their service areas, the composition of the policy groups and their selection procedures, criteria for recruitment, selection and enrollment of children, the annual self-assessment, personnel policies, and decisions to hire or terminate the Head Start director, and decisions to hire or terminate any other individuals who work primarily for Head Start; and assist Parent Committees in such areas as planning, coordinating, and organizing activities for parents.
- Use the Parent Committee(s) to advise staff in developing and implementing policies, activities, and service plan, conduct, and participate in programs and activities for parents and staff.
- Implement written policies that define the roles and responsibilities of the governing body and establish appropriate internal controls to safeguard Federal funds.
- Establish written procedures for resolving internal disputes.
Management Systems and Procedures
Major Federal Performance Standards
- Develop and implement a systematic, ongoing process of program planning that includes an assessment of community strengths, needs, and resources and the development of long-range and short-range goals and objectives and written plans for implementing services in all program areas.
- Establish and implement communication systems among staff, with families, with governing bodies and policy groups, and with delegate agencies.
- Establish and maintain efficient and effective record-keeping and reporting systems which provide accurate and timely information regarding children, families, and staff and ensure confidentiality.
- Conduct an annual self-assessment of the program’s effectiveness and progress in meeting its goals and objectives and in implementing Federal regulations.
Facilities, Materials, and Equipment
Major Federal Performance Standards
- Provide a physical environment that is conducive to learning and reflective of the different stages of development of children;
- Provide for the maintenance, repair, safety, and security of all Head Start facilities, materials, and equipment.
- Maintain an environment free of toxins, including cigarette smoke, pesticides, herbicides, and other air pollutants; as well as soil and water contaminants;
- Conduct an annual safety inspection to ensure that each facility’s space, light, ventilation, heat, and other physical arrangements are consistent with the health, safety, and developmental needs of children; and,
- Provide and arrange sufficient equipment, toys, materials, and furniture to meet the needs and facilitate the participation of adults and children.
