Head Start Program Performance Standards

Section 641A of the Head Start Act, 42 U.S.C. 9836A, directs the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to develop “scientifically based and developmentally appropriate education performance standards related to school readiness” and “ensure that any such revisions in the standards do not result in the elimination of or any reduction in quality, scope, or types of health, educational, parental involvement, nutritional, social, or other services.” The Head Start Program Performance Standards (HSPPS) set forth the requirements local Head Start grant recipients must meet in the delivery of Head Start program services. This information collection accounts for the record keeping activities and burden that is required per the HSPPS. This submission is requesting a three-year extension with changes for the HSPPS record keeping activities (OMB #0970-0148). On August 21st, 2024, the Office of Head Start (OHS) published a final rule Supporting the Head Start Workforce and Consistent Quality Programming at https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/08/21/2024-18279/supporting-the-head-start-workforce-and-consistent-quality-programming (89 FR 67720). Changes have been made to recordkeeping requirements, as described in this final rule.

The latest form for Head Start Program Performance Standards expires 2027-10-31 and can be found here.