Obtain a copy of the program's policies and procedures and review them. Discuss with the Director what tracking systems are in place for the Education Component and what is expected of each coordinator. Find out what records are kept in the Education Component, who is responsible for keeping them, and where they are kept. List them below in order of their importance to you. They outline the ways in which the physical, social, emotional, and intellectual needs of children will be met and state what is expected of staff.
Procedures are the tools or processes for implementing program policies.
They should always be stated clearly in writing and shared with staff, parents, and all volunteers. The policies, or requirements, governing the Head Start program come from the Performance Standards and from periodic notices that the regional and national offices send to the Director. Policies also are derived from state, local, and county regulations, which must be met to ensure a safe and healthy environment. These policies are generally found in the state licensing requirements, which can be obtained from the agencies responsible for licensing. In some cases the Performance Standards can be superseded by a local ordinance, e.g., a zoning or licensing regulation regarding the amount of space required for each child in the classroom.