Head Start grant recipients can use this matrix to assess significant changes within the community that may affect stakeholders. It helps programs evaluate how major shifts could affect community operations, services, and families. By incorporating strategic planning through guiding questions, the matrix encourages thoughtful decision-making.

The Head Start Program Performance Standards recognize the importance of the community assessment and any corresponding updates to ensure Head Start programs remain responsive to the needs of the children and families they serve.

To ensure effective service delivery, 45 CFR §1302.11(b)(1) explains that Head Start programs are required to conduct a comprehensive community assessment at least once during their five-year grant period, with annual updates if significant changes arise. This assessment helps identify the populations most in need, considering social and economic factors. It informs the program’s design to ensure services are accessible to, and meet the needs of, children and families in the community. It also shapes recruitment and enrollment strategies, prioritizing families facing specific challenges. Additionally, the assessment highlights community strengths and resources that can be used to build partnerships in education, health, and social services, while identifying the best communication methods to use to interact with families.

In addition, 45 CFR §1302.11(b)(5) explains that Head Start programs must conduct an annual review of their community assessment and update it if there are any significant changes in demographics, needs, and resources that could affect program design and service delivery. This review, informed by the program’s self-assessment and annual funding application, ensures services remain responsive to shifting community dynamics and deliver impactful services where they are needed most. Key areas of focus include addressing the needs of children and families experiencing homelessness and assessing the availability of publicly funded pre-kindergarten programs to meet family needs.

This tool helps recipients assess significant community changes, including regulatory updates, that could affect program operations and service delivery. It guides programs in using these updates to inform management strategies for continuous improvement, achieving program goals, and ensuring effective oversight.

• Data Identifying Significant Changes are changes to the Head Start community in which the demographic, socio-economic, and service patterns have changed substantially and could impact the way the program serves the community. As stated in 45 CFR §1302.11(b)(5), data identifying significant changes include:
  • Results of the annual self-assessment
  • Changes related to children and families experiencing homelessness
  • How program services remain responsive to the needs of children, families, and community
  • Changes in the availability of publicly funded pre-kindergarten services and whether they meet the needs of families
• Additional significant changes can include, but are not limited to:
  • Key economic changes within the service area (i.e., opening/closing of major businesses)
  • Surges in key population groups (i.e., immigrants and refugees)
  • Impact of disasters (such as hurricanes, earthquakes, and wildfires)
• Data Identifying Emergent Changes refers to trends or issues that develop over time and require monitoring for any sudden intensification, escalation, or reduction. These emergent changes can include the following:
  • Gentrification
  • Proposed expansion of publicly funded pre-kindergarten services
  • Gradual increases or decreases to available services
  • Plans to shut down, open, or relocate schools

Head Start grant recipients can use this matrix to assess significant changes within the community that may affect stakeholders. It helps programs to evaluate how major shifts could impact community operations, services, and families. By incorporating strategic planning through guiding questions, the matrix encourages thoughtful decision-making. Keep in mind that programs aren’t required to gather all the information themselves — they should collaborate with community partners and leverage existing local data sources.

Last Updated: April 28, 2025