Secondary Analyses of Head Start and Early Head Start Data

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The Administration for Children and Families (ACF), Office of Planning, Research and Evaluation (OPRE) plans to solicit applications for Secondary Analyses of Head Start and Early Head Start Data grants. These grants aim to support researchers conducting secondary analyses of data to address key questions of relevance to Head Start programs and policies. Since the programs’ inception, Head Start and Early Head Start have engaged in a rigorous program of research providing valuable information for guiding program improvements in Head Start and Early Head Start, as well as for the larger field of early childhood programming and development. Head Start and Early Head Start programs have collaborated with researchers to make significant contributions in program innovation and evaluation, as well as the use of systematic data collection, analysis, and interpretation in program operations. Head Start has attracted an extensive network of highly accomplished partners in research firms, universities, and local programs, who strive to answer critical policy questions and improve the quality of the program with rigorous and relevant research. Analyzing existing data sets may provide researchers an efficient and cost-effective method for answering critical research questions of relevance to the goals and outcomes of Head Start and Early Head Start. Findings from these grants are intended to inform policy, program administration, and future research. Topics of particular interest to ACF may include, but are not limited to: building, recruiting, and retaining a qualified workforce; promoting equity and improvements in approaches to reach, recruit, enroll, and sustain families, particularly those most in need of HS services; supporting the unique strengths and needs of MSHS and AIAN HS children, families, and staff; facilitators and barriers to the implementation of new or expansion of existing HS or EHS programs; quality measurement and continuous quality improvement processes; COVID-19 pandemic impact, response, and recovery; improving HS staff competencies through professional development; coordination and collaboration between HS and State, Territory, or local early care and education or social service systems; supports and services for families experiencing homelessness, families involved in the child welfare system, and for children with disabilities; supporting the wellness of staff in the HS workforce; costs associated with delivering HS services and blending/braiding of funding sources; identifying practices or experiences within HS programs that drive child and family outcomes; or approaches to engage, support, and meet the health, mental health, economic self-sufficiency, and other needs of HS families. ACF is particularly interested in secondary analyses that examine the aforementioned topics with an equity and strength-based lens and provide insights into the experiences of HS staff and families from historically underserved or marginalized communities. Data sets of particular interest to ACF may include, but are not limited to the Family and Child Experiences Survey, AIAN Family and Child Experiences Survey, Early Head Start Family and Child Experiences Survey, Migrant and Seasonal Head Start Study, Study of Early Head Start-Child Care Partnerships, National Survey of Early Care and Education, Office of Head Start Program Information Report, or Preschool Development Grants B-5 state or territory grant recipient administrative data.

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