Eligibility, Recruitment, Selection, Enrollment, and Attendance (ERSEA) are some of the most important activities performed by Head Start program staff. ERSEA governs how programs determine eligibility, enroll children, track attendance, and more. By prioritizing equity in these procedures, Head Start programs ensure services are accessible and available to families who need services the most.
Equity is foundational to the Head Start mission and to securing fair and just access and treatment for all children and families. It also requires ongoing action. Programs must be intentional in developing equitable systems and individualizing services that best meet the unique needs and strengths of the communities and families they are serving. A focus on equity ensures that support to families is culturally and linguistically responsive from the moment they are introduced to a program.
Explore these considerations to support your program as you reflect, plan, and implement ERSEA activities that are grounded in equity. Use the questions to identify your program’s current strengths and areas for growth, and then put equity into action.
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Resource Type: Article
National Centers: Parent, Family and Community Engagement
Audience: Family Service Workers
Last Updated: January 17, 2025