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Plain Language Requirements

The Plain Writing Act of 2010 requires federal agencies to use "clear government communication that the public can understand and use." The goal is to write clear, accurate content to help users quickly find, understand, and act on information they need.

Some U.S. adults struggle with:

  • Reading and understanding written instructions
  • Using numbers, graphs, and charts to answer questions
  • Performing tasks using digital tools such as websites and software applications

Plain language is communication your audience can understand the first time they read or hear it. Content should be concise, inviting, and written in active voice. This is true for all materials posted on the Early Childhood Learning and Knowledge Center (ECLKC) website or distributed on behalf of the Office of Head Start. Remember, no one will ever complain something is too easy to understand!

Best Practices

  • Make it easy to accomplish a task. Do not provide more information than is necessary.
  • Make it clear where to get help. Use in-text supports (e.g., hyperlinked webpages and definitions) for ease of use.
    • Provide links instead of full reference citations when possible.
    • Use visuals to support the text, but not to duplicate it.
  • Know and "speak to" your intended audience by:
    • Building on users' existing knowledge
    • Featuring actionable, compelling information
    • Using familiar terms and phrases
    • Avoiding legal and technical jargon
    • Using short, simple words and sentences
    • Following a logical format
    • Using examples, bulleted lists, and sub-headings

Readability Resources and Assessment Tools

The Flesch/Flesch-Kincaid readability tests calculate the reading ease and grade level of written content. The ideal grade level for ECLKC content is between grades six and eight. Test your document's readability prior to submission to identify text that may need rewriting.

Plain language guidelines also apply to the laws and regulations that govern Head Start programs. On Jan. 18, 2011, E.O. 13563, Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review was issued, which states that "[our regulatory system] must ensure that regulations are accessible, consistent, written in plain language, and easy to understand."

For more information, see:

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,  Web Standards