How Is Head Start Evaluated?

Head Start programs must comply with rigorous program performance standards which are among the highest in the early childhood field.



In order to continue operation, each Head Start program conducts a yearly self-assessment and is evaluated every three years by an independent, interdisciplinary panel of recognized experts.



Head Start achieved the highest score of 170 governmental agencies and private companies tested for the American Customer Satisfaction Index. Among the companies were Mercedes-Benz and BMW.



Head Start is looked to as a national model for performance standards and evaluation in early childhood development and education. Their standards are more rigorous than those used by the National Association for Education of the Young Child, which accredits all child care centers across the country.



Head Start, nationally, is now mandating that all programs collect and report child outcomes data.