Child Start, Inc., a Head Start agency based in Wichita, Kansas, achieved an impressive milestone by excelling in their recent Federal Focus Area 2 (FA2) review—despite having recently transitioned from their legacy system, ChildPlus Software, to GoEngage in 2023. This achievement highlights the dedication of their team and the transformative impact of their partnership with GoEngage by Cleverex Systems. Here’s how this collaboration set the stage for their success.
Head Start Focus Area 2 (FA2) Review Overview
Focus Area 2 (FA2) reviews, conducted by the Office of Head Start (OHS), evaluate an agency's ability to track and assess progress, use data to drive results, and make necessary adjustments. These reviews take a holistic approach, examining management systems, education and child development services, health services, family engagement efforts, financial and administrative processes, and ERSEA (Eligibility, Recruitment, Selection, Enrollment, and Attendance) protocols.
With a team of expert reviewers conducting on-site assessments over several days, FA2 reviews require agencies to present their data and operations in a clear, organized, and responsive manner. Sandra Clark, Health Manager at Child Start (with the program for 9 years), explains, “Preparing for the FA2 review with our previous systems was daunting. Disjointed workflows and manual processes made it challenging to track and present data effectively.”
Transitioning to GoEngage
The transition process, often an intimidating undertaking, was made successful through the collaborative efforts of both teams at Child Start and GoEngage.
Says Sandra Clark, Health Manager at Child Start: “Switching systems can feel overwhelming, especially when facing the tight timelines and high stakes of an FA2 review. However, GoEngage’s team provided exceptional support, ensuring our staff were trained and confident every step of the way.”
Key factors that contributed to the success of the transition included:
1. Comprehensive Onboarding
GoEngage offered tailored training sessions to ensure that every team member, from frontline staff to administrators, understood the platform’s tools and features. This hands-on approach minimized disruptions and allowed the team to hit the ground running.
2. Data Migration Support
Data migration is a crucial part of transitioning to a new platform, and GoEngage collaborated closely with Child Start to ensure accurate migration from the legacy system.
3. Customized Implementation
GoEngage was adapted to align with Child Start’s unique workflows and priorities, ensuring the platform was not only functional but intuitive for the team. Leslie Hooper, Program Area Manager for Family Services (with the program for 13 years), shared, “The customization options were a game-changer. It felt like the system was built just for us.”
4. Ongoing Assistance
Even after implementation, GoEngage’s support team remained actively involved, addressing questions and resolving issues in real time. Brianna Simmons, Education Program Manager, remarks (in the education sector for 16 years), “Their responsiveness was incredible—they truly acted as an extension of our team.”
The transition to GoEngage did more than modernize Child Start’s operations; it fundamentally transformed how they managed and utilized data, paving the way for their FA2 review success. “It wasn’t just about adopting a new system; it was about embracing a new mindset around efficiency, collaboration, and data-driven decision-making,” says Kalyn Jorgensen, Data Quality Manager.
Director’s Perspective: How GoEngage’s Partnership Eased the Stress of a FA2 Review
Dee Rankin, Head Start/Early Head Start Program Director at Child Start, shares her perspective on the vital role GoEngage played during the FA2 review process:
“As a director, it’s often my role to reassure my team during high-stress situations like an FA2 review. GoEngage made that so much easier for me. I attended a couple of the workshops you held, and both times it was made very clear that GoEngage is committed to being a true partner during these reviews. You emphasized that we would be a top priority if any issues arose, and that reassurance was invaluable.
I knew we didn’t have everything perfected, and my team was feeling the pressure of not knowing every detail or process inside out. But I was able to tell them with confidence, ‘GoEngage is invested in our success. They’ve promised to be there for us during the review and will make us a priority if we need help.’
That level of personalized support really set GoEngage apart from its competitors. During the review, stress levels are high, and even if the answer is somewhere in the system, sometimes you just can’t think clearly enough to find it. Larger competitors don’t offer that same level of care and understanding—they lack the personal touch that GoEngage provides.
For me, beyond all the other factors we considered when choosing a system, this commitment to partnership and support during such a critical time was the deciding factor. It made all the difference.”
The GoEngage Solution
The platform provided tools designed to streamline workflows, enhance collaboration, and enable real-time data analysis—key capabilities needed for a successful FA2 evaluation.
Key Success Factors
1. Alignment with FA2 Protocols
GoEngage supported Child Start in aligning their operations with FA2 requirements across all critical areas, including education, health, family services, and administration. The platform’s customizable features allowed the team to tailor workflows to meet specific review criteria.
“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,” says Data Quality Manager Kalyn Jorgensen.
2. Streamlined Data Presentation
During weekly preparation meetings, Child Start used GoEngage’s dashboards to align data with FA2 standards, ensuring they were review-ready.
Alicia Knipp, Supplemental Services Manager (16 years with the program), shares, “One key to our efficiency during the FA2 review was the collaboration between teams. Weekly preparation meetings helped us systematically address the protocol, ensuring we were fully prepared. During the actual review, Kalyn’s team drove the system in real time while we explained our procedures to the reviewers.
This setup was incredibly effective, as it allowed us to focus on presenting without the added stress of navigating the system under pressure. It also highlighted how well our education team understands the work of the data team, and vice versa, demonstrating the seamless integration and collaboration across our program."
3. Shifting Mindsets Around Data
GoEngage didn’t just improve operations—it transformed how the team viewed and utilized data.
Kalyn Jorgensen explains, “The system turns data entry into a learning experience. Staff engage with performance standards in real time, analyze data on the dashboards, and gain actionable insights. It’s a shift in how we think about and use data daily.”
4. In-System Collaboration
FA2 emphasizes the integration of data across all program services. With GoEngage’s centralized platform, Child Start tracked and analyzed data across multiple domains, ensuring no aspect of the review was overlooked. They were able to send messages to staff members directly within the system, with logs to demonstrate their collaborative effort to reviewers.
Leslie Hooper, Program Area Manager for Family Services (13 years in Head Start), highlights, “With GoEngage, we eliminated missed communications. Everything was tracked in one place, ensuring tasks were completed and standards were met.”
5. Real-Time Responsiveness
Just days before the FA2 review, Child Start encountered a critical data issue. GoEngage’s support team responded immediately, resolving the problem within hours.
“Their responsiveness gave us the confidence we needed,” Leslie shares.
She adds, "It’s one thing to say, ‘We’re here to support you,’ but it’s another to actually follow through. GoEngage’s actions spoke volumes. When we were struggling, they dropped everything to help us, proving their commitment in real-time.
Anyone can promise support, but GoEngage truly delivered when it mattered most."
Says Dee Rankin, "The communication throughout the process was exceptional. It wasn’t a matter of ‘We’ll get back to you once we figure it out.’ Instead, we were kept informed every step of the way: ‘Here’s what we’re doing now, here’s who’s working on it, and here’s when we expect to have more answers.’
This consistent communication made a world of difference. We never felt like we were left waiting in uncertainty—it was clear that you were actively working on the issue, and that sense of partnership reassured us that we weren’t alone."
6. Paperless Efficiency
By transitioning to digital workflows, Child Start streamlined processes like safety checks and attendance tracking, saving time and reducing errors.
Brianna Simmons, Education Program Manager, shares, “With GoEngage, everything is automated, giving us more time to focus on training and program improvement.”
"One of the features I love most is how the system transforms data entry into a learning experience. As staff input data, they’re simultaneously engaging with performance standards, which provides immediate context and helps them understand the 'why' behind their work. But it doesn’t stop there—the system takes it a step further by enabling real-time data analysis through dashboards. This means users are not just entering data; they’re learning, aligning with standards, and analyzing insights—all at the same time. It’s driving a meaningful shift in how we think about data and how we can leverage it in our daily operations," explained Kalyn Jorgensen.
The Results
Child Start’s FA2 review was a resounding success. Federal reviewers praised their preparation, their ability to present data seamlessly, and their use of GoEngage to meet FA2 standards.
Dee Rankin summed up the experience: “What sets GoEngage apart is their partnership approach. They didn’t just provide a system—they stood by us every step of the way, ensuring our success during one of the most stressful times for our agency.”
What Child Start Leaders Are Saying About GoEngage
“The FA2 review was a success because of GoEngage. The system’s real-time support and intuitive features alleviated so much stress. It felt like GoEngage was walking alongside us every step of the way.”
— Kalyn Jorgensen, Data Quality Manager
“GoEngage is more than a tool; it’s a partnership. The team listens to our needs and works with us to develop solutions tailored to our processes. We truly feel heard!”
— Sandra Clark, Health Manager
“This system has transformed how we operate. From reducing paper processes to creating data-driven insights, GoEngage has made a lasting impact on our agency.”
— Dee Rankin, Head Start/Early Head Start Program Director
“Having been through numerous reviews over the years, I can honestly say this one felt different. In the past, we never had this level of support from our database vendor—it was always just us navigating everything on our own.
With GoEngage, it was a completely different experience. For the first time, we felt like we weren’t doing it alone. The support we received made all the difference, creating a sense of partnership that I’ve never experienced before in a review process."
— Amber Willis, Program Area Manager who has been with the program for 26 years
“When the reviewers were here, they were genuinely curious about the system and asked about GoEngage—what it was and how it worked. They were impressed by the breadth of data we can capture and analyze. It was clear that the system left a strong impression, and I felt proud of how seamless the entire process was.”
— Kalyn Jorgensen, Data Quality Manager
Conclusion
Child Start’s story is a testament to the power of the right tools and partnerships. By leveraging GoEngage, they not only excelled in their FA2 review but also set a strong foundation for future operational excellence.
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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.
