Learning for New Leaders
In the Head Start A to Z, 2.0 learning modules, explore Head Start’s history, guiding regulations, and management systems. Find easy-to-adapt resources to tailor trainings for staff and other stakeholders.
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.
Head Start Leadership and Governance Training: Values, Regulations, and Skills
Use this self-paced, interactive training module to refine your governance knowledge and leadership skills. Explore engaging activities and real-world scenarios.
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.
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.
Head Start Program Governance Reference Book
This resource contains the Head Start Act of 2007 citations that relate to program governance.
1302.101 Management system.
Review requirements for implementing a management system that provides effective oversight of all program areas, promotes clear staff roles and responsibilities, and ensures staff understand reporting procedures.
1301.6 Impasse procedures.
Each agency’s governing body and Policy Council jointly must establish written procedures for resolving internal disputes between the two governance groups in a timely manner.
1301.2 Governing body.
Review requirements for the composition, duties, and responsibilities of the governing body. This standard also addresses how to establish an advisory committee.
1301.1 Purpose.
Head Start agencies must establish and maintain a formal program structure that includes a governing body, a Policy Council at the agency level and policy committee at the delegate level, and a parent committee.