On March 18, 2024, the Office of Head Start (OHS) published a request for information (RFI) in the Federal Register, Request for Information: Office of Head Start Tribal Programs. It invites public comment on policy and current training and technical assistance (TTA) supports that are available to American Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN) Head Start programs.
Specifically, the RFI is asking whether existing rules, regulations, and available TTA are optimal for AIAN Head Start programs. The following topic areas were identified through past consultation, recipient feedback, and program data:
- Eligibility
- Program Options
- Quality Environments
- Child Health and Safety
- Tribal Language Preservation, Maintenance, Revitalization, and Restoration
- Family and Community Engagement
- Investing in the Workforce
- Training and Technical Assistance for AIAN Programs
- Supporting Partnerships with State Systems
- Facilities
- Fiscal Operations and Management
- Early Childhood Systems
- Other topics
It is critical to understand current challenges for accomplishing goals in AIAN Head Start programming. Through the RFI, OHS is soliciting tribal government and public comment to improve service quality. ACF and OHS are committed to the principles of nation-to-nation relationships and tribal sovereignty.
This page includes informational resources on the contents of the RFI registration information for listening sessions or other engagement activities and how to provide feedback through the Federal Register.
Federal Register Notice
Read the Request for Information: Office of Head Start Tribal Programs. Public comments on this RFI will help ensure that any changes that need to be made to existing OHS requirements, regulations and TTA supports are informed by consultation from tribal nations, AIAN Head Start staff, and the families they serve. To provide feedback, follow the "Submit a formal comment" instructions. Comments are accepted for six months after the RFI publication. The closing date is Sept. 16, 2024.
Review tips on how to navigate the Federal Register website, draft effective comments, and submit comments for consideration.
Informational Webinar
In the Introducing the Tribal Request for Information webinar, OHS leadership and staff discuss the different topics and questions covered in the tribal RFI.
Fact Sheet
Read a concise overview of the topics covered and how to submit comments on the RFI.
Dear Tribal Leader Letter
Read Director Garvin’s letter to tribal leaders that formally notified them of the topics covered and how to submit comments on the RFI.
Listening Sessions and Engagement Activities
In these videos, Director Garvin introduces the Tribal RFI and reminds us of the upcoming Sept. 16, 2024, deadline to submit comments.
OHS also hosted a series of listening sessions, a Tribal Consultation, and other activities to hear directly from tribal leaders and communities on how to strengthen rules, regulations, and TTA supports. Comments received during these events will be included for public comment in the Federal Register.
Last Updated: September 5, 2024