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42 U.S. Code § 9836. Designation of Head Start agencies
(a) Authority to designate
(1) In general
The Secretary is authorized to designate as a Head Start agency any local public or private nonprofit agency, including community-based and faith-based organizations, or for-profit agency, within a community, pursuant to the requirements of this section.
(2) Interim policy
Notwithstanding paragraph (1), until such time as the Secretary develops and implements the system for designation renewal under this section, the Secretary is authorized to designate as a Head Start agency, any local public or private nonprofit agency, including community-based and faith-based organizations, or for-profit agency, within a community, in the manner and process utilized by the Secretary prior to December 12, 2007.
(b) Application for designation renewal
To be considered for designation renewal, an entity shall submit an application to the Secretary, at such time and in such manner as the Secretary may require.
(c) System for designation renewal
(1) In generalThe Secretary shall develop a system for designation renewal that integrates the recommendations of the expert panel convened under paragraph (2) to determine if a Head Start agency is delivering a high-quality and comprehensive Head Start program that meets the educational, health, nutritional, and social needs of the children and families it serves, and meets program and financial management requirements and standards described in section 9836a(a)(1) of this title, based on—
(A)
annual budget and fiscal management data;
(B)
program reviews conducted under section 9836a(c) of this title;
(C)
annual audits required under section 9842 of this title;
(D)
classroom quality as measured under section 9836a(c)(2)(F) of this title; and
(E)
Program Information Reports.
(2) Expert panel
Not later than 3 months after December 12, 2007, the Secretary shall convene an expert panel of 7 members to make recommendations to the Secretary on the development of a transparent, reliable, and valid system for designation renewal.
(3) Composition of expert panelThe Secretary, in convening such panel, shall appoint the following:
(A)
(i)
One member, who has demonstrated competency, as evidenced by training, expertise, and experience, in early childhood program accreditation.
(ii)
One member, who has demonstrated competency (as so evidenced) in research on early childhood development.
(iii)
One member, who has demonstrated competency (as so evidenced) in governance and finance of nonprofit organizations.
(iv)
One member, who has demonstrated competency (as so evidenced) in delivery of services to populations of children with special needs and their families.
(v)
One member, who has demonstrated competency (as so evidenced) in assessment and evaluation of programs serving young children.
(B)
An employee from the Office of Head Start.
(C)
An executive director of a Head Start agency.