Insights from Experts

Talking Points

Talking Points offers insights from experts on the topics we know are important to organizations working to strengthen communities, including organizational development, childcare, and housing stabilization. Our writers share their knowledge, research, and practical strategies for building the structures and systems you need to promote excellence in service delivery.

Talking Points is published a minimum of monthly. Subscribing also gives you access to our Monthly Round Up, where we highlight blog posts, upcoming events, and newsworthy research and reflections. 

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The Annual Report: Connecting to Your Community Through Storytelling and Reporting

Head Start Program Performance Standards require that programs must disseminate an annual report each fiscal year that complies with section 644(a)(2) of the Head Start Act and includes a summary of the program’s most recent community assessment. An annual report can be a powerful tool to communicate about the progress, outcomes, and financial status of your program.

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Community Action Agency & Head Start Efficiencies in Community Needs Assessments

In 1964, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Economic Opportunity Act into effect, creating the first movement in the War on Poverty. Through this legislation, new programs were created to support low-income individuals and other vulnerable populations’ self-sufficiency and well-being. Two of the most groundbreaking programs coming out of the EOA were Community Action Agencies (CAAs) and Head Start.

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OHS Highlights from the NHSA Fall Leadership Institute

The NHSA Fall Leadership Institute took place last week, and there was no shortage of federal updates. At the Office of Head Start (OHS) Town Hall, we learned about implementation of the new Head Start Program Performance Standards (Performance Standards) and heard about the types of resources and supports that will be available to programs. Attendees were encouraged to share what they learned in the session with others. Here are a few of the top highlights.

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