ERSEA CERTIFICATION FALL COURSE – (Hybrid) (In Person, Chicago IL or Virtual)

Description

The ERSEA Competency Based Certification is designed to help Head Start staff and agency/program teams build critical competencies for assessing Eligibility, Recruitment, Selection, Enrollment, and Attendance (ERSEA) systems, community strengths and needs, determining children and families eligibility status, identifying program recruitment goals and targets, developing a process for selecting children with the greatest need for services, meeting and maintaining full enrollment, and developing attendance policies and procedures that supports families. Individual and organizational teams that complete the certification process increase their skills, knowledge, and capabilities as well as commitment to ensuring access to Head Start and Early Head Start services for qualified young children. ERSEA Certification consists of a four-step, sequential training process as follows:

ERSEA Level One Certification Course – September 22-23, 2026

This two-day course is designed to strengthen participants’ knowledge and skills required to meet the requirements outlined in the Head Start Act, Final Rule on Head Start Eligibility, CFR Part 1302.10-18 and 1305 of the performance standards, and other federal, state, and local mandates.

ERSEA Level Two Certification Course – October 27-28, 2026

This two-day course builds on the foundation established in the Level One Course. It develops a deeper understanding of the regulations, provides implementation ideas, and emphasizes systems management, best practices, portfolio planning and development, and ERSEA systems development.

ERSEA Level Three Certification Course – November 12-13, 2026

This two-day course builds on the foundation, planning, and development of Levels One and Two and is designed to assist staff with oversight, management, and accountability for overall ERSEA compliance.  Level Three focuses on providing participants with the right tools to successfully lead and manage ERSEA processes and achieve ERSEA management objectives by controlling, monitoring, and evaluating ERSEA systems and processes.

ERSEA Review and Exam – December 2-3, 2026

The ERSEA Review and Exam is a day-and-a-half session designed to prepare each participant for the comprehensive ERSEA Certification Exam. The review process focuses on examining the results of pre- and post-quizzes from Levels One through Three. The Exam includes 100 questions that were designed to test each participant’s skills, knowledge, and understanding of the ERSEA Certification process. Upon satisfactory completion of the Certification process and the submission of an agency/program ERSEA portfolio, each participant will receive an ERSEA Certification Certificate. The ERSEA Certification is valid for one year and must be renewed by completing a recertification session.

This Course is targeted for: Program Directors, Content Area Managers, Family Services Staff, Family Engagement Staff, Lead Teachers, Policy Council, Program Parents, Childcare Partners, Administrative Intake Staff, and Other Key Community Partners

Take-Home Materials

Participants receive a comprehensive manual designed especially for Level One, Level Two, and Level Three. These manuals will help program professionals better understand the fundamental requirements.

Changes, Cancellations and Substitutions

HGJA reserves the right to change the training or cancel an activity if enrollment criteria are not met or when conditions beyond its control prevail. HGJA will contact registrants if an activity is canceled. No refunds will be made; however, you may send a substitute. All cancellation and substitution requests must be received in writing.

*Team Registration

Teams of five or more must register and send payment by the Early Bird Deadline, or Regular rates will apply.