The National Head Start Training and Technical Resource Center

CRITERIA FOR HEAD START TA CONSULTANT EVALUATION

General Consultant Requirements

Knowledge of Head Start, including a thorough working knowledge of the following core documents and processes:

· Current PRISM (Program Review Instrument for Systems Monitoring

· Head Start Act, as amended October 1998 (perhaps change to current when Reauthorization passes

· Head Start Program Performance Standards and other applicable regulations that apply to the assigned service/content area

· Grant & Budget Instruments (i.e., GABI)

· Program Information Report (PIR)

· Child Outcomes Framework

· QIP process

For each of the nine content areas, a set of preferred and minimum qualifications is provided. These are based upon those required of PRISM reviewer- criteria. Content areas include:

Disabilities
Education and Early Childhood
Family and Community Partnerships
Fiscal Management
Health
Infant/Toddler Care (Early Head Start)
Program Design and Management
Facilities (*not part of PRISM reviewer criteria)
Transportation (*not part of PRISM reviewer criteria)

DISABILITIES

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

Master's degree or higher in early childhood special education, early childhood education/child development with an emphasis on children with disabilities, or a related service profession as identified in the Head Start Program Performance Standards, Part 1308, including speech-language pathology, audiology, psychological services, physical or occupational therapy, recreational therapy, counseling services/family support services, medical services, school health services, and social work services

Licensing:

Evidence of meeting any existing current professional Federal and State licensing requirements if currently working in the profession

Work Experience:

At least 6+ years of experience in an early childhood education/special education- related position that includes responsibilities associated with planning and implementation of services for children (birth to age 5) with disabilities and their families, as required under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA- Parts B and C), the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Head Start Program Performance Standards. This experience should be in inclusive and natural environments and include integrating developmentally appropriate curriculum. Work experience should include developing systems to support children with disabilities and their families in Head Start, including comprehensive services related to disabilities as well as interagency collaboration.
Candidates must also have experience in the coordination between developmentally appropriate curriculum, integrating IDEA, and a preschool program that operates within standards (i.e. Head Start Performance Standards, NAEYC, accreditation and/or a state approved preschool curriculum). This could include, but is not limited to, service as a Disabilities Services Coordinator for Head Start/Early Head Start.
At least 2+ years of supervisory/team leadership experience in managing service delivery for children (birth to age 5) with disabilities and their families
Work experience includes effective integration of management systems and program services
Recent experience working: in a Head Start program, in an agency that has a Head Start grantee, as a Head Start T/TA provider, or with a collaborative partner of a Head Start program

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Bachelor's degree in early childhood special education, early childhood education/child development with an emphasis on children with disabilities, or a related service profession as identified in the Performance Standards, Part 1308,including speech- language pathology, audiology, psychological services, physical or occupational therapy, recreational therapy, counseling services/family support services, medical services, school health services, and social work services

Licensing:

Evidence of meeting any existing current professional Federal and State licensing requirements if currently working in the profession

Work Experience:

At least 3 to 5 years of experience in an early childhood education/special education- related position that includes responsibilities associated with planning and implementation of services for children (birth to age 5) with disabilities and their families, as required under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA- Parts B and C), the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Head Start Program Performance Standards. This experience should be in inclusive and natural environments and include integrating developmentally appropriate curriculum
Candidates must also have experience in the coordination between developmentally appropriate curriculum, integrating IDEA, and a preschool program that operates within standards (i.e. Head Start Performance Standards, NAEYC, accreditation and/or a state approved preschool curriculum). This could include, but is not limited to, service as a Disabilities Services Coordinator for Head Start/Early Head Start
Work experience includes effective integration of management systems and program services

Applicant shows evidence of expertise in the following subcategories:

o Accessibility

o Disabilities Services Plans

o Health and Safety

o Individualization

o Interagency Collaboration

o Recruitment and Enrollment

o Screening, Evaluation and Assessment

o Staff Support & Supervision

o Supporting Families

o Transition

EDUCATION AND EARLY CHILDHOOD

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

Master's degree in a field related to early childhood education, child development, child psychology, child and family services, or human development (emphasis on child development)

Licensing:

Evidence of meeting any existing current professional Federal and State licensing requirements if currently working in the profession

Work Experience:

At least 6+ years of experience in a Head Start, public, or private child development program for children birth to age 5 (e.g., lead teacher, early interventionist, early childhood consultant) at the local, regional, or national level
At least 3+ years of early childhood supervisory or management experience
Documentation of work experience that includes supervisory responsibility for planning and implementing an appropriate early childhood curriculum that meets the needs of diverse children and their families; supervising lead teachers and assistant teachers; and lead responsibility for overseeing and participating in child observations, assessments, and individualization
Work experience includes effective integration of management systems and program services
Recent experience working: in a Head Start program, in an agency that has a Head Start grantee, as a Head Start T/TA provider, or with a collaborative partner of a Head Start program

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Bachelor's degree in a field related to early childhood education, child development, child psychology, child and family services, or human development (emphasis on child development)

Licensing:

Evidence of meeting any existing current professional Federal and State licensing requirements if currently working in the profession

Work Experience:

At least 3 to 5 years of experience in a Head Start, public, or private child development program for children birth to age 5 (e.g., lead teacher, early interventionist, early childhood consultant) at the local, regional, or national level
Documentation of work experience that addresses the responsibility for planning and implementing an appropriate curriculum that meets the needs of diverse children and their families; supervising classroom staff; and participating in child observations, assessments, and individualization plans

Work experience includes effective integration of management systems and program services

Applicant shows evidence of expertise in the following subcategories:

o Assessment

o Curriculum

o Domains of Child Development

o English Language Learners

o Families/Parent Involvement

o Individualization

o Learning Environments

o Management & Staff Support

FAMILY AND COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

Master’s degree or higher in social work, psychology, counseling, or a related discipline

Licensing:

Evidence of meeting any existing current professional Federal and State licensing requirements if currently working in the profession

Work Experience:

At least 6+ years in a social work/social services, case management, counseling, or behavioral child development-related position (including provision of technical assistance and consultant employment to provide services in these areas) with programs that include a significant proportion of low-income families with children birth to age 5
At least 3+ years of supervisory experience in one or more of the above-mentioned service areas
Documentation of work experience that includes family support and early intervention activities, which is not limited to counseling and clinical interventions
Work experience includes effective integration of management systems and program services
Recent experience working: in a Head Start program, in an agency that has a Head Start grantee, as a Head Start T/TA provider, or with a collaborative partner of a Head Start program

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, counseling, or a related discipline

Licensing:

Evidence of meeting any existing current professional Federal and State licensing requirements if currently working in the profession

Work Experience:

At least 3 to 5 years in a social work/social services, case management, counseling, or behavioral child development-related position with programs that include a significant proportion of low-income families with children birth to age 5
Documentation of work experience that includes family support and early intervention activities, which is not limited to counseling and clinical interventions
Work experience includes effective integration of management systems and program services

Knowledge of and Experience in:

Outreach, recruitment and enrollment strategies
Program governance as it relates to shared-decision making
Implementation strategies to include home visits
Developing strength-based assessments with families that describe their goals, strengths, resources and support networks, as well as necessary services and supports
Working with parent/family group formation, group processing, and leadership
Providing and coordinating training and educational opportunities for parents
Working with other program staff to support interactive literacy activities between parents and their children
Linking and supporting parents in engaging in literacy training that contributes to self-sufficiency
Participating in and facilitating case conferences to promote service integration
Applying knowledge of health, mental health, disabilities, and child development in order to ensure holistic service delivery
Analyzing match of community resources to family needs and identifying unmet family needs
Referring families to community resources and follow-up on the effectiveness of referrals
Supporting families in making decisions and taking active steps to resolve current crises and be prepared to address further crises
Working with families representing different cultures using a culturally competent and flexible approach
Performing record-keeping and internal and external reporting tasks in a timely and objective fashion
Contributing to and participating in strategic planning, program self-assessment and other efforts to improve program services and agency responsiveness to families
Making decisions and acting based on family support principles, theories, practices and code of ethics

Applicant shows evidence of expertise in the following subcategories:

o Community Partnerships

o Domestic Violence

o Family Literacy

o Family Partnerships

o Fatherhood Initiative

o Healthy Marriage Initiative

o Homelessness

o Parent Education

o Parent Involvement

o Program Governance

FISCAL

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Master’s degree in Business Administration, with a concentration in accounting
Bachelor’s degree in accounting

Licensing:

Certified Public Accountant or evidence of meeting any existing current professional Federal and State Licensing requirements if currently working in the profession.

Work Experience:

At least 5 + years of experience at the level of Chief Financial Officer or equivalent
Head Start experience and working with diverse groups
Experience in compiling, analyzing, interpreting, and presenting complex financial reports, statements and/or projections.
Experience in designing and implementing integrated financial control systems, policies, and procedures within a related operating environment.
Experience in budgeting and financial management principals and practices related to public and non- public institutions
Experience in fiscal audits with non-profit organizations.

Applicant shows evidence of expertise in the following subcategories:

o After the Grant Award

o Application

o Cost Allocations

o Cost Principles

o Financial Management

o Grant Award Process

o Legislation & Regulations

o Management Initiatives

o Program Management

o Property Standards

o Reports & Records

o Termination & Enforcement

HEALTH

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

Bachelor's degree or higher in a health-services discipline, such as public health, nursing, physician assistant, nutrition, health education, health administration, or other health-related discipline

Licensing:

Evidence of meeting any existing current professional Federal and State licensing requirements if currently working in the profession

Work Experience:

At least 6+ years of experience in a public health, nursing, health education, or health administration related position in an agency or organization that serves young children (birth to age 5) and their families; as a health consultant in medical or social service agencies, public schools, or other health-related organizations; or with Head Start at a local, regional, or national level
At least 3+ years of supervisory experience in a health-related position that includes experience in coordinating comprehensive and integrated health services for young children (birth to age 5) and their families and/or supervising health or family services staff
Documentation of work experience that includes health-related services to young children (birth to age 5) and their families in the following areas: health and safety, nutrition, mental health, and children's medical care
Work experience includes effective integration of management systems and program services
Recent experience working: in a Head Start program, in an agency that has a Head Start grantee, as a Head Start T/TA provider, or with a collaborative partner of a Head Start program

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Bachelors degree or higher or Associates Degree currently enrolled in a Bachelors degree in a health-services discipline, such as health science/public health, health education, nursing, physician assistant, nutritional services/food management, or other health-related discipline

Licensing:

Evidence of meeting current professional Federal and State licensing requirements when applicable

Work Experience:

At least 3 to 5 years of experience in a health-related position that serves young children (birth to age 5) and their families in one of the following settings:

in medical or social service agencies, public schools, or other health-related organizations;
with Head Start at a local, regional, or national level within the past 2 years, or
as a child health-related consultant with current related employment in academia.

Documentation of work experience that includes health-related services to children (birth to age 5) and their families in the following areas: health and wellness, nutrition, mental health, and children's medical care
Work experience includes integration of management systems and program services

Applicant shows evidence of expertise in one the following subcategories:

o Child Health Services

o Childhood Diseases and Conditions

o Childhood Safety & Injury Prevention

o Facilities, Materials & Equipment Safety

o Family Health & Wellness

o Mental Health & Wellness

o Nutritional Health & Wellness

o Nutritional Services

o Oral Health & Wellness

o Partnerships & Collaboration

o Planning & Managing

o Staff Health & Wellness

INFANT/TODDLER CARE

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

Master's degree in a field related to early childhood education, child development or health services (i.e. nursing, child psychology/counseling and family support services, and/or infant mental health), with special training, coursework, and/or certification in infant/toddler development, and/or services to pregnant women

Licensing:

Evidence of meeting any existing current professional Federal and State licensing requirements if currently working in the profession

Work Experience:

At least 6+ years of experience in an Early Head Start, public, or private child development program for children birth to age 3 (e.g., infant/toddler specialist, early interventionist, early childhood consultant) at the local, regional, or national level
At least 3+ years of early childhood supervisory or management experience
Documentation of work experience that includes supervisory responsibility for planning and implementing an appropriate infant and toddler curriculum that meets the needs of diverse children and their families; supervising lead teachers and assistant teachers; lead responsibility for overseeing and participating in child observations, assessments, and individualization plans; and overseeing and providing services to pregnant women
Work experience includes effective integration of management systems and program services
Recent experience working: in a Head Start program, in an agency that has a Head Start grantee, as a Head Start T/TA provider, or with a collaborative partner of a Head Start program

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Bachelor's degree in a field related to early childhood education, child development or health services (i.e. nursing, child psychology/counseling and family support services, and/or infant mental health), with special training, coursework, and/or certification in infant/toddler development, and/or services to pregnant women

Licensing:

Evidence of meeting any existing current professional Federal and State licensing requirements if currently working in the profession

Work Experience:

At least 3 to 5 years of experience in an Early Head Start, public, or private child development program for children birth to age 3 (e.g., infant/toddler specialist, early interventionist, early childhood consultant) at the local, regional, or national level
Documentation of work experience that addresses the responsibility for planning and implementing an appropriate infant and toddler curriculum that meets the needs of diverse children and their families; supervising classroom staff; participating in child observations, assessments, and individualization plans; and providing services to pregnant women
Work experience includes effective integration of management systems and program services

Applicant shows evidence of expertise in the following subcategories:

o Infant/Toddler Development Related to:

§ Health

§ Safety

§ Mental Health

§ Disabilities

§ Nutrition

§ Prenatal and Maternal Health

§ Early Education

§ Parent Involvement

· Teen Parents

· Parents with Disabilities

· Father Involvement

§ Impact of Culture

o Key Systems and Planning Areas Related to Programming

§ Curriculum Planning

§ Developing Community Partnerships

§ Fiscal Systems

§ Management Systems

§ Parent Involvement Systems

§ Planning for Transitions

§ Professional Development Systems

§ Screening and Assessment Systems

§ Services for Pregnant Women

§ Supervisory Systems

o Providing Resources and TA in a Responsive/Reflective Manner to:

§ EHS Programs

§ Other Infant/Toddler Programs

§ Other Programs Aimed at Supporting Expectant Families

§ Other Programs Aimed at Supporting Infants and Toddlers in the Child Welfare System

o Service Delivery Options Related to Infant/Toddler Care:

§ Center-based Care

§ Family Child Care

§ Home Visiting

§ Combination Center-based/Home Visiting

§ Indoor and outdoor environments

o Understanding of the Head Start Program Performance Standards and How They Impact Services for Infants/Toddlers

PROGRAM DESIGN AND MANAGEMENT

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

Master's degree in public administration, business administration, human resources, early childhood education, health services, or social services

Licensing/Certification:

Evidence of meeting any existing current professional Federal and State licensing requirements and/or certifications if currently working within a specific discipline or profession

Work Experience:

At least 6+ years of experience serving in an executive or management/supervisory position with an early childhood or human services organization which serves families with young children (birth to age 5)
At least 6+ years working in the capacity as a management or organizational development consultant providing technical assistance to early childhood/human services programs
Supporting documentation of work experience that includes management-level responsibilities, such as working with governing bodies; facilitating strategic planning; and the development and/or implementation of management systems, such as record-keeping, reporting, self-assessment/quality control, and human resources
Demonstrated proficiency in understanding fiscal/budgetary requirements and related administrative oversight
Skills and work experience that have involved planning and implementing systems integration of program services and management systems.
Recent or past Head Start/Early Head Start work experience in a management capacity; with an agency administering a Head Start/Early Head Start grantee/delegate; as a Head Start T/TA provider; or with a collaborative partner of a Head Start/Early Head Start program

Training & Technical Skills Experience:

At least 3 years experience designing, developing, coordinating and/or delivery of training/and or professional development strategies for a variety of audiences, such as parents, program staff and volunteers
Skills and experience in organizational development, group facilitation, conflict resolution, outcomes oriented program planning and implementation strategies

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Bachelor's degree in public administration, business administration, human resources, early childhood education, health services, or social services

Licensing/Certifications:

Evidence of meeting any existing current professional Federal and State licensing requirements and/or certifications if currently working within a specific discipline/profession

Work Experience:

At least 3 to 5 years of experience in an executive or management/supervisory position with an organization serving families with young children (birth to age 5)
Work experience that includes management-level responsibilities, such as organizational development; working with governing bodies; facilitating strategic planning; and the development and/or implementation of management systems, such as record-keeping, reporting, self-assessment/quality control, and human resources
Skills and experience that have involved planning and implementing systems integration of program services and management systems.
Recent or past Head Start/Early Head Start work experience in a management capacity; with an agency administering a Head Start/Early Head Start grantee; as a Head Start T/TA provider; or with a collaborative partner of a Head Start/Early Head Start program

Training & Technical Skills Experience:

At least 1-3 years experience designing, developing, coordinating and/or delivery of training/and or professional development strategies for a variety of audiences, such as parents, program staff and volunteers
Knowledge of culturally and linguistically appropriate approaches and strategies for working with diverse communities and staff
Basic computer literacy
Group facilitation skills

Applicant shows evidence of expertise in the following subcategories:

Facilities
Communication
Community Assessment
Eligibility & Enrollment
Facilities, Materials & Equipment
Human Resources
Planning
Program Diversity
Program Governance
Self-Assessment & Ongoing Monitoring

FACILITIES

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

Master's degree in business administration, construction management, public administration, or other related field

Licensing/Certifications:

Evidence of meeting any existing current professional Federal and State licensing requirements and/or certification if currently working within a specific discipline/profession

Work Experience:

At least 6+ years of experience in maintenance, construction or renovation project management/supervisory position (including on-site foreman or supervisor).
Responsible for maintenance operations, planning, schedules, personnel, and budgets.
Responsible for or served as a consultant in facility purchase, construction or renovations design, project planning, project management, methods and sources of financing, project close-out and audit
Management-level responsibilities, such as working with governing entities, coordinating project planning, project implementation, oversight on facilities design and operations, assisting in project and operations financing, and ensuring accurate use of accounting methods in any and all phases of construction and maintenance
Knowledge and experience in working with construction and maintenance administration, construction professionals, suppliers and vendors in the field or area of project activity
Recent or past Head Start/Early Head Start work experience in a management capacity; with an agency overseeing a Head Start/Early Head Start grantee; as a Head Start T/TA provider; or with a collaborative partner of a Head Start/Early Head Start program

Training & Technical Skills Experience:

At least 3 years experience designing, developing, coordinating and/or delivery of training/and or professional development strategies for a variety of audiences, such as parents, program staff and volunteers

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Bachelor's degree in public administration, business administration, construction management, or other related field

Licensing/Certifications:

Evidence of meeting any existing current professional Federal and State licensing requirements and/or certifications if currently working within a specific discipline or profession

Work Experience:

At least 3 to 5 years of experience serving in an executive or management position with an organization engaged in maintenance and operations, facilities design, project planning, and/or purchase, construction, or renovation.
At least 3 years of supervisory/management-level work experience in a maintenance or any construction related field
Documentation of work experience that includes working with governing bodies, construction or maintenance planning, facilities design, project finance and accounting for facilities development or operations, and any and all phases of construction management including closeout, project management, and working with construction or maintenance professionals.

Training & Technical Skills Experience:

At least 1-3 years experience designing, developing, coordinating and/or delivering training/and or professional development strategies for a variety of audiences, such as parents, program staff, and volunteers
Knowledge of culturally and linguistically appropriate approaches and strategies for working with diverse communities and staff
Basic computer literacy
Group facilitation skills

Applicant shows evidence of expertise in the following subcategories:

o Closeout

o Construction Administration

o Construction Professionals

o Designing Quality Facilities

o Finance & Accounting

o Planning

TRANSPORTATION

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

Master's degree in public administration, business administration, urban planning, or other related field

Licensing/Certification:

Evidence of meeting any existing current professional Federal and State licensing requirements and/or certification if currently working within a specific discipline or profession

Work Experience:

At least 6+ years of experience serving in a supervisory/management position responsible for transportation coordination and transportation services of young children
Work experience that includes demonstrated efforts in coordinating transportation, emergency preparedness, fleet operation, maintenance and purchasing, training and safety education, hiring, training and/or supervising transportation personnel, and facilitating issues regarding transporting children with disabilities
Recent or past Head Start/Early Head Start work experience in a management capacity (i.e. transportation coordinator); with an agency overseeing a Head Start/Early Head Start grantee; as a Head Start T/TA provider; or with a collaborative partner of a Head Start/Early Head Start program
Knowledge of 45 CFR 1310, state specific transportation regulations

Training & Technical Skills Experience:

At least 3 years experience designing, developing, coordinating and/or delivery of training/and or professional development strategies for a variety of audiences, such as parents, program staff and volunteers

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Bachelor's degree in public administration, business administration, urban planning, or other related field
Knowledge of 45 CFR 1310, state specific transportation regulations

Licensing/Certification:

Evidence of meeting any existing current professional Federal and State licensing requirements and/or certification if currently working within a specific discipline or profession

Work Experience:

At least 3 to 5 years of experience serving in an executive or management/supervisory position responsible for transportation coordination and transportation services for young children
Work experience that includes demonstrated efforts in coordinating transportation, emergency preparedness, fleet operation, maintenance and purchasing, training and safety education, hiring, training and/or supervising transportation personnel, and facilitating issues regarding transporting children with disabilities
Recent or past Head Start/Early Head Start work experience in a management capacity (i.e., transportation coordinator); with an agency overseeing a Head Start/Early Head Start grantee; as a Head Start T/TA provider; or with a collaborative partner of a Head Start/Early Head Start program

Training & Technical Skills Experience:

At least 1-3 years experience designing, developing, coordinating and/or delivery of training/and or professional development strategies for a variety of audiences, such as parents, program staff and volunteers
Knowledge of culturally and linguistically appropriate approaches and strategies for working with diverse communities and staff
Knowledge and demonstrated familiarity of the Head Start Program Performance Standards
Basic computer literacy
Group facilitation

Applicant shows evidence of expertise in the following subcategories:

o Coordinating Transportation

o Emergency Preparedness

o Fleet Operation & Maintenance

o Safety

o School Buses & Allowable Alternate Vehicles

o Training & Safety Education

o Transportation Personnel

o Transporting Children with Disabilities

This Web site is hosted by the National Head Start Training and Technical Assistance Resource Center (HSRC) under contract with the Office of Head Start (OHS).