The NHSA Center for Policy, Data, and Research generates new knowledge to lead reform for stronger child and family outcomes, informed by outstanding practices from the Head Start community.

The American Rescue Plan

On March 11, 2021, President Biden signed the American Rescue Plan (ARP) into law. The sweeping $1.9 trillion legislation has the potential to lift millions of children and families out of poverty. Through expanded access to benefits and increased direct support, the ARP will have a ripple effect throughout the communities that Head Start serves.

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The Fair Labor Standards Act

On May 18, 2016, the Department of Labor issued a final rule, the "Overtime" Rule. The Final Rule focuses on distinguishing overtime-eligible employees from those who are exempt from overtime pay. Follow the link to access resources that are specific to Head Start.

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Extended Duration in Head Start

In 2016, Congress appropriated $294 million to help Head Start programs offer more hours of services without cutting kids. In April the Office of Head Start released guidance about applying for funds for extended duration.

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Moneyball for Head Start

In January 2016, NHSA released "Moneyball for Head Start: Using Data, Evidence, and Evaluation to Improve Outcomes for Children and Families" in partnership with Results for America, Bellwether Education Partners, and The Volcker Alliance. The report addresses policy strategies for enhancing the use of data to improve outcomes in Head Start programs.

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Analysis of the Designation Renewal System

In September 2015, NHSA released "Analysis of the Designation Renewal System: Cohorts One to Three" and hosted a Symposium to discuss concrete solutions to the unintended consequences of DRS in its first three cycles.

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Head Start Standards NPRM

In June 2015, HHS released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for the Head Start Program Performance Standards. Follow the link below to read more about the NPRM and to join the conversation about providing comments.

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CPDR offers research facts and tools for beginning research partnerships.

CPDR offers research facts and tools for beginning research partnerships.

Researchers

CPDR is committed to strengthening dialogue and partnerships between researchers and practitioners.

Policy Makers

CPDR works with the Head Start community to establish a Policy Agenda and formal recommendations.

The Center for Policy, Data, and Research offers basic research facts, summaries of important research reports, and resources to help Head Start programs deepen their own research efforts. Explore the Center to learn more!

The Center for Policy, Data, and Research is committed to strengthening dialogue and partnerships between Head Start programs and the research community. Get involved with NHSA's researcher efforts by reaching out to Victoria Jones. Find out how you can work with available data and program partnerships to answer them.

The Center for Policy, Data, and Research has worked with the Head Start community to establish a Policy Agenda that outlines our priorities and has laid out formal recommendations on many of the policy issues that are most pressing. Explore the Center to find additional state-by-state data and research on the true impact of Head Start.