Monitoring Tool Kit

PRISM

PRISM Guide and PRISM All Instruments 2006
http://www.headstartinfo.org/publications/PRISM_2006/index.htm
      PRISM Guide and All Instruments 2006 reflect a number of changes. Grantees, Federal and non-Federal Team Leaders and reviewers use this resource in reviewing and monitoring Head Start programs. New elements in the process include: a new software system; focus on compliance with Head Start standards and other requirements; protocols that provide an overarching framework as well as detailed guidance for reviewers; revised Fiscal Checklist; modified Core Questions.

Head Start Act
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/hsb/budget/headstartact.htm
     The "Head Start Act" is Title VI, Subtitle A, Chapter 8, Subchapter B of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1981, PL97-35 (8/13/81).

Code of Federal Regulations

45 CFR 74
     Uniform administrative requirements for awards and subawards to institutions of higher education, hospitals, other nonprofit organizations, and commercial organizations; and certain grants and agreements with States, local governments and Indian tribal governments.

45 CFR 92
     Uniform administrative requirements for grants and cooperative agreements to State and local governments.

Program Performance Standards
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/hsb/performance/index.htm
     The Head Start Program Performance Standards are the mandatory regulations that grantees and delegate agencies must implement in order to operate a Head Start program. The standards define the objectives and features of a quality Head Start program in concrete terms; they articulate a vision of service delivery to young children and families; and they provide a regulatory structure for the monitoring and enforcement of quality standards.

OMB Circulars
http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/circulars/index.html
     The Office of management and Budget (OMB) Circulars include the Associated Cost Principals:

A-21 Cost Principles for Educational Institutions

A-87 Cost Principles for State, Local, and Indian Tribal Governments

A-122 Cost Principles for Non-Profit Organizations

A-133 Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-Profit Organizations
     Appendix A (in PDF, 55 KB, 5 pages) Data Collection Form (Form SF-SAC)
     Appendix B March 2000 Compliance Supplement

OMB 2004 Circular A-133 Compliance Supplement. Federal Register: April 30, 2004 (Volume 69, Number 84) Page 23825
http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/14mar20010800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2004/04-9799.htm
     The 2004 Supplement will apply to audits performed under OMB Circular A-133, Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-Profit Organizations, of fiscal years beginning after June 30, 2003 and must be in writing and received by October 29, 2004.
     The 2004 Supplement adds three programs, deletes three programs, updates for program changes, and makes technical corrections. A list of changes from the 2003 Supplement can be found at Appendix V of the 2004 Supplement. Due to its length, the 2004 Supplement is not included in this notice. [The supplement will be on-line at http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/circulars/index-ffm.html]
     Until the document is available on-line, recipients should contact their cognizant or oversight agency for audit, or Federal awarding agency, as appropriate under the circumstances. Subrecipients should contact their pass-through entity. Federal agencies should contact Gilbert Tran, Office of Management and Budget, Office of Federal Financial Management, telephone (202) 395-3993.

 

InforMation memorandums and Program Instructions

Information Memorandums (IMs)
http://www.headstartinfo.org/publications/im_cont.htm
     IMs enable the Head Start Bureau to communicate with you on a variety of matters. They also provide you with program tools, models, and techniques which may be used for program development.

Program Instructions (PIs)
http://www.headstartinfo.org/publications/im_cont.htm
     PIs provide you with procedures and methods for implementing program policies; add details to program regulations or policy guide requirements; and convey to your program guidance information of actions your Head Start program is expected or required to take.