1 Grant Application Instrument and Instruction

Head Start

Grant Application

PAPERWORK REDUCTION ACT OF 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13) STATEMENT OF PUBLIC BURDEN:
The purpose of this information collection is for eligible entities to apply for Head Start funding. Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 25 hours per respondent, including the time for reviewing instructions, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and reviewing the collection of information. This collection of information is required to receive funding under the Head Start Act (42 USC 9801 et seq.). An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information subject to the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number.

OMB Control No: 0970-0207
Expiration date: xx/xx/xx

Types of Applications Available to Grantees

Type	Description of Request
Supplement - COLA and Quality Improvement*	Request for Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) and Quality Improvement Funding
Change in Scope	Conversion
	Enrollment reduction
	Add or remove program option
	Other programmatic change
	Locally Designed Option (LDO)
	Request to Consolidate Grants
Supplement*	Request for additional financial support
Supplement - COLA*	Request for Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA)
Budget Revision*	Changes in the line item budget
	Nonfederal share waiver requests
Carryover Request - Reprogram*	Request prior approval for carryover of unobligated funds
Low Cost Extension	Low Cost Extensions (LCE) are requested to complete activities of the grant for a set period of time after the final year of the project period, and may be part of closeout activities.
Grantee Change	Use this amendment type for grantee name and other changes. Grantee changes can also be made on the Grantee Change tab within existing application types.
Supplement - Facilities 1303	Use this amendment when requesting supplemental funds for the purchase, construction, or major renovation of real property that meets the requirements of 45 C.F.R. Part 1303.
Revision – Facilities 1303	Use this amendment when requesting prior approval to use Head Start funds for the purchase, construction, or major renovation of real property that meets the requirements of 45 C.F.R. Part 1303. This includes fulfilling requirements of restricted funds awarded for real property (i.e. startup) pending submission and approval of a complete 1303 application, for budget revisions, including requests to encumber (financing arrangements, including a finance lease (formerly called capital lease)) real property using Head Start funds.
Carryover - Facilities 1303	Use this amendment when requesting to use an unobligated balance for the purchase, construction, or major renovation of real property that meets the requirements of 45 C.F.R. Part 1303.
Award – [one-time approp name]	Application for other one-time appropriation that is not COLA or QI (e.g., funding to increase program hours).

SF-424A

SF-424A

Edit Location

Grantee Change

Document Upload

Correspondence

Facilities Supplement/Revision/Carryover

Facilities - Document Upload

Additional questions upon submission to support the acknowledgement of documents uploaded to system

Head Start Grant Application Instructions

with Guidance

Version 3.01

Released [DATE]

Version 3.01 Release Notes

Changes and clarifications implemented in Version 3.01 are listed below.

Please note revisions from Version 3 are indicated using dark orange font color throughout this document for easy identification.

• Added a description for the following:

  • Results of Self-assessment and Improvement Plan

  • Selection criteria

  • Annual Report to the Public— The Annual Report to the Public must now include a cover page that briefly describes how the report is made available to the public.

  • Other supporting documents

• Added additional question on the following:

  • Steps taken to prioritize equity in selection criteria

  • Locally Designed Option requests

  • Use of the training and technical assistance funds in the budget narrative and clarification to include budget cost categories

  • Staff compensation

  • Internal controls

  • Explanation when there are no updates or changes to service delivery in a continuation application

• Added clarifications on the following:

  • The type of application to submit after receiving a grant through the competitive process

  • ACF IM 19-04, Accounting Simplification for Head Start and Early Head Start

  • School readiness goals

  • Use of the program goals template is optional

  • Service and recruitment area

  • Enrollment Reductions and/or Conversions requests

  • Populations in greatest need

  • Requesting funds for equipment.

• Added reminders on the following:

  • Locally Designed Option qualifies as a Change in Scope request in HSES

  • “Program Schedule” in HSES must reflect proposed enrollment levels

  • Governance screenings

  • Entering partnership contracts on the budget tab

  • Level of detail for contracts over $250,000

• Added tips on equity considerations throughout.

Table of Contents

Instructions for the Complete Grant Application Package 4

Instructions for the Application and Budget Justification Narrative 8

Introduction 8

Baseline Application 8

Continuation Application 8

Special Instruction for Shortened Budget Periods 9

General Formatting Requirements 9

Terms and Definitions 9

Additional Definitions 10

Additional Resources on Program Goals 10

Special Instruction on Supporting Documentation 10

Special Instruction on Community Assessment 10

Section I. Program Design and Approach to Service Delivery 11

Sub-Section A: Goals 11

Sub-Section B: Service Delivery 14

Sub-Section C: Governance, Organizational, and Management Structures 20

Section II. Budget and Budget Justification Narrative 23

Instructions for the Complete Grant Application Package

Submit the complete grant application package in an electronic format using the Head Start Enterprise System (HSES) at https://hses.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/hsprograms. The Grant Application section is located under the “Financials” tab. Incomplete applications will be returned for correction.

ACF IM HS 19-04, Accounting Simplification for Head Start and Early Head Start, announced the consolidation of the Operations CANs by program. Please note that the Program Schedule and budget projections (Budget tab) must still be completed by Head Start program operation and Early Head Start program operation within the application separately.

A complete grant application package requires completing the following application tabs in HSES:

• Program Schedule

  

  Signed Assurances

  After submitting the grant application, HSES automatically generates the following electronically signed assurances for download in the SF-424 tab:

  1. SF-424B, Assurances – Non-Construction Programs;

  2. Certification Regarding Lobbying;

  3. Certification Regarding Compliance with Compensation Cap (Level II of Executive Schedule); and

  4. Tax Certification Form.

• Budget

• Other Funding

• SF-424A

• SF-424

• Documents

What documents do I upload in the Documents tab in HSES?

Upload the following documents in their respective folders of the Grant Application Documents tab in HSES. Do not upload documents completed on-screen such as the SF-424 and signed assurances.

Documents to Upload in HSES	Page Limit	Related Citation
Application and Budget Justification Narrative	60 Pages*	Instructions with Citations Begin on Page 8
Results of Self-assessment and Improvement Plan	N/A	45 CFR 1302.102(b)(2) and (c)(iv-v)
Governing Body and Policy Council Decisions		Head Start Act 642(c)(1)(E)(iv)(V) & 642(c)(2)(D)(iii)
Selection Criteria		45 CFR 1302.14
Cost Allocation Plan		45 CFR §75.415
Training and Technical Assistance Plan		Head Start Act 648(d)(1)
Annual Report to the Public		Head Start Act 644(a)(2)
Program Goals Template, optional
Indirect Cost Rate Agreement, or records showing adoption of 10% de minimis indirect cost rate, if applicable		Uniform Fiscal Regulations 45 CFR 75.414
*Other Supporting Documents (e.g. Organizational Chart)
Sample Delegate and/or Partnership Contracts, if applicable

*OHS understands some programs such as those with numerous delegates, complex models, significant changes, and very large recipients may exceed the page limit.

Results of Self-assessment and Improvement Plan

Upload the Improvement Plan and findings of the self-assessment, including information listed in 1302.102(b)(2)(i).

Governing Body and Policy Council Decisions

Upload governing body approval and policy council approval or disapproval of the application:

1. Signed statements of the governing body and policy council chairs;

2. Governing body and policy council minutes documenting each group’s participation in the development and approval of the application; and

3. If the policy council did not approve the application, upload the required letter from the policy council indicating its reasons for withholding approval.

Selection Criteria

Upload the selection criteria for prioritizing enrollment. Selection criteria should reflect the needs identified in the community assessment. Recipients should ensure criteria are updated to reach the eligible children and families most in need, especially critical for those recipients experiencing underenrollment.

Cost Allocation Plan

Upload a written cost allocation plan, certified in accordance with 45 CFR §75.415 that describes how shared costs, including shared staff, are allocated based on proportional benefit as required in 45 CFR §75.405. Indirect cost must be included unless the applicant has a negotiated indirect cost rate agreement or has adopted use of the 10% de minimis rate.

Training and Technical Assistance Plan

Upload the recipient’s complete plan for professional development of staff, parents, volunteers, governing body members and policy council members. Assure the plan includes mandatory training and priorities identified from ongoing monitoring and the annual self-assessment.

Annual Report to the Public

Upload the agency’s Annual Report to the Public in accordance with Section 644(a)(2) of the Head Start Act and include a cover page that briefly describes how the report is made available to the public. The Head Start Act specifies the report must contain at a minimum the following information from the most recent fiscal year:

• The total amount of public and private funds received and the amount from each source.

• An explanation of budgetary expenditures and proposed budget for the fiscal year.

• The total number of children and families served, the average monthly enrollment (as a percentage of funded enrollment), and the percentage of eligible children served.

• The results of the most recent review by the Secretary and the financial audit.

• The percentage of enrolled children that received medical and dental exams.

• Information about parent involvement activities.

• The agency's efforts to prepare children for kindergarten.

Indirect Cost Rate Agreement

If applicable, upload a copy of the current or proposed negotiated indirect cost rate agreement between the agency and/or delegate agencies and the respective cognizant Federal agency. If using the 10% de minimis indirect cost rate, upload a copy of the policy or other written record indicating date upon which the rate was adopted.

Other Supporting Documents

Upload other supporting documents as needed such as organizational charts, program calendars, etc.

Who should complete the grant application?

The completion of the grant application is a team effort. The application covers a wide range of topics and activities, and it represents a recipient’s commitment to the implementation of the program and use of federal funds.

How do I receive assistance with application submission?

Please contact your Regional Office for assistance with the Application and Budget Justification Narrative instructions.

HSES training materials and a User’s Guide to support submission are found in the "Instructions" section of HSES. For further technical assistance, please contact [email protected] or 1-866-771-4737.

Instructions for the Application and Budget Justification Narrative

Introduction

Recipients are required to submit funding applications for each year of the project period. The Office of Head Start carefully considers each recipient’s annual application, beginning with the baseline, to assure that agencies are meeting the intent of the Head Start mission, purpose, and regulations prior to issuing the Notice of Award. The Office of Head Start analyzes each application to understand whether the recipient’s proposed program design, services, and resources are aligned to meet the needs of the children and families in their community, and to understand the program’s goals and progress toward meeting those goals, as well as outcomes, throughout the grant’s project period.

Baseline Application

In the Baseline Application, recipients describe the program design, goals, approach to service delivery, and supporting budget for the duration of their grant. This is an opportunity for the recipient to present their strategies for meeting certain requirements and to ensure the delivery of high quality services, including a program design that is responsive to the needs of the children and families in the community.

Recipients applying for a non-competitive new grant must follow the instructions for submitting a Baseline Application for the first year of the new grant. These recipients are in the final 12 months of their current grant.

Recipients that received a grant through the competitive process and are submitting their first grant application in HSES using these instructions must complete a Baseline Application. These recipients will submit their baseline a few months up to a year after the start of their competitive new grant depending on the length of their initial budget period. For example, a recipient awarded a new grant, through the competitive process, with an initial budget period of 07/01/2023—03/31/2024, must submit a baseline application to receive funding for their 04/01/2024—3/31/2025 budget period.

Continuation Application

Following the baseline, recipients submit a Continuation Application for the duration of the project period. In this application, recipients describe any changes and/or updates to the program design, goals, approach to service delivery, and supporting budget. Recipients provide a rationale for changes such as resulting from ongoing oversight or using data for continuous improvement as described in 1302.102(b)-(c). Also, recipients describe challenges with implementing the program design and how they are working to address those challenges.

Recipients that received a grant through the competitive process and are submitting their first grant application in HSES using these instructions must complete a Baseline Application. These recipients will submit their baseline either a few months or up to a year after the start of their competitive new grant depending on the length of their initial budget period. For example, a recipient awarded a new grant, through the competitive process, with an initial budget period of 07/01/2023—03/31/2024, must submit a baseline application to receive funding for their 04/01/2024—3/31/2025 budget period.

Special Instruction for Shortened Budget Periods

Recipients submitting an application for a budget period of less than 6 months must complete the budget and schedule tabs within HSES, and submit only a budget justification (Section II) for the Application and Budget Justification Narrative document; other tabs in HSES and supporting documents must also be completed. Recipients submitting an application for a budget period of less than 6 months may include recipients with a project period end date that does not align with their final budget period or recipients designated for competition with a final budget period less than 6 months. In the next application, recipients must submit either a full baseline during the first year of the project period or a full continuation application if it is later in the project period.

Reminder: If you have any questions about the narrative instructions, contact your Program Specialist.

General Formatting Requirements

1. Provide a Table of Contents within the narrative document.

2. Each page must be double-spaced, with one-inch margins on all sides.

3. Use a font size of 12 for narrative.

4. Each page must be numbered in the lower right-hand corner.

The application must follow the sequential order of the application instructions for the narrative. Tables, headers, and illustrations may have different formatting.

Terms and Definitions

Program Goals – Broad statements that describe what a program intends to accomplish. Program goals should be strategic, long term, and responsive to the needs identified in the community assessment. They include:

• Goals for the provision of educational, health, nutritional, and family and community engagement program services to further promote the school readiness of enrolled children;

  

• School readiness goals; and

• Effective health and safety practices to ensure children are safe at all times (programs may wish to identify these as a stand-alone goal or as an objective related to another type of program goal, i.e. a health goal).

School Readiness Goals – The expectations of children's status and progress across domains of language and literacy development, cognition and general knowledge, approaches to learning, physical well-being and motor development, and social and emotional development that will improve their readiness for kindergarten (as defined in 45 CFR 1305.2).

Measurable Objectives – Support the attainment of goals that are Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Timely (SMART).

Progress – Forward movement toward the achievement of goals, objectives, and outcomes.

Outcomes – Something that happened as a result of an activity or process. The actual results achieved.

Challenges – Information describing obstacles to achieving program goals and objectives.

Evidence – Facts, information, documentation, or examples given to support an assertion.

Additional Definitions

See Section 1305.2 of the HSPPS for additional definitions. For example, “service area”, “recruitment area”, and “Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework: Ages Birth to Five” are defined in this section.

Additional Resources on Program Goals

Training and Technical Assistance materials are available to help recipients complete their application narrative. See the “Foundations for Excellence: Five-Year Planning and Continuous Improvement, 2nd Edition” for additional assistance.

See Section 1302.102 of the HSPPS for requirements relating to achieving program goals.

Special Instruction on Supporting Documentation

A program must summarize critical information from supporting documentation into the narrative. For example, do not provide additional documents to respond to criteria in the instructions unless requested by the regional office.

Special Instruction on Community Assessment

The program must describe only those findings from the community assessment that informed the proposed program design and approach to service delivery throughout the narrative. Do not upload the full community assessment.

Section I. Program Design and Approach to Service Delivery

Sub-Section A: Goals

Baseline Application Instructions

1. What are your Program Goals, Measurable Objectives, and Expected Outcomes for the project period?

   1. List all Program Goals, including School Readiness Goals

      1. School Readiness Goals may be displayed separately.

   2. List all Measurable Objectives aligned to each program goal

   3. To demonstrate the agency’s approach to measuring progress and outcomes, select a few Measurable Objectives and describe the following:

      1. Activities or action steps to meet the objective

      2. Data, Tools, or Methods for tracking Progress

      3. Expected Outcomes

      4. Expected Challenges

   4. Only for recipients applying for a non-competitive new grant: Describe how your actual Outcomes from the prior project period informed the above.

Example

Below is an example of how to present your program goals and measurable objectives. We understand that your organization may present the program goals differently than the example provided. The number of goals and objectives shown are only for illustrative purposes. Two versions of a Program Goals Template for the table below are available in HSES. A template can be updated throughout the project period.

Program Goals	Measurable Objective Description
Goal 1	A B
Goal 2	A B C
Goal 3	A B
…	…

Select a few Measurable Objectives and provide the following to demonstrate the agency’s approach to measuring progress and outcomes:

• EXAMPLE: Goal 2 – Measurable Objective B selected

  • (i) Description of activities or action steps to meet objective, (ii) data, tools, or methods for tracking progress, (iii) expected outcomes, and (iv) expected challenges for this objective

Continue with other selected measurable goals…

2. Explain how your program’s School Readiness Goals align with the Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework: Ages Birth to Five, state and tribal early learning guidelines, as appropriate, and requirements and expectations of the local schools where children will transition. There should be at least one goal in each of the five domains, but recipients may elect to have more.

3. Discuss how your program involved governing body, policy council, and parents in developing the Program Goals.

Continuation Application Instructions

1. Repeat your Program Goals, Measurable Objectives, and Expected Outcomes for the project period.

2. List any additions, deletions, or revisions to your Program Goals, Measurable Objectives, and Expected Outcomes that have occurred since last year’s application and briefly describe the reasons for those changes such as resulting from ongoing oversight or from using data for continuous improvement as described in 1302.102(b)-(c). If no updates or changes have occurred, please explain.

3. For each Program Goal, including School Readiness Goals:

   1. Demonstrate your Progress/Outcomes this year toward meeting your Measurable Objectives and Expected Outcomes.

   2. Describe any Challenges in achieving progress toward Expected Outcomes and how your program is working to address those Challenges.

Example

Below is an example of how to present your program goals and measurable objectives. We understand that your organization may present your goals differently than the example provided. Two versions of a Program Goals Template for the table below are available in HSES. A template can be updated throughout the project period.

Program Goals	Measurable Objectives	Progress/Outcomes	Challenges
Goal 1	A	Description	Description
	B
Goal 2	A
	B
	C
Goal 3	A
	B
…	…	…	…

4. If additions, deletions, or revisions were made to your program’s School Readiness Goals since last year’s application, then describe how the revised goals align with the Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework: Ages Birth to Five, state and tribal early learning guidelines, as appropriate, and requirements and expectations of the local schools where children will transition.

5. If additions, deletions, or revisions were made to your Program Goals since last year’s application, then include information on how parents and the governing body were involved in those changes.

Sub-Section B: Service Delivery

Baseline Application Instructions

In this sub-section, describe your program’s approach to meeting the need for comprehensive child development services for eligible children and families in your service area.

Tip: The HSPPS provides additional information on the requirements for each topic and it is helpful to follow the HSPPS alongside these instructions.

1. Service and Recruitment Area (see 1302.11(a) and 1302.13):

   1. Identify the service and recruitment area for proposed program operations.

   2. Provide Evidence to demonstrate the need for program services in the proposed area.

      

   3. If child care partners are proposed, identify the number of children proposed to be served through partnership slots.

Reminder: If applicable, upload a current delegate and/or partnership contract to the Documents tab.

2. Needs of Children and Families (see 1302.11(b) and Special Instruction on Community Assessment):

   1. Provide a summary of data from your community assessment that informs the program’s selection criteria and design, such as:

      1. the estimated number of eligible children under five years of age and pregnant people by geographic location, race, ethnicity, and spoken language, including children experiencing homelessness, in foster care, dual language learners, and with disabilities;

      2. data regarding the education, health, nutrition, social service, child care, parent schedules, and other service needs of the proposed children, families, and pregnant people; and

      3. the availability of other child development, child care centers, and family child care programs that serve eligible children, including home visiting, publicly-funded state and local preschools, and the approximate number of eligible children served.

   2. Describe steps taken to prioritize equitable access in selection criteria and design and to ensure program services are accessible and available to children and families most in need of services, including populations that have been historically marginalized, such as:

      1. Black, Latino, Indigenous and Native American, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, and other people of color;

      2. children experiencing homelessness;

      3. children in foster or kinship care;

      4. children with disabilities; and

      5. children who are dual language learners.

Tip: Programs should consider whether the proposed program design will improve or exacerbate existing disparities and how the proposed program design will be perceived by different populations within their service area.

3. Proposed Program Option(s) and Funded Enrollment Slots (see 1302 Subpart B and the HSPPS Compliance Table):

   1. Specify the proposed program option(s) (i.e., center-based, home-based, family child care, and slots for services to pregnant people) and describe how your program will ensure compliance with 1302 Subpart B requirements and other applicable requirements.

   2. Locally Designed Option. If requesting a locally-designed program option variation (LDO) waiver under 1302.24(c), then provide the following:

      1. Identify the program(s), Head Start and/or Early Head Start, for which the waiver would apply.

      2. Identify the center and classroom for which the waiver would apply.

      3. Identify the requirement(s) for which the waiver would apply:

         1. Center-based ratios and group size - cannot be waived for children < 24 months

         2. Center-based duration

         3. Selection of home-based option as the only option in Head Start

         4. Home-based caseloads

         5. Home-based duration

         6. Family child care ratios and group size

            

         7. Family child care duration

Note: The requirements in A-G above are the only ones that may be waived for this program option.

4. Describe the rationale for the request.

5. Indicate the number of slots to be served in the locally designed option

6. When waiving ratios and group sizes in center settings, specify how square footage will meet applicable requirements.

7. Specify the proposed timetable for implementation of the option.

8. Check to be certain the changes described are reflected in the program schedule tab.

9. Explain how the program will measure progress to assure the LDO effectively supports appropriate development and progress in children’s early learning outcomes.

10. If available, provide evidence that demonstrates the LDO variation is effective.

11. If this is a request to continue an existing LDO, please provide data demonstrating appropriate development and progress in children’s early learning outcomes for the LDO options in comparison to the standard options and indicate if there have been any barriers to maintaining full enrollment within the locally designed option.

1. Discuss how your program option(s) will meet the needs of children and families in the communities served including how these options support populations identified in the community assessment and selection criteria. Provide your program calendar identifying when the program is open and closed during the year. You may upload this as a supporting document.

Tip: Programs are encouraged to carefully consider how the outcomes of the proposed request will affect different demographics. Where possible, programs are encouraged to include in the decision-making process those who will be affected by changes to the program

4. Enrollment Reductions and Conversions. If proposing to reduce or convert the number of funded enrollment slots, explain the rationale and address the considerations in outlined in ACF-IM-HS-22-09 and Enrollment Reduction and Conversion Considerations Appendix. Applications that do not fully address such consideration will be returned for correction and in some cases the Regional Office may require recipients to submit a separate Change in Scope Application.

Reminder: Please ensure the “Program Schedule” in HSES reflects the enrollment levels after the proposed change.

Note: If proposing a Locally Designed Option, Enrollment Reduction or Conversion, indicate the application includes a “Change in Scope” request in HSES by clicking the appropriate box within the Change in Scope section on the Summary tab.

4. Centers and Facilities:

   1. List any additions, deletions, or changes to your service locations, including partners, and describe the reasons for changes.

   2. Describe any minor renovations and repairs included within this application (not subject to a separate 1303 Subpart E application).

      

   3. Describe any facilities activities that are subject to 1303 Subpart E, e.g., purchase, construction, major renovation, loan or mortgage, and subordination agreement.

Reminder: Review the “Centers” tab in HSES to ensure all information is up-to-date.

Note: Funds for facilities activities subject to 1303 Subpart E must be requested in a separate 1303 Subpart E Application and the SF-429 Real Property Status Report Cover Page and its relevant Attachment(s). Also, real property status is reported annually using the SF-429 Real Property Status Report Cover Page and Attachment A.

5. Eligibility, Recruitment, Selection, Enrollment, and Attendance (see 1302.13, 1302.14, 1302.15, and 1302.16):

   1. Describe the recruitment process to ensure services will be provided to those in greatest need of program services.

      1. Describe specific efforts and expected challenges to actively locate, recruit, and enroll populations that have been historically marginalized, such as Black, Latino, Indigenous and Native American, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, and other children of color; children experiencing homelessness; children in foster or kinship care; children with disabilities; and children who are dual language learners.

   2. Describe your program’s strategy to promote regular attendance including special efforts for chronically absent children and other children that have been historically marginalized.

6. Education and Child Development (see 1302 Subpart C):

If center-based or family child care program option is chosen, respond to item a, and c through d. If home-based program option is chosen, respond to items b through d. If locally designed program option is chosen, respond to items that apply. Programs that serve American Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN) children also respond to item e.

1. Center-based or family child care programs:

   1. Identify the curriculum(a) your program will use including, if applicable, curricular enhancements and/or significant adaptations.

   2. Describe how each identified curriculum is appropriate for ages and background of children served, research-based, and has an organized developmental scope and sequence.

   3. Include Evidence that each curriculum is aligned with the Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework: Ages Birth to Five.

   4. Describe how your program will support staff to implement curriculum with fidelity.

2. Home-based programs:

   1. Identify the home-based curriculum(a) your program will use including, if applicable, curricular enhancements and/or significant adaptations

   2. Describe how each curriculum is appropriate for ages and background of children served, research-based, promotes the parent’s role as the child’s teacher including, as appropriate, the family’s traditions, culture, values, and beliefs, and has an organized developmental scope and sequence, and how it is aligned with the Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework: Ages Birth to Five.

   3. Describe how your program will support staff to implement the curriculum.

   4. Describe group socializations to be offered.

3. Identify the developmental screenings and assessments your program plans to use and why, including how the program addresses screening and assessment for children who are dual language learners.

4. Describe opportunities offered to parents and family members to be engaged in their child’s education such as participation in screenings and assessment, and providing feedback on the selected curriculum and instructional materials.

5. For programs serving AIAN children, and where applicable, describe efforts for Tribal language preservation, revitalization, restoration, or maintenance.

1. Health (see 1302 Subpart D):

   1. Describe how your program will, in partnership with parents, meet the oral health, nutritional, and mental health and social and emotional well-being, and health status and care needs of children that are developmentally, culturally, and linguistically appropriate and support each child’s growth and school readiness:

      1. Include how your program will ensure up-to-date child health status, ongoing care, and timely follow-up care.

   2. Describe your program’s timeline for conducting screenings of the health and safety environments of each center and/or family childcare home where services are provided. (https://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/chs-certification-fillableform.pdf) Health and Safety screenings must be completed within 45 days of:

      1. the start of the school year,

      2. children receiving services in a new environment, and/or

      3. start of project period when the project period begins during the program or school year

2. For mental health and social and emotional well-being, describe how a program will provide mental health consultation services in partnership with staff and families. Family and Community Engagement (see 1302 Subpart E):

   1. Describe key program strategies for building trusting and respectful relationships with families and for providing program environments and services that are welcoming and culturally and linguistically responsive to families, including those specific to fathers.

   2. Describe engagement activities to support parent-child relationships, child development, family literacy, and language development including supporting bilingualism and biliteracy.

   3. Describe how your program has selected and is implementing a research-based parenting curriculum. Describe how your program engages parents in a research-based parenting curriculum.

   4. Describe key program strategies for family partnership services, including:

      1. Procedures for conducting the family assessment and family partnership process and aligning activities to the Parent, Family, and Community Engagement Framework outcomes; and

      2. Tracking progress toward individual family goals and needs.

   5. Provide a few examples of community partnerships that facilitate access to services or resources in the community that are responsive to family partnership goals and children’s needs. Identify any challenges to necessary partnerships and how the program plans to address those challenges.

3. Services for Children with Disabilities (1302 Subpart F):

   1. Describe how your program will ensure the full participation in program services and activities for enrolled children with disabilities, including but not limited to those who are eligible for services under IDEA and those who already have an IFSP or IEP.

   2. Describe how your program will ensure the individualized needs of children with disabilities are met, including how the program will collaborate with and help parents in the process and how the program will coordinate and collaborate with the local agency responsible for implementing IDEA.

4. Transition (see 1302 Subpart G):

Describe strategies and practices to support successful transitions in:

1. Transitions to and from Early Head Start;

2. Transitions from Head Start to kindergarten; and

3. Transitions between programs.

1. Services to Enrolled Pregnant People (see 1302 Subpart H):

   1. Describe how your program facilitates access to a source of ongoing care for enrolled pregnant people that do not have existing access to such care.

   2. Describe your program’s strategy to provide prenatal and postpartum information, education, and services such as those that address fetal development, nutrition, risks of alcohol and drugs, postpartum recovery, and infant care and safe sleep practices.

   3. Describe how your program’s family partnership services includes a focus on factors that influence prenatal and postpartum maternal and infant health, includes other relevant family members, and support the transition process.

Tip: Recipients are encouraged to review How Head Start Services Can Improve Outcomes for Birthing Parents to help staff understand the significant health disparities in maternal and infant birth outcomes and take steps to help pregnant and postpartum people achieve healthier pregnancies.

12. Transportation (see 1303 Subpart F):

    1. Describe the level of need for child transportation services.

    2. Describe how your program will either directly meet transportation needs or assist families in accessing other transportation so that children can attend the program.

Continuation Application Instructions

Provide updates to the following areas. Describe the rationale for any changes to your program design such as new data from an updated community assessment, ongoing oversight, or from using data for continuous improvement as described in 1302.102(b)-(c). If there are no updates or changes, please explain. Where applicable, describe any challenges and how the program is working to address those challenges.

1. Service and Recruitment Area

2. Needs of Children and Families

3. Chosen Program Option(s) and Funded Enrollment Slots

4. Centers and Facilities

5. Eligibility, Recruitment, Selection, Enrollment, and Attendance

6. Education and Child Development

7. Health

8. Family and Community Engagement

9. Services for Children with Disabilities

10. Transition

11. Services to Enrolled Pregnant People

    

12. Transportation

Tip: See instructions from the Baseline Application for additional detail on each category.

Reminder: Make sure all HSES tabs are updated (e.g., Program Schedules, Centers, and Delegates)

Sub-Section C: Governance, Organizational, and Management Structures

Baseline Application Instructions

In this section, describe the governance, organizational, and management structures that support quality services and maintain accountability, efficiency, and leadership within your program.

Tip: Recipients are encouraged to use the Head Start Management Wheel as a reference tool.

1. Governance (see 45 CFR Part 1301 and Section 642(c)-(d) in the Act):

Structure

1. Identify the member (i) with expertise in fiscal management or accounting, (ii) with expertise in early childhood education and development, and (iii) the licensed attorney familiar with program governance issues in the governing body/tribal council.

2. Describe how your program ensures additional members on the governing body reflect the community, including parents, populations that have been historically marginalized, and representation from other key programmatic areas.

3. Describe the makeup of the policy council or if applicable, the policy committee. Include how each program option is represented.

Reminder: Governance screenings must be conducted within 60 calendar days of the project period (Governance, Leadership, and Oversight Capacity Screener). Certification that the governance and leadership capacity screening was conducted, and a training plan was developed must be completed within 75 days of the start of the project period (Governance, Leadership, and Oversight Capacity Screener and Certification).

Processes

Governing Body

1. Describe how the governing body receives key program information as outlined in 1301.2(b)(2) to inform their ongoing responsibilities including how decisions submitted by the policy council are incorporated into the decision-making process. Describe other key processes to ensure the governing body maintains effective ongoing oversight of program operations and accountability for federal funds.

2. If applicable, describe and explain the responsibilities delegated to any advisory committee related to program governance and improvement of the Head Start program. Include how the governing body maintains its legal and fiscal responsibility in the process.

Policy Council and Policy Committee

3. Describe how the policy council, and if applicable, the policy committee, receives and shares key program information as outlined 1301.3(c)(2) to inform their ongoing responsibilities.

Parent Committees

4. Describe how the parent committees communicate with staff to inform program policies, activities, and services to ensure they meet the needs of children and families.

5. Describe the process for communication with the policy council and policy committees.

Relationships

1. Describe training and technical assistance or orientation sessions for the governing body, advisory committee members, and the policy council.

2. How does your program ensure governing body members do not have a conflict of interest with the Head Start, Early Head Start, and delegate programs or other partners/vendors? Describe any exception criteria applicable to a governing body member.

3. How do the governing body and policy council members ensure meaningful consultation and collaboration around their joint decisions?

2. Human Resources Management (see 1302 Subpart I):

   1. Provide an organizational chart identifying the management and staffing structure including the Executive Director, the Program Directors, managers, and other key staff. Include assigned areas of responsibility and lines of communication. You may upload this as a supporting document.

   2. Describe your program’s approach to establishing pay scales, determining adequate compensation rates, and wage comparability with neighboring ECE and elementary school staff, including how salaries improve or exacerbate existing disparities between different demographic groups (see ACF-IM-HS-22-09).

   3. Describe systems developed to ensure criminal background checks occur prior to hire for all staff, consultants, and contractors in the program.

   4. Describe orientations provided to new staff, consultants, and volunteers.

   5. Describe key features of your program’s approach to staff training and professional development. Describe your program’s approach to implementing a research-based coordinated coaching strategy, including the approach to the delivery of intensive coaching for identified staff.

3. Program Management and Quality Improvement (see 1302 Subpart J):

   1. Describe key features of your program’s systems for ongoing oversight, correction, and assessment of progress towards your program’s identified goals. Include approaches that promote effective teaching (including sufficient compensation) and health and safety practices.

   2. Describe key features of your program’s management process and system to ensure continuous program improvement that relate to effectively using data and ongoing supervision to support individual staff professional development and promote staff retention.

   3. Describe how the management system ensures budget and staffing patterns that promote continuity of care, allow sufficient time for staff participation in training and professional development, and allow for provision of the full range of services.

   4. If applicable, describe any internal controls findings/issues identified through ongoing monitoring, self-assessment, or recent audits and describe plans to address such findings/issues.

Continuation Application Instructions

Provide updates to the following areas. If changes were made, describe the rationale for the changes such as new data from an updated community assessment, ongoing oversight or from using data for continuous improvement as described in 1302.102(b)-(c). If no updates or changes have occurred, include a sentence to that effect. Where applicable, describe any challenges in these areas and how the program is working to address those challenges.

Tip: See Requirements for Baseline Application above for additional detail on each category.

1. Governance

When providing updates to Processes, include examples of the governing body and policy council using key program information (see 1301.2(b)(2) and 1301.3(c)(2)) to conduct its responsibilities. Also include examples of parent committees informing program policies, activities, and services.

2. Human Resources Management

3. Program Management and Quality Improvement

When providing updates, include pending corrective actions from ongoing oversight and any new procedures that prevent recurrence of previous quality and compliance issues, including previously identified noncompliances/deficiencies, safety incidents, and audit findings.

Section II. Budget and Budget Justification Narrative

Baseline and Continuation Application Instructions

A comprehensive budget aligns with the proposed program approach and identifies allowable costs and is aggregated by object class budget category. Separate projected budgets for Head Start and Early Head Start by grant and by delegate must be completed.

Reminder: Make relevant changes to application tabs in HSES where needed (e.g., Budget, Other Funding, SF-424).

Justify the budget by addressing the following:

1. Provide a detailed narrative to explain the costs by object class budget category identified within the SF-424A Section B-6. Explain significant personnel and fringe adjustments for this budget period for items a and b. For each item c through h, ensure the narrative aligns with the amounts requested for direct and, if applicable, indirect costs. The total amount of funds detailed in the budget narrative must equal the total amount requested in the SF-424A.

Reminder: Enter each partnership contract for direct services to children and families under the “Contractual” budget category tab, line “8. Other Contracts”. For each recipient or delegate budget, enter an individual financial line item in the budget for each contract over $250,000 and briefly explain the services to be provided. For any single line-item costing more than $250,000 in the “Other” budget category, please enter an individual financial line item. Applications with consolidated amounts will be returned for correction.

2. For personnel budget line items, discuss how staff compensation budgeted amounts support a stable workforce. This may include descriptions on how budgeted compensation for education staff compare to compensation paid in early care and education, local elementary schools and comparable services in service area or neighboring areas. Discuss steps taken to promote pay equity and how staff compensation budgeted amounts improve or exacerbate existing racial and ethnic disparities in ECE pay (see ACF-IM-HS-22-09).

3. If applicable, describe the planned use of cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) funds based on the related Program Instruction.

   

4. Training and technical assistance funds are awarded separately by program. Describe the use of these funds, by object class budget category identified within the SF-424A Section B-6, to support the recipient’s training and technical assistance activities.

Note: These activities should be included within the Training and Technical Assistance Plan.

5. Identify each source of non-federal match, including the estimated amount per source and the valuation methodology. Explain how your program determined that proposed non-federal match is allowable per 45 CFR §75.303 and Section 1303.4.

6. If proposing a waiver of the non-federal match requirement, provide a detailed justification that conforms with the criteria under Section 640(b)(1)-(5) of the Act.

7. If proposing a waiver of the 15% limitation on development and administrative costs, provide a justification that meets the requirements of Section 1303.5 and contact your regional office for additional guidance.

8. If requesting an enrollment reduction or conversion, address the budget considerations in outlined in ACF-IM-HS-22-09 and Enrollment Reduction and Conversion Considerations Appendix. Applications that do not fully address such consideration will be returned for correction and in some cases the Regional Office may require recipients to submit a separate Change in Scope Application.

   

9. If requesting funds for the purchase, construction, or major renovation of facilities not previously approved, explain the need for and proposed use of such funds. Identify all proposed sources of funding for facilities activities and submit supporting documentation.

Note: For facility activities subject to Part 1303 Subpart E, a separate submission of form SF-429, with Attachment B, and compliance with application requirements in Part 1303 Subpart E is required. No Head Start grant funds may be used towards the cost of acquisition, construction, or major renovation of a facility without the express prior written approval of the OHS and ACF.

10. If requesting funds for equipment as defined in 45 CFR §75.2, identify each item individually and describe the procurement procedures to be followed for the purchase of such equipment. See equipment definition at 45 CFR §75.2.