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Part 2: A Guide to Assessing Your Head Start Program

Updated: Dec 4, 2023


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Welcome back! In our previous blog post, we set sail on the journey of assessing your Head Start program. But, hey, we've got more ground to cover! So, here's part 2 of our series, where we'll keep exploring the essential steps in your program assessment. Let’s jump into the comprehensive service areas of your program!


  1. Family and Community Engagement: Assess the level of family and community engagement. Determine whether the program effectively involves parents in decision-making, supports their goals, and connects with community resources. Does your program use the Parent Family Community Engagement Framework to guide this work?

  2. Child and Family Outcomes: Measure child and family outcomes to determine the impact of the program. This includes evaluating children's developmental progress, health and nutrition, and the well-being of families. Are your outcomes inclusive of all service areas?

  3. Health and Safety Compliance: Ensure that the program complies with health and safety regulations. Assess the cleanliness and safety of facilities, adherence to health protocols, and emergency preparedness. Do classrooms and sites follow local/state regulations as well?

  4. Financial Oversight: Examine the program's financial management and budgeting practices. Verify that funds are used efficiently and in accordance with federal guidelines. Did your fiscal staff review the FA2 protocol?

  5. Cultural and Linguistic Responsiveness: Evaluate the program's ability to meet the diverse cultural and linguistic needs of enrolled children and families. Ensure that services are culturally sensitive and responsive. Do staff reflect the community it serves?

  6. Review Monitoring and Self-Assessment Data: Leverage data from previous monitoring and self-assessment activities to identify areas of concern or improvement. Assess the program's responsiveness to prior recommendations and findings. Did your program complete a self-assessment last year?

Once your program assessment has been completed, compile the assessment findings and consolidate your findings into a comprehensive report. Clearly identify program strengths and areas for improvement, using data and evidence to support your conclusions. Include an Improvement Plan. Do this by collaboratively creating an improvement plan with program staff to address the identified areas for enhancement. Set measurable goals, timelines, and action steps. Lastly, implement and monitor the Improvement Plan regularly. Make adjustments as needed to ensure that improvements are effective. During this process, continue to engage interested and affected parties. Regular communication with parents, staff, and community partners fosters a sense of ownership and commitment to program quality. Don’t forget to share your program’s assessment findings and improvement plan with program staff, parents, and the governing body.

By following these steps, you can conduct a thorough and effective assessment of your Head Start program, ensuring it meets the needs of children and families while maintaining compliance with federal regulations. Remember, the ultimate goal is to provide the best possible support for the development and well-being of our youngest learners. Program assessment plays a pivotal role in achieving this goal.

As always, for support and guidance throughout this process, reach out to us! Schedule a free, no-obligation discovery call with the Sawyer Consulting Solutions team.



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