Q1: When will the federal poverty guidelines be updated?
A1: On behalf of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation has prepared new poverty guidelines. Many programs across the federal government, as well as state governments and nonprofit organizations, rely on these guidelines to determine family eligibility for systems and services. The 2022 poverty guidelines are calculated by taking the 2020 Census Bureau’s poverty thresholds and adjusting them for price changes between 2020 and 2021 using the Consumer Price Index (CPI-U).

Q2: When will the Full Enrollment Initiative resume?
A2: Current flexibilities will remain in place until further notice. The Office of Head Start (OHS) will provide ample notice to programs to allow for preparation and planning before resuming pre-pandemic practices for tracking and monitoring enrollment. This will include evaluating monthly enrollment reports to determine which programs enter into the Full Enrollment Initiative.

Q3: Programs understand how the expectation to return to in-person services applies to children attending centers. However, do the same expectations apply to children enrolled in the home-based option?
A3: Yes. The expectations for home-based services are the same as they are for center-based, family child care, and locally-designed option (LDO) programs. The goal is moving toward full in-person comprehensive services for all children and families, contingent upon CDC, state, and local health department guidance, and in consideration of local school district decisions.

OHS acknowledges some parents and home visitors have expressed hesitation to return for various reasons. Programs should address any concerns as they continue efforts to recruit and transition families and staff to in-person services.

Q4: How can programs support safe home visits?
A4: Head Start staff supporting the home-based option should first assess their own risk of transmitting infection prior to each home visit or socialization. Programs should contact families prior to home visits and socializations and ask about the following indicators:

• Signs or symptoms of a respiratory infection, such as a fever (subjective or confirmed >100.4F or higher), cough, sore throat, or shortness of breath
• Known exposure to someone with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 or ill with respiratory illness within the last 14 days

If the response from staff or the family is yes to either of the items above, the home visiting program should not conduct the face-to-face visit or socialization and proceed with an alternative mode for the visit (e.g., telephone or video communication). The program should also be in contact with the family to discuss when it would be safe and appropriate to continue in-person home visits and socializations.

If none of the indicators are positive, Head Start staff who make home visits or participate in socializations should continue to take precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19. As a precaution, Head Start staff should:

• Maintain a distance of at least 6 feet between Head Start staff and family members and, if possible, conduct the home visit or socialization outside or in an alternate space
• Use properly fitted masks to reduce the risk of asymptomatic spread of the disease
• Exit the home immediately and notify the program supervisor if any person is found to be ill within the home
• Minimize contact with frequently touched surfaces
• Use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol before and after the visit
• Avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth

Q5: What recommendations does OHS have for safely transporting children?
A5: 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. When making decisions about transporting children, programs should consult local health officials and other state and local authorities, to the extent feasible.

Supporting safety among transportation staff:

• Require staff who are sick to stay home.
• Send home staff who are showing signs of illness.
• Wear masks
• Keep hands clean

Supporting safety among children and families:

• Follow safe transportation strategies.
• Improve ventilation.
• Conduct health checks.
• Distance children from each other.
• Help children understand physical distancing.
• Wear gloves.

Clean vehicles between each use:

• Clean hard and non-porous surfaces with detergent or soap and water when visibly dirty.
• Employ methods and products that are effective on COVID-19 and safe for use with restraint systems.
• For soft and porous surfaces, remove visible contamination and clean with appropriate cleaners indicated for these surfaces.

Q6: There is a lot of planning that goes into a Change in Scope. Is there a route programs can explore that will allow a quick response to changing community need?
A6: Yes. Programs considering any adjustments to approved service delivery models should engage in consultation with their Regional Office. Options that do not require a formal Change in Scope request include:

• Shifting of slots between existing approved program options provided the program is not requesting to discontinue options currently offered or add an option not currently approved per the Notice of Award
• Shifting of slots within the designated service area per the Notice of Award

Any considerations must include:

• Compliance with the Head Start Program Performance Standards
• Decisions based on community need
• Alignment with the current budget

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Last Updated: December 28, 2022