Annual Community Assessment Update Considerations
Assess significant community changes, including regulatory updates, that could affect program operations and service delivery.
Community Assessment
This analysis provides information about the needs and resources of Head Start-eligible families and the community within a service area. This process informs the goal setting and design of new programs. Programs must review and update this data annually and the resources listed below offer assistance.
Community assessment, along with self-assessment, is one of the 12 program management systems on the Management Systems Wheel.
Selection Criteria Development Worksheet
Use this worksheet to identify and evaluate the sources of data used to develop and maintain your program’s selection criteria.
Community Assessment: The Foundation for Responsive ERSEA Services
This video explores how community assessment data offers the foundation for ERSEA decision-making and supports full enrollment.
Community Assessment and Equity
The community assessment provides a starting point for understanding community strengths and identifying gaps in services. Review these questions for consideration to inform your program planning.
Pandemic Programmatic and Community Update
Use this matrix to strategically plan early childhood education program operations and services during a pandemic.
Services and Coordinated Approaches
Explore how a community assessment can help mobilize community resources and partnerships.
Community Assessment: The Foundation for Program Planning in Head Start
Explore community assessment standards and best practices. Learn how community assessments help programs remain responsive to the children and families they serve.
What Is Included in a Community Assessment?
Review what should be included in a community assessment.
Why Conduct a Community Assessment?
Consider how the data gathered during a community assessment will be used to inform strategic planning, goal setting, and decision-making.
Build on a Responsive Community Assessment
The community assessment is a way to jumpstart the program planning process. Learn how the assessment helps Head Start programs provide key services to the children and families that need them.