Q1: How does this information impact the ACF-PI-HS-21-04 Office of Head Start (OHS) Expectations for Head Start Programs in Program Year (PY) 2021–2022 that was issued last spring?
A1: Programs should continue to follow OHS expectations outlined in ACF-PI-HS-21-04 for Head Start programs to work toward full enrollment and providing in-person comprehensive services for all enrolled children, regardless of program option.

OHS will continue to monitor and review monthly enrollment reports in the Head Start Enterprise System (HSES) and discuss plans for moving to full enrollment. However, monthly enrollment reports will not be evaluated for the purposes of determining which programs enter into the Full Enrollment Initiative at this time.

Q2: Does this change the expectation for full enrollment?
A2: No. Programs should continue to work toward full enrollment and in-person comprehensive services, contingent upon U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), state, and local health department guidance, and in consideration of local school districts’ decisions. All programs are expected to continue providing or move toward providing in-person services, as local health conditions allow. During this time, programs should continue to:

• Review their updated community assessment
• Adjust recruitment strategies and selection criteria in response to community data
• Consider staffing plan and how best to support staff
• Engage in planning for in-person comprehensive service for all enrolled children

Programs must communicate closely with their Regional Office during this time and discuss how they will reach full in-person enrollment consistent with their approved program options

Q3: Will OHS consider approving program options such as hybrid or remote services?
A3: No. Virtual and remote services for children are considered an interim strategy in the presence of an emergency or disaster and will not be approved as a locally designed option. While OHS supports the use of virtual and remote services, they are not an acceptable replacement for in-person comprehensive services. OHS recognizes that programs have discovered new virtual strategies for engaging families and reinforcing learning and development at home. Innovations in virtual practice should be used as enhancements rather than substitutes for approved program options and service delivery.

Q4: If a service area is experiencing a surge or high transmission of COVID-19 cases, can the Head Start program opt to temporarily use virtual or remote services?
A4: OHS emphasizes the importance of programs regularly consulting CDC guidelines, state and local health department guidance, and taking in consideration of local school districts’ decisions as they continue to work toward fully in-person, comprehensive services. OHS recognizes that the surge in COVID-19 cases, largely due to the Omicron variant, has impacted the return to in-person Head Start services in some communities.

Programs may temporarily use virtual and remote services when experiencing high COVID-19 transmission in their service area. All programs are expected to have plans in place to allow for changes in community conditions that may result in temporary use of virtual and remote services for a short-term basis. These plans must be established within a program’s policies and procedures.

Virtual and remote services can create instability and stress for children and families, as they disrupt children's opportunities for learning, socialization, nutrition, and continuity and routine. As such, programs must communicate with their Regional Office about any proposed short-term use of virtual or remote services in response to a surge or high transmission in COVID-19 cases. Further, programs would need to reassess with their program specialist should their virtual and remote services extend beyond two weeks.

Q5: What resources and supports can OHS offer to support recipients with families hesitant to return due to safety issues?
A5: Consistent, honest, and respectful communication with families is a cornerstone of Head Start family engagement. Engagement strategies and current channels of communication with families provides excellent avenues to talk about vaccination. OHS encourages Head Start programs to explore vaccine outreach and support community activities:

• Expand or create new vaccine communication channels with families
• Reach out to your local health departments and clinics to share articles, blogs, and social media messages
• Adapt and deliver COVID-19 vaccine messages from the CDC that will resonate in your program
• Become a vaccine site for families

Q6: What resources and supports can OHS offer to support recipients with workforce issues?
A6: Recruiting and retaining qualified staff have been long-standing challenges in early childhood education. To address staff challenges, program may consider hiring individuals as teaching assistants or aides and work with them to develop a plan for achieving the required degree or credential to move into a lead teaching position. Programs are strongly encouraged to work with interested parents and assist them with achieving necessary credentials to move into teaching or other staff positions. Additional strategies to recruit, train, and retain qualified staff may include:

• Consider staffing schedules and other benefits to support staff
• Create a culture of belonging
• Understand what drives staff motivation
• Develop collaborative efforts and initiatives to enrich the early childhood workforce
• Promote staff and family well-being

Q7: How long will the flexibilities last?
A7: Current flexibilities will remain in effect until further notice.

Q8: How soon will recipients be notified of the restart of the Full Enrollment Initiative?
A8: OHS will provide ample notice to programs to allow for preparation and planning before resuming pre - pandemic practices for tracking and monitoring enrollment. This will include evaluating monthly enrollment reports to determine which programs enter into the Full Enrollment Initiative.

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Last Updated: December 28, 2022