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.
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.
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.
1303.10 Purpose.
Grant recipients must observe standards of organization, management, and administration that ensure all program activities are conducted in a manner consistent with the purposes of the Head Start Act.
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.