Introduction
The Focus Area 1 (FA1) review is a unique opportunity for Head Start programs to demonstrate the strength of their foundational systems. Conducted in the first or second year of the grant period, the FA1 review evaluates how well your agency’s staffing, governance, program design, and fiscal infrastructure align with the Head Start Program Performance Standards (HSPPS), Uniform Guidance, and the Head Start Act.
FA1 offers agencies a chance to showcase their approach and plan for delivering high-quality services to children and families. It also provides an opportunity for the Office of Head Start (OHS) to offer guidance, address potential challenges, and support agencies in achieving their goals.
This guide will help your agency prepare for FA1 with actionable steps, best practices, and insights into how GoEngage can simplify the process.
What Is an FA1 Review?
The FA1 review focuses on the foundational systems and processes that drive your program’s services.
Purpose of the FA1 Review
Evaluate Readiness: Determine if your program’s foundation aligns with Head Start requirements.
Understand Your Program Design: Assess staffing, governance, education, health, family services, and fiscal infrastructure.
Support Agencies: Provide resources and guidance to address challenges and meet goals.
Key Areas of Focus
Governance and Leadership
Oversight and decision-making by the governing body and Policy Council.
Program Design and Staffing Structure
Alignment of program design with community needs and sufficient staffing to meet goals.
Education and Child Development Services
Implementation of curriculum and teaching practices that support school readiness.
Health and Family Services
Systems to monitor children’s health and collaborate with families for positive outcomes.
Fiscal Infrastructure
Processes for budgeting, reporting, and ensuring financial accountability.
Did You Know?
FA1 is an off-site review conducted through interviews and documentation reviews. The process informs OHS about your agency’s strengths and areas needing support.
6 Steps in Preparing for Your FA1 Review
Preparation is key to confidently presenting your agency’s foundation and addressing reviewer questions. This is a team-based approach.
Step 1: Understand the FA1 Protocol
Review the FA1 protocol and identify key documentation requirements.
Break the protocol into sections and assign leads for each area.
Step 2: Build a Strong Team
Involve leadership, staff, and governing body members in the preparation process.
Assign roles such as data preparation, policy review, and interview readiness.
Step 3: Create a Timeline
Develop a timeline with milestones for:
Reviewing policies and procedures.
Conducting mock reviews.
Preparing governing body members for interviews.
Step 4: Conduct Self-Assessments
Evaluate your program’s alignment with HSPPS, Uniform Guidance, and grant commitments.
Use GoEngage to assess compliance, track progress, and identify gaps.
Step 5: Align Documentation
Prepare evidence of systems and processes, including:
Policy Council minutes
Staffing plans
Fiscal management procedures
Curriculum and assessment tools
Step 6: Simulate the Review
Conduct mock interviews and data presentations to practice responses.
Use GoEngage dashboards to present real-time data and reports.
Leveraging GoEngage for FA1 Success
GoEngage is designed to help Head Start agencies manage their operations effectively and present their systems with confidence during FA1 reviews.
Key Features for FA1
Centralized Documentation
Store governance policies, fiscal procedures, and health records in one place for easy access.
Customizable Dashboards
Generate insights and compliance reports tailored to FA1 requirements.
Collaborative Tools
Facilitate team communication and task tracking.
Responsive Support
Access real-time assistance to resolve issues during preparation and the review process.
Tips for Success During the FA1 Review
Organize and Present Your Program Design Clearly
Explain how your program structure aligns with community needs and the grant application.
Showcase Collaboration
Demonstrate how staff, leadership, and the governing body work together to achieve goals.
Highlight Systems and Processes
Use GoEngage to provide clear, organized documentation of governance, education, health, and fiscal systems.
Be Transparent
Share strengths and acknowledge areas for improvement with actionable plans.
Stay Organized and Confident
Have documentation ready and assign a GoEngage system driver to quickly access information during interviews.
Post-Review: Next Steps
FA1 is not just an assessment; it’s an opportunity to strengthen your program.
Review Feedback: Address areas needing improvement with support from OHS.
Strengthen Systems: Use the review insights to enhance processes.
Maintain Compliance: Leverage GoEngage to track ongoing progress and ensure alignment with HSPPS.
FA1 Preparation Checklist
Governance and Leadership
[ ] Governing body roles and responsibilities documented.
[ ] Policy Council meeting minutes and training plans prepared.
Program Design and Staffing
[ ] Staffing structure aligned with program goals.
[ ] Community needs assessment completed and reflected in program design.
Education and Child Development
[ ] Curriculum and assessments aligned with school readiness goals.
[ ] Professional development plans for teaching staff in place.
Health and Family Services
[ ] Health screening and follow-up processes documented.
[ ] Family engagement strategies and community partnerships outlined.
Fiscal Infrastructure
[ ] Budgeting and financial reporting processes documented.
[ ] Audit findings, if any, addressed and resolved.
Ready to Succeed in Your FA1 Review?
Partner with GoEngage to simplify your FA1 preparation and set your program on a path to success.
Take the Next Step Today:
Stacy Lewis: Senior Director of Business Development at Cleverex Systems
Stacy Lewis is the Senior Director of Business Development at Cleverex Systems, the creator of GoEngage. A trusted leader in the Head Start software space since 2001, Stacy brings over 24 years of experience, including key roles at ChildPlus, KinderSystems (COPA and California subsidy products), and Learning Genie, before joining GoEngage.
Throughout her career, Stacy has helped countless agencies optimize operations, enhance family engagement, and achieve compliance with federal and state standards. Her extensive industry knowledge and commitment to innovation continue to drive transformative solutions that empower Head Start programs to better serve children and families.
