This is the fourth of four 2020 quarterly status updates about the Early Head Start Expansion and Early Head Start – Child Care Partnership (EHS-CCP) initiative. Learn about what to expect for EHS-CCP and EHS Expansion in 2021.
Round 4 grant award negotiations expected in the first quarter of 2021. The project start date for Round 4 EHS-CCP and EHS Expansion grants is March 4, 2021. This means that award negotiations with the Office of Head Start (OHS) will likely take place in January/February 2021. Be prepared for negotiations by revisiting your proposal in detail.
Start-up period begins for new grants. When a grant award is made, and a start-up request is approved, programs may spend start-up funds. Per the EHS-CCP Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA), “if awarded, start-up/pre-award costs would apply to costs incurred up to 90 days prior to the award start date.” With the March 4, 2021 project start date, this makes early December 2020 the beginning of the start-up period. Keep in mind that the start-up request must first be approved.
Plan ahead for possible EHS-CCP and EHS Expansion Round 5. While there is not yet concrete information about a possible Round 5, positioning your program to successfully compete for funds can still begin and will support program quality. Consider how your program leverages self-assessment and community assessment and use these as tools to prepare for a high quality application.
Expecting to compete in DRS in 2021? Set the stage for competitiveness now. If your program is expecting to compete EHS-CCP and EHS Expansion funding in 2021, now is the time to prepare. Consider subscribing to our DRS Updates blog for the most-up-date information about DRS and information about supports available to programs in DRS.
5-year grant period extended for some grantees. The Continuing Appropriations Act, signed into effect in October 2020, allows for the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to extend the 5-year grant period of Head Start agencies by two years. Per the Act, these decisions will be made by December 31, 2020. Continuation/baseline application timelines for agencies with an extension may be impacted.
Foundations for Families’ Consulting Services are customized to meet the unique needs of each program. Our team of consultants has supported grantees in all rounds of EHS-CCP and EHS Expansion. If your program is interested to learn more about our services, including start-up support, please contact us.
Thank you.