How to Prepare as Federal Monitoring Reviews Begin

October marks the start of Fiscal Year 2027 (FY2027) Head Start federal monitoring reviews. New information from the Office of Head Start (OHS) sheds light onto the timing and type of reviews, while programs await details about the FY2027 protocols and process.

A recent communication from OHS to grantees confirmed that FY2027 monitoring will include Focus Area 1: Program Systems Reviews (FA1), Focus Area 2: Comprehensive Services Reviews (FA2), Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS) Reviews, Risk Assessment Notification (RAN) Reviews, and Follow-up and Other Reviews. OHS will also work with Tribes and the Bureau of Indian Affairs to conduct monitoring of Tribal programs.

As described in Get Ready for FY27 Monitoring, FA1, FA2, and CLASS reviews will begin this month – October 2026 – and all other reviews will take place as needed. Consistent with past years, OHS may conduct unannounced reviews at any time. In FY2027, FA1 and FA2 reviews will include virtual and on-site activities. CLASS reviews may include a video review or an on-site review.

OHS did not indicate in their recent communication how much advance notice programs will be given for their review, and unannounced reviews can take place at any time. Because of this, programs anticipating a review should have documentation organized and prepared well ahead of time.

Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 Head Start Monitoring Protocols and preparation resources have not yet been posted to HeadStart.gov. Review guides and protocols are all “coming soon.” There is a link to the RAN Review Protocol, which directs users to the FY2025 RAN Review Monitoring Protocol. A date and time for the FY2027 monitoring kickoff webinar has also not been announced. We encourage programs anticipating a FY2027 review to monitor HeadStart.gov closely for more information as it becomes available. 

Our team offers federal review preparation services that are aligned with OHS monitoring tools, and which will be updated to reflect FY2027 requirements. Our review preparation services include mock review sessions, identifying areas of concern, and helping staff to prepare effective responses. We are experienced in assisting programs to identify and address concerns so that they can successfully demonstrate compliance, expertise, and program quality.

If your program anticipates a federal monitoring review this program year, we encourage you to explore Foundations for Families’ Consulting Services. If you need assistance preparing for a federal review, please be in touch. Our team of consultants will work with your program to determine a process, timeline, and approach that is the best fit for your needs.

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