If you attended last month’s NHSA Winter Leadership Institute, you might have heard the Office of Head Start (OHS) presentation in which it was shared that, nationally, Head Start enrollment is at 82%. OHS expressed a continued commitment to the Full Enrollment Initiative and the importance of compliance with enrollment requirements. Many programs are in the Full Enrollment Initiative currently, or will be designated soon, and there are strategies and supports to help programs manage the process.
First, know that we are here to help. Throughout February, we are offering several webinars for agencies currently participating in the Full Enrollment Initiative, or those anticipating underenrollment designation. We’ll offer guidance and help you think strategically about the plan ahead. Content for each webinar is targeted based on the date your program received an underenrollment letter. Register for the webinars here.
Why does it feel like the Full Enrollment Initiative is one of the hottest topics in Head Start? During the COVID-19 pandemic, OHS paused its formal tracking and monitoring of program enrollment. These practices were reinstated in January 2022, and all programs received a “fresh start.” This included programs who were in the Full Enrollment Initiative prior to the pandemic. So, a clean slate to start evaluation for the under-enrollment process.
Simultaneously, many programs have experienced challenges with staff retention, recruitment, and compensation. This staffing crisis added a layer to enrollment challenges; without sufficient staffing, there are not enough qualified personnel to serve children and families.
This time last year, the first group of grant recipients received letters designating their program as under enrolled. Per the Head Start Act, the 12-month period for determining chronic underenrollment starts 10 calendar days from the date a program is sent an underenrollment letter. This means that all of the programs that received their letter last February are now ending their 12-month period. Programs that remain Chronically Underenrolled (i.e., they did not successfully implement 6 consecutive months of at least 97% enrollment) await next steps from OHS, which could include changes to annual funding and/or funded enrollment.
Not only are there programs just finishing their 12-month period for chronic underenrollment, but there are also programs currently engaged in the Full Enrollment Initiative (programs that received their letters over the course of the past year), and likely even more waiting for designation. It’s no surprise that it seems like everyone is talking about the Full Enrollment Initiative. It’s impacting a lot of programs and it’s a lot of work.
If your program was recently designated, consider revisiting our February 2023 blog post for suggestions for how and what to document related to the Full Enrollment Initiative and the importance of data. No matter what stage of the process your program is in, and even if your program is not yet impacted by underenrollent, we encourage reflection on a few key questions.
- How are you monitoring enrollment to verify you are meeting the Head Start requirements?
- What steps have you taken to address recruitment?
- What steps have you taken to fully staff and open classrooms?
- Have you considered submitting a Change in Scope Request?
- How are you documenting your progress, in the event that your program is designated as Chronically Underenrolled?
We understand that enrollment and staffing challenges are significant for many programs. Our team of expert consultants offers a wide variety of Consulting Services to support programs in the Full Enrollment Initiative. We hope to see you this month at one of our Full Enrollment Initiative webinars. Please be in touch to learn more about how we can help your program.
Thank you.
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