There are many requirements in the Head Start world. Between the new Head Start Program Performance Standards, state regulations, and federal law requirements under the Uniform Guidance, it can be challenging to keep everything straight. In the era of the Designation Renewal System (DRS), getting it wrong can have huge negative consequences. Join us in Orlando, FL for a crash course on managing a Head Start program. Whether you’re brand new to Head Start leadership or need a refresher on recent changes and revised federal rules, this overview will leave you feeling confident about your program’s ability to meet and maintain compliance with its programmatic obligations.

Every Head Start organization is different, but the same rules apply to everyone. Over two days, FTLF attorneys will describe the laws that apply to Head Start programs, explain where the rules come from, what they mean on a practical level, and how to meet the standards for compliance. In each area, we will provide specific examples to ensure that you know how to spot an issue and be able to apply what you learn in a real-world setting.

Before we wrap up, we’ll provide the View from Washington – an up-to-date summary of the year in review on Capitol Hill and potential changes and challenges for Head Start programs on the horizon.

This training will cover the key topics every Head Start leader needs to understand, highlighting the challenges you face everyday, including:

ERSEA

• The basics of the Head Start eligibility process and the consequences of knowing violations of the eligibility rules
• Common pitfalls in determining eligibility
• Required documentation and recordkeeping obligations
• Other topics related to recruitment, selection, enrollment and attendance

Fiscal Integrity and Management Issues

• Compensation
• Cost principles
• Facilities and property management (including Federal Interest issues)
• Financial management systems
• Reporting requirements
• Procurement policies and procedures

Grants Management

• Government-wide grants management requirements impacting Head Start Program awards
• Head Start Program-specific implementation challenges related to key grant management requirements
• Special areas of flexibility
• Areas of heightened risk

Human Resources

• Best practices for pre-employment and the hiring process
• Program requirements that apply during employment
• How to approach the termination process
• The Human Resources Lifecycle of the Head Start employment relationship

Data Management Privacy Issues

• Where to start and what your policy should say
• How to protect yourself from non-compliance or deficiency findings in privacy

Vendor-Delegate (Subrecipient) Relationships and Contracting Requirements

• The differences between subawards and contracts under grants;
• The specific regulatory requirements that apply when making and managing subawards; and
• Strategies for structuring successful subrecipient relationships.

Environmental health and safety disclosures, Time & Effort reporting, tips for preparing for review events under the Aligned Monitoring System (AMS) 2.0, and more!