Head Start Disaster Recovery

Head Start Disaster Recovery provides supplemental funding for local Head Start programs for disaster relief. In FY 2023, directly related to the consequences of Hurricanes Fiona and Ian. Previous funding provided under this listing included the

The Head Start program prepares America's most vulnerable young children to succeed in school and in life beyond school. To achieve this, local Head Start programs deliver services to children and families in core areas of early learning, health, and family well-being while engaging parents as partners every step of the way. The Head Start program encompasses Head Start Preschool programs, which primarily serve 3- and 4-year-old children, and Early Head Start programs for infants, toddlers, and pregnant women. Head Start programs operate in every state, many tribal nations, and several U.S. territories, including Puerto Rico. Head Start services are delivered nationwide through 1,600 agencies that tailor the federal program to the local needs of families in their service area.

Head Start recipients, including Early Head Start, and/or Early Head Start-Child Care Partnership recipients affected by Hurricanes Fiona and Ian are eligible to request and receive funding.

Head Start/Early Head Start programs are for children from birth up to the age when the child enters the school system. Head Start programs serve preschool age children while Early Head Start programs serve children from birth to age three as well as pregnant women. The Early Head Start-Child Care Partnership programs are expanding access to high-quality early learning and development opportunities for infants and toddlers from birth to age three, and up to age four in family child care. No less than 10 percent of each Head Start program's enrollment shall be for children with disabilities.

Funding for Head Start and Early Head Start programs, for necessary expenses directly related to the consequences of Hurricanes Fiona and Ian. Amounts awarded for these purposes are not included in the calculation of the base grant.

Provided in Notice of Award.

Funds from the supplemental appropriation supporting recovery efforts from Fiona and Ian are available to the Office of Head Start to obligate through September 30, 2027. Recipients will receive awards with project periods up to three (3) years. Upon completion of projects, all unspent funds will return to the Department of Health and Human Services. All supplemental funds from the Fiscal Years 2018 and 2019 appropriations were issued by September 30, 2021 and remain available through September 30, 2026 for recipients to complete their projects.

For applications related to Hurricanes Fiona and Ian, see Program Instruction ACF-PI-HS-23-03 issued March 15, 2023 for specific information on application requirements and how to apply. The PI can be accessed at this website: https://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/policy/pi/acf-pi-hs-23-03. The Program Instruction can be found on the Early Childhood Learning and Knowledge Center at https://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov.

The Office of Head Start performs an internal review of applications, and selections are forwarded to the Office of Grants Management for award. All funds will be issued directly to recipients.

For applications related to Hurricanes Fiona and Ian, see Program Instruction ACF-PI-HS-23-03 issued March 15, 2023 for specific information on application requirements and how to apply. The PI can be accessed at this website: https://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/policy/pi/acf-pi-hs-23-03. The Program Instruction can be found on the Early Childhood Learning and Knowledge Center at https://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov.

This funding is for one-time emergency disaster assistance, so renewals awards are not applicable. Extensions for awards issued are subject to the requirements and limitations allowed under 45 CFR 75.308

No appeal process existed for unsuccessful applicants. For recipients, appeals regarding disputes may take place in accordance with 45 CFR Part 16, subject to the limitations of the Appendix A.