Head Start-State Collaboration Office
Projects and Activities

The work of a Head Start State Collaboration Office (HSSCO) depends upon both national and state priorities. The HSSCO must work in partnership with the public and private sectors to improve the support and services available to families. The HSSCO also works closely with the Head Start community, both through the state Head Start Association and directors of programs, in the overall direction of the grant.

Since 1996, Washington's HSSCO has engaged in a number of projects and activities designed to enhance early learning systems and services for children, families, and communities. Among the past and current projects:

HSSCO newsletter

The bimonthly HSSCO newsletter contains updates on the work of the HSSCO and information about opportunities for Head Start/Early Head Start programs to participate in and provide input to state-level activities.

Head Start Needs Assessment Survey

The Head Start Act of 2007 requires that each HSSCO conduct a statewide needs assessment of Head Start programs. The results of the assessment in each state are intended to inform the development of a five-year strategic plan for the HSSCO which must be updated annually. The first Washington HSSCO in DEL needs assessment survey was released in October 2008. The purpose of the survey was to identify the challenges and strengths of Head Start programs in Washington with regard to collaboration, coordination, and alignment of services. The survey was organized around the nine HSSCO priority areas: Health Services; Children and Families Experiencing Homelessness; Family/Child Assistance; Child Care; Family Literacy; Children with Disabilities; Community Services; Education (Publicly-funded Pre-K Partnership Development and Head Start Transition and Alignment with K-12); and Professional Development.
Read a summary of last year’s survey results.

This year, the HSSCO conducted an abbreviated update survey based upon the five-year strategic plan developed last year, as well as the Washington State Early Learning Plan. Read a summary of this year’s survey results.

Early Learning Advisory Council

DEL's Early Learning Advisory Council (ELAC) has been awarded State Advisory Council grant funds of approximately $1.7 million over the next three years through the Office of Head Start. One of the requirements of this funding was that the HSSCO be included on the Council. As an ELAC member, the HSSCO will be involved in efforts to implement strategic elements of the Early Learning Plan using State Advisory Council grant funds over the next three years.

Head Start/AAPD Dental Home Initiative

Washington is entering its fourth year in this five-year initiative. The purpose of this initiative is to increase the number of Head Start and Early Head Start children who have access to dental homes through recruitment of dentists willing to treat Head Start/Early Head Start children as well as education efforts directed at Head Start/Early Head Start staff and families. The primary focus of activities for this initiative in Washington in the coming year will be on coordinating improved alignment between Head Start/Early Head Start programs and the Access to Baby and Child Dentistry (ABCD) program.

Starting Strong Institute

The HSSCO serves on the steering committee for the annual Starting Strong Institute which brings together early care providers, parents, teachers and administrators to highlight the preschool to 3rd grade (P-3) alignment research and working in our state and at a national level. The 2011 Institute will take place on August 11 and 12 in Spokane.

Early Learning and Development Benchmarks

DEL, OSPI and Thrive by Five Washington are partnering to lead the process of reviewing the Washington State Early Learning and Development Benchmarks to ensure that they are up-to-date, culturally appropriate and aligned with K-12 academic learning standards. The HSSCO serves on the review workgroup.

Strengthening Families Washington

The HSSCO serves on the steering committee for Strengthening Families Washington. This initiative is focused on the promotion of protective factors to improve child and family outcomes. Click here for more information.

Head Start Center for Inclusion

The HSSCO currently serves on the advisory board for the Head Start Center for Inclusion. This project serves to provide practical information and tools to assist Head Start programs and personnel in their efforts to effectively include children with disabilities. For more information, visit www.headstartinclusion.org.

HS/ECEAP Partnership for Quality

In partnership with ECEAP, WSA, Region X and T/TA, the HSSCO has worked to form the Head Start and ECEAP Partnership for Quality. The group was formed to align efforts and improve the quality and efficiency of services to Head Start and ECEAP programs in Washington.

Head Start/ECEAP Data Share Agreements

In an effort to assist Head Start and Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP) programs in their outreach and recruitment efforts to families, the HSSCO helped create a partnership with the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) to provide yearly access to DSHS client data.

HSSCO/ECEAP Advisory Team

The HSSCO/ECEAP advisory team is composed of both Head Start/Early Head Start and ECEAP staff as well as a variety of strategic partners. The group meets quarterly to provide expertise and input to the activities of the HSSCO and ECEAP.