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FY26 Head Start Monitoring Updates: What Directors Need to Know

Date postedJanuary 7, 2026
HSC Updates,

Every year, the Office of Head Start kicks off the monitoring season for grant recipients designated to receive a monitoring event. Monitoring helps measure performance and accountability of Head Start programs by assessing compliance with the Head Start Program Performance Standards, the Head Start Act, other regulations and provides invaluable data to better understand trends at the regional and national level, while informing TTA needs and supporting continuous quality improvement. Here’s a quick look at what’s new in OHS Monitoring in FY26.

FA1 Review

FY25 FY26 (view the Protocol)

OHS goal: Understand program’s approach to implementing comprehensive services  

  • Included topics from across all content areas

  • Explored how recipients set up processes and systems to support delivery of high-quality services

  • Completed in Year 1 or 2 of the 5-year project period

  • 3-day virtual review

  • Typically conducted by one Reviewer

  

 OHS goal: Provide early feedback on key program   systems 

    • Focused on key program systems – program management, safe learning environments, integrity in fiscal and ERSEA processes

    • Streamlined number of questions

    • Completed in Year 1 or 2 of the 5-year project period

    • 3-day review; onsite and virtual activities

    • Conducted by a Review Team (MSL, 2 Reviewers, 1 Fiscal Reviewer) 

 

FA2 Review

FY25 FY26 (view the Protocol)

OHS goal: Provide the opportunity for recipients to demonstrate that they are providing high quality comprehensive services  

  • In-depth review of service delivery across all content areas

  • Completed in Year 3 or 4 of the 5-year project period

  • 5-day onsite review

  • Conducted by a Review Team

 

OHS goal: Reduce burden of monitoring for recipients 

  • Focused on quality-of-service delivery and integrity of fiscal and ERSEA processes; includes all content areas

  • Streamlined number of questions;

  • Performance measures addressed through the prior FA1 are not included

  • Completed in Year 3 or 4 of the 5-year project period.

  • 3 ½ day review; onsite and virtual activities

  • Conducted by a Review Team

If you have questions about OHS monitoring, I am happy to assist and can be reached at (520) 461-7606 or via email.

Article submitted by Alberto Ramirez, Principal Consultant, Strategic Planning & Solutions LLC and former Deputy Director DLH OHS Monitoring. Alberto currently serves on the HSC Membership Committee.

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