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Federal Monitoring

Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Head Start Monitoring Protocols

Head Start monitoring protocols are used by the Office of Head Start (OHS) to gather data and other information to assess grant recipient program operation and performance. Reviews are held for the:

  • Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS®)
  • Focus Area 1: Program Systems Review (FA1)
  • Focus Area 2: Comprehensive Services Review (FA2)
  • Risk Assessment Notification (RAN)

OHS uses the information collected during reviews to understand the grant recipient's approach to program design and services. The data is also used to evaluate their performance and continuous program improvement.

Use the materials below to prepare for your CLASS, FA1, FA2, or RAN review.

CLASS

FY2025 OHS CLASS Field Guide
FY2025 OHS AIAN CLASS Self-review Field Guide

FA1

Focus Area 1: Program Systems Review 

FA2

Focus Area 2: Comprehensive Services Review

RAN

RAN Review Protocol
Sample Incident Reporting Form


For more information, please contact us at OHSMonitoring at dlhcorp.com.

HeadStart.gov

official website of the Administration for Children and Families

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