Community Assessment Matrix

The community assessment describes the context in which Head Start programs operate and is useful for ensuring that the correct services are provided to the appropriate population. This resource can assist program staff in coordinating their efforts to gather information required for a community assessment. The assessment paints a picture of the community and describes the diverse needs of families who may receive services. In addition, the community assessment covers the community's history, its economic and political scene, and its strengths and challenges. See the attached for a customizable Community Assessment Matrix.

Note: Bold, italicized items are required by the Head Start Program Performance Standards Determining community strengths, needs, and resources, 45 CFR § 1302.11(b)(1).

"Triggers" for Data Collection (Customize this list and add information not listed. What do you want to know?)	These columns can be completed upon return to your programs
	Responsible CA Team Member	Date Initiated	Date Completed
General Area Description – Demographics
Proposed service area: Geographic boundaries (size, counties, distinguishing characteristics) Governing structure Population and related trends Racial and ethnic composition Gender, ages Household composition Economic activities Future trends Median income level Principle source of income Number below poverty level
Head Start-ELIGIBLE Children and Families
General Number of eligible infants, toddlers, preschool-age children, and expectant mothers Geographic location Race and ethnicity Languages spoken Children experiencing homelessness Children in foster care Household composition Principle source of income Median income level/Employment Number of children living below poverty level Number of public assistance recipients
Education Needs of Eligible Families
Education level Adult educational attainment Drop-out rates Information on functional literacy levels
Health and Social Service Needs of Eligible Families
Incidence of child abuse and neglect Reports of spousal abuse Number of children with disabilities, including types of disabilities Incidence of drug and alcohol abuse Number of children born to addicted mothers Infant and child death rates Number of low-birth weight babies Teen pregnancy rates Women receiving prenatal healthcare Immunization levels among school children Prevalent health problems Communicable diseases Air and water quality
Nutrition Needs of Eligible Families
Children receiving free lunch and breakfast Food stamp recipients Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program participants Participant in food distribution programs Availability of low-cost food
Housing and Homelessness
Overcrowding/availability Affordability Conditions HUD housing Utilities Homeless count Mobility Other prevalent social or economic factors
Child Care Availability
Child development, child care centers, and family child care programs, including home visiting, publicly funded state and local preschool and Approximate number of Head Start-eligible children served Number or percent of working mothers Typical work, school, or training schedules
Transportation and Communication
Vehicle ownership Relevant aspects of road conditions, climate and weather relating to jobs, services, isolation Availability of public transportation services Proportion of population with telephones/cell phones/televisions/computers
Resources available to address needs of eligible children and families
Social service, mental health services Health, dental health, and nutrition resources Disability services and resources
Community Strengths
Positive community attributes
Head Start ENROLLED Children and Families
Recruitment area Center location Number and location of enrolled children Ages of enrolled children Tribal/racial/ethnic composition of enrolled children Attendance/waiting lists/over-income children Parent involvement and recruitment experience Number of foster children enrolled Number of homeless children enrolled Number of enrolled children with disabilities Types of disabilities (by diagnostic category) of enrolled children Resources provided to enrolled children with disabilities by other agencies
Head Start Staff
Racial, ethnic, tribal composition Languages spoken Educational attainment
Relevant Opinions of Community Needs
Opinions of parents Prevalent community problems Knowledge of existing resources Accessibility of available resources Adequate service provision by existing resources Additional resources needed Opinions of community leaders/institutions Prevalent community problems Knowledge of existing resources Accessibility of available resources Adequate service provision by existing resources Suggestions for improving services Additional resources needed Opinions of Head Start staff Prevalent community problems Knowledge of existing resources Accessibility of available resources Adequate service provision by existing resources Suggestions for improving services Additional resources needed
Community Assessment Annual Update
Subpart A 1302.11(b)(2) of the Head Start Program Performance Standards requires programs to review and update the community assessment annually to reflect any significant changes, including increased availability of publicly-funded pre-kindergarten (and an assessment of how the pre-kindergarten available in the community meets the needs of the parents and children served by the program, and whether it is offered full school day), rates of family and child homelessness, and significant shift in community demographics and resources.

Source: Adapted from AIAN Region QIC Resource

Community Assessment

, Program Planning

Resource Type: Article

National Centers: Program Management and Fiscal Operations

Audience: Directors and Managers

Last Updated: November 15, 2024

Program Planning

Community Assessment Matrix

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