Foundations for Excellence
Review a range of planning topics to support programs’ successful completion of the Head Start grant application, and to ensure programming is responsive to community needs throughout the five-year grant period.
Program Management and Fiscal Operations
Head Start New Fiscal Officer Training Inventory
Use this training inventory to help fiscal officers identify strengths and gaps in their knowledge. Learn ways to establish training priorities.
Financial Audits: Key Regulations and Tips
In this tip sheet, learn about key regulations concerning the financial audits of Head Start programs. Also, learn the steps for selecting an auditor and related online resources.
Navigating the Head Start Grant Process
Head Start programs adhere to certain financial and administrative requirements. Explore the resources below as you provide comprehensive, wrap-around services to low-income children and families. Also, find materials detailing the requirements of the grant process.
Make the Most of Cost Allocation, Cost Principles, Indirect Costs, and Budgeting
Learn more about cost allocation principles and practices. Find out how they help Head Start programs organize their funding sources and comply with federal regulations.
Determining Non-federal Match
Head Start grantees are required to provide a 20 percent non-federal match. This can come through resources donated by the communities they serve and state funding as appropriate.
Apply Effective Internal Controls and Reporting
Internal controls and reporting procedures protect and maximize a Head Start program's federal award.
Examine Uniform Guidance and Related Regulations
Uniform Guidance streamlines and consolidates government requirements for receiving and using federal awards. In this way, it reduces the administrative burden for programs and improves outcomes.
Use Data and Evaluation to Inform Decision-Making
Learn how using data and evaluation enables programs to make data-informed decisions. Also, find out how data and evaluation informs each stage of the program planning cycle.
Support Ongoing Monitoring and Continuous Improvement
Ongoing monitoring helps Head Start programs better address goals and objectives. It also engages all stakeholders in the program planning process.