The Head Start community has been awaiting the release of revised Head Start Program Performance Standards (HSPPS), and we’re hearing the much-anticipated standards may be available soon – perhaps as early as September. A Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) for the revised standards was out for public comment June through September 2015. A year later, the standards could be in hand for the start of the new program year.
At the Region IV Head Start Association 2016 Leadership Summit we had a chance to hear from leadership from the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) who shared insight into what to expect from the new standards. We heard that the revised standards would be a significant shift from the current organization of HSPPS, including the numbering of standards. It sounds like to goal is streamline information, reduce duplication, and ensure easier use for programs. According to ACF one area that didn’t change, however, is Designation Renewal System (DRS). Rollout of the revised HSPPS may take through the next program year, so expect more information to come related to training and implementation.
At the conference we also heard strong reminders about the importance of Duration of Services and start up. The significance of full year care was stressed, and programs were encouraged to request start up funding to plan for the changes associated with providing longer hours of care.
Stay tuned – we’ll keep you posted about any new information we learn about the upcoming release of the revised HSPPS!
Thank you.
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We have successfully worked with agencies in every round of recompetition to write winning grants, design competitive programs, confirm prudent budgets, and plan for a manageable start-up period. Contact Amy Augenblick, Executive Director, at (703) 599-4329 or [email protected] to learn about how we can help.