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Glossary of Common Acronyms

This glossary provides family services professionals with definitions of the most common acronyms used in the field. It is not an official Head Start glossary.

A

ACF: Administration for Children and Families

AIAN: American Indian Alaskan Native

C

CA: Community assessment

CEU: Continuing education unit

D

DAP: Developmentally appropriate practices

DLL: Dual language learners

E

ED: United States Department of Education

EHS: Early Head Start

EHS-CCP: Early Head Start-Child Care Partnership

ELOF: Early Learning Outcomes Framework

ERSEA: Enrollment, recruitment, selection, eligibility, and attendance

EPSDT: Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment

F

FAQs: Frequently asked questions

FE: Family engagement

FES: Family engagement specialist

FPA: Family Partnership Agreement

FSM: Family services manager

FSW: Family services worker

H

HHS: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

HSPPS: Head Start Program Performance Standards

HV: Home visiting

I

IDEA: Individuals with Disabilities Education Act

IEP: Individualized Education Program

IFSP: Individualized Family Service Plan

IM: Information Memorandum

L

LEA: Local education agency

LRE: Least restrictive environment

M

MOA: Memorandum of Agreement

MOU: Memorandum of Understanding

MSHS: Migrant and Seasonal Head Start

O

OHS: Office of Head Start

P

PD: Professional development

PC: Policy Council or parent committee

PFCE: Parent, family, and community engagement

PI: Program Instruction

PIR: Program Information Report

S

SSI: Supplemental Security Income

T

TANF: Temporary Assistance to Needy Families

W

WIC: Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children

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