• Work collaboratively with the Region 7 ESC Head Start Student Support staff to ensure prompt and appropriate Notice of Concern referrals are made to the LEA Special Education program for children suspected of having a Disability.

•  Collaborate with Region 7 Head Start Student Support staff to ensure prompt and appropriate Notice of Concern referrals are made to the LEA Special Education program for children suspected of having a disability. 

• Assure children are supervised at all times and redundant Head Start supervision strategies are utilized by teaching staff (use of attendance boards, scanning, sweeping restrooms, etc.). Principal is to contact Head Start Deputy Director immediately if a child is unsupervised. 

• Ensure campus personnel support safety and active supervision strategies of Head Start children regarding special activities (gym time, music, etc.), transition times, cafeteria time and arrival/dismissal procedures.

• Ensure campus has and follows Authorized release procedures and only release children to authorized adults.

Must report to Head Start Administration immediately and work collaboratively with Region 7 ESC Head Start Staff regarding the investigation process and outcome. 

Assure that children are not enrolled and placed on a class roster until notified by Head Start ERSEA management staff and that the Systematic Selection is completed. 

• Assure teachers maintain classrooms as safe environments. Rooms should be kept orderly, and toys and surfaces will be cleaned regularly. Cleaning solutions used should be approved and provided by the school. 

• Assure classrooms provide a learning environment that is accessible, attractive, and inviting to children. Classroom arrangements should include well-defined areas for learning centers with enough materials to sustain play. 

• Assure that playgrounds and fall zones/protective surfaces are maintained.

• Include Head Start classrooms when purchasing materials for other PK classrooms.

Ensure that communication will occur with Head Start staff regarding children with atypical behaviors. Teachers are to follow the referral process outlined in the Teacher Manual.

• Assure corporal punishment is not utilized with Head Start children. 

• Support teachers in the implementation of positive discipline strategies in the Head Start classrooms. 

Districts must use state-adopted curriculum, and Head Start-approved assessment tools are utilized for lesson planning, individualization, and delivery of instruction.  Education Specialists ensure fidelity.

• Assure all families are allowed to apply for the Head Start program, including children with disabilities and children not toilet-trained.

• Ensure upon enrollment, the student receives at least 3.5 hours (210 minutes) per day of Head Start instruction unless otherwise approved by the Head Start Deputy Director.

• Sign-off and approve classroom rosters based on systematic selection.

Abstain from utilizing the Family Service Worker as a substitute unless extenuating circumstances arise and their supervisor has been notified. If utilized, ensure FSW has morning time to call parents of unexpected children and enter attendance. 

Assure that the Head Start campus is open for parents to volunteer in the classroom during regular school hours.

For coding questions, please call the ESC (903) 988-6700 and ask for the PEIMS department.

• Assure staff/student ratio of 2 staff members per classroom is maintained at all times, except the 5-minute rule. 

• Assure that at least two adults, per class, consisting of teaching staff, parents and/or volunteers will sit and engage in lunch activities/experiences to foster communication in conversations that contribute to children's learning. 

Assure a child from the Head Start program is not removed from program due to behavioral concerns. Principals are to contact Head Start immediately for severe child behavioral concerns. 

• Hire and supervise highly qualified teachers and teaching assistants.

•  Work collaboratively with the Region 7 ESC Head Start Education Coach to provide instructional support through coaching visits and professional development opportunities. 

Assure teachers and teaching assistants follow the procedures outlined in the Region 7 ESC Head Start Teacher Manual.