American Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN) Head Start programs launched in the summer of 1965. Recent reporting shows that Head Start programs serve around 28,000 children of AIAN heritage, both in AIAN and non-tribal programs. The Office of Head Start (OHS) honors the rich cultural heritage of our AIAN children, families, and communities. Based on the needs of local communities, Head Start programs offer traditional language and cultural practices to provide high-quality services to young children and their families. 

The targeted tools and resources below are available to assist in the planning, development, and organization of AIAN Head Start and other programs serving tribal communities.

ACF-OHS-IM-24-03 Affirming the Use of Indigenous Knowledge

This Information Memorandum explains how AIAN programs can meet standards related to curricula and assessment in ways that center Indigenous Knowledge and tribal sovereignty.

New Head Start Eligibility for Children in Tribal Programs

In this webinar, learn about the new Head Start eligibility criteria for children in tribal programs. Head Start leaders discuss how the provisions impact American Indian and Alaska Native Head Start programs.

Tribal Consultation Sessions

Tribal Consultations provide a forum for discussing how to better meet the needs of AIAN children and families.

Preventing Congenital Syphilis in Tribal Communities

This webinar provides an overview of congenital syphilis and explores opportunities for preventing its transmission in tribal communities.