Virginia Head Start Association, Inc

For Head Start Staff

Explore these sections

Grant Opportunities New!

Check this page for one-time and annual grant opportunities for Head Start Programs.

Visit the Grant Opportunities page.

Training and Professional Development

Check this page for the latest on conferences, trainings and professional development opportunities.

Visit the Training and Professional Development page.

See the 2011 VaHSA Annual Training Conference page

Don't miss the upcoming 2012 VaHSA Annual Training Conference!

If you're looking for specific dates, etc. check out the calendar as well.

Regional News

Check this page for news and meeting minutes from the four Virginia Head Start regions.

Visit the Regional News page.

Early Head Start

Following the success of the first early head start conference, we created a special web space just for early head start.

Visit the Early Head Start News page.

Health Issues

The Health Advisory Committee has created a page to post important articles and information on current health issues for our Head Start Community.

Visit the Health News page.

Become a VAHSA Member

Membership is open to anyone -- Head Start Programs, staff, colleagues, parents, grandparents, community supporters. If you believe and support our mission, we encourage you to join!

Advocacy

Visit our advocacy page to learn how you can help spread the word about Head Start and it's many success stories.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the requirements for Head Start staff and teachers?

Staff qualifications are explained in the Head Start Program Performance Standards, 45 CFR Part 1304.52.

These standards were printed as a Final Rule in the Federal Register on November 5, 1996. Head Start requires all classroom teachers to obtain credentials that demonstrate their competence to work with children.

You may find job opportunities with the National Head Start or Early Head Start. Also check the Virginia Head Start Association Jobs Board. You may want to contact you local Head Start program for more up to date openings.  Find the Head Start program in your area.

How can an organization apply for a grant to start a Head Start or Early Head Start program?

Visit the Grant section of the ECLKC web site.

What do I do if I have a problem with a Head Start Program?

The Virginia Head Start Association recommends the following:

  1. Talk to your local program; state specifically what your concerns are.
  2. Ask for a written response to your issue.
  3. If you are not satisfied, or need more information, call the Virginia Head Start Association. We can counsel about next steps.

Who oversees Head Start?

The 10 Administration for Children and Families Regional Offices and the Head Start Bureau's American Indian - Alaska Native and Migrant and Seasonal Program Branches award grants for Head Start programs and oversee their administration. Virginia is part of ACF Region Three.

Resources

Visit the Early Childhood Learning and Knowledge Center for a wealth of information.

Also browse our Resources and Links page.