The Head Start Program Performance Standards
The Head Start Program Performance Standards (HSPPS) define standards and minimum requirements for all Head Start services. They apply to Head Start Preschool and Early Head Start programs. The standards serve as the foundation for the Head Start program's mission to deliver comprehensive, high-quality individualized services supporting the school readiness of children from families with low income.
Head Start Act
The Head Start Act is the federal law that authorizes and governs Head Start programs. It outlines requirements for eligibility, program services, governance, funding, standards and accountability, and federal oversight.
On Dec. 12, 2007, President George W. Bush signed the Improving Head Start for School Readiness Act of 2007, which is the statute currently governing the Head Start program.
Program Instructions
A Program Instruction (PI) addresses a specific requirement that Head Start grant recipients and delegate agencies must implement in their programs. Check out this list of all PIs issued by the Office of Head Start that are currently in effect.
Information Memorandum
An Information Memorandum (IM) is a targeted communication tool from the Office of Head Start which provides policy information to Head Start and Early Head Start grant recipients and delegate agencies. Check out this list of all IMs issued by the Office of Head Start that are currently in effect.