• 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. 

• Ensure children are supervised at all times and redundant Head Start supervision strategies are regularly practiced by teaching staff (use of attendance boards, scanning, sweeping restrooms, etc.). The  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 during 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 adults who have been authorized by the parents.

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

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

• Ensure 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. 

• Ensure that playgrounds and fall zones/protective surfaces are maintained in good condition.

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

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

• Corporal punishment is not allowed with children enrolled in the Head Start program. 

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

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

• Ensure all families are allowed to apply for the Head Start program, including children with disabilities and children who are 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 the Head Start Systematic Selection.

• Classroom Roster-Ensure that children are not enrolled and placed on a class roster until notified and approved by Head Start ERSEA management staff and that the Systematic Selection is completed.  

Refrain from using the Family Service Worker as a substitute unless extenuating circumstances arise, and their supervisor has been notified. If they must assist in a classroom (outside of their normal duties), be sure that the FSW has time in the morning to enter attendance and call families of those who are unexpectedly absent. 

Ensure 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.

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

• Ensure 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. 

Ensure children enrolled in the Head Start program are not removed from the 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. 

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