Head Start Quality Grants
Head Start Quality Grants
Trust for Learning’s application for a new program to support current Head Start providers that wish to adopt ideal learning-aligned approaches is now CLOSED. Please join our listserv to hear about future funding opportunities!
About
This initiative will leverage federal dollars by providing planning grants to Head Start-funded entities to improve quality through implementation of a highly-personalized, child-centered learning approach. Head Start Quality Grants will support early education providers with resources, tools, and technical assistance to transition to an ideal learning approach. These funds will enable grantees to be intentional in their planning efforts, focusing on aspects such as:
- review of the evidence base for the approach with the population to be served;
- engagement with the community (e.g. teachers, parents, etc.) to ensure support for the transition;
- inventory and purchase of needed supplies and materials to create a learning environments in alignment with the chosen approach;
- analysis of alignment with Head Start Performance Standards and state early learning and development guidelines;
- training of program leaders, teachers, and staff in the new approach; and
- recruitment of additional partners as needed for effective implementation.
To help providers think through these and other aspects of their program model, the Trust has created a Planning Framework. While each project will be unique based on its scope, partners involved, and local context, this framework can help guide planning efforts.
Before beginning an application, we recommend that providers review the full RFP, familiarize themselves with the principles of ideal learning environments, and consult the technical assistance resource list. The Ideal Learning Head Start Network also maintains a resource bank which may be helpful to review.
Priorities
Applications are welcome from all providers. However, priority will be given to projects that:
- serve historically underserved communities through the American Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN) and Migrant and Seasonal Head Start (MSHS) programs;
- involve networks of providers with multiple program sites;
- leverage Early Head Start-Child Care Partnerships that provide full-day and year-round care; or
- leverage contributions from local or regional philanthropic partners
Eligibility
To be eligible, applicants must be a current Head Start provider (either directly as a federal grantee or indirectly as a delegate agency or partner) and have a designated tax-exempt status.
Applications
Applications closed on September 12th, 2021 and we will announce our final grantee partners in November. For other questions related to your application, please email [email protected].
Please make sure to sign up for Trust for Learning’s monthly newsletter to receive email updates about the grant process. Thank you for your interest in expanding ideal learning environments for young children!