The Head Start Collaboration Office (HSCO) helps build partnerships between Head Start programs and state groups that serve low-income children from before birth until they start school (Section 642B(a)(2)(A) of the Head Start Act).
Goals
HSCO’s goals include:
- Better meet the needs of low-income children and their families.
- Strengthen coordination and connections for Head Start in early childhood systems-building. Improve how early childhood systems-building strengthens coordination and connections for Head Start.
- Support the specific needs of Head Start programs.
- Encourage strong partnerships between Head Start and other services.
- Include Head Start in state decisions that affect children and families.
Priorities
The Federal Office of Head Start has set the following priorities for the HSCO:
- Work with state systems to align early learning services for children and families from before birth to age 5.
- Help collect and use data to make better decisions and improve outcomes for children and families.
- Expand access to high-quality training and career growth for staff.
- Work with state school systems to support smooth transitions and alignment between programs.
