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All Staff Head Start Orientation Resources

All employees receiving an orientation in a large conference room.Welcome! Whether you are joining a Head Start program for the first time or stepping into a new role, we're happy to have you.

Every Head Start program is unique, specially designed to serve the needs of its community. However, each one also shares common fundamentals that unite us.

Head Start Overview

As a newcomer, familiarize yourself with core elements of the Head Start approach. Get started with these materials that are necessary for every role.

School Readiness

Head Start services ensure children are prepared for school. Programs also support families in advancing their children's education and prepare receiving schools to welcome kindergarteners. 

  • Head Start Approach to School Readiness Overview — The Head Start approach to school readiness means that children are ready for school, families are ready to support their children's learning, and schools are ready for children.
  • Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework (ELOF) — The ELOF is designed to show the continuum of learning of infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. It is grounded in comprehensive research around what young children should know and be able to do during their early years.
  • School Readiness FAQs — Find out how the HSPPS requirements and ELOF central domains are integrated into the Head Start approach to school readiness.

Enhance Your Head Start Experience

Explore additional resources that are helpful for both new and experienced Head Start staff.

  • Complete online trainings at your own pace with the Individualized Professional Development (iPD) Portfolio. 
  • Subscribe to receive Head Start policy information, updates, and newsletters based on your areas of interest.
  • Join the MyPeers social network to brainstorm, exchange ideas, and share resources with early childhood colleagues across the country.
  • Check out these short videos that highlight different ECLKC website features and how they can optimize your site experience.

Health and Wellness

Everyone plays a role in keeping children safe. By creating a culture of safety in Head Start programs, we reduce risks and promote healthy and safe development. 

  • Keep Children Safe Using Active Supervision — Keep children safe and reduce injuries by having staff learn and continuously practice active supervision. Use these resources to plan for a systematic approach to child supervision.
  • Child Abuse and Neglect — Everyone who works in Head Start and Early Head Start programs is a mandated reporter of suspected child abuse and neglect. View this collection of resources to learn more and find professional development opportunities.
  • Promoting Staff Well-being — Explore these resource collections to learn about strategies to promote physical and mental health for staff in Head Start programs.

Family and Community Engagement

Head Start programs promote equity and build strong, supportive relationships with families and communities through engagement services.

Program Management

Effective program management is crucial for delivering high-quality services in Head Start programs. 

  • 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.
  • The Program Planning Cycle — Planning systems occur in a continuous cycle and involve key members of the Head Start community. The outcome of this cycle is the creation of achievable goals and short-term program and fiscal objectives.

Resources by Role

Explore resources specific to your Head Start role:

« Go to Head Start New Employee Portal

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Professional Development