Secondary Analyses of Head Start Data

Background
The Administration for Children and Families (ACF) is soliciting applications for Secondary Analyses of Head Start Data awards. These awards aim to support researchers conducting secondary analyses of data of relevance to Head Start (HS) programs and policies. The goals of the awards are to address topics of current relevance to the goals and outcomes of HS programs, encourage active communication, networking, and collaboration among prominent HS researchers and policymakers, and increase the capacity of HS researchers to analyze existing data sets and disseminate their findings to multiple audiences.

Grant Details
The Secondary Analyses of Head Start Data funding opportunity will address key questions of relevance to HS programs, inclusive of HS, EHS, AI/AN HS, and MSHS programs. Findings are intended to inform policy, program administration, and future research. The specific goals include addressing topics such as effective approaches to recruit and retain qualified HS staff, supporting the well-being, mental and behavioral health, and wellness of HS staff, efforts to increase compensation, wages, and benefits for the HS staff, promoting equity and improvements in approaches to reach, recruit, enroll, and sustain families in need of HS services, supporting the unique strengths and needs of MSHS and AI/AN HS children, families, and staff, infant and early childhood mental health approaches to support young children’s social-emotional well-being among others. Data sets that are well suited for secondary analyses on these topics include Early Head Start Family and Child Experience Survey (Baby FACES), National Descriptive Study of Early Head Start-Child Care Partnerships (EHS-CCP), Family and Child Experiences Survey (FACES), Migrant and Seasonal Head Start (MSHS) Study 2017 among others.

Eligibility Requirements
Eligibility is open to public and private organizations/entities that apply on behalf of researchers who hold doctorate or equivalent degrees in their respective fields, conduct research as a primary professional responsibility, have been first or second author on publications in peer-reviewed research journals. Faith-based organizations may apply for this award on the same basis as any other organization.

Period of Performance
The project period is 18 months in length starting on September 30, 2024, and ending March 29, 2026.

Grant Value
The estimated total funding is $1,000,000 with an expected number of 10 awards. The award ceiling is $100,000 per project period with an average projected award amount of $100,000 per project period.