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Playgrounds are a fundamental part of the childhood experience and should be safe havens for children. The resources on this page feature safety guidelines for designing, constructing, and maintaining playgrounds. 

Non-federal matching information and explanations of fiscal issues such as contributions, disallowances, documentation, in-kind, and volunteer services can be found below. Head Start administrators and non-federal entities may find this information helpful.

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) provides information that will assist programs in determining the gross income of those families with members in the armed forces. Family service staff will find this information beneficial in determining the eligibility of children of military families for enrollment in the Head Start program.

The HHS Poverty Guidelines are used to determine income eligibility for participation in Head Start programs. Program staff may refer to these resources when working with families.

Facilities and Learning Environments reinforce the importance of designing and maintaining all facilities so they actively support children and families in both indoor and outdoor environments. Transportation supports the safe and efficient movement of children from one point to another.

The poverty guidelines, which are issued every year in the Federal Register by the Department of Health and Human Services, are a simplified version of the federal poverty thresholds used for administrative purposes. Grantees often have questions regarding who is eligible for enrollment in Head Start and other social services programs. These frequently asked questions will assist them in understanding how to use the guidelines to assess eligibility and other questions they may have.

Program directors and human resources managers may use this resource to enhance their search strategies for hiring and retaining qualified staff. This article outlines each phase of an effective search strategy.

The Crosswalk of the 15-Minute In-service Suites with the CLASS^® connects teaching practices and learning activities found in these in-service suites with the domains and dimensions of the Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS)^®. Head Start grantees may find this tool useful in planning professional development.

These 15-minute In-service Suites are a professional development resource for staff in busy, active early childhood centers and programs. They are organized around one topic and address effective teaching practices.

The community assessment describes the context in which Head Start programs operate and is useful for ensuring that the correct services are provided to the appropriate population. This resource can assist program staff in coordinating their efforts to gather information required for a community assessment. The assessment paints a picture of the community and describes the different needs of families who may receive services. In addition, the community assessment covers the community's history, its economic and political scene, and its strengths and challenges.