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Head Start State Collaboration Office

Three preschool children at a table looking at picture books together

Head Start State Collaboration Office

Head Start Logo

What is Head Start?

Head Start and Early Head Start programs are administered by the Office of Head Start (OHS), within the Administration for Children and Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Head Start and Early Head Start programs, including American Indian and Alaska Native and Migrant and Seasonal Head Start, provide free learning and development services to children ages birth to 5 from families identified as low income. Early Head Start and Head Start welcome children with disabilities. Some Early Head Start programs also provide prenatal services for pregnant women.

Head Start Funding Opportunities

The OHS, within the Administration of Children and Families of the Department of Health and Human Services, awards grants to public and private agencies on a competitive basis to provide these comprehensive services to specific communities. Head Start grantees provide the services as described in the Head Start Performance Standards and in accordance with the Head Start Act of 2007. The OHS is responsible for oversight of these grantees, to ensure the performance standards are met and the best quality of care is provided to the enrolled children. In addition, some cities, states and federal programs offer funding to expand Head Start and Early Head Start to additional children within their jurisdiction.

Head Start Collaboration Offices

Head Start Collaboration Offices (HSCOs) facilitate partnerships between Head Start agencies and other state entities that provide services to benefit children and their families identified as low-income.

Scope of Work The Office of Head Start has prioritized the goals of the HSCO to guide their work. The six priorities include:

  • Partnering with state child care systems emphasizing the Early Head Start-Child Care (EHS-CC) Partnership Initiative
  • Working with state efforts to collect data regarding early childhood programs and child outcomes
  • Supporting the expansion and access of high-quality workforce and career development opportunities for staff
  • Collaborating with State Quality Rating Improvement Systems (QRIS)
  • Working with state school systems to ensure continuity between Head Start and Kindergarten Entrance Assessment (KEA)
  • Any additional regional priorities

For information about Michigan's Head Start State Collaboration Office, contact:

Cynthia Derby, Director
Head Start State Collaboration Office
Michigan Department of Education
517-930-4387