Purpose of the Tribal Consultations

In response to the Improving Head Start for School Readiness Act of 2007 (Public Law 110-134), the Office of Head Start is holding one-day Tribal Consultation sessions with the leadership of Tribal Governments operating Head Start (including Early Head Start) programs. The purpose of these consultation sessions is to discuss ways to better meet the needs of American Indian and Alaska Native children and their families.

Who Can Attend?

By law, the consultations sessions will be conducted with elected or appointed leaders of Tribal Governments and their designated representatives [42.U.S.C. 9835, Section 640(l)(4)(A)]. Representatives from Tribal organizations and Native nonprofit organizations are welcome to attend as observers. Head Start directors are also welcome to attend.

How Can I Contribute?

Tribal leaders and designated representatives interested in submitting written testimony or proposing agenda topics for a Consultation session should contact Angie Godfrey, regional program manager, Region XI, Office of Head Start  at Angie.Godfrey@acf.hhs.gov or 202-205-5811. Proposals must be submitted at least three days in advance of the Consultation session and include a brief description of the topic area along with the name and contact information of the suggested presenter.

Designated Representatives and Observers

The consultation session will be conducted with elected or appointed leaders of Tribal Governments and their designated representatives. Designees must have a letter from the Tribal Government authorizing them to represent the Tribe. The letter must be submitted at least three days in advance of the Consultation session to Angie Godfrey at Angie.Godfrey@acf.hhs.gov. Representatives of tribal organizations and Native nonprofit organizations are welcome to attend as observers.

How Can I Get More Information?

A detailed report of each consultation session will be prepared and made available within 45 days of each consultation to all Tribal Governments receiving funds for Head Start (including Early Head Start) programs. If you have questions, contact Angie Godfrey, Angie.Godfrey@acf.hhs.gov or 202-205-5811.

Last Updated: May 20, 2024