Actionable Strategies, Proven Tools, and Real Success Stories
Understanding the FA2 Review Process
What is an FA2 Review?
A Federal Focus Area 2 (FA2) review is a comprehensive assessment conducted by the Office of Head Start (OHS) to evaluate an agency's ability to monitor progress, use data effectively, and make informed decisions that improve outcomes.
What Do FA2 Reviews Cover?
FA2 reviews are holistic and examine:
Management Systems: How effectively the program tracks progress and makes adjustments.
Education and Child Development: Evidence of quality and compliance in curriculum and teacher-child interactions.
Health Services: Monitoring health outcomes, such as screenings and follow-ups.
Parent, Family, and Community Engagement: Evidence of strong partnerships with families and community stakeholders.
Financial and Administrative Systems: Ensuring sound fiscal management practices.
ERSEA Compliance: Adherence to eligibility, recruitment, selection, enrollment, and attendance standards.
"The FA2 review is not just about compliance—it’s about showcasing how your agency uses data to drive outcomes and improve services for children and families."
Building Your FA2 Preparation Strategy
5 Steps to Success
Start Early: Begin preparations 6–12 months before your review. Break the process into manageable stages with a clear timeline.
Assemble the Right Team: Assign leads for data, education, health, family services, and finance to own specific review sections.
Review FA2 Protocols: Familiarize your team with the FA2 protocols and ensure all policies align.
Conduct Mock Reviews: Simulate the review process using real data and dashboards. Identify gaps and practice presentations.
Consider: Having one person who knows your system well, drive the computer, while the others are presenting.
Train Your Team: Use workshops to ensure staff understand their roles and how to use GoEngage for data presentation.
FA2 Preparation Checklist
Downloadable, Print-Friendly Checklist
[ ] Assign FA2 preparation roles and responsibilities.
[ ] Review and update policies to align with FA2 protocols.
[ ] Conduct mock reviews using GoEngage dashboards.
[ ] Train team members on system use and their specific roles.
[ ] Prepare compliance documentation and real-time reports.
[ ] Test GoEngage’s features and dashboards before the review.
Testimonials and Success Stories
“The system’s real-time data analysis enabled us to walk into the review fully prepared. Reviewers were impressed with how seamlessly we could present our data.”
— Kalyn Jorgensen, Data Quality Manager, Child Start
“With GoEngage, we weren’t alone. The support we received during the review process was unparalleled and made all the difference.”
— Amber Willis, Program Area Manager, Child Start
Child Start, Inc. – Excelling in Their Head Start Focus Area 2 (FA2) Review with GoEngage Story
Success Starts with GoEngage
Take the first step toward operational excellence with GoEngage’s intuitive tools and unmatched support.
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 solutions), 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.
