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Tooth decay is the most common childhood disease, but it's preventable. Children with dental pain can have trouble speaking clearly, eating, and learning. Use the resources below to promote a healthy mouth.

Family engagement is a collaborative and strengths-based process through which early childhood professionals, families, and children build positive and goal-oriented relationships.

Health is the foundation of school readiness. To help children thrive, Head Start programs promote the physical, social, and emotional well-being of families and staff.

A program’s physical environment supports the quality and quantity of the services it provides. Browse facilities resources that help programs create environments that are conducive to learning.

Good nutrition is an important part of a wellness lifestyle to stay healthy, active, and strong. Health managers and program staff can explore resources to support healthy eating habits and find nutrition assistance information to share with families.

The Head Start Act requires periodic federal review of all Head Start programs. Learn about federal monitoring and understand all the necessary requirements to prepare for the federal review of your program’s systems and services.

Thoughtful planning is critical to programming. Explore these resources for guidance through the five-year grant. Learn how to establish continuous cycles of improvement that involve key stakeholders in data-based decision-making.

Leadership and governance are the bedrocks of effective management. Head Start program leadership consists of three key entities: the governing body/Tribal Council (i.e., legal and fiscal responsibilities); Policy Council/parent committees (i.e., set program direction); and management staff (i.e., day-to-day operations). 

Use this tool when working through the process of applying for a grant from the Office of Head Start. Find tips, standards, and a locator map that shows you the available funding around the country.

Head Start programs support the mental health of children, families, and staff every day. Early childhood mental health is the same as social and emotional well-being.