Fostering Effective Leadership and Oversight Systems
These training resources offer Head Start leaders the skills, strategies, and knowledge they need to implement successful, responsive programs.
Organizational Leadership
Leadership and governance are the bedrocks of effective management. Head Start program leadership consists of three key entities: the governing body/Tribal Council (i.e., legal and fiscal responsibilities), Policy Council/parent committees (i.e., set program direction), and management staff (i.e., day-to-day operations). These entities work together to provide leadership and strategic direction. Explore resources to help grantees navigate these tasks and relationships. Learn how to build communication and information systems that connect internal and external stakeholders. Find resources to help design and distribute reports and manage recordkeeping activities.
Designing Reports and Effective Recordkeeping Activities
Find resources to help design and distribute Head Start reports and manage recordkeeping activities.
Effective Communication Systems
Learn how to build communication and information systems that connect all stakeholders and promote Head Start services.
Maintaining Technology and Information Systems
Know how to maintain the technology in your program needed to monitor continuous improvement and increase reliance on data collection and analysis.
Management Systems Wheel
The Head Start Management Systems Wheel is a visual representation of the 12 program management, planning, and oversight systems that are critical to high-quality service delivery.
Technology Organizational Assessment Worksheet
Technology planning is a process that takes time and resources to understand what is appropriate for staff and the organization. Program directors and their management staff can use this worksheet to assess the overall status of their organization's use of technology.
What’s Involved in Technology Planning?
This resource provides information about the seven phases of technology planning and how to use technology to further your program mission.
Foundation I: Values, Regulations, and Decision-Making
This Head Start A to Z session offers leaders the opportunity to become familiar with the underlying tenets of Head Start. It affirms the solid foundation on which Head Start was built. During this session, leaders are asked to reflect on the programs for which they provide leadership. Consider the extent to which the core values of Head Start are evidenced in the daily operations.
Cost Allocation Narrative
Cost allocation was created to ensure that federal funds are used solely for programs and that no other federal funds may be used for any other purpose. Grantees who have more than one funding source will find this information useful for making sure that each program bears its appropriate share of the costs.
Federal Financial Report (SF-425)
Prior to fiscal year (FY) 2016, all Head Start grantees were required to submit financial reports made for its federal award(s) using standard form (SF) Federal Financial Report 425 (lines 10a, b, and c), detailing the cash transactions in the Payment Management System (PMS), and separate reports to the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) detailing the expenditures (lines 10d-o) made for the same award(s).