WHAT'S NEW

September 29, 2004

National Head Start Latino Institute/Conferencia Nacional de Head Start sobre Asuntos Latinos
     The first National Head Start Latino Institute will be held January 31-February 4, 2005. The Institute will focus on issues specific to serving Hispanic/Latino children and families. Watch for additional information that will be coming soon.
      La Conferencia Nacional de Head Start sobre Asuntos Latinos tendra lugar del 31 de enero al 4 de febrero de 2005. La conferencia nos proporcionará una singular oportunidad de centrarnos en temas que atañen a los niños latinos y a sus familias. Dentro de poco, le enviaremos otros documentos con mayor información.

September 27, 2004

Deviation from Competition to Extend the 5-Year Cooperative Agreement between the Head Start Bureau and the National Center for Family Literacy. Federal Register: September 27, 2004 (Volume 69, Number 186) Page 57708
http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/06jun20041800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2004/04-21547.htm
     The Head Start Bureau intends to extend the current Cooperative Agreement with the National Center for Family Literacy for a period of one year (September 29, 2004-September 28, 2005), at a funding level of $3,000,000.
     Contact: Willa Siegel, Head Start Bureau, 330 C Street, SW., Washington, DC, (202) 205-4011.

September 22, 2004

Father Involvement
http://www.hsnrc.org/fatherhood/
     A variety of presentations, information, and resources on father involvement in Head Start are presented here. Discussion forums, where local program leadership, staff, and parents can ask questions, exchange information, and share resources with their peers are offered. You are asked to contribute ideas and models that can be adopted or adapted to promote positive father involvement in local programs across the country through "From the Field".

September 20, 2004

National Hispanic Heritage Month
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2004/09/20040917-7.html
     President Bush proclaims September 15 through October 15, 2004 as National Hispanic Heritage Month. Public officials, educators, librarians and all the people of the United States are called upon to observe this month with appropriate ceremonies, activities, and programs.

September 15, 2004

Survey of Early Head Start Programs. Federal Register: September 15, 2004 (Volume 69, Number 178) Page 55636-55637
http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/06jun20041800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2004/04-20782.htm
     Early Head Start directors, Early Head Start coordinators and specialists, teachers, home visitors, and parents of Early Head Start children are asked to comment on a proposed on a research study intended to obtain a national picture of Early Head Start. This will begin a process of describing how the Early Head Start initiative has grown over time, how programs are currently implementing services, and who is being served. The study will be conducted between September 2004 and May 2005.
     The data will consist of a survey of all Early Head Start programs in October 2004 and site visits to a selected sample of 25 programs in early 2005. All data collection instruments have been designed to minimize the burden on respondents by minimizing the time required to respond. Participation in the study is voluntary.
     The results of the research will be used by the Head Start Bureau and ACF to gain a better understanding of changes in program processes and services over time, to identify areas of strength and weakness in order to target training and technical assistance or further research efforts, and finally, to provide a broader context for lessons learned from the impact study.
     A comment is best assured of having its full effect if OMB receives it within 30 days of publication. Copies of the proposed collections may be obtained by writing to the Administration for Children and Families, Office of Administration, Office of Information Services, 370 L'Enfant Promenade, SW., Washington, DC 20447, Attn: ACF Reports Clearance Officer. All requests should be identified by the title of the information collection. E-mail address: grjohnson@acf.hhs.gov.
     Written comments and recommendation for the proposed information collection should be sent directly to the following: Office of Management and Budget, Paperwork Reduction Project, Attn: Desk Officer for ACF, E-mail address: Katherine_T._Astrich@omb.eop.gov.

September 14, 2004

Statement of Organization, Functions, and Delegations of Authority for Region II.
Federal Register: September 14, 2004 (Volume 69, Number 177) Page 55441
http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/06jun20041800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2004/04-20694.htm
     This Notice announces the restructuring of the Office of State and Youth Programs. The Office is comprised of three Divisions: Self-Sufficiency Programs Division, Child Support Enforcement Division and Youth and Family Services Division which are headed by Program Managers who report directly to the Regional Administrator; this eliminates the Assistant Regional Administrator's position. In addition, the Office of Early Childhood Programs renamed their two Divisions: Head Start Division A; and Head Start Division B.

September 10, 2004

Spring 2004 NRS Reports
     The Spring 2004 NRS Reports are scheduled to be available in October, 2004.

Reminder: The Program Governance Satellite Broadcast will take place on Friday, September 17, 2004 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Check http://www.headstartinfo.org/pdf/save_the_date.pdf for details.

August 27, 2004

State Children's Health Insurance Program; Final Allotments to States, the District of Columbia, and U.S. Territories and Commonwealths for Fiscal Year (FY) 2005. Federal Register: August 27, 2004 (Volume 69, Number 166) Page 52700-52706
http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/06jun20041800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2004/04-19573.htm
     This notice sets forth the final allotments of Federal funding of SCHIP available to each State, the District of Columbia, and each U.S. Territory and Commonwealth for fiscal year 2005.
     States may implement SCHIP through a separate State program under title XXI of the Social Security Act, an expansion of a State Medicaid program under title XIX of the Act, or a combination of both.
     Final allotments are available for expenditure after October 1, 2004.

August 19, 2004

Applications for Improving Program Governance Grants
http://www.headstartinfo.org/program_governance.htm
      Regional offices are accepting abbreviated applications through August 27, 2004 for T/TA funds to improve Program Governance.

Program Governance Broadcast and Web Cast
http://www.headstartinfo.org/pdf/save_the_date.pdf
      Save the date of September 17 from 1:30 to 3:30 EDT for the Head Start Program Governance Broadcast and Web Cast.

August 13, 2004

HSNRS Update Broadcast
http://www.headstartinfo.org/nrs_updates_broadcast.htm
     The script of the Head Start Update Broadcast of August 4, 2004 and the companion Power Point presentations are now available on-line.

August 11, 2004

HSNRS Training Materials available
http://www.headstartinfo.org/nrs_i&r.htm
     Download the Fall 2004 NRS Training Materials in English and/or Spanish. Remember: the Fall assessments are to be completed by October 29, 2004.

Grants Application and Budget Instrument (GABI) 3.0.0 is available
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/hsb/grant/hsware/gabi/index.htm
     GABI software allows grantees to submit their applications electronically. GABI can be used for both the full and abbreviated applications. It is intended to assist grantees in several ways. It checks the application for possible errors and alerts grantees to aspects of their program which may not fit with the Head Start philosophy of best practices.

Voluntary Surveys of Program Partners to Implement Executive Order 12862. Federal Register: August 10, 2004 (Volume 69, Number 153) Page 48499
http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/06jun20041800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2004/04-18168.htm
     Under the provisions of the Federal Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13), the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) is requesting clearance for instruments to implement Executive Order 12862 within ACF. The purpose of the data collection is to obtain customer satisfaction information from those entities who are funded to be our partners in the delivery of services to the American public. The surveys will obtain information about how well ACF is meeting the needs of our partners in operating the ACF programs.
     Consideration will be given to comments and suggestions submitted within 60 days of this publication.

Fiscal Year (FY) 2004 Grant Funds for the Safe and Bright Futures for Children Initiative. Federal Register: August 5, 2004 (Volume 69, Number 150) Page 47440-47445
http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/06jun20041800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2004/04-17835.htm
     Funds are available for Fiscal Year (FY) 2004 grants for the Safe and Bright Futures for Children Initiative--a program to diminish the damaging effects of domestic violence on children and adolescents and to stop the cycles of abuse and intentional injury. Approximately $2.2 million in funding is available on a competitive basis for a maximum of up to 30 grants for Phase One of the Safe and Bright Futures for Children Initiative.
     Applications are due September 9, 2004.

Research and Innovation To Improve Services and Results for Children With Disabilities--Evidence-Based Interventions for Severe Behavior Problems. Federal Register: August 4, 2004 (Volume 69, Number 149) Page 47128-47133
http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/06jun20041800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2004/04-17739.htm
     The purpose of this program is to produce, and advance the use of, knowledge to improve the results of education and early intervention for infants, toddlers, and children with disabilities.
     Applications due: September 10, 2004.

August 2, 2004

Fourth National Incidence Study of Child Abuse and Neglect (NIS-4.
Federal Register: August 2, 2004 (Volume 69, Number 147) Page 46146-46147
http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/06jun20041800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2004/04-17453.htm
     The Department of Health and Human Services intends to issue letters to recruit agencies for participation in the next National Incidence Study of Child Abuse and Neglect (NIS). This will be the fourth cycle of this periodic study. The NIS-4 is mandated by the Keeping Children and Families Safe Act of 2003 (Pub. L. 108-36).
     The NIS estimates the scope of the maltreated child population by combining information about reported cases with data on maltreated children identified by professionals (called ``sentinels'') who encountered them during the normal course of their work in a wide range of agencies in representative communities.
     A nationally representative sample of 120 counties will be selected and all local child protective service (CPS) agencies serving the selected counties will be identified. Plans will be developed to obtain data on cases investigated during the study reference period, September 4 to December 3, 2005.
     Comments and questions about the information collection described above should be directed to the following address by August 15, 2004: Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Attn: OMB Desk Officer for ACF, Office of Management and Budget, Paper Reduction Project, 725 17th Street, NW., Washington, DC 20503.

July 30, 2004

Child Development Research Fellowship Program. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Planning, Research and Evaluation. Federal Register: July 30, 2004 (Volume 69, Number 146) Page 45823-45829
http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/06jun20041800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2004/04-17339.htm
     Funds are available for a Child Development Research Fellowship that will allow child development professionals from the academic community the opportunity to actively participate in policy-relevant research activities associated with ACF programs. The goal of the fellowship program is to expose researchers to a policy environment and thereby to expand and enrich the field's capacity for policy-relevant research. The cooperative agreement will require active partnership between the sponsoring organization and the Office of Planning, Research and Evaluation (OPRE).
     [Editor's Note: Due to a formatting problem, the URL in the Required Forms table is inoperative. Please paste http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm into your browser to access these forms.]
     Due Date for Applications: August 30, 2004.

July 29, 2004

Final Regulation: Participation in Department of Health and Human Services Programs by Religious Organizations. Federal Register: July 16, 2004 (Volume 69, Number 136) Page 42586-42595
http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/06jun20041800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2004/04-16130.htm
     The new regulation on Equal Treatment for Faith-Based Organizations takes effect August 16, 2004.
     Department regulations are revised to remove barriers to the participation of faith-based organizations in Department programs. Programs will implement the regulation in a manner consistent with applicable statutes and the requirements of the Constitution, including the Establishment, Free Exercise, and Free Speech Clauses of the First Amendment.

July 26, 2004

Head Start Program Information Report -- Request for Comments. Federal Register: July 26, 2004 (Volume 69, Number 142) Page 44538
http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/06jun20041800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2004/04-16885.htm
     Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families requests comments from Head Start and Early Head Start program grants recipients on renewing the Head Start Program Information Report (PIR). The PIR provides information about Head Start and Early Head Start services received by the children and families enrolled in Head Start programs.
     The information collected in the PIR is used to inform the public about these programs and to make periodic reports to Congress about the status of children in Head Start programs as required by the Head Start statute.
     Consideration will be given to comments and suggestions submitted within 60 days of this publication.

July 23, 2004

NRS August Updates Broadcast
http://www.headstartinfo.org/nrs_updates_broadcast.htm
     Mark your calendar for the NRS Updates Broadcast on August 4, 2004 from 1 to 3 p.m. EDST. The broadcast will cover:

• An update on the Year One NRS Spring Assessment Report
• Information about materials, expectations, and adjustments for Year Two
• Kick-Off for the 2004-2005 NRS initiative

State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) Extended Availability of Unexpended SCHIP Funds. Federal Register: July 23, 2004 (Volume 69, Number 141) Page 44013-44027
http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/06jun20041800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2004/04-14580.htm
     The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), HHS announces the extension of availability to the end of Federal fiscal year (FY) 2004 of the amounts of States' unexpended FY 1998 and FY 1999 allotment funds. Deadlines for unexpended funds from FYs 2000, 2001, and 2002 are extended for specific periods of availability also.
     Finally, this notice permits "Qualifying States" to elect to receive a portion of their available SCHIP allotments as increased Federal matching funding for certain expenditures in their Medicaid programs.

July 22, 2004

New Health Services Video Is Published
     Embracing Our Future: Health Services and Head Start has just been published. The 18 minute video shows how four children in Head Start and/or Early Head Start benefit from the program’s health services. Designed as training for parents, Health Services Advisory Committee members, staff and Policy Council and Governing Bodies, the video and companion guide provide a basic picture of the range of health services. Correlating activities and resources are included.
     Order Embracing Our Future: Health Services and Head Start in English.
     Order Afirmemos nuestro futuro: Los servicios de salud en Head Start en español.

July 16, 2004

Funding Available for Training and Technical Assistance
http://www.headstartinfo.org/tta_fund_letter.htm
     Head Start Bureau is making available to all Head Start grantees up to $4,000 in supplemental one-time training and technical assistance (T/TA) funds. The funding is available for training that will improve the effectiveness of the grantee's program's governance structure. Grant application requests must be submitted to your ACF Regional Office no later than August 20, 2004.

July 12, 2004

Fall 2004 NRS
     Information forms for Fall 2004 NRS materials were mailed last week. Orders may be placed online at
       http://www.headstartinfo.org/cgi-bin/NRS_Fall/nrsorder.cfm (English) or
       http://www.headstartinfo.org/cgi-bin/NRS_Fall/nrsorderspan.cfm (Spanish).

     The deadline for placing orders is July 23, 2004.
     Call Head Start Information and Publication Center at 1-866-763-6481 (toll-free) with any questions you might have.

June 23, 2004

New Publication Available Online

Los Componentes para la Participación del Padre. (Building Blocks for Father Involvement)
http://www.headstartinfo.org/cgi-bin/pubcatstore.cfm?CatID=368&do;=detail
     Estos cinco folletos esbozan los pasos que han de tomarse para establecer un programa bien asentado para la participación del padre. Al personal de Head Start les serán útiles estos recursos para crear y/o mejorar el programa de la participación del padre en su centro. Los folletos tratan de los siguientes temas: 1. Las contribuciones del padre en el desarrollo de sus hijos; 2. Cómo involucrar al padre en Head Start; 3. Preparación para trabajar con el padre; 4. Planificar para el éxito; y 5. Cómo darle vida a un plan.

Survey of Early Head Start Programs. Federal Register: June 23, 2004 (Volume 69, Number 120) Page 35040
http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/06jun20041800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2004/04-14169.htm
     Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families requests comments, within the next 60 days, from Early Head Start directors, Early Head Start coordinators and specialists, teachers, home visitors, and parents of Early Head Start children regarding the research plan to evaluate the effectiveness of Early Head Start programs.
     The aim of the current research is to obtain a national picture of Early Head Start. This initiative will begin a process of describing how the Early Head Start initiative has grown over time, how programs are currently implementing services, and who is being served. The study will be conducted between September 2004 and May 2005.
     The data will consist of a survey of all Early Head Start programs in October 2004 and site visits to a selected sample of 25 programs in early 2005. All data collection instruments have been designed to minimize the burden on respondents by minimizing the time required to respond. Participation in the study is voluntary.
     The results of the research will be used by the Head Start Bureau and ACF to gain a better understanding of changes in program processes and services over time, to identify areas of strength and weakness in order to target training and technical assistance or further research efforts, and finally, to provide a broader context for lessons learned from the impact study.

June 22, 2004

New Publications Available Online

Head Start Bulletin # 77 Father Involvement – Building Strong Programs for Strong Families
http://www.headstartinfo.org/publications/hsbulletin77/cont_77.htm
     Fathers make critical contributions to the "...educational achievement and physical and emotional health" of their children. Sections of this issue address diverse aspects of starting and/or enhancing a Father Involvement program.

Building Blocks for Father Involvement.
http://www.headstartinfo.org/publications/building_blocks1.htm
http://www.headstartinfo.org/pdf/building_blocks1.pdf
http://www.headstartinfo.org/publications/building_blocks2.htm
http://www.headstartinfo.org/pdf/building_blocks2.pdf
http://www.headstartinfo.org/pdf/building_blocks3.pdf
http://www.headstartinfo.org/pdf/building_blocks4.pdf
http://www.headstartinfo.org/pdf/building_blocks5.pdf
     The five booklets outline the steps to develop a strong father involvement program. Head Start staff members will find these resources helpful in developing and/or enhancing the father involvement program in their center. The components detail: 1). the contributions fathers make to their child’s development; 2). how to involve fathers in Head Start; 3). preparing to work with fathers; 4). planning for success; and 5). bringing a plan to life.

Links to Literacy. Volume 3, Number 1
http://www.headstartinfo.org/infocenter/literacy_tk/links_jun04.htm
      Three web sites: describe the benefits of knowing two languages; identify activities and resources parents can use with their children; report on the results of early literacy programs provided by public libraries.

June 14, 2004

Registration Extended for Head Start NRS 2004 Training of Replacement Trainers
http://www.headstartinfo.org/nrs_replace_trainings.htm
     Register via fax or online by June 15, 2004 for one of the three National Reporting System trainings in July 2004. The trainings are intended to train trainers for new programs, agencies who have lost their certified trainer due to attrition, and agencies that do not have a Spanish-language certified trainer. The training sessions will cover the Head Start National Reporting System assessment on child outcomes and the associated Computer Based Reporting System (CBRS).

June 1, 2004

ACYF-PI-HS-04-02 Head Start Youth Mentoring Initiative
http://www.headstartinfo.org/publications/im04/pi04_02.htm
      Grant supplements totaling approximately $10 million nationally are being made available to Head Start and Early Head Start programs to improve services to Head Start children and families through projects that promote the participation of youth in local Head Start programs.
     The applications are due 5:00p.m. (EDT) July 16, 2004. Please email your intent to apply to HSB@Dixongroup.com with the following information: the name, address, telephone and fax numbers, and email address of the principal contact and the name of your organization.

May 24, 2004

2004 PIR Due August 30, 2004
http://www.headstartinfo.org/pir_letter.htm
     The Program Information Report (PIR) is used for the Biennial Report to Congressas well as for policy decision-making. All Head Start programs are required to complete and submit the report by August 30, 2004. This year programs have the option of submitting the report via web based reporting. Access the PIR at http://www.pirweb.net.

May 17, 2004

Program Instruction Provides FY 2004 Funding Guidance
http://www.headstartinfo.org/publications/im04/pi04_01.htm
     The Head Start budget for fiscal year (FY) 2004 appropriates an increase of approximately $107 million over FY 2003. The FY 2004 funding increase will be used primarily to provide all grantees a cost-of-living-adjustment (COLA) of 1.6 percent. A small portion of the FY 2004 increase will also be used to strengthen Head Start training and technical assistance services.
      This Program Instruction explains the COLA increase that is available to your program and how to apply for it. It also explains how you may apply for “one-time” funding supplements to meet special needs in your program.

May 13, 2004

HHS Issues Head Start Management Initiative
http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2004pres/20040513.html
     HHS Secretary Tommy G. Thompson today released a new report outlining an initiative to promote effective management practices in Head Start programs. The "Head Start Management Initiative," is focused on administrative practices and builds on earlier efforts to ensure that Head Start children enter school ready to learn.
     The management initiative has two major goals:

• Improving Head Start's monitoring system to address under-enrollment, erroneous payments, child outcomes and grantee compliance with regulations, including executive administrative personnel compensation; and
• Improving Head Start's training and technical assistance system delivery, outcomes and impacts. Training and technical assistance specialists are locally based with experts working with individual, small caseloads of grantees. In addition, a Web site establishing an electronic learning center will be created as a central repository of materials on childhood development.

May 12, 2004

Cost Principles for Educational Institutions; State, Local, and Indian Tribal Governments; and Non-Profit Organizations. Federal Register: May 10, 2004 (Volume 69, Number 90) Page 25969-25995
http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/14mar20010800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2004/04-10350.htm
     Effective June 9, 2004, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) amends the cost principles in OMB Circulars A-21, A-87 and A-122. These changes are intended to further the objectives of Public Law 106-107, the Federal Financial Assistance Management Improvement Act, (``the Act''). One of the actions taken by the agencies under the Act was to simplify the cost principles, making the descriptions of similar cost items consistent across the Circulars where possible, and reducing the possibility of misinterpretation.

May 11, 2004

IM 04-04 – The Head Start Parent-Mentor Training Program
http://www.headstartinfo.org/publications/im04/im04_04.htm
     The Head Start Bureau is launching a Parent-Mentor Training Program aimed at increasing the ability of parents to enhance their children’s language and literacy skills as well as learning how to mentor other parents to do the same with their children. Mothers, fathers, and legal guardians of children who will be returning to Head Start this coming September for one more year before entering kindergarten will be eligible to apply for training as a Head Start Parent-Mentor.
     Funds are available for travel and per diem (housing and meals) for those parents who are selected for the training.
     Parents may apply for the program
     by calling 1-877-488-4888 (toll-free) or
on-line at http://www.headstartinfo.org/partnership/parent-mentor.htm

May 11, 2004

Governmentwide Guidance for Grants and Agreements; Federal Agency Regulations for Grants and Agreements. Federal Register: May 11, 2004 (Volume 69, Number 91) Page 26275-26281
http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/14mar20010800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2004/04-10351.htm
     Effective May 11, 2004, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) is establishing title 2 in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) for grants and other financial assistance and nonprocurement agreements. Title 2 consists of two subtitles, subtitles A and B.
     In subtitle A, OMB is publishing government-wide guidance to Federal agencies for grants and agreements--guidance that currently is in seven separate OMB Circulars and other OMB policy documents.
     In subtitle B, Federal agencies that implement the OMB guidance through regulation will publish their agency-wide implementing regulations. Consolidating the OMB guidance and co-locating the agency regulations provides a good foundation for streamlining and simplifying the policy framework for grants and agreements as part of the efforts to implement the Federal Financial Assistance Management Improvement Act of 1999 (Pub. L. 106-107).

Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and Agreements With Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals, and Other Non-Profit Organizations (OMB Circular A-110). Federal Register: May 11, 2004 (Volume 69, Number 91) Page 26281-26298
http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/14mar20010800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2004/04-10352.htm
     Effective May 11, 2004, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) is relocating Circular A-110 to title 2 in the Code of Federal Regulations (2 CFR), subtitle A, chapter II, subchapter B, part 215 as part of an initiative to provide the public with a central location for Federal government policies on grants and other financial assistance and nonprocurement agreements.
     Consolidating the OMB guidance and co-locating the agency regulations provides a good foundation for streamlining and simplifying the policy framework for grants and agreements as part of the efforts to implement the Federal Financial Assistance Management Improvement Act of 1999 (Pub. L. 106-107).

May 6, 2004

The Head Start Statistical Fact Sheet FY 2003
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/hsb/research/2004.htm
     The fact sheet presents basic information about program and support activity expenditures; enrollment by age and racial/ethnic composition; number of grantees, classrooms and centers; funding allocations and enrollment by state; and other program details.

May 4, 2004

Administration on Children, Youth and Families, ACF, DHHS. Federal Register: May 4, 2004 (Volume 69, Number 86) Page 24607-24608
http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/14mar20010800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2004/04-10081.htm
     The Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services seeks
qualified individuals to become members of the Advisory Committee on Head Start Accountability and Educational Performance Measures. The Secretary seeks authorities knowledgeable and expert in the fields of childhood development and psychometrics, assessment of child progress and evaluation of program service delivery.

     Individuals have thirty (30) days from the date of publication to submit nominations.

     CONTACT: Carol Whitten, Head Start Bureau, e-mail cwhitten@acf.hhs.gov or (202) 205-7359.

May 3, 2004

Head Start Parent-Mentor Training Program Training Schedule-Updated http://www.headstartinfo.org/partnership/parent-mentor.htm
     The regional training schedule for the Parent-Mentor Training program, which will take place this summer, has been updated.
     Please call the toll free number 1-877-488-4888 for more information.

April 29, 2004

Register for 2004 Directors' Institute
     Head Start and Early Head Start Directors who have been in their position for less than two years are invited to attend the conference July 11-15 in Arlington, Virginia.
     Click here for complete registration information.

April 22, 2004

New Head Start Home-Based Program Option Publications Available for Downloading
     The home-based program option is one of the types of services offered to Head Start families. These four publications are for different audiences and address different aspects of the home-based program option; they are intended to be used collaboratively.

Home-Based Supervisor’s Manual
http://www.headstartinfo.org/pdf/EHS-Home-Supervisor.pdf

Home-Visitor’s Handbook for the Head Start Home-Based Program Option
http://www.headstartinfo.org/pdf/EHS-Home-VisitorHdbk.pdf

Parent’s Guide to the Home-Based Program Option
http://www.headstartinfo.org/pdf/EHS-Home-Parents.pdf

Program Administrator’s Checklist for the Head Start Home-Based Program Option.
http://www.headstartinfo.org/pdf/EHS-Home-AdminChk.pdf

April 21, 2004

Twenty-four Programs Funded for Enhanced Home Visiting Project (EHVP)
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/hsb/programs/ehs/funded_programs.htm
     Early Head Start and Migrant Infant/Toddler programs serving children in a home-based option where the child’s parents are working and the child is in the care of a relative or neighbor were invited to apply for funding to develop and implement an enhanced home visiting program to serve children who are in these “kith and kin” settings.
     More information about the Enhanced Home Visiting Project is available online at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/hsb/programs/ehs/ehs_special.htm.

Guía De Los Resultados Positivos Del Niño Para Los Que Dirigen Head Start (The Head Start Leaders Guide to Positive Child Outcomes) in Spanish Is On-line
http://www.headstartinfo.org/leaders_guide/contents.htm
     By offering a picture of what a high quality Head Start program looks like in action and in detail, this guide will help Head Start agencies improve the effectiveness of their services. Download the files (in html) section by section.

April 19, 2004

Head Start Parent-Mentor Training Program
http://www.headstartinfo.org/partnership/parent-mentor.htm
     Parents of 4 year olds who are enrolled in Head Start are invited to gain language and literacy knowledge and skills by applying to become Head Start Parent-Mentors.
     Applications are due by May 7, 2004.

April 15, 2004

Head Start Parent-Mentor Training Program
http://www.headstartinfo.org/partnership/parent-mentor.htm
     Parents can call 1-877-488-4888 (toll-free) between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. ET Mondays through Fridays to find out about the Head Start Parent-Mentor Training.
Information is in both English and Spanish.

The Father Factor: National Head Start Institute on Father Involvement pdf
http://www.hsnrc.org/confdetails.cfm?ConfID=12
     Registration information and an overview of the program to be held from June 14 – 18, 2004 in Dallas, Texas is provided.

April 1, 2004

Head Start Graduate Student Research Grants. Federal Register: April 1, 2004 (Volume 69, Number 63) Page 17185-17193
http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/14mar20010800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2004/04-7261.htm

[Editor's note: Please use http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm to access all of the forms that are listed in the funding opportunity.]

     Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families announces funds are provided for Graduate Student Research Grants to Support field-initiated research activities. This grant program is part of a larger Head Start research effort. Three other grant funding mechanisms are being offered concurrently with the one described in this announcement. They include: (1) Head Start Graduate Student Research Partnership Development Grants, (2) Head Start-University Partnerships: Measurement Development for Head Start Children and Families, and (3) American Indian-Alaska Native Head Start-University Partnerships.
     For more information, please see these other Head Start Research announcements listed in the Federal Register or listed on http://www.Grants.Gov.
     The due date for receipt of applications is: June 1, 2004.

Head Start Programs--Graduate Student Research Grants. Federal Register: April 1, 2004 (Volume 69, Number 63)
http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/14mar20010800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2004/04-7258.htm

[Editor's note: Please use http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm to access all of the forms that are listed in the funding opportunity.]

     Administration for Children and Families (ACF) & Office of Planning, Research and Evaluation (OPRE), HHS announce the availability of funds for Graduate Student Research Grants to develop or enhance Head Start Research Partnerships.
     This grant program is part of a larger Head Start research effort. Three other grant funding mechanisms are being offered concurrently with the one described in this announcement. They include: (1) Head Start Graduate Student Research Grants, (2) Head Start-University Partnerships: Measurement Development for Head Start Children and Families, and (3) American Indian-Alaska Native Head Start-University Partnerships. For more information, please see these other Head Start Research announcements listed in the Federal Register or listed on http://www.Grants.Gov.
     Funding for this grant program is shared with the Head Start Graduate Student Research Partnership Development Grants. Relative funding for the two is contingent upon the results of the review process.
     Date for Letter of Intent (Encouraged): 3 weeks prior to June 1, 2004.
     Due Date for Receipt of Applications (Required): June 1, 2004.

Head Start Programs--Measurement Development; University Partnerships
Federal Register: April 1, 2004 (Volume 69, Number 63) Page 17176-17185
http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/14mar20010800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2004/04-7259.htm

[Editor's note: Please use http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm to access all the forms listed in the funding opportunity.]

     Administration for Children and Families (ACF) & Office of Planning, Research and Evaluation is providing funds for Head Start-University Partnerships: Measurement Development for Head Start Children and Families, for research activities to develop and test outcome measures to be used with Head Start children and families.
     This grant program is part of a larger Head Start research effort. Three other grant funding mechanisms are being offered concurrently with the one described in this announcement. They include: (1) American Indian-Alaska Native Head Start-University Partnerships, (2) Head Start Graduate Student Research Grants, and (3) Head Start Graduate Student Research Partnership Development Grants. For more information, please see these other Head Start Research announcements listed in the Federal Register or listed on http://www.Grants.Gov.
     Priority Area: Head Start-University Partnerships: Measurement
Development for Head Start Children and Families.
     Due date for Letter of Intent (Encouraged): 3 weeks prior to June 1, 2004.
     Due Date for Receipt of Applications (Required): June 1, 2004.

March 29, 2004

Head Start Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Federal Register.
http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/14mar20010800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2004/04-6959.htm
     The Administration on Children, Youth and Families (ACYF) is making available up to $1,500,000 annually for each of five years to support Head Start Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) Partnerships. These partnerships are designed to improve the quality and long-term effectiveness of Head Start and Early Head Start grantees by developing academic and other training models to increase the number of Head Start teachers with degrees in early childhood education.
     Applications are due May 13, 2004. Letters of intent are due April 15, 2004.

Head Start Hispanic Latino Service Partnership Institutions. Federal Register.
http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/14mar20010800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2004/04-6957.htm
     The Administration on Children, Youth and Families (ACYF) is making available up to $1,500,000 annually for each of five years to support Head Start--Higher Education Hispanic/Latino Service Institution Partnerships (HS-HEHLSIPs). These partnerships are designed to improve the quality and long-term effectiveness of Head Start, Migrant Head Start and Early Head Start grantees by developing academic and other training models to increase the number of Head Start teachers with degrees in early childhood education.
     Applications are due May 13, 2004. Letters of intent are due April 15, 2004.

Head Start Tribally Controlled Land Grant Colleges and Universities. Federal Register.
http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/14mar20010800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2004/04-6958.htm
     The Administration on Children, Youth and Families (ACYF) is making available up to $1,500,000 annually for each of five years to support Tribally Controlled Land Grant Colleges and Universities (TCUs) partnerships. These partnerships are designed to improve the quality and long-term effectiveness of Head Start and Early Head Start grantees by developing academic and other training models to increase the number of Head Start teachers with degrees in early childhood education.
     Applications are due May 13, 2004. Letters of intent are due April 15, 2004.

Please note: The original versions of the notices include a URL that was cut off due to a formatting problem. The URL is found in the table within each notice that provides information on the submission of required forms. The complete URL to access the required forms is: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm.

March 26, 2004

HHS Awards $2.9 Million to support 30 Head Start Innovation Projects
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/news/press/2004/hsinnogrants.htm
     HHS Secretary Tommy G. Thompson today announced thirty Head Start planning grants totalling $2.9 million for innovation and improvement projects. Awardees represent a range of national, state and local organizations and many new to the Head Start community.
     The innovation and improvement projects will be funded for a one-year planning phase. Awards range from $51,000 to $100,000 in funding. Twelve of the 30 projects will begin April 1, 2004 and the remaining 18 will begin September 1, 2004. Based on availability of funds and successful completion of the planning phase, these organizations will be eligible for future implementation funding for up to three years.
     The 30 funded projects will best support the Head Start Bureau’s mandate to strengthen the overall program nationally as well as improve some critical issues faced by specific states and special populations.

March 23, 2004

Head Start Bureau March Updates National Satellite Broadcast and Web Cast. March 31, 2004, 2:00 - 4:00 PM EST
http://www.headstartinfo.org/nrs_updates_broadcast.htm
     The upcoming Head Start Bureau Updates broadcast will be available to your site on March 31 through a variety of technologies. Topics to be covered include Highlights of the National Reporting System Spring Assessment.

NRS Migrant and Seasonal Programs
http://www.headstartinfo.org/nrs_i&r.htm
     Presentations from the NRS Migrant and Seasonal Programs Training Sessions are available on-line in Powerpoint and HTML formats.

March 19, 2004

Advisory Committee on Head Start Accountability and Educational Performance Measures to be Established. Federal Register: March 19, 2004 (Volume 69, Number 54) Page 13046-13047
http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/14mar20010800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2004/04-6202.htm
     The Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services intends to establish the Advisory Committee on Head Start Accountability and Educational Performance Measures (the "Committee") to help assess the progress in developing and implementing the Head Start National Reporting System (NRS) and provide recommendations for integrating the NRS with other on-going assessments of the effectiveness of the program.
     The Committee will work in coordination with the existing Technical Work Group (TWG) which helped develop the NRS, and make recommendations for how the NRS can be included in the broader assessment frame found in the Family and Child Experiences Survey (FACES), the national Head Start Impact Study, Head Start's Performance Based Outcome System, and the ongoing evaluation of the Early Head Start program.
     For further information contact: Michele Plutro, Head Start Bureau, at (202) 205-8573.

March 17, 2004

ACYF-IM-HS-04-03 – The 2004 Family Income Guidelines http://www.headstartinfo.org/publications/im04/im04_03.htm
     The policies, regulations and guidelines that determine children’s eligibility for participation in Head Start programs are detailed.

March 12, 2004

Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards; Bus Emergency Exits and Window Retention and Release - Final Regulations. Federal Register: March 12, 2004 (Volume 69, Number 49) Page 11815-11817. http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/14mar20010800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2004/04-5691.htm
     National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Department of Transportation announces a delay of the Federal motor vehicle safety standard on bus emergency exits and window retention and release. The effective date of the final rule is changed from April 21, 2004 to April 21, 2006.
     Any petitions for reconsideration of today's final rule must be received by NHTSA not later than April 26, 2004.

OMB Circular A-133 Information Collection Under OMB Review – Request for Comments. Federal Register: March 12, 2004 (Volume 69, Number 49) Page 11899-11901
http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/14mar20010800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2004/04-5147.htm
     In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980, as amended (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), this notice announces that an information collection request was submitted to the Office of Management and Budget's (OMB) Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) for processing under 5 CFR 1320.10. The information collection request involves two proposed information collections from two types of entities: (1) Reports from auditors to auditees concerning audit results, audit findings, and questioned costs; and (2) reports from auditees to the Federal government providing information about the auditees, the awards they administer, and the audit results.

     Due to potential delays in OMB's receipt and processing of mail sent through the U.S. Postal Service, we encourage respondents to submit comments electronically to ensure timely receipt. Electronic mail comments may be submitted on or before April 12, 2004 via the Internet to ahunt@omb.eop.gov. Please include ``Form SF-SAC Comments'' in the subject line and the full body of your comments in the text of the electronic message and not as an attachment. Please include your name, title, organization, postal address, telephone number and E-mail address in the text of the message. You may also submit comments via facsimile to 202-395-7285.

     Comments may be mailed to Alexander Hunt, Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, OMB, 725 17th Street, NW., Room 10236, Washington, DC 20503.

March 9, 2004

Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards; Child Restraint Systems – Final Rule.
Federal Register: March 9, 2004 (Volume 69, Number 46) Page 10928-10936
http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/14mar20010800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2004/04-5168.htm
     In response to a petition from a child restraint manufacturer, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration issued an interim final rule published on October 22, 2002, and amended on November 28, 2003, adopting a temporary provision permitting the manufacture of harnesses for use on a school bus that attach to a school bus seat back.
     Harnesses and other types of child restraints are otherwise generally prohibited by the standard from having any means designed for attaching the system to a vehicle seat back. The provision is set to terminate on September 1, 2004.
     This final rule eliminates the termination date for that provision, thus extending indefinitely the permission for manufacture of the harnesses. The harnesses must bear a warning label informing users that the harness must be used only on school bus seats, and that the entire seat directly behind the child wearing the seat-mounted harness must be either unoccupied or occupied by restrained passengers.
     The amendments made in this rule are effective on September 1, 2004. Petitions for reconsideration must be received by April 23, 2004.

March 8, 2004

Submit Orders for Publications by March 17, 2004
     From Monday, March 22, 2004 through Friday, April 9, 2004, Head Start Information and Publication Center will focus exclusively on shipping NRS materials for the Spring Assessment. Regular orders will not be processed during that time.
     Submit your requests for publications by Wednesday, March 17, 2004 to assure prompt arrival of the materials you need. HSIPC will return to regular processing and shipments on Monday April 12, 2004.

March 3, 2004

PRISM: Guia 2004
http://www.headstartinfo.org/pdf/PRISMGuide2004Spanish.pdf
     The full text of the 2004 PRISM Guide in Spanish is now available on-line.

Personnel Preparation To Improve Services and Results for Children With Disabilities; Notice Inviting Applications for New Awards for Fiscal Year (FY) 2004
Federal Register: March 3, 2004 (Volume 69, Number 42) Page 10011-10018 http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/14mar20010800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2004/04-4722.htm
     Funds are available to (1) help address State-identified needs for qualified personnel--in special education, related services, early intervention, and regular education--to work with children with disabilities; and (2) ensure that those personnel have the skills and knowledge--derived from practices that have been determined through research and experience to be successful--that are needed to serve those children.
     Preparation of Special Education, Related Services, and Early Intervention Personnel To Serve Infants, Toddlers, and Children With Low-Incidence Disabilities –Applications due April 16, 2004; Absolute Priority 2--Preparation of Leadership Personnel – Applications due April 9, 2004; Absolute Priority 3--Preparation of Personnel in Minority Institutions – Applications due April 9, 2004.

March 2, 2004

Demonstration Grants for Indian Children; Notice Inviting Applications for New Discretionary Program Awards for Fiscal Year (FY) 2004. Federal Register: March 2, 2004 (Volume 69, Number 41) Page 9817-9820
http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/14mar20010800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2004/04-4555.htm
     Financial assistance will be provided to projects to develop, test, and demonstrate the effectiveness of services and programs to improve the educational opportunities and achievement of preschool, elementary, and secondary Indian students.
     To meet the purposes of the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, this program will focus project services on increasing school readiness skills of three- and four-year-old American Indian and Alaska Native children; and enabling American Indian and Alaska Native high school graduates to transition successfully to postsecondary education by increasing their competency and skills in challenging subject matter, including mathematics and science.

February 27, 2004

Details of the Spring NRS Materials and Shipping
     Programs do not need to reorder materials for the Spring Data Collection. The following items will be sent automatically:
         NRS Spring refresher training video,
         Update to the manual,
         New easels,
         Scannable answer forms,
         Header sheet and return labels.

     Overnight shipping will be used for all programs closing in April.
     Expedited (3 day) service will be used for all other programs.

February 26, 2004

Spring NRS Materials
     Programs will not have to re-order NRS materials for the Spring Data Collection. NRS materials, in the same quantity as was sent in the fall, will be shipped to programs between March 22nd and April 9th.
     The order in which materials will be shipped is based on the program’s closing date as provided in the most recent PIR. Programs closing in April will be sent their materials before programs closing in May or June. Programs closing in early May will be sent their materials before programs closing in late May. Materials will be sent to programs via UPS whenever possible and tracking data will be provided.
     Programs will be able to order more materials, if needed, through the HSIPC web site or by using the order form included in their shipment.

February 23, 2004

The Father Factor: National Head Start Institute on Father Involvement
http://www.hsnrc.org/confdetails.cfm?ConfID=12
     Find the Institute Overview, Registration and Hotel Information on this web site.

February 19, 2004

ACYF-IM-HS-04-02 – Head Start Directors Institute July 12-15, 2004
     Information about the Head Start Director Institute to be held in Washington D.C. is provided. The Institute is intended to help “realize our collective obligation to provide each child and family with a quality comprehensive child development program.”

February 13, 2004

Annual Update of the HHS Poverty Guidelines. Federal Register: February 13, 2004 (Volume 69, Number 30) Page 7335-7338 http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/14mar20010800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2004/04-3329.htm
     This notice provides an update of the HHS poverty guidelines to account for last (calendar) year's increase in prices as measured by the Consumer Price Index. Persons with Internet access may visit the poverty guidelines Internet site at http://aspe.hhs.gov/poverty.
     These guidelines go into effect on the day they are published (unless an office administering a program using the guidelines specifies a different effective date for that particular program).
     For information about how the poverty guidelines are used or how income is defined in a particular program, contact the Federal (or other) office that is responsible for that program.

Head Start Impact Study: Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request. Federal Register: February 13, 2004 (Volume 69, Number 30) Page 7231-7232
http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/14mar20010800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2004/04-3209.htm
     The Administration on Children, Youth and Families (ACYF), Administration for Children and Families (ACF) of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is requesting comments from Individuals or Households, Head Start Agencies, School Districts, and other Child Care Providers on plans to conduct the Head Start Impact Study. This study is being conducted … to collect information for determining, on a national basis, how Head Start affects the school readiness of children participating in the program as compared to children not enrolled in Head Start and to determine under which conditions Head Start works best and for which children.
     This schedule of data collection is necessitated by the mandate in Head Start's 1998 reauthorization (Coats Human Services Amendments of 1998, PL 105-285) that HHS conduct research to determine, on a national level, the impact of Head Start on the children it serves.
     A comment is best assured of having its full effect if OMB receives it within 30 days of publication.

Federal Interagency Coordinating Council (FICC) Public Meeting Notice. Federal Register: February 13, 2004 (Volume 69, Number 30) Page 7209-7210 http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/14mar20010800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2004/04-3149.htm
     The FICC will engage in policy discussions related to educational services for young children with autism and their families on Thursday, March 18, 2004 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
     The meeting at American Institutes for Research, 1000 Thomas Jefferson Street, NW., Conference Rooms B & C, 2nd Floor, Washington, DC 20007 will be open and accessible to the general public.

February 6, 2004

Steve Hilton Receives Award for Helping Infants and Toddlers in Head Start Programs http://www.acf.hhs.gov/news/press/2004/release_0204hilton.htm
     Steve Hilton, President of the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, received an award for his support of Early and Migrant Head Start programs that serve infants and toddlers with significant disabilities and their families.
     Over a ten-year period (1997-2007), the Hilton Foundation, in a public-private partnership with the Administration for Children and Families' Head Start Bureau, will contribute $18.7 million toward intensive training programs for teachers and parents that will improve services to these often-underserved children. Over 500 communities serving more than 6,500 children per year will complete the training.
     The award was given at a Head Start Summit entitled "Delivering on the Promise of Early Intervention for Infants and Toddlers with Disabilities: Implementing Evidence-Based Practices."

February 5, 2004

Early Childhood Educator Professional Development Program Notice Inviting Applications for New Awards for Fiscal Year (FY) 2004
Federal Register: February 5, 2004 (Volume 69, Number 24) 5523-5526 http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/14mar20010800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2004/04-2520.htm
     The purpose of the Early Childhood Educator Professional Development (ECEPD) program is to enhance the school readiness of young children, particularly disadvantaged young children, and to prevent them from encountering difficulties once they enter school. There is particular interest in receiving applications that focus on providing professional development for early childhood educators who work with young children (including infants or toddlers, as applicable) with: limited English proficiency; disabilities, as identified under Parts B or C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act; or other special needs.
     Projects funded under the ECEPD program provide high-quality, sustained, and intensive professional development for these early childhood educators in how to provide developmentally appropriate school-readiness services for preschool-age children that are based on the best available research on early childhood pedagogy and on child development and learning.
     This application may be filed electronically at http://e-grants.ed.gov/
     Deadline for Transmittal of Applications: March 16, 2004.

February 3, 2004

FY 2005 Federal Budget Plans for Head Start
http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/budget/fy2005/hhs.html

Improving Head Start
     “As we raise educational standards, which we must do, each of our children needs an equal opportunity to meet those standards. And creating that opportunity must begin early, even before school starts. On the first day of school, children need to know letters and numbers. They need a strong vocabulary. And they need to love books. These are the building blocks of learning, and this nation must provide them.”

• Strengthening Head Start;
• Partnering with States to improve early childhood education; and
• Providing information on child development and early learning to teachers, caregivers, parents, and grandparents and closing the gap between research and practice in early childhood education.

January 28, 2004

Call for Abstracts for National Head Start Training Institute on Father Involvement Extended to February 11, 2004.
English | Spanish
     The Institute is intended to provide staff and parent leaders in every Head Start program with baseline knowledge and skills to support the ongoing involvement of fathers in their programs and in the lives of their children.
     Individuals from a variety of organizations and local Head Start programs are invited to submit abstracts for consideration. Abstracts must be postmarked NO LATER THAN February 11, 2004.
     The Institute will be held June 14-18, 2004, in Dallas, Texas.

January 22, 2004

Migrant and Seasonal Head Start Research Design Development Project. Federal Register: January 21, 2004 (Volume 69, Number 13) Page 2936-2937 http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/14mar20010800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2004/04-1228.htm
     The Head Start Bureau (Migrant Head Start Branch) is requesting comments from Parents, Children, MSHS Teachers, MSHS Program Staff on a pilot study that will be used to guide the development of appropriate and effective research designs for studying Migrant and Seasonal Head Start (MSHS) programs. This study is being conducted to collect information that will guide the development of appropriate and effective research designs that could be used in an eventual national evaluation of MSHS.

     Comments are requested by February 20, 2004.

January 21, 2004

Head Start Transportation Regulatory Extension Request Site
http://publiccomments.acf.hhs.gov/
     Programs may file electronic notification of intent to request an extension to the new Head Start Transportation Regulation here.

January 20, 2004

Correction to Federal Register notice -- Transportation Interim Final Rule Extended
     The new effective date of the final rule, June 21, 2004, may be extended to January 18, 2006. Programs must file an "intent to request an extension" by March 1, 2004; the extension application itself is due to the Head Start Bureau no later than April 1, 2004.
     Grantees may request such an extension when it is in the best interest of the children they serve.

January 16, 2004

TRANSPORTATION FINAL RULE IMPLEMENTATION POSTPONED UNTIL JUNE 21, 2004

Letter from the Associate Commissioner
http://www.headstartinfo.org/transletter.htm
     Grantees are now able to request a further extension to January 18, 2006 to comply with the requirements to provide child safety restraints and bus monitors. In order to do so, grantees must submit an “intent to request an extension” by March 1, 2004.

More Time to Implement Transportation Regulations
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/news/press/2004/HSRegs.htm
     Head Start programs will have until June 21, 2004 to put in place new transportation safety requirements: child safety restraints and bus monitors, for Head Start students. The original deadline was January 20, 2004.

Federal Register Notice -- Transportation Interim Final Rule Extended
http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/14mar20010800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2004/04-1096.htm
     Head Start grantees are encouraged to comment, by March 16, 2004, on the extension of the interim rule. They also have the opportunity to request further extension of the effective date of the final rule (June 21, 2004) when such an extension is in the best interest of the children they serve.
     Submit comments in writing to the Associate Commissioner, Head Start Bureau, 330 C Street, SW., Washington, DC 20447 or electronically at
http://regulations.acf.hhs.gov
     Contact Craig Turner, Head Start Bureau (202) 205-8572 for further information.

January 12, 2004

HSIPC Digest Alert – Issue 3 Is Published
http://www.headstartinfo.org/infocenter/digest/issue3.htm
     Five links provide information about supporting Low Income Fathers; the social and emotional competence needed by Children Entering School; the new Clearinghouse for Children with Disabilities; a chat on sources for Funding for Nonprofits; and the announcement of a conference on Technology in Nonprofits.

January 8, 2004

Head Start Bureau Updates Broadcast – January 29, 2004
     Get ready to view the upcoming broadcast/web cast live. General information, how to view the web cast, how to view the satellite broadcast, and sources for technical support are provided.

Call for Abstracts for National Head Start Training Institute on Father Involvement
English | Spanish
     The Institute is intended to provide staff and parent leaders in every Head Start program with baseline knowledge and skills to support the ongoing involvement of fathers in their programs and in the lives of their children.
     Individuals from a variety of organizations and local Head Start programs are invited to submit abstracts for consideration. Abstracts must be postmarked NO LATER THAN January 28, 2004.
     The Institute will be held June 14-18, 2004, in Dallas, Texas.

December 23, 2003

HSIPC Digest Alert – Issue 2 Is Published
On-line: http://www.headstartinfo.org/infocenter/digest/issue2.htm
To subscribe: http://www.headstartinfo.org/cgi-bin/email/digest/digest.cfm
     This issue includes: Hispanic Family Literacy Institute; How Children Grow from Birth through Age Three; Identifying and Implementing Educational Practices Supported by Rigorous Evidence: A User Friendly Guide; Using Science to Inform Preschool Assessment; Ten Basic Tips for an Effective News Release.

ACYF-PI-HS-03-02 Head Start Survey of Salaries and Other Compensation

     The Administration for Children and Families, at the request of the Chairman of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce and the Chairman of the Subcommittee on Education Reform, is conducting the Head Start Survey of Salaries and Other Compensation.

     All grantees and delegates are required to submit information no later than January 22, 2004 regarding compensation, travel, and training costs for the three budget years prior to the current year.

     In order to expedite the collection of this information, programs need to complete the survey on-line via the Internet at www.pirweb.net/salarysurvey.

     If you have any questions regarding the completion or submission of the survey, please contact Xtria toll free at 1-866-868-0719 for assistance.

December 19, 2003

Links to Literacy (L2)
http://www.headstartinfo.org/infocenter/literacy_tk/links_dec.htm
     The December issue identifies four sources for proven practices that contribute to the development of literacy.

December 17, 2003

Just Published

The FY 2001 Head Start Biennial Report
On-line: http://www.headstartinfo.org/pdf/Biennial_Report.pdf
To order: http://www.headstartinfo.org/cgi-bin/pubcatstore.cfm?CatID=347&do=detail
     The Secretary of Health and Human Services is required by law to submit a report to the Congress on the status of children in Head Start programs at least once during every two-year period. This report includes information for Fiscal Years (FY) 2000 and 2001.

The Head Start Leaders Guide to Positive Child Outcomes: Strategies to Support Positive Child Outcomes.
On-line: http://www.headstartinfo.org/pdf/HSOutcomesguideFINAL4c.pdf
To order: http://www.headstartinfo.org/cgi-bin/pubcatstore.cfm?CatID=346&do=detail
     By offering a picture of what a high quality Head Start program looks like in action and in detail, this guide will help Head Start agencies improve the effectiveness of their services.

The Head Start Path to Positive Child Outcomes
On-line: http://www.headstartinfo.org/pdf/hsoutcomespath28ppREV.pdf
To order: http://www.headstartinfo.org/cgi-bin/pubcatstore.cfm?CatID=261&do=detail
     The context for discussing Head Start Child, Family, and Program Accomplishments and Outcomes is reviewed. The Outcomes Framework identifies Domains, Domain Elements and specific Indicators of Children's Skills.

HSIPC Digest Alert
On-line: http://www.headstartinfo.org/infocenter/digest/issue1.htm
To subscribe: http://www.headstartinfo.org/cgi-bin/email/digest/digest.cfm
     The professional staff of HSIPC Digest Alert searches out and summarizes news and information relevant to the Head Start community. HSIPC publishes this digest twice a month.

New Funding Opportunity

Efficacy Trials of Parenting Programs for Fathers. Federal Register: December 17, 2003 (Volume 68, Number 242), Page 70273-70278
http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/14mar20010800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2003/03-31083.htm
     The efficacy of parenting programs for high-risk fathers, expectant fathers, or father surrogates of children age birth to two and/or age three to five will be examined for the prevention of child maltreatment and the promotion of positive parenting behaviors. This program addresses the "Healthy People 2010" focus area of Injury and Violence Prevention. File Letter of Intent: January 16, 2004. Application Deadline: February 18, 2004.

December 10, 2003

Head Start: Better Data and Processes Needed to Monitor Underenrollment. http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d0417.pdf
     The General Accounting Office (GAO) was asked by members of Congress “to determine what is known about the extent to which Head Start Programs are underenrolled, ACF regional officials’ and Head Start grantees’ views on what factors contribute to underenrollment, and what actions ACF and grantees have taken to address underenrollment.” GAO recommendations are included in the document.

ACYF-HS-IM-03-10 New Head Start Training and Technical Assistance (T/TA)
System FY 2004
     The new training and technical assistance (T/TA) system that will assist Head Start and Early Head Start grantees in identifying T/TA needs and accessing T/TA resources is detailed. The system will be supported through contracts that have been awarded in all 10 ACF Regional Offices and the American Indian-Alaska Native and Migrant and Seasonal Workers Branches.

December 1, 2003

IM-03-09 Fiscal Assistant
http://www.headstartinfo.org/publications/im03/im03_09.htm
     The Head Start Bureau has developed a new electronic resource called the Fiscal Assistant.
     The Fiscal Assistant is an online searchable system containing all the statutes, regulations and policies related to the fiscal management of Head Start grants. It also contains selected narratives, with easy-to-read explanations of fiscal regulations. Using this tool, users can quickly locate, sort through, and appropriately interpret large amounts of information related to Head Start grants administration and financial management.
     The Fiscal Assistant can be accessed at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/hsb/hsfa/.

November 20, 2003

Notice of Extension of Public Comment Period on the Document Entitled Guidance on Selecting the Appropriate Age Groups for Assessing Childhood Exposures to Environmental Contaminants (External Review Draft). Federal Register, November 20, 2003, Volume 68, Number 224, 65455
http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/14mar20010800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2003/03-29005.htm
     The comment period for Guidance on Selecting the Appropriate Age Groups for Assessing Childhood Exposures to Environmental Contaminants (External Review Draft) is extended until December 22, 2003.
     The availability of this document was originally announced in the Federal Register on September 22, 2003 (68 FR 55047).

November 19, 2003

National American Indian Heritage Month, 2003
http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/14mar20010800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2003/03-29072.htm
     President George W. Bush has, in Proclamation 7735 of November 14, 2003, declared November National American Indian Heritage Month.

November 13, 2003

Head Start Survey under Emergency Review by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). Federal Register: November 13, 2003, Volume 68, Number 219, 64351-64352
http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/14mar20010800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2003/03-28437.htm
     A committee of the U.S. House of Representatives requested that the Secretary of Health and Human Services conduct a review of the financial management of Head Start grantees nationwide. The House Education and the Workforce Committee is interested in knowing the salaries and benefits of the top 25 Head Start executives and the amount of their salary and benefits financed using Federal Head Start dollars.
     To be responsive to the House of Representatives, the Head Start Bureau has prepared a survey form to be mailed to and completed by all Head Start grantees and delegate agencies within 30 days. The Head Start Bureau will then compile the results and forward the requested information to the Committee.

November 6, 2003

Head Start Fiscal Assistant Updated
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/hsb/hsfa/
     Plain language narratives explaining Federal requirements for nineteen fiscal topics, FAQs, and a library of relevant documents provide guidance for Head Start managers and fiscal staff. Browse or search the Head Start program resource to find the relevant information.

November 5, 2003

ACYF-IM-HS-03-08 Program Review Instrument for Systems Monitoring (PRISM) for FY 2004
The FY 2004 version of the PRISM Guide is intended to benefit PRISM team leaders, reviewers and grantees. The Guide replaces the PRISM Federal Team Leader Planner and the Grantee Guide to PRISM of previous years. PRISM Instrument is included both as an appendix in the Guide and as a separate publication.

October 23, 2003

Region III – RFA – Summers County, West Virginia
     The Administration for Children and Families solicits applications from local public or private non-profit (including Faith Based organizations) or local for-profit organizations that wish to compete for funds which are available to provide Head Start services in Summers County, West Virginia.
     Applications are due by January 30, 2004.

Region VI – RFA – Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
     The Administration for Children and Families solicits applications from local public or private non-profit (including Faith Based organizations) or local for-profit organizations that wish to compete for funds which are available to provide Early Head Start services in part of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
     Applications are due by January 30, 2004.

October 16, 2003

FirstGov en Español
http://www.espanol.gov
     The government's new Spanish-language information web portal links visitors to the entire spectrum of Spanish-language websites and web pages available from federal and state governments.

     El nuevo portal de información en español del gobierno vincula al visitante con un abanico completo de sitios y páginas Web del gobierno federal y de los estados en dicho idioma.

October 14, 2003

Evaluation of the Early Head Start Fatherhood Demonstration – Request for Comments. Federal Register: October 14, 2003, Volume 68, Number 198, 59188-59189
http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/14mar20010800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2003/03-25886.htm
     ACYF recently commissioned a follow-up study to investigate programs' efforts to sustain meaningful fatherhood initiatives after the demonstration grant funding ends. This submission requests approval to conduct site visits to a subset of approximately 9 programs as well as a second survey of staff and collection of father participation data from all 21 demonstration programs.
     Early Head Start directors, fatherhood program coordinators, family specialists, teachers, and fathers and mothers of Early Head Start children are asked to comment on the proposed information collection.

October 8, 2003

NRS Sample Information for Parents
http://www.headstartinfo.org/nrsquestions.htm
     Programs are encouraged to inform parents about the National Reporting System in a variety of ways. Points of emphasis and clarification are suggested.

October 3, 2003

Shipping of NRS Child Assessment Forms
http://www.headstartinfo.org/hsipcmemo2.htm
     The Head Start Bureau has approved shipping of all requests for NRS child assessment forms. The HSIPC projects that all orders will be shipped by no later than COB Monday, October 6 with delivery no later than two business days following shipping. Points of emphasis to enhance the quality and utility of the NRS effort are included in the memo.

September 29, 2003

Links to Literacy
http://www.headstartinfo.org/infocenter/literacy_tk/links_sept2.htm
     The new issue of Links to Literacy, volume 2, number 3, identifies resources available through the U.S. Department of Education, the Center on the Family at the University of Hawai'i, and the Council for Exceptional Children.

September 24, 2003

Shipping Of Head Start National Reporting System Child Assessment Forms
http://www.headstartinfo.org/hsipcmemo.htm
     The memorandum from Head Start Information and Publication Center explains the procedures that will enable shipping of the NRS Child Assessment Forms.

September 24, 2003

NRS Informational Letter
     Windy Hill, Associate Commissioner of Head Start, has written an informational letter in which she emphasizes four key steps related to the National Reporting System. These steps include: ordering training materials; completing local training; entering rosters of children on the NRS CBRS; administering the assessments and returning the scannable assessment forms no later than November 28, 2003.

September 22, 2003

Environmental Protection Agency Requests Comments. Federal Register: September 22, 2003, Volume 68, Number 183, 55047-55048
http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/14mar20010800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2003/03-24122.htm
     The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is announcing a 60-day public comment period for the draft document entitled "Guidance on Selecting the Appropriate Age Groups for Assessing Childhood Exposures to Environmental Contaminants". The document is intended to provide guidance to EPA scientists on the appropriate age groups to consider when assessing childhood exposure and potential dose to environmental contaminants.
     Comments must be received by November 21, 2003.

September 16, 2003

Announcement of availability of funds and request for applications to sponsor a
Head Start program in Sussex County, Delaware.
     The Administration for Children and Families solicits applications from local public or private non-profit (including Faith Based organizations) or local for-profit organizations that wish to compete for funds which are available to provide Head Start services for pre-school children living in the school districts of Indian River, Cape Henlopen, Laurel and Delmar in Sussex County, Delaware.
     Applications are due January 30, 2004.

September 15, 2003

Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC): Revisions to the WIC Food Packages. Federal Register: September 15, 2003, Volume 68, Number 178, 53903-53910
http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/14mar20010800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2003/03-23498.htm

     The Food and Nutrition Service (FNS), USDA provides advanced notice of proposed rulemaking.
     The WIC Program provides supplemental food packages designed to provide specific nutrients critical to growth and development. WIC food packages were designed to supplement participants' diets with nutritionally dense foods that prevent iron-deficiency anemia; complement the eating patterns of pre-school children; and address the special nutrition requirements of pregnant and breastfeeding women. The WIC food packages were last revised in 1980.
      In this Notice, the Department is soliciting public comments on redesigning the food packages offered through the WIC Program to determine if the WIC food packages should be revised to better improve the nutritional intake, health and development of participants; and, if so, what specific changes should be made to the food packages.
      The Department plans to enlist independent technical experts via the Institute of Medicine's Food and Nutrition Board to review available science and comments submitted in response to this Notice and to develop recommendations on revising the WIC food packages for the Department's consideration. The Department will use comments received through the Notice and the Food and Nutrition Board recommendations to develop a proposed rule.
      To be assured of consideration, comments must be postmarked on or before December 15, 2003. Comments should be sent to Patricia Daniels, Director, Supplemental Food Programs Division, Food and Nutrition Service, USDA, 3101 Park Center Drive, Room 520, Alexandria, Virginia 22302. Comments on this Notice should be clearly labeled "Revisions to the WIC Food Packages."

September 10, 2003

The HSIPC Warehouse has resumed processing and distributing regular orders. However, fulfillment of NRS orders will remain our first priority until all programs receive their requested NRS-related materials. We have added additional warehouse staff to expedite filling backlogged regular orders and we are processing the regular orders in the sequence in which we received them. Thank you for your understanding.

September 8, 2003

Early Head Start Recompetitions
     Forty-six Early Head Start programs are open for recompetition. Grants are for specific geographic locales only.

September 3, 2003

September 22, 2003 Proclaimed as Family Day.
http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/14mar20010800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2003/03-22542.htm
     President George W. Bush has proclaimed September 22, 2003 as Family Day.
" I call upon the people of the United States to observe this day by engaging in activities to strengthen the relationships between parents and children…" He stated, "Children thrive in loving families where they are taught, nurtured, and comforted. By spending time with our children and stressing the importance of making the right choices, parents and other family members help them develop into confident, successful individuals."

August 28, 2003

Head Start Bulletin # 76 – Head Start Child Outcomes
     Download (HTML) (PDF) the overview about The National Reporting System (NRS). The NRS has been developed in order to determine "how well Head Start children across the country are being prepared for academic success once they enter school," (Dr. Wade F. Horn). Articles and resources "set the context" for the information sought through the NRS. The updated The Head Start Path to Positive Child Outcomes is included.

August 26, 2003

Head Start NRS Bilingual/ Spanish Assistance
     Does your staff still need training to be certified in Spanish? Check our database to identify certified trainers by region or state.
     In addition, Bilingual/Spanish certified consultants are listed by state.

August 22, 2003

NOTICE
HSIPC will not process or fulfill routine orders for Head Start materials until further notice. All HSIPC resources are being solely dedicated to expediting fulfillment of NRS orders.

August 15, 2003

OMB – Circular A-133 and SF-SAC -- Request for Comments. Federal Register: August 15, 2003, Volume 68, Number 158, 48960-48961
http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/14mar20010800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2003/03-20919.htm
     Office of Management and Budget (OMB) invites the general public and Federal agencies to comment on renewal and changes to two information collection requests from two types of entities: (1) the reports of auditors to auditees concerning audit results, audit findings, and questioned costs, and (2) reports from auditees to the Federal Government providing information about the auditees, the awards they administer, and the audit results.
     Included as part of this information collection is the Data Collection Form (SF-SAC). The changes being proposed are to modify the data elements collected on the SF-SAC.
     Submit comments on or before October 14, 2003.

August 8, 2003

Head Start Program Performance Standards 1304 – Request for Comments. Federal Register: August 8, 2003, Volume 68, Number 153, 47328-47329
http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/14mar20010800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2003/03-20259.htm
     Head Start and Early Head Start grantees are asked to comment on the record keeping required by the Head Start Performance Standards. The Administration for Children and Families is proposing to renew the authority to require certain record keeping in all programs.
     Comments are requested within 30 days.

Head Start Family and Child Experience Survey (FACES) and Quality Research Centers – Request for Comments. Federal Register: August 8, 2003, Volume 68, Number 153, 47329-47330
http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/14mar20010800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2003/03-20260.htm
     The Administration for Children and Families (AFC) of the Department of Health and Human Services is requesting comments on plans to collect data on a new cohort for the Head Start Family and Child Experience Survey (FACES).
     Comments are requested within 30 days.

August 6, 2003

Head Start National Reporting System Presentations
http://www.headstartinfo.org/publications/nrspresentations.htm
     The presentations to be used in training local assessors are available in English and Spanish.

Federal Register. Proposed Information Collection Activity; Tribal Child Support Direct Funding Regulation--Final. Request for Comments. August 5, 2003, Volume 68, Number 150, 46188-46189
http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/14mar20010800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2003/03-19908.htm
     45 CFR part 309 contains a regulatory requirement that, in order to receive funding for an independent Tribal IV-D program, a Tribe or Tribal organization must submit an application containing Standard Forms 424 and 424A and a plan describing how the Tribe or Tribal organization meets or plans to meet the objectives of section 455(f) of the Act, including establishing paternity, establishing, modifying, and enforcing support orders, and locating noncustodial parents.
     Comments are requested within 60 days.

August 1, 2003

Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards; Definition of Multifunction School Activity Bus. Federal Register: July 31, 2003, Volume 68, Number 147, 44892-44901
http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/14mar20010800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2003/03-19457.htm
     National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), DOT announces the final rule establishing a new class of school buses, multifunction school activity buses, for use in transporting children on trips other those than between home and school. We anticipate that this final rule will also facilitate efforts by the Federal Transit Administration to provide funding to Head Start programs and coordinated transportation providers to purchase the school buses.
     The effective date for the final rule is: September 2, 2003. Manufacturers are provided optional early compliance with this final rule beginning July 31, 2003.
     Petitions for reconsideration of the final rule must be received not later than September 15, 2003.

SF 424 -- OMB Request for Comments. Federal Register: July 31, 2003, Volume 68, Number 147, 44974-44975.
http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/14mar20010800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2003/03-19510.htm
     OMB is proposing to add four standard elements to SF 424. Comments are requested by September 2, 2003.

Notice of the OMB review of information collection and solicitation of public comment. Federal Register: July 31, 2003, Volume 68, Number 147, 44975.
http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/14mar20010800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2003/03-19511.htm
     OMB is reviewing comments received about the proposed Federal Financial Report. Comments are requested by September 2, 2003.

Federal Register: Correction to Funding Announcement
     On July 3, 2003, we published in the Federal Register (68 FR 39902) a notice inviting applications and providing other information for certain FY 2003 grant competitions authorized under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), as amended.
     On page 39903, first column, the Deadline for Intergovernmental Review is corrected to read "September 5, 2003."

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Last Modified: 09/29/2004

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