The community assessment (CA) is an important undertaking for every Head Start grantee—and one that you will repeat regularly over the life of your program. Get started by reviewing the Head Start Program Performance Standards (HSPPS) guidance related to the community assessment. Consider how the community assessment will be beneficial for your community. Engage your staff and partners in discussions about the community assessment requirements and how the data gathered will be used to inform strategic planning, goal setting, and decision-making. Use these early conversations to educate your stakeholders and generate excitement about the benefits of conducting a community assessment.
Learning Objectives
To effectively serve children and families, your program needs to understand their experience and the community around them. The community assessment is how you gain that knowledge.
In this chapter you will learn:
- What a community assessment is
- What is included
- When it is required
- Why it is done
- How it is done
