Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.
Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock
()
or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.
Eligibility, Recruitment, Selection, Enrollment, and Attendance (ERSEA) tasks are some of the most important work performed by Head Start programs. ERSEA governs how programs determine eligibility, enroll children, and track attendance. Discover resources to help programs assess the needs of their communities and recruit the children and families most in need. Explore materials and tools to help programs market their services, and develop and implement selection criteria. Also, find resources to identify community partners and better address community needs.
Research on continuity of care has found that instability is high with low-income families. Extending eligibility redeterminations to 12 months or more provides financial stability for families. It also gives continuous early care and education for children.
The poverty guidelines, which are issued every year in the Federal Register by the Department of Health and Human Services, are a simplified version of the federal poverty thresholds used for administrative purposes. Grantees often have questions regarding who is eligible for enrollment in Head Start and other social services programs. These frequently asked questions will assist them in understanding how to use the guidelines to assess eligibility and other questions they may have.
Programs must identify and enroll children and families who are most in need of Head Start services. These strategies and guiding questions help programs implement thoughtful selection policies and procedures.
Recruiting for Head Start programs is a systematic year-round process. These strategies and guiding questions help programs manage data-informed and measurable recruitment efforts.
Learn about strategies programs can use to work with key stakeholders to promote regular attendance. These strategies and guiding questions help grantees develop policies around program attendance.
Explore ERSEA systems to help programs enroll the neediest families in a timely manner. Find tips and questions to stay at full enrollment all year.
Watch this video blog from Dr. Deborah Bergeron to learn strategies programs can use to maintain full enrollment all year long.
Eligibility is the first step and a key component in implementing ERSEA services. These strategies and guiding questions help programs identify and enroll children and families with the greatest need.
Dr. Bergeron sends a love note to a remote Alaskan Head Start program in her latest vlog. She also shares some strategies to get programs on social media and reminds them of a resource already at their disposal.
In this webinar, explore ways to achieve and maintain full program enrollment. Learn about the elements of effective outreach and recruitment.
HeadStart.gov
official website of the Administration for Children and Families
