Newsletters
Newsletters can help you stay connected with your subscribers. Compared to e-blasts, they offer greater flexibility in terms of format, content, and style, and they are more conversational.
Web Standards
Content for the Office of Head Start (OHS) is created by many organizations and individuals. Decisions made during content development affect our audience’s ability to find, understand, and use it. The Web and Communications Standards ensure consistent use of language, design, and styles across products, regardless of their authorship. Consistency in these matters is key to creating a unified voice for OHS, as well as complying with federal regulations. These choices are kept current using research into best practice and input from OHS and the National Training and Technical Assistance Centers Communications Workgroup, as well as evolving federal standards.
Message Specifications and Best Practices
Learn how to create messages to promote linked content through social media. Don't be afraid to get creative, but follow these guidelines to ensure messages stay consistent and credible.
Email Subscriptions
E-blast mailing lists are generated through the Head Start Enterprise System (HSES) and through user subscriptions on the HeadStart.gov. Recipients subscribed through HSES must be removed from HSES by their program or office.
E-blast Writing Guide and Templates
Use this guide when developing an e-blast on behalf of the Office of Head Start (OHS). OHS e-blasts are disseminated through the Head Start Information and Communications Center (HSICC).
Acceptable File Names
Naming conventions make sure users know how to name digital assets so that file names or titles are consistent and contain all the right information.
Timelines
E-blasts undergo several rounds of editing and review on their way through testing, approval, and distribution. The time requirements for processing different types of e-blasts are outlined.
E-blasts
The Office of Head Start (OHS) strives for consistency and a reliable user experience. This includes e-blasts disseminated through the Head Start Information and Communications Center (HSICC).
Copy Editing and Formatting
Follow the editorial style and formatting conventions described below when developing content on behalf of the Office of Head Start. For items not listed here, refer to the AP Stylebook.
Head Start Names
Find the names and titles of key people associated with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Administration for Children and Families (ACF), and the Office of Head Start (OHS).
Hyperlinking
Links are used in a variety of Head Start content, including webpages, video nodes, e-blasts, PDFs, file downloads, and buttons.