Resources

Whether you are at the point where you just want to "learn a little more" about child outcomes or you are just "starting out," having a really good list of resources to draw from is always helpful. Unfortunately, you may not always have the time to search for reports, articles, books, or other materials-or even know where to look. Another problem that you may encounter is discerning whether what you are finding is a "jewel" or "junk." The resources highlighted in this article will help alleviate some of the guesswork and can serve as a foundation for expand-ing your knowledge base of materials on child outcomes.
     If you need help with resources, please contact the Head Start Information and Publication Center (HSIPC) toll-free number, 886-763-6481, from 7:30 a. m. to 6:00 p.m. E.S.T., and an Information Specialist will be glad to assist you.

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THE HEAD START CHILD OUTCOMES FRAMEWORK
The Framework is intended to guide Head Start programs in their ongoing assessment of the progress and accomplishments of children, as well as assist programs in their efforts to analyze and use data on child outcomes in program self-assessment and continuous improvement. The Framework is composed of 8 general Domains, 27 Domain Elements, and 100 examples of more specific Indicators of children's skills, abilities, knowledge, and behaviors. The Framework is based on the Head Start Program Performance Standards, Head Start Program Performance Measures, provisions of the Head Start Act as amended in 1998, advice of the Head Start Bureau Technical Work Group on Child Outcomes, and a review of documents on the assessment of young children and early childhood program accountability from a variety of state agencies and professional organizations.
     (Note that in the Framework, a star ( ) marks the 4 specific Domain Elements and 9 Indicators that are legislatively mandated.)      
     A revised Head Start Path to Positive Child Outcomes, which includes the Child Outcomes Framework, is currently in press. Advance bulk orders are being accepted at the HSIPC warehouse. To place an advance order, send an e-mail to puborder@headstartinfo.org or call 1-866-763-6481.

THE HEAD START LEADER'S GUIDE TO POSITIVE CHILD OUTCOMES
This document provides a comprehensive set of instructional strategies to foster children's progress toward the learning and development goals in the Head Start Child Outcomes Framework. There are chapters on each Domain and on Adaptations for Individual Children. The Guide is currently in press.
     Advance bulk orders are being accepted at the HSIPC warehouse. To place an advance order, send an email to puborder@headstartinfo.org or phone: 1-866-763-6481.

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Nanette Lofaro is Deputy Director, Head Start Information and Publication Center. T: 202-737-1030; E: nanettel@ headstartinfo.org.