January 16, 2004

Dear Head Start Grantee:

This letter is to inform you of a change in the effective date of the implementation of several provisions of the Head Start Transportation Regulations that were to have gone into effect on January 20, 2004.

The Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services has announced that all Head Start programs will have until June 21, 2004 to put in place provisions in the Head Start Transportation regulation related to child safety restraints (45 CFR 1310.11) and bus monitors (45 CFR 1310.15(c)) (a copy of the press release is enclosed for use). In addition, grantees may request a further extension to January 18, 2006 to comply with these requirements. In order to do so, grantees must submit an “intent to request an extension” by March 1, 2004. To submit an “intent to request an extension” you should either:

• Log on to the Head Start Bureau’s website at http://www.acf.dhhs.gov/programs/hsb/, go to the “What’s New” section and follow the instructions on the screen or;
• Write to the Head Start Bureau, 330”C” Street SW, Washington, D.C. 20447 Attention: Transportation extension.

After submitting an “intent to request an extension”, the extension application itself is due to the Head Start Bureau no later than April 1, 2004. The application for an extension can be submitted electronically, following the instructions included at the above website, or by mail to the Head Start Bureau at the above address.

You can read the full text of the revised transportation regulation on the Federal Register, dated January 16, 2004, at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/14mar20010800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2004/04-1096.htm

We hope this change will help programs provide safer and more efficient transportation for Head Start children.

Sincerely,

Windy M. Hill
Associate Commissioner
Head Start Bureau

Enclosure