To keep the early childhood community engaged, the Office of Head Start carefully plans its social media posts. Learn more below.
- Posting Frequency
- Monthly Editorial Calendar
- Individual Social Media Posts
- Optimal Posting Times by Social Media Channel
Posting Frequency
Here is our typical posting frequency, by platform:
- Facebook English: 2–3 posts per weekday
- Facebook Spanish: 2 posts per week (Tuesday and Thursday)
- Instagram: 1 post per weekday
- X: 1 post per weekday
Monthly Editorial Calendar
Each month, OHS promotes three to five observances or campaigns. Focused themes give us an extended hook for engaging our audience.
- Observances occur the same month every year (e.g., Teacher Appreciation Week in May)
- Campaigns promote a timely initiative or concept (e.g., Active Supervision Week)
HSICC staff develops and shares this calendar with the National Centers. While your Center’s individual posts do not have to follow the month's theme, feel free to use these themes as an inspiration for your content.
Do you have an idea for an observance or campaign? You can submit these for inclusion on the editorial calendar through the HSICC. The process for approving an observance or theme includes:
| Action | Timeline |
|---|---|
Submit a brief proposal through the Submission Form, selecting "Social Media" as product type. Include:
| At least eight weeks before the targeted month |
| OHS and ACF will review, edit, and approve all themes. | Two to four weeks after submission |
| HSICC will notify all National Centers of coming themes via the monthly editorial calendar. | Four weeks before the targeted month |
| Draft your individual posts. | One to two weeks prior to preferred post date |
Individual Social Media Posts
Your center is strongly encouraged to propose individual posts for Facebook, Instagram, and X. Please follow the general guidelines in the web standards for producing effective posts.
Individual social media posts are also reviewed, edited, and approved by HSICC, OHS, and the Administration for Children and Families (ACF). On rare occasions, an urgent post will jump the process below, but here’s what you should expect.
| Action | Timeline |
|---|---|
Submit the information below through the Submission Form, selecting "Social Media" as product type. Include:
| At least 30 days before targeted post date |
| OHS and ACF will review, edit, and approve the proposed post. | At least one week after submission |
| HSICC will notify you of acceptance, any significant changes needed, or rejection of a proposed post. | At least one week before the targeted month |
Optimal Posting Times by Social Media Channel
| Social Media Platform | Optimal Posting Times |
|---|---|
| Facebook |
|
| X | 9–10 a.m. |
| |
| Weekday business hours: 9–11 a.m. or 1–3 p.m. |
Last Updated: July 16, 2024