By Dr. Bernadine Futrell
In May 2021, the Office of Head Start (OHS) released ACF-PI-HS-21-04 OHS Expectations for Head Start Programs in Program Year (PY) 2021–2022. Since that time, your programs have been working tirelessly to meet these expectations, including working toward full enrollment and providing in-person comprehensive services for all enrolled children regardless of program option.
The leadership, passion, and commitment of our Head Start staff have kept programs moving forward since the beginning and in every stage of the COVID-19 pandemic. Head Start programs have shown strength and resilience in many ways. You have provided meals to children, connected families to health care, and helped lead the way to vaccine access in your communities.
OHS has been watching the surge in COVID-19 cases, both locally and nationally. In response to recent developments, OHS will not resume the evaluation of which programs will enter into the Full Enrollment Initiative beginning in January 2022. OHS will continue to track enrollment in the Head Start Enterprise System (HSES), as we have done since September 2021, and to expect full in-person comprehensive service contingent upon U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines, state and local health department guidance, and in consideration of local school districts' decisions.
We know our Head Start programs and staff will continue to innovate, lead, and make decisions based on the unique needs of their families and workforce. OHS will continue to support programs in developing policies and procedures and in using American Rescue Plan funds to meet the needs of their community in this challenging time.
Thank you for your continued dedication to OHS.
Dr. Bernadine Futrell is the Director of the Office of Head Start.