OHS Bridging Compliance and Quality in FY 2025 Monitoring Protocols
The Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 updates to the Focus Area 1 (FA1) and Focus Area 2 (FA2) Monitoring Protocols signal a pivotal shift in how the Office of Head Start (OHS) measures program success. The new protocols prioritize not only compliance but also quality improvements in program operations, workforce support, and data-driven decision-making.
Let's break down the key changes and explore what they mean for grant recipients.
🛠 FA1 Protocol: Strengthening Foundations for Continuous Improvement
The FA1 Protocol focuses on evaluating a program's systems and processes that support service delivery to children and families. For FY 2025, OHS has made significant adjustments to emphasize:
Updated Performance Standards Compliance: The August 2024 final rule (Supporting the Head Start Workforce and Consistent Quality Programming) introduced new standards, particularly around staffing, governance, and data usage. The 2025 FA1 review will assess compliance with these standards.
Virtual, Data-Driven Monitoring: The FA1 review remains a three-day virtual event but now requires grant recipients to provide real-time data and documentation. Reviewers will focus heavily on data systems that demonstrate continuous quality improvement.
Explore more valuable insights with these must-read blog posts:
🔑 Key Changes to the FA1 Protocol for FY 2025
📊 Comprehensive Comparison: FY24 vs. FY25 FA1 Protocols
Below is a detailed comparison of the FY24 and FY25 FA1 Monitoring Protocols, highlighting the key changes that programs need to know.
🔎 FA2 Protocol: Enhancing Program Effectiveness Through On-Site Reviews
The FA2 Protocol has undergone notable updates, particularly in how programs are evaluated on-site. The shift toward workforce-focused measures is a defining feature of the FY 2025 FA2 review.
🧩 What’s New in FA2 for 2025?
Classroom and Center Explorations: On-site observations of classrooms and centers are now a core part of the FA2 review. These explorations will assess classroom environments, safety practices, and individualized instruction.
Workforce Retention and DEI: The FA2 review introduces new performance measures focused on wage studies, retention strategies, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices. Programs must demonstrate how they support their workforce to reduce turnover and promote staff well-being.
📊 Key Changes to the FA2 Protocol for FY 2025
📊 Comprehensive Comparison: FY24 vs. FY25 FA2 Protocols
Below is a detailed comparison of the FY24 and FY25 FA2 Monitoring Protocols, highlighting the key changes that programs need to know.
📈 What the FY25 Changes Mean and How They Impact Reviews
These updates are part of the broader strategy to ensure consistent, high-quality programming and to address workforce challenges while promoting data-informed leadership and oversight. Programs must be prepared to showcase how they are aligning with new federal regulations and actively supporting staff and families through robust governance and data practices.
🔎 Key Updates in the FA1 and FA2 Protocols for FY25
Provide Real-Time Data During Reviews: Programs must be prepared to demonstrate compliance through live data tours during both FA1 and FA2 reviews. This includes:
Sharing real-time data reports on program performance.
Demonstrating how data systems track progress across key areas like governance, fiscal integrity, education, health services, and more!
Prioritize Workforce Support and Wellness: Programs must now show how they are addressing staff retention and wellness through:
Wage studies and compensation tracking to ensure staff are paid competitive wages.
Wellness initiatives that promote mental health, work-life balance, and professional development.
Retention strategies that reduce turnover and build long-term staff capacity.
Reduce workload and alleviate stress to prevent staff burnout and promote long-term well-being.
Engage in Data-Driven Governance: The governing body and policy council must play a more active role in reviewing program data. Programs must:
Provide direct access to key reports on staffing, enrollment, financial performance, and compliance.
Demonstrate how data-driven governance supports decision-making to improve program outcomes and ensure compliance with federal regulations.
🎯 What Do These Changes Mean for Grant Recipients?
The 2025 updates are more than a compliance checklist—they represent a shift toward holistic program quality and workforce sustainability to evaluate how programs deliver high-quality services to children and families. Both protocols have been enhanced to ensure programs:
Support their workforce through improved retention strategies, wellness initiatives, and wage studies.
Utilize real-time data to track performance, compliance, and continuous improvement efforts.
Strengthen governance structures by equipping the governing body and policy council with data for more effective oversight and accountability.
To prepare grant recipients should:
Invest in Data Systems: Programs must demonstrate real-time data tracking and use of data for continuous improvement.
💭 Use a quality data management solution, like GoEngage, that enhances your data tracking capabilities, empowering you to leverage your data effectively for continuous program improvements.
Focus on Workforce Support: Prioritize retention strategies, professional development, and wellness initiatives to meet new workforce-related requirements.
🎯 Empower your staff with a powerful data management solution, like GoEngage, that streamlines workflows, reduces stress, and promotes overall well-being.
Enhance Governance Practices: Ensure governing bodies and policy councils have the data they need to provide effective oversight.
📊 Upgrade to a powerful data management solution, like GoEngage, that equips your governing bodies with real-time data for smarter, faster decision-making.
These updates are designed to promote long-term workforce stability, safety compliance, and data-driven decision-making to improve outcomes for children and families.
📢 A New Era of Head Start Monitoring
The FY 2025 FA1 and FA2 Protocols represent a strategic shift in how the OHS monitors grant recipients. The focus on workforce support, data-driven improvement, and on-site explorations reflects a commitment to ensuring that Head Start programs are not only compliant but also delivering high-quality services.
With these changes taking effect, preparation is key. Grant recipients must invest in high-quality data systems that strengthen governance practices and promote workforce wellness to ensure success under the new protocols.
💡 Embrace the Change. Lead with Data. Support Your Team.
That’s the path to success in 2025 and beyond. Now is the time to strengthen your systems, empower your team, and prepare for what’s ahead.
📚 Dive Deeper: Explore essential insights and actionable strategies in these must-read blogs to help you navigate the FY25 updates:
🔗 The Transition to GoEngage & Achieving FA2 Excellence: Discover how Child Start leveraged GoEngage to streamline their processes and achieve outstanding results in their FA2 review.
🔗 Exclusive Support During FA1 and FA2 Reviews: Experience high-priority support with GoEngage during your FA1 and FA2 reviews to ease the anxiety of your staff and ensure a smooth, stress-free experience.
🚀 Ready to Lead with Data? Make the shift to GoEngage and experience a smarter way to manage compliance, governance, and workforce wellness. Let data be your guide to a stronger future.
👉 Schedule Your Demo Now — Let’s drive your success together!
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as official guidance from the Office of Head Start.
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.
