Effective Oct. 13, 2022, the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Xavier Becerra has extended the public health emergency that was initially declared on Jan. 27, 2020, and has been renewed every 90 days. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has deeply impacted Head Start and Early Head Start programs, enrolled children and families, and their communities. The Secretary has the authority, under Section 319 of the Public Health Service Act, to determine that a public health emergency exists. Once a declaration is made, it remains in effect for 90 days and can be extended.

Effective March 7, 2023, all Head Start programs are required to have a COVID-19 mitigation strategy, developed in consultation with their Health Services Advisory Committee. Check out the collection of Head Start resources to learn more about how the requirements announced in the Final Rule will help mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

This section was 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.

5/1/2023: Head Start Vaccine and Testing Announcement

HHS announced that it intends to remove the regulatory requirement for vaccines in Head Start programs for staff, contractors, and volunteers, as well as the weekly testing requirement for individuals granted an exemption from the vaccine requirement.

4/6/2023: Update on Vaccine and Testing Requirements

Read more about the court order that vacates the Vaccine and Mask Requirements to Mitigate the Spread of COVID-19 in Head Start Programs, 86 Fed. Reg. 68052, (Nov. 30, 2021) (the “Interim Final Rule” or “IFC”).

2/16/2023: COVID-19 Grant Closeout

In this webinar, staff from OHS and the Office of Grants Management discuss how to close out COVID-19 grants.

1/20/2023: Final Rule on Mitigating the Spread of COVID-19 in Head Start Programs

Watch this webinar to hear OHS leadership discuss the Final Rule on Mitigating the Spread of COVID-19 in Head Start programs. 

1/6/2023: ACF-PI-HS-23-01 Supplementary Information on Establishing an Evidence-based COVID-19 Mitigation Policy

This Program Instruction provides supplementary information to support Head Start grant recipients in developing the required evidence-based COVID-19 mitigation policy. 

1/6/2023: Mitigating the Spread of COVID-19 in Head Start Programs

Read the Final Rule that requires Head Start programs to have an evidence-based COVID-19 mitigation policy, developed in consultation with their Health Services Advisory Committee (HSAC), by March 7, 2023. 

9/21/2022: Litigation Update

As of Sept. 21, 2022, following a decision by the United States District Court for the Western District of Louisiana, implementation and enforcement of Vaccine and Mask Requirements to Mitigate the Spread of COVID-19 in Head Start Programs, 86 Fed. Reg. 68052 (Nov. 30, 2021) (the “Interim Final Rule” or “IFC”), is permanently enjoined in the following 24 states: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, West Virginia, and Wyoming. Head Start, Early Head Start, and Early Head Start-Child Care Partnership grant recipients in those 24 states are not required to comply with the IFC.

9/16/2022: Head Start Mask Announcement

In the near future, the Administration for Children and Families intends to publish a final rule to formally remove the requirement for masking in Head Start programs.

8/29/2022: Pediatric Vaccines and Other COVID-19 Considerations for Program Year 2022-23

View this webinar to learn more about the most up to date COVID-19 health and safety information as well as strategies for increasing pediatric vaccination uptake.

8/22/2022: Masks and Vaccines in Head Start Programs

As the 2022-2023 program year begins, Katie Hamm provides an update on the COVID-19 mitigation requirements for Head Start programs. The Office of Head Start is working hard to finalize these regulations.

7/1/2022: Joint Letter About COVID-19 Vaccinations for Children Ages 6 Months to 5 Years

Read a letter from the U.S. Departments of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Education (ED) about encouraging parents and guardians to understand and access COVID-19 vaccines for all children 6 months of age and older, which will be available at no cost. It features resources to help early care and education programs connect parents with trusted medical providers, distribute accurate and easy-to-read vaccine information, and partner with community health care providers to host a COVID-19 vaccination clinic.

6/24/2022: Vaccination for Head Start Children

Get the latest CDC guidance on COVID-19 vaccination for children aged 6 months to 5 years. Find resources to share accurate information about the pediatric vaccine.

6/1/2022: Expectations for the 2022-2023 Program Year

Watch this webinar to hear updated guidance from OHS leadership about the coming program year.

5/10/2022: Performance Progress Reporting

Watch this webinar to learn about submitting performance progress reports associated with COVID-19 funding. Hear from Office of Head Start staff on how grant recipients have used COVID-19 funds to serve children and families in creative and innovative ways.

5/4/2022: Correction to ACF-IM-HS-21-01 Updated COVID-19 Fiscal and Administrative Flexibilities

ACF-IM-HS-21-01 has been corrected to note the following waivers — prior approval for the purchase of equipment, budget modifications, and procurement by noncompetitive proposals — are in effect until M-21-20 Appendix 3 – Disaster Relief Flexibilities to Reduce Burden for Financial Assistance expires or is rescinded.

3/4/2022: Litigation Update

On March 4, 2022, the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan denied the motion of the plaintiffs in Livingston, et al. v. Becerra, et al., 22-cv-10127 (E.D. Mich.) for a preliminary injunction and dissolved the temporary restraining order on the implementation and enforcement of the vaccine provision of the Vaccine and Mask Requirements to Mitigate the Spread of COVID-19 in Head Start Programs, 86 Fed. Reg. 68052 (Nov. 30, 2021) (the “Interim Final Rule” or “IFC”).

2/28/2022: Updated CDC Mask Recommendations

New CDC mask recommendations differ from the masking requirement in the Vaccine and Mask Requirements IFC. OHS is reviewing the new CDC recommendations and finalizing the regulation. While reviewing the guidelines, OHS will not evaluate compliance with the mask requirement in its program monitoring. At this time, the IFC remains the applicable regulation for Head Start programs.

2/16/2022: Auditing the Head Start Program: COVID-19 Implications and Other Program Updates

This webinar, co-sponsored by the Office of Head Start (OHS) and the Government Audit Quality Center (GAQC), provides information to assist auditors working with Head Start programs. Learn implications of legislation issued in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, including the American Rescue Plan Act. Explore changes made to the Head Start program section in the 2021 Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Compliance Supplement. Review the unique financial, compliance, and operational aspects of the program, as well as areas of higher risk.

1/31/2022: Litigation Update

On January 31, 2022, following a decision by the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan, implementation and enforcement of the vaccine provision of the Vaccine and Mask Requirements to Mitigate the Spread of COVID-19 in Head Start Programs, 86 Fed. Reg. 68052 (Nov. 30, 2021) (the “Interim Final Rule” or “IFC”), was temporarily enjoined as to the 56 unvaccinated individuals identified in the Plaintiffs’ Complaint in Livingston, et al. v. Becerra, et al., 22-cv-10127 (E.D. Mich.), and the number of unvaccinated individuals then employed in Head Start programs in Walled Lake Consolidated School District. The motion was denied on March 4, 2022.

1/5/2022: Update on the Full Enrollment Initiative

In her latest blog, Dr. Futrell announces that OHS will not resume the evaluation of which programs will enter into the Full Enrollment Initiative beginning in January 2022 due to recent COVID-19 developments.

1/3/2022: Litigation Update

As of Jan. 1, 2022, following a decision by the United States District Court for the Western District of Louisiana, implementation and enforcement of Vaccine and Mask Requirements to Mitigate the Spread of COVID-19 in Head Start Programs, 86 Fed. Reg. 68052 (Nov. 30, 2021) (the “Interim Final Rule” or “IFC”), is preliminarily enjoined in the following 24 states: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, West Virginia, and Wyoming. Head Start, Early Head Start, and Early Head Start-Child Care Partnership grant recipients in those 24 states are not required to comply with the IFC pending future developments in the litigation. 

1/1/2022: Litigation Update

As of Dec. 31, 2021, following a decision by the United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas, implementation and enforcement of the Vaccine and Mask Requirements to Mitigate the Spread of COVID-19 in Head Start Programs, 86 Fed. Reg. 68052 (Nov. 30, 2021) (the "Interim Final Rule" or IFC), is preliminarily enjoined in Texas. Head Start, Early Head Start, and Early Head Start-Child Care Partnership grant recipients in Texas are not required to comply with the IFC pending future developments in the litigation.

12/27/2021: Navigating Conversations About the COVID-19 Vaccine and Mask Requirements

This resource suggests three simple but important strategies that Head Start program staff can use to navigate conversations with families about COVID-19-related vaccine and mask requirements.

12/16/2021: Sample Vaccination Policy and Exemption Templates

Review templates and forms from other government agencies that may support grant recipient governance and leadership in creating policies and procedures in response to COVID-19 vaccination and masking requirements.

12/10/2021: Webinar: FAQs on the IFC Vaccine and Masking Requirements

Hear from Dr. Futrell and OHS staff as they walk through FAQs related to the new Head Start Program Performance Standards requiring masking and COVID-19 vaccination.

12/2/21: Prioritizing Staff Wellness in Unprecedented Times

Watch this webinar to hear Head Start directors discuss strategies to support staff wellness during these unprecedented times. This Head Start Forward webinar also highlights information from ACF-IM-HS-21-05 Supporting the Wellness of All Staff in the Head Start Workforce, including actionable requirements and recommendations for programs.

11/29/2021: Webinar: New Standards for Vaccination and Masking to Reduce Transmission of COVID-19

Watch this webinar as OHS leadership discuss new Head Start Program Performance Standards (HSPPS) for masking and COVID-19 vaccination requirements, and the timelines, exceptions, and exemptions for each. Download the webinar slides to print and share.

11/29/2021: New Standards for Vaccination and Masking to Reduce Transmission of COVID-19

Vaccination against COVID-19 and wearing face masks are safe, effective tools to support continuous in-person comprehensive services for children and families. In her latest blog, Dr. Futrell shares why these new standards are necessary.

11/29/2021: Universal Masking and COVID-19 Vaccine Requirement FAQs

Find answers to common questions about the mask and vaccine requirements for Head Start programs announced in the IFC.

11/29/2021: Summary of Vaccine and Mask Requirements to Mitigate the Spread of COVID-19 in Head Start Programs

This briefing describes how the masking and vaccine requirements announced in the Interim Final Rule with Comment Period (IFC) will help mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

11/10/2021: CDC’s Updated COVID-19 Guidance for Operating Early Care and Education/Child Care Programs

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has updated its COVID-19 Guidance for Operating Early Care and Education/Child Care Programs. It emphasizes the importance of universal masking for everyone ages 2 and older, regardless of vaccination status. The updates also provide more information on screening, testing, and guidance for fully vaccinated staff. Review strategies for early care and education (ECE) programs to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and maintain safer operations.

10/22/2021: Strategies for Staff Vaccination

Listen as Head Start program leaders from across the country discuss their experiences supporting COVID-19 staff vaccination. Learn about their most successful and innovative strategies used to encourage their staff to become vaccinated.

9/27/2021: ACF-IM-HS-21-05 Supporting the Wellness of All Staff in the Head Start Workforce

Staff wellness is vital to child well-being. It is also a critical component in the ability to address the diverse and individualized needs of Head Start children and families. This IM describes the importance of, and requirements and recommendations for, building a culture of wellness across all Head Start programs.

9/21/2021: Supporting a Strong Education Workforce

Explore strategies Head Start and Early Head Start programs can use to recruit, train, and retain education services staff who are qualified and dedicated to working with our youngest learners and their families.

9/21/2021: Resources to Build and Retain a Strong Education Workforce

Find resources for building a program culture that provides ongoing professional development and mental health supports to teachers, family child care providers, and home visitors.

9/9/2021: Head Start Vaccination Requirement Announced

President Biden announced a plan requiring all Head Start program staff and certain contractors to be vaccinated by January 2022.

9/9/2021: Head Start Forward: A Q&A Opportunity to Engage with Showcased Programs

Watch this bonus webinar for guidance and support programs can use as they work toward full enrollment and fully in-person comprehensive services.

8/25/2021: Head Start Forward: Showcase of Grantee Best Practices on In-person Services

The fifth Head Start Forward webinar showcases programs' successful practices around: ERSEA and program structure; staff recruitment, retention, mental health, and wellness; and environmental health and safety.

8/4/2021: Head Start Forward: Health and Safety Considerations

Listen to the fourth webinar in the five-part Head Start Forward series for important health and safety considerations, guidance, and support programs can use as they work toward full enrollment and fully in-person comprehensive services.

7/14/2021: Head Start Forward: Mental Health and Staff Wellness: Emotionally Strong Together

Watch the third webinar in the series to discover mental health and staff wellness resources and strategies. Review guidance around trauma-informed approaches, staff wellness, sensitive conversations with families, and social and emotional development. Keep the conversation going on social media using #HeadStartForward.

6/25/2021: Head Start Forward: Moving Forward for ERSEA Success

Watch this webinar for guidance and support programs can use as they work toward full enrollment and fully in-person comprehensive services. This webinar addresses FAQs from the first Head Start Forward webinar. It also provides information and strategies related to program structure, ERSEA, family partnerships, and community assessments. Keep the conversation going on social media using #HeadStartForward.

6/3/2021: Vaccination for Head Start Families

Discover new ideas for targeted promotions that support Head Start families in getting the COVID-19 vaccine. Explore strategies and examples of how they have been successfully implemented by Head Start programs.

6/1/2021: Head Start Forward: ERSEA and Program Structure

Watch the first webinar in the series for guidance and support programs can use as they work toward full enrollment and fully in-person comprehensive services. Keep the conversation going on social media using #HeadStartForward.

5/20/2021: ACF-PI-HS-21-04 Office of Head Start (OHS) Expectations for Head Start Programs in Program Year (PY) 2021–2022

Review OHS's expectations for programs to begin working toward full enrollment and providing in-person comprehensive services for all enrolled children in PY 2021–2022.

5/19/2021: Introducing the Head Start Forward Campaign

Dr. Bernadine Futrell, director of OHS, announces the launch of the Head Start Forward campaign. This initiative will bring programs together and help them prepare for the 2021–2022 program year.

5/14/2021: Mental Health Resources to Support Response and Recovery During COVID-19

Head Start and child care programs can use these tip sheets and resources with families and staff affected by a crisis or tragic event.

5/12/2021: Caring for Children with Asthma During the COVID-19 Pandemic

As Head Start and Early Head Start staff, you may care for children with asthma. Use these tips to help children with asthma participate safely in program activities during the COVID-19 pandemic.

5/11/2021: Partnering with Families to Seek Relief Through the American Rescue Plan

The American Rescue Plan (ARP) provides many sources of direct and indirect financial relief for Head Start families. Head Start programs can help all staff and families access critical supports for which they are eligible. Learn about these benefits and what you can do to help families reach their economic mobility goals using the ARP benefits.

5/11/2021: COVID-19: Oral Health Considerations

Help families discover things they can do at home to keep their mouths healthy. Learn about steps dental offices have taken to keep patients healthy and safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.

5/4/2021: ACF-PI-HS-21-03 FY 2021 American Rescue Plan Funding Increase for Head Start Programs

Discover activities grantees can consider as they continue supporting children and families and investing in safe and high-quality early childhood learning opportunities using American Rescue Plan funds.

4/8/2021: COVID-19 Risk Reduction Strategies: Posters

COVID-19 risk reduction starts with helping everyone understand the steps to staying healthy. Download and display these printable posters to remind staff and families about basic COVID-19 prevention strategies. These posters promote vaccination, masks, and simple strategies to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

4/8/2021: #SleeveUp4HeadStart Staff Social Media Toolkit

Use social media to encourage grantees to #SleeveUp4HeadStart and get vaccinated against COVID-19. This resource include images to download and post, plus bonus materials to promote vaccination.

4/8/2021: NIH Research Opportunity Announcement

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has published a research opportunity as part of the Rapid Acceleration of Diagnostics for Underserved Populations (RADx-UP) initiative to gather research on COVID-19 diagnostic testing approaches to safely return children and staff to the in-person school setting in underserved and vulnerable communities. Find guidance on the development and submission of this solicitation.

4/7/2021: Recommendations for Performing Hearing Screening Safely During COVID-19

Explore recommendations for conducting in-person hearing screening in a Head Start or Early Head Start center, if it is feasible, reasonable, and safe to do so.

3/29/2021: Supplemental Funds to Continue Responding to COVID-19

All Head Start, Early Head Start, and Early Head Start-Child Care (EHS-CC) Partnership grantees are eligible to receive additional funds to continue responding to COVID-19. Each grantee may apply for a proportionate amount of the $250 million based on their total funded enrollment. Watch this webinar to learn more about available funds and how to apply.

3/24/2021: Tips for Talking to Head Start Families and Staff About the COVID-19 Vaccines

Most people plan to be vaccinated against COVID-19, but others may want to know more before committing. This resource includes strategies for talking with Head Start staff and families about the COVID-19 vaccines.

3/24/2021: COVID-19 Vaccines: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

Watch this webinar where experts explain the science behind the vaccines and answer FAQs to help program staff make the best decisions for themselves and their families. This webinar will benefit Head Start leaders, managers, teachers, home visitors, family child providers, and family service, transportation, and support staff.

3/17/2021: ACF and CDC Early Childhood Vaccine Priority: an OHS Follow-up Conversation

Discover actions Head Start programs can take to support staff as they obtain their vaccines through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)’s Federal Retail Pharmacy program. Explore ways programs can use funds to address social connections, enhance emotional learning and support in-person services.

3/12/2021: ACF and CDC Early Childhood Vaccine Priority Stakeholder Webinar

President Biden challenged states to get essential school and child care workers their first COVID-19 vaccine shot by the end of March. Watch this stakeholder webinar for more information and outreach resources.

3/4/2021: COVID-19 Vaccine Information and Resources

Head Start and Early Head Start teachers and staff are critical to the continued functioning of their communities. They are also at potential occupational risk of exposure to COVID-19. To support staff and safe in-person learning, President Biden directed state, territorial, local, and tribal officials to prioritize teachers, early educators, and child care staff for COVID-19 vaccination. Vaccinating teachers and staff is considered one layer of mitigation and protection for staff, children, and families.

3/4/2021: Putting COVID-19 Funds to Work: Examples from the Field

Explore examples of how grantees have used COVID-19 funds to serve children and families in creative and innovative ways. See what investments other programs have made to prevent, prepare for, and respond to COVID-19. These grantee stories might help you think about your service delivery differently:

• Food and Nutrition Services
• Family Engagement and Support
• In-Person Learning
• Remote/Virtual Service Delivery

3/4/2021: Remembering Lives Lost Through COVID-19

In her first message as director of the Office of Head Start, Dr. Futrell shares her condolences for the lives lost from COVID-19. She also calls for love, strength, and resilience to help us get through this together.

3/3/2021: President Biden Announces Vaccine Priority for Child Care, Head Start, and Early Childhood Settings

President Biden is directing states to prioritize teachers, early educators, and child care staff for COVID-19 vaccination. He issued a challenge to states to provide at least the first vaccine dose to teachers and early educators by the end of the month. This includes prekindergarten through 12th grade teachers, people who work in child care centers, family child care providers, and Head Start and Early Head Start program staff. Vaccines will be available in pharmacy locations. Staff in child care, Head Start, and other early childhood settings will be able to sign up for appointments.

2/22/2021: CDC’s COVID-19 Vaccine Rollout Recommendations

The CDC makes recommendations for who should get the vaccine first, then each state makes its own plan. Use the How Do I Find a COVID-19 Vaccine? tool to find your state or territory health department. Find more information on vaccine rollout recommendations.

2/19/2021: ACF-PI-HS-21-01 FY 2021 Head Start Funding Increase

This PI addresses the fiscal year 2021 cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), quality improvement funding for Migrant and Seasonal grantees, and the supplemental funds available to support grantees’ continued response to COVID-19.

1/28/2021: Caring for Young Children and Staff During COVID-19

Watch this video for guidance to help programs reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission and support their amazing staff who provide high-quality care to children and families. It focuses on practical risk reduction strategies that programs can use in all settings.

1/13/2021: Providing Meal and Nutrition Services During COVID-19

The number of children in households struggling with food insecurity has more than tripled. As the pandemic continues, we encourage programs to take advantage of available flexibilities to ensure children’s nutritional needs are being met. Watch this on-demand webinar for best practices to combat food insecurity during COVID-19. It features experts from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the National Center on Health, Behavioral Health, and Safety.

10/20/2020: Guidance for Reopening Buildings After Prolonged Shutdown or Reduced Operation

Temporary closures or reduced operations of a building and a reduction in water use can create hazards when it comes time for reopening. The CDC has updated guidance with specific steps to minimize such risks. Head Start and Early Head Start programs can use it when preparing to reopen after a COVID-19-related closure.

9/28/2020: Questions and Answers on Wages and Benefits

In the spring of 2020, the OHS authorized programs to continue to pay wages and provide benefits for staff who would otherwise be employed but are unable to report to their full work duties during center closures. The ability of grantees to pay wages and benefits remains in effect through Sept. 30, 2020. Read these questions and answers about what comes next.

9/24/2020: ACF-IM-HS-20-05: Fiscal Year (FY) 2021 Monitoring Process for Head Start and Early Head Start Grantees

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and public health emergency, all monitoring reviews for the 2020–2021 school year will be conducted virtually. This decision was based on two principles that have driven OHS's decisions and guidance to programs throughout this period: (1) taking decisive actions to support each program's success and (2) keeping the safety of children and staff paramount.

9/1/2020: Looking Forward to the 2020-2021 Program Year

A letter of appreciation to Head Start and Early Head Start staff from Dr. Bergeron. She celebrates the work accomplished in the spring of 2020 and looks forward to the services programs will provide in the coming program year. It includes a brief overview of OHS resources available to grantees.

8/5/2020: OHS CAMP: Session 6 (Webinar)

The final session in the CAMP series features a conversation with five local grantee staff about offering Head Start and Early Head Start services during the COVID-19 pandemic.

7/29/2020: OHS CAMP: Session 5 (Webinar)

The fifth session in the CAMP series addresses questions and concerns about Subpart D – Health Program Services, 45 CFR §1302.

7/22/2020: OHS CAMP: Session 4 (Webinar)

Watch the fourth session in the OHS CAMP series, which addresses questions and concerns about Subpart E – Family and Community Engagement, 45 CFR §1302. It also includes a walk-through of COVID-19 resources on the ECLKC.

7/15/2020: OHS CAMP: Session 3 (Webinar)

The third session in the series addresses questions and concerns about Subpart C – Education and Child Development Program Services, 45 CFR §1302.

7/8/2020: OHS CAMP: Session 2 (Webinar)

Watch the second session of this series, which includes a conversation on Subpart I Human Resources Management, 45 CFR §1302; Program Governance, 45 CFR §1301; and timelines in the HSPPS.

7/1/2020: OHS Collaborating Actively in Meaningful Planning (CAMP): Session 1 (Webinar)

OHS started a six-week series to address questions and concerns about offering Head Start and Early Head Start services during the COVID-19 pandemic. Programs have done amazing and innovative work delivering services during this crisis. Moving forward will require continued innovation and agility. Watch this series for clear guidance, when possible, on grantee questions about meeting the HSPPS. The first CAMP includes information on breaking news, group sizes, ratios, staffing, locally designed options, and ERSEA.

6/30/20: Helping Children Thrive During the COVID-19 Pandemic

In this video, Dr. Bergeron is joined by Sangeeta Parikshak, mental health lead at OHS. They discuss how to help children feel loved and safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. B and Sangeeta suggest ways to talk to children about COVID-19, as well as how to make this experience easier on them.

6/22/20: ACF-IM-HS-20-04 Head Start Transportation Services and Vehicles During the COVID-19 Pandemic

School buses and allowable alternate vehicles are generally the safest mode of transportation for children. They are also necessary for many children and families to participate in Head Start programs. Implementing safe practices is essential when providing transportation services during the COVID-19 pandemic.

6/17/20: Considerations for Head Start Transportation Services and Vehicles During the COVID-19 Pandemic (Webinar)

OHS leads a conversation about Head Start transportation services and vehicles during the COVID-19 pandemic. School buses and allowable alternate vehicles are generally the safest mode of transportation for children. They are also necessary for many children and families to participate in Head Start programs. Implementing safe practices is essential when providing transportation services.

6/9/2020: Addressing the Mental Health Needs of Early Childhood Education Staff During COVID-19

Join Dr. Robin H. Gurwitch, PhD, in this “Ask the Expert” series webinar to explore strategies to help staff manage their own mental health needs during this pandemic.

6/5/2020: Home at Head Start: Strategies for Supporting Families Experiencing Homelessness and Housing Instability During COVID-19 (Email)

6/5/2020: Tips and Resources for Disability Services Staff: Supporting Children with Disabilities, Families, and Education Staff from a Distance (Email)

6/4/2020: CARES Act Gives Extra $750 Million for Head Start Program (Email)

6/2/2020: Social Distancing in Early Care and Education: Feasible or Impossible?

Explore issues on social distancing in early care and education programs. Hear from Danette Glassy, MD, FAAP, pediatrician, about guidance from the CDC. Discover practical strategies for implementation in a variety of early care programs.

5/29/2020: ACF and HRSA Joint Letter to Promote Family Strengthening and Virtual Primary Prevention [PDF, 62MB]

The Administration for Children and Families (ACF) and the Maternal and Child Health Bureau of the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) issue a joint letter to colleagues on how to support families during the COVID-19 pandemic.

5/29/2020: Fiscal Management During the COVID-19 Emergency: A Follow-Up Conversation

OHS leadership responds to grantee questions regarding fiscal management while responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.

5/28/20: Supporting Children and Families When Programs Are Closed

Learn strategies teachers and family child care providers can use to stay engaged with children, families, and colleagues. Discover ways to support children's continued growth and development and take care of yourself during times of stress.

5/28/2020: Communication and Connectivity: Family Supports for Remote Service Delivery (Email)

5/28/2020: Disabilities Services Newsletter No. 35: Resilience and Wellness in Trying Times (Email)

5/27/2020: Caring for Children with Special Health Care Needs During COVID-19

Children with special health care needs are experiencing unique barriers to care during the COVID-19 pandemic. Join Jessica Foster, MD, FAAP, to learn about challenges and strategies to providing supports and care to children with feeding, developmental, and disability concerns.

5/22/2020: Fiscal Management During the COVID-19 Emergency

OHS leadership discusses dissemination of the CARES Act supplemental funds. They also address strategies and flexibilities for fiscal management programs should employ while responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.

5/21/2020: Responding to Head Start Grantee Questions on COVID-19: Volume May 21, 2020

OHS is empowering grantee leadership to make decisions that support Head Start children and families first during the COVID-19 pandemic. Review questions and answers from grantees seeking approval for local decisions about operations.

5/21/2020: ACF-PI-HS-20-04 Update to Funding for FY 2020 Supplemental Funds in Response to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

Review updated funding instructions that provide greater flexibility so all grantees can respond to the unique and constantly evolving circumstances during the COVID-19 pandemic. This supersedes ACF-PI-HS-20-03.

5/21/2020: ACF-IM-HS-20-03 Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Fiscal Flexibilities

This Information Memorandum (IM) describes how OHS is implementing each item from ACF Grant Flexibilities in Conducting Human Service Activities Related to or Affected by COVID-19. Please note that some items are implemented by OHS, as issued by ACF, and others are implemented with noted program-specific guidance.

5/19/2020: Helping Parents Manage Stress During COVID-19

Families who are sheltering in place during the COVID-19 pandemic may be experiencing additional stress. It is important that early care and education providers continue supporting families to the extent possible. Discover strategies for connecting with and supporting families.

5/15/2020: Supporting Home Safety During COVID-19

Even while many early care and education programs are closed during the COVID-19 pandemic, they continue to support families. Home safety may be a prime concern for families during times of social distancing. Discover strengths-based safety messages and resources to share with families.

5/12/2020: Stay Connected to Decrease Family Stress in Difficult Times

In this video, Dr. Bergeron is joined by Kiersten Beigel, family and community partnerships specialist at OHS. They discuss how to partner with families during the COVID-19 pandemic. Offering compassion, connection, and care can decrease parental stress. Addressing immediate stressors related to food, rent support, or health care can also help. Dr. B and Kiersten suggest ways programs can find out what is going on with children at home.

5/11/2020: Supporting Food Security for Families

Many Head Start families are struggling with food insecurity during the COVID-19 emergency. To meet the needs of school-aged children, the USDA is coordinating several efforts which may apply to siblings of Head Start children.

5/08/2020: Keeping Our Children Well During COVID-19

Early care and education (ECE) programs can support families' access to needed medical care. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends children under 24 months maintain their Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment immunization schedule to prevent the breakout of communicable diseases. Many pediatricians are conducting well-child visits through telehealth appointments. However, families may be struggling to access these services. Join former AAP president, Colleen Kraft, MD, FAAP, for a discussion on how ECE providers can support families' medical care during the COVID-19 pandemic.

5/6/2020: Caring for Children in Group Settings During COVID-19: A Follow-up Conversation (Webinar)

This question-and-answer chat is a follow-up to the Caring for Children in Group Settings During COVID-19 webinar. Michele Cheung, MD, FAAP, a pediatric infectious disease expert, joins Marco Beltran from OHS to apply available guidance to ECE programs.

4/28/2020: COVID-19 Check-In

In this video, Dr. Bergeron shares the unique and creative ways Head Start staff are supporting children and families during the COVID-19 pandemic. She also delves into some Early Head Start program strategies and encourages staff to take care of themselves during this difficult time. Encouraging parent-child relationships is key, as well as communicating with simplicity and engaging in routine activities. Comfort, love, and support are the best remedies for children who might regress in achieving goals as a result of COVID-19. As always, Dr. B shares a love note to workers making a difference in the lives of babies and toddlers all over the country.

4/24/2020: Caring for Children in Group Settings During COVID-19 (Webinar)

Early care and education programs have many questions about how to keep children and staff healthy during the COVID-19 pandemic. Guidance for open programs is now available from the CDC and the AAP. This webinar also highlights the guidance and best practices in preventing the spread of disease from Caring for Our Children.

4/23/2020: ECLKC Resources to Support Professional Development for Education Staff (Email)

Discover resources on the Early Childhood Learning and Knowledge Center (ECLKC) that education staff can use to support their professional development during center closures and while social distancing.

4/23/2020: Supporting Emergency Child Care During the COVID-19 Crisis: How Head Start and Early Head Start Programs Can Help (Email)

Find clarification on how programs can support, when possible, the use of closed Head Start centers as temporary child care centers for medical personnel and essential workers. By law, Head Start funds can only be used to provide Head Start services to eligible children and families. However, Head Start facilities, equipment, materials, and supplies can be used to support emergency child care, subject to cost reimbursement or replacement. Head Start staff may also have the option to support emergency child care operations in addition to the work they are doing to continue Head Start services.

4/21/2020: Partnering with Families to Improve Economic Stability During and After COVID-19 (Email)

Many Head Start and Early Head Start families are affected with job loss and other community impacts related to COVID-19. Learn more about the steps programs can take, now and in the future, to improve families' financial stability.

4/20/2020: Full Enrollment Policy Questions and Answers (Q&As) (Email)

4/14/2020: ACF-PI-HS-20-03 FY 2020 Supplemental Funds in Response to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

This Program Instruction (PI) provides information about supplemental funds available for Head Start programs in response to COVID-19. It describes the purpose, eligibility, and application process for supplemental summer programs and one-time activities in response to COVID-19.

4/6/2020: Update to Wages and Benefits Flexibility During the COVID-19 Pandemic (Email)

In recognition of the unique circumstances associated with COVID-19, OHS is directing programs to continue to pay wages and provide benefits for staff unable to report to work during center closures necessary to address COVID-19. This directive does not apply to non-COVID-19 related program closures during which employees would not otherwise be paid, such as summer breaks.

This flexibility remains in effect through June 30, 2020 or the date upon which programs reopen for center-based services and employees return to regularly scheduled onsite work, if sooner. OHS will continue to monitor program closures and may adjust the effective date of this flexibility as needed.

4/6/2020: CARES Act Funding to Support Head Start Children, Families, and Programs (Webinar)

Watch as OHS leadership discuss new funding to support needs related to COVID-19. They respond to questions about the purpose of these funds and how to apply.

4/2/2020: Responding to Grantee Questions on COVID-19: Updated March 31, 2020

Explore questions and responses to common grantee concerns regarding program closure, staff pay and benefits, available flexibilities, and program monitoring.

4/1/2020: Serving Needs Beyond Head Start (Email)

Many grantees are asking questions and seeking approval for local decisions about operations. OHS is empowering grantee leadership to make decisions that support Head Start children and families first, and also help others in need.

3/31/2020: ACF Grant Flexibilities in Conducting Human Services Activities Related to or Affected By COVID-19 (Email)

With this email, ACF broadcasts IM-ACF-OA-2020-01, dealing with grant flexibilities in conducting human service activities related to or affected by COVID-19. IM-ACF-OA-2020-01 has since been rescinded.

3/24/2020: MyPeers Can Support Virtual Work During COVID-19 (Webinar)

Watch this webinar to discover ways to minimize face-to-face contact and travel as your program responds to COVID-19.

3/24/2020: Temporarily Repurposing Head Start and Early Head Start Centers: Partnering to Support Emergency Child Care During the COVID-19 Crisis (Email)

OHS has received many inquiries about temporarily repurposing Head Start and Early Head Start centers closed due to COVID-19 to provide child care primarily for children of medical staff and others engaged in responding to the COVID-19 emergency. To support programs in their decision-making about taking on responsibilities beyond their Head Start population, OHS has developed a set of frequently asked questions, which address some regulatory issues, health and safety concerns, and matters of capacity and liability.

3/18/2020: MyPeers Can Support Virtual Work During COVID-19 (Email)

Discover ways to minimize face-to-face contact and travel as your program responds to COVID-19. MyPeers can help program management and staff work remotely by creating a private workgroup for your agency. Use it to hold group chats, share documents and resources, post questions, and even share your screen from the privacy of your own home. Members can access MyPeers via desktop or use the app on their smartphone or tablet.

3/17/2020: Supporting Grantee Leadership Regarding Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) (Webinar)

Hear from OHS leadership as they discuss the impacts of COVID-19 on grantee operations. They offer clarifying information and respond to questions from the Head Start community on recently published (at the time of the webinar) COVID-19 prevention and response information.

3/13/20: Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) Flexibilities (Email)

The USDA has waived its group setting meal requirement for closed schools and authorized special flexibilities for many states. Grantees may work with their state CACFP agency to determine whether similar flexibilities that can support the ongoing availability of meals and snacks for enrolled children are available during Head Start and Early Head Start program closures.

3/13/2020: Managing Infectious Disease (Video blog)

Dr. Bergeron and Dr. Marco Beltran discuss strategies for managing infectious disease. Head Start programs can follow local guidance and use federal guidance to support their decision-making.

3/13/2020: COVID-19 Wages and Benefit (Email)

In addition to the general flexibilities in ACF-IM-HS-19-01, OHS is providing the additional flexibility regarding wage and benefits for employees impacted by COVID-19 closures.

3/12/20: Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) COVID-19 Funding and Guidance (Email)

A number of U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) divisions, including OHS, are releasing COVID-19-related information on funding and guidance. Review information on key issues to keep you up to date (at the time of release).

Last Updated: June 29, 2023