Program Governance in Head Start
Identify the duties and rules related to a Head Start program’s Policy Council, management staff, and governing body/Tribal Council.
Organizational Leadership
Leadership and governance are the bedrocks of effective management. Head Start program leadership consists of three key entities: the governing body/Tribal Council (i.e., legal and fiscal responsibilities), Policy Council/parent committees (i.e., set program direction), and management staff (i.e., day-to-day operations). These entities work together to provide leadership and strategic direction. Explore resources to help grantees navigate these tasks and relationships. Learn how to build communication and information systems that connect internal and external stakeholders. Find resources to help design and distribute reports and manage recordkeeping activities.
Governance Readiness Assessment
The Governance Readiness Assessment helps organizations review their processes. Governing bodies can use it to assess their capacity to oversee and monitor a Head Start program.
Governance, Leadership, and Oversight Capacity Screener and Certification
This screener identifies ways to improve program governance and build leadership capacity. The accompanying form certifies that programs conducted the required screening.
Part 1301—Program Governance
This part focuses on areas related to program governance, including the role of governing bodies, councils, and committees, as well as training and technical assistance for these groups.
Certification of Governance and Leadership Capacity Screening
The governing body must certify that a governance and leadership capacity screening was conducted and a training plan was developed. A certification must be submitted to the Office of Head Start (OHS) in the Head Start Enterprise System (HSES) within 75 calendar days of the start of the project period.
Head Start Program Governance: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Head Start leaders who implement strong governance systems often face important questions. When such questions arise, leaders should refer first to key Head Start policy and regulation.