There are 10 Regional offices in the United States which do an on-site review every three years. Unlike public schools, there is no state office responsible for Head Start. The agreement clarifies the respective roles and responsibilities of Head Start and LEAs in serving children with disabilities. Bracketed numbers in this article indicate specific loan package ordering information. It is important for collaboration to occur to eliminate gaps and possible duplication of services.
Collaborative agreements can create more efficient use of funds and resources.
It is important to work together so that referrals are appropriate and timely. This document focuses on issues related to children with disabilities and their families. It also promotes integration of all early childhood programs by enhancing awareness of and coordination with programs and resources that address the needs of all young children in Missouri. Its purpose was not to create binding requirements for LEAs and Head Start programs, but to guide the creation of local collaborative agreements responsive to the needs of communities. This Memorandum of Agreement was sent to every LEA and Head Start Program in Missouri.