Use Data and Evaluation to Inform Decision-Making
Learn how using data and evaluation enables programs to make data-informed decisions. Also, find out how data and evaluation informs each stage of the program planning cycle.
Program Planning
Thoughtful planning is critical to programming. Explore these resources for guidance throughout the five-year Head Start grant cycle. Learn how to establish continuous cycles of improvement that involve key stakeholders in data-based decision-making. Find resources to help build on achievable program and school readiness goals and fiscal objectives. Discover materials that guide grantees in creating community and self-assessments, and achieve positive outcomes for children and families.
Program planning and service system design together make up one of the 12 management, planning, and oversight systems of the Management Systems Wheel.
Support Ongoing Monitoring and Continuous Improvement
Ongoing monitoring helps Head Start programs better address goals and objectives. It also engages all stakeholders in the program planning process.
Make the Most of Program Planning and Service System Design
Learn how program planning and service system design guides Head Start programs through their five-year grant. This system design includes service plans that directly impact children and families.
Plan and Grow with an Annual Self-Assessment
A self-assessment each year helps Head Start programs plan and grow around their strengths and needs.
Build on a Responsive Community Assessment
The community assessment is a way to jumpstart the program planning process. Learn how the assessment helps Head Start programs provide key services to the children and families that need them.
Voices from the Field
Watch these video clips to see how data analysis and the planning cycle comes to life in Head Start programs.
Self-assessment: Your Annual Journey
Use this nine-phase interactive learning module to walk through through the process of planning and executing an annual Head Start program self-assessment.
Conducting Public Forums and Listening Sessions
Nothing ensures the success of a program more than community participation in assessing their perceived needs, strengths, and hopes for the future. Programs can use this resource to plan and coordinate their community assessment. It provides insight into public forums and listening sessions. Learn how to conduct them to engage your community in identifying and solving problems.
Bonding
A bond is a financial guarantee by a surety company that work will be completed as described in a contract. This resource can be used by program directors and their facilities planning teams to understand the relevant requirements for bonding. Most construction contractors are familiar with the process of obtaining surety bonds.
Financing Facilities
Following is a list of non-profit financial and Technical Assistance (TA) intermediaries involved in planning, developing, and financing facilities for low-income child care and Head Start programs. Grantees looking for new funding resources to support their goals and objectives will find this information useful.