This glossary provides family services professionals with definitions of the most common acronyms used in the field. It is not an official Head Start glossary.
A
ACF: Administration for Children and Families
AIAN: American Indian Alaskan Native
C
CA: Community assessment
CEU: Continuing education unit
D
DAP: Developmentally appropriate practices
DLL: Dual language learners
E
ED: United States Department of Education
EHS: Early Head Start
EHS-CCP: Early Head Start-Child Care Partnership
ECLKC: Early Childhood Learning and Knowledge Center
ELOF: Early Learning Outcomes Framework
ERSEA: Enrollment, recruitment, selection, eligibility, and attendance
EPSDT: Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment
F
FAQs: Frequently asked questions
FE: Family engagement
FES: Family engagement specialist
FPA: Family Partnership Agreement
FSM: Family services manager
FSW: Family services worker
H
HHS: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
HSPPS: Head Start Program Performance Standards
HV: Home visiting
I
IDEA: Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
IEP: Individualized Education Program
IFSP: Individualized Family Service Plan
IM: Information Memorandum
L
LEA: Local education agency
LRE: Least restrictive environment
M
MOA: Memorandum of Agreement
MOU: Memorandum of Understanding
MSHS: Migrant and Seasonal Head Start
O
OHS: Office of Head Start
P
PD: Professional development
PC: Policy Council or parent committee
PFCE: Parent, family, and community engagement
PI: Program Instruction
PIR: Program Information Report
S
SSI: Supplemental Security Income
T
TANF: Temporary Assistance to Needy Families
W
WIC: Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children
Read more:
Resource Type: Article
National Centers: Parent, Family and Community Engagement
Audience: Family Service Workers
Last Updated: May 30, 2024