The Office of Planning, Research, and Evaluation, Administration for Children and Families (ACF), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is proposing to collect data for a new round of the Head Start Family and Child Experiences Survey (FACES). Similar to FACES 2014–2018, two parallel studies will commence in 2019. Each study will provide data on a set of key indicators for Head Start programs. FACES 2019 focuses on Head Start Regions I through X (which are geographically based); AI/AN (American Indian and Alaska Native) FACES 2019 focuses on Region XI (which funds Head Start programs that serve federally recognized American Indian and Alaska Native tribes).
The purpose of the FACES data collection is to support the 2007 reauthorization of the Head Start program (P.L. 110–134), which calls for periodic assessments of Head Start’s quality and effectiveness.
FACES 2019 extends a previously approved data collection program (OMB number 0970-0151) to a new sample of Head Start programs, families, and children. As with previous rounds, both FACES 2019 and AI/AN FACES 2019 will collect information from a national probability sample of Head Start programs to ascertain what progress Head Start has made toward meeting program performance goals. AI/AN FACES 2019 builds on AI/AN FACES 2015 (also OMB number 0970-0151).
A previous information collection request (ICR) was submitted for Head Start program recruitment and the center selection process (approved August 31, 2018). This ICR describes the planned activities for the FACES 2019 and AI/AN FACES 2019 data collection. Classroom and child sampling information collection, direct child assessments, parent surveys, teacher child reports, teacher surveys, program director surveys, and center director surveys for both studies are included in this clearance package.
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that the collection of information encompassed by this request complies with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR 1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding the proposed collection of information, that the certification covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.