Head Start Grants Get New Application Paperwork Push
Published Date: 8/31/2026
Notice
Summary
The Office of Head Start (OHS), Administration for Children and Families (ACF) is proposing a new information collection activity for the Head Start State Collaboration Office (HSCO) Grant Application. HSCO grants are authorized under the Head Start Act and support coordination between Head Start agencies and state systems serving young children and families. OHS has developed new application instructions to align HSCO grant activities with states and federal priorities, including improving outcomes in child welfare, strengthening family formation, supporting effective service delivery, and enhancing early childhood education. This proposed information collection is necessary to support consistent implementation of program objectives and alignment across all states.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
Existing HSCO grants extended to 2027
OHS will extend existing Head Start State Collaboration Office grants through February 28, 2027 to allow time for PRA approval and transition to new grant awards. This preserves current grant coverage while OHS finalizes the new application process.
States must submit HSCO applications
State and territorial Head Start collaboration offices must submit a new HSCO Grant Application that includes brief narrative and structured responses describing coordination, systems integration, and program implementation aligned with updated federal priorities. The document applies to 52 respondents (the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and territories).
Estimated reporting time burden
OHS estimates the HSCO Grant Application will take an average of 10.4 hours per respondent and totals 540.8 annual burden hours across 52 respondents (one response each).
New instructions and 5-year awards timeline
Following PRA approval, OHS will issue new HSCO application instructions and provide states with a defined application window to submit materials in advance of new 5-year grant awards. The change sets the timing for transitioning to the next grant cycle.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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