Accurate monitoring practices are crucial for compliance. Whether you have been selected for monitoring this year or anticipate one in the years ahead, this training allows you to effectively prepare your teams and systems to meet and exceed Head Start Program compliance. We offer trainings on both Focus Area One and Focus Area Two.  Our monitoring trainings are designed to help Head Start programs stay in compliance and mitigate any risk factors in advance of the review. Head Start leaders can avoid risking their program services and funds by learning from a seasoned monitoring expert with advanced knowledge of the Head Start Monitoring Protocols and the common pitfalls that lead to non-compliant reviews. Trainings are lead by a long-term seasoned Head Start Monitoring leader, who has sat on both sides of the monitoring process.

What is the Focus Area One Monitoring Review?

The Focus Area One review is the Office of Head Start’s opportunity to hear from recipients about their program design, management, and governance structures. Program staff must describe a program approach that indicates compliance with the Head Start Program Performance Standards, including adequate staffing structure and responsive program designs. Recipients will describe education, health, and family services that indicate effective systems. Finally, fiscal and government representatives will share compliant and quality practices that meet and exceed the Office of Head Start performance expectations.

This review process is an off-site interview-based event. Reviewers will review data, documents, and reports in the Head Start Enterprise System and other sources to understand the program and its community’s needs. The Reviewers will also consult with the Regional Office Program and Grant Specialists to expand their understanding of the organization and its program before the monitoring event. After the reviewer establishes a framework for the agency and its services, they will conduct a series of interviews, facilitating discussions to ensure the plans and practices established by the program promote quality service delivery that meets the needs of children and families.