May 20, 2015

Purpose of the Self- Assessment Required by the Head Start Performance Standards (i)(1) Head Start Ac 2007 Head Start Act Section 642

Head Start Performance Standard (i)(1) At least once each program year, with the consultation and participation of the policy groups and, as appropriate, other community members, grantee and delegate agencies must conduct a self-assessment of their effectiveness and progress in meeting program goals and objectives and in implementing Federal regulations. Measure accomplishments, strengths, weakness, and program enhancements Create plans to improve to Ensure continuous quality programming

Head Start for School Readiness Act 2007) 2007 Head Start Act Section 642 Role of Policy Council and the Board: Review and approve the annual self-assessment, findings and improvement plans Monitor the progress of corrective actions/improvement plans Self-Assessment Are we doing the right things? Ongoing Monitoring Are we doing things right?

The Self Assessment Process Specify time schedule Select team members Provide training about the process Assess the program Analyze and share findings Develop and implement action plans Make evaluations ongoing

Assessing the Program Early Childhood Development & Health Services Family & Community Partnerships Program Design & Management ERSEA Head Start Staffing Requirements Designation Renewal Systems Fiscal Operations Transportation and Safe Environments

Data Driven Provides the opportunity for the program to look for consistent data messages from across all areas of operation: Program Information Report Child Outcome Data Analysis Enrollment/Attendance Staff Qualifications Self-Assessment Questions: Which data highlight our strengths? Which data suggest areas of concerns? What do the data tell us about our progress in meeting goals? Are there patterns across data sources that we need to attend to? Self-Assessment is a time to focus on the “BIG” Issues.

Supporting & Implementing Quality Services to Children & Families How effective is the grantee’s system for/of: Shared governance Ongoing system of program planning Communication Record keeping & reporting timely & accurate information Ongoing monitoring system Human Resources Management Fiscal Management

How does the grantee implement a comprehensive system of services for/to: Prevention of health problems Tracking child health and developmental services, and ensure follow-up services are received in a timely manner Individualize the program to meet each child’ unique characteristics, strengths and needs Ensures that individual services are effectively provided to children with diagnosed or suspected disabilities Engage in a process for School Readiness Reporting of Child Outcomes Gains/Expectations Engage in a process of collaborative partnership building Providing parent involvement opportunities in all aspects of the Head Start program

Take an active role in community planning & advocacy to improve the delivery of services Approach to ERSEA to meet the needs of Head Start/Early Head Start families and in response to the Community Needs Assessment Ensures that facilities, materials, equipment and transportation services are supportive of learning and reflective of different ages and stages of development

Interpreting the Information Examine strengths and weakness What are the systemic issues Prioritize health/safety issues Classify/Prioritize short-long term improvements Create an improvement plan Develop training plan Submit for approval