Who oversees Head Start?
Locally, Head Start is governed by a Board of Directors. However, all Head Start programs in the Commonwealth must meet all Massachusetts licensing regulations through the Department of Early Education and Care. Classrooms are accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAYEC) as well as complying with the requirements of all funding sources and with the Head Start Performance Standards. The Head Start Program Performance Standards provide a framework for Head Start services and create standardized definitions of quality to ensure the highest level of accountability. Programs are rigorously audited in all content areas triennially to ensure compliance with the standards. Berkshire County Head Start has received Program of Quality and Excellence awards for the past several years and in its’ most recent review in November exceeded the Performance Standards with no out of compliance issues except enrollment being down by nine children the week of the review
