Eligibility, Recruitment, Selection, Enrollment, and Attendance (ERSEA) tasks are some of the most important work performed by Head Start programs. ERSEA governs how programs determine eligibility, enroll children, and track attendance. Discover resources to help programs assess the needs of their communities and recruit the children and families most in need. Explore materials and tools to help programs market their services, and develop and implement selection criteria. Also, find resources to identify community partners and better address community needs.
Eligibility is the first step and a key component in implementing ERSEA services. These strategies and guiding questions help programs identify and enroll children and families with the greatest need.
Recruiting for Head Start programs is a systematic year-round process. These strategies and guiding questions help programs manage data-informed and measurable recruitment efforts.
Programs must identify and enroll children and families who are most in need of Head Start services. These strategies and guiding questions help programs implement thoughtful selection policies and procedures.
Explore ERSEA systems to help programs enroll the neediest families in a timely manner. Find tips and questions to stay at full enrollment all year.
Learn about strategies programs can use to work with key stakeholders to promote regular attendance. These strategies and guiding questions help grantees develop policies around program attendance.
Explore strategies for making enrollment and engagement communications and processes more accessible to families.
Resource for Head Start programs on addressing transportation barriers to enrollment and attendance. Includes regulatory requirements, transportation options, and success stories to help programs serve children most in need.
Guidance for Head Start program leaders on calculating the 10% actual enrollment requirement for children with disabilities to meet the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act mandate.
These FAQs explain how Head Start programs can use a housing adjustment to factor in high housing costs in income eligibility assessments, with guidelines on documentation, costs covered, and application flexibility.
This resource clarifies eligibility duration requirements or children younger than 3 who are served by Migrant and Seasonal Head Start programs.