ERSEA Re-Certification: Building on Established Foundations – (San Juan, Puerto Rico)

Description

This session focuses on enhancing participants’ knowledge and skills related to the federal regulations for Eligibility, Recruitment, Selection, Enrollment, and Attendance (ERSEA) 1302 and Definitions 1305. Participants will explore effective strategies and best practices for managing ERSEA processes, emphasizing that it is about providing access to services, not just delivering them. The ERSEA Re-Certification initiative in San Juan, Puerto Rico, aims to strengthen the foundations of early childhood education and family services within the ERSEA system. The session will evaluate and refine processes to ensure underserved communities receive equitable access to quality educational resources. By engaging local stakeholders and addressing barriers, the session seeks to create a more inclusive environment for children and families. Additionally, this session will incorporate the new Final Rule and Head Start Regulations from 2024, highlighting the importance of continuous improvement in service delivery to meet the needs of Head Start programs.

Key Learning Objectives:

1. Take a Historical look at ERSEA, including recent GAO Reports related to Suspected Fraud in Head Start
2. Review key ERSEA requirements and standards to meet ERSEA compliance, including policy clarifications.
3. Discussion of Real-World Issues/Challenges related to ERSEA.
4. Defining and clarifying the roles and responsibilities of all key stakeholders
5. Revisiting systems approach to leading and managing the ERSEA process, considering budgetary and fiscal impacts.
6. Reviewing ERSEA Plans, Policies, Procedures, and Processes and the overall ERSEA Portfolio
7. Prepare for ERSEA Re-Certification Exam

Expected Learning Outcomes:

• Participants can use a systems approach and integrate ERSEA into its program planning activities.
• Participants will revisit a systems outlook and approach to ERSEA.
• Participants can use their knowledge of the regulations to make quality decisions for enhancing current ERSEA plans, policies, procedures, and processes.
• Participants will be able to transfer their knowledge to support other key staff and partners.
• Participants will identify roles and responsibilities for governing bodies, program managers, the ERSEA team and partners.
• Participants will have holistic perspective of ERSEA including strengthening accountability measures.

This Session/Training is Targeted for: Program Directors, Content Area Coordinators, Specialist, and Managers, Intake and Family Services staff and Partners.

Agenda at a Glance

Day One
– Welcome and Overview of the ERSEA Re-Certification Process
– Historical Overview of ERSEA-GAO, OIG, Findings, and Reports
– Identifying Current ERSEA Trends & Updates
– Best Practices: Taking a Systematic Approach to Strengthening Leadership and Management of ERSEA
– Reviewing Current ERSEA Regulations including HHS/OHS Policies and Guidance Related to Compliance
– Exploring the 2007 Head Start Act related to the ERSEA System

Day Two
– Exploring Real World Challenges and Issues Related to ERSEA Compliance-Question and Answer: Current Regulations and HS Act 2007
– ERSEA Portfolio: How has your organization enhanced your ERSEA systems, plans, processes, policies, and procedures?
– Team & Individual Study
– Re-Certification Exam
– Evaluations & Closing

Changes, Cancellations and Substitutions

HGJA reserves the right to make changes in the training or cancel a training if enrollment criteria are not met or when conditions beyond its control prevail. Registrants will be contacted in the event of a cancellation. HGJA’s liability will be limited to the refund of the training registration fee only. Cancellations can be made up to ten business days before your scheduled training: your registration fee will be refunded less a $50 fee. No refunds will be made for cancellations made less than ten business days prior to your scheduled Summit; 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.