Head Start And Early Head Start Grant Applications Now Available

May 08, 2009

The Office of Head Start has started the process for accepting grant applications for expansion of Head Start and Early Head Start, as well as for Migrant and Seasonal and American Indian programs. The expansion is possible through the ARRA, which provided $1 billion in new funding for Head Start preschool programs and $1.1 billion in new funding for Early Head Start. Information posted describes eligible applicants, criteria for successful proposals, and the required forms and other supporting documentation.

The Early Head Start competition is open to any eligible organization, according to the notice:

The Administration for Children and Families solicits applications from any public or private non-profit organizations, including community based faith-based organizations, or for-profit agencies, that wish to compete for funds that are available to provide Early Head Start services to pregnant women, infants, toddlers and their families.

Current Early Head Start grantees may apply to increase the number of children currently being served within their approved service area. All applicants, including current Early Head Start grantees, may apply to establish new Early Head Start programs in areas not currently served by Early Head Start. In metropolitan areas, or counties with large numbers of children who are not being served, current EHS grantees may apply to expand services. Other organizations will also be able to apply to serve children in the unserved portions of that service area.&0160; All applicants proposing to establish an Early Head Start program in any area currently unserved will be given equal consideration.

The Head Start expansion, for $102 million, is limited to current grantees for the purposes of increasing the number of preschool children served in the Head Start program.