Georgia Head Start Association ERSEA Certification Institute

Ensuring Compliance, Access, and Accountability in Eligibility, Recruitment, Selection, Enrollment, and Attendance (ERSEA)

Description

Early Care and Education programs—including Head Start, Early Head Start, State Pre-K, and childcare—operate within a highly regulated environment that requires strict adherence to federal, state, and local laws, regulations, standards, and policies. Compliance with the Head Start Act, Program Performance Standards (45 CFR Part 1302), and related guidance is mandatory and essential to ensuring that services are delivered to eligible children and families with the greatest need.

Given the significant public investment in early childhood programs and the critical importance of equitable access, agencies must implement effective ERSEA systems that ensure proper eligibility determination, targeted recruitment, accurate selection, sustained enrollment, and consistent attendance. Failure to do so can result in under-enrollment, noncompliance, and reduced program impact.

HG Jones & Associates’ ERSEA Certification Course Series is designed to build the knowledge, skills, and systems capacity necessary to ensure full compliance and effective program management across all ERSEA components.

ERSEA Level One Course: Understanding the Fundamentals
May 11, 2026 – 1:30 PM EST – 4:30 PM EST / May 12, 2026 – 9:00 AM EST – 4:00 PM EST – In-Person (St. Simons Island)

Laws, Regulations, Standards, and Foundational Best Practices

This course establishes a strong foundation in ERSEA by providing participants with a comprehensive understanding of the legal and regulatory framework governing eligibility, recruitment, selection, enrollment, and attendance.

Participants will examine federal requirements, including the Head Start Act and 45 CFR Part 1302 (Sections 1302.1–1302.18 and Part 1305), as well as applicable program instructions, policy clarifications, and local requirements. The training emphasizes the importance of ensuring access for vulnerable populations, including homeless and over-income families, while maintaining compliance with eligibility rules.

Through interactive learning, participants will:

• Understand ERSEA laws, regulations, and standards
• Apply accurate methods for determining family eligibility, income, and size
• Develop a systems-based understanding of ERSEA processes
• Strengthen knowledge of community assessment requirements
• Build capacity to train and support others within their program

This level is essential for establishing compliance and minimizing risk by ensuring that all ERSEA activities are grounded in regulatory requirements and best practices.

ERSEA Level Two Course: Implementing the Requirements
June 11-12, 2026 – Virtual – 9:00 AM EST – 4:00 PM EST

Systems Design, Coordination, and Best Practices

Building on foundational knowledge, Level Two focuses on the practical implementation of ERSEA systems to ensure programs consistently meet regulatory requirements and enrollment targets.

Many programs struggle to align ERSEA processes to ensure that children with the highest needs are identified and enrolled in a timely manner. This course addresses those challenges by emphasizing coordinated systems design, cross-functional collaboration, and strategic planning.

Participants will learn to:

• Design and implement a comprehensive ERSEA system using a team-based approach
• Define clear roles, responsibilities, and accountability structures
• Leverage key program tools, including community assessments, strategic plans, self-assessments, and selection criteria
• Develop actionable ERSEA work plans aligned with program goals
• Apply best practices to maintain full enrollment and compliance

This level ensures that programs move beyond compliance to effective, sustainable implementation.

ERSEA Level Three Course: Leading and Managing the Process
July 15-16, 2026 – Virtual – 9:00 AM EST – 4:00 PM EST

Monitoring, Accountability, and Continuous Improvement

Effective management of ERSEA systems is critical to maintaining full enrollment, ensuring compliance, and maximizing program impact. Many programs face challenges, including under-enrollment, insufficient waitlists, and reactive enrollment practices that disrupt service delivery.

Level Three focuses on leadership, oversight, and continuous improvement of ERSEA systems through data-driven decision-making and performance monitoring.

Participants will develop the ability to:

• Track, monitor, and evaluate ERSEA processes and outcomes
• Use data systems and technology to improve efficiency and accuracy
• Establish accountability frameworks across all ERSEA functions
• Design tools, workflows, and reporting mechanisms to manage processes effectively
• Identify gaps and implement corrective strategies for continuous improvement

This level equips leaders and management teams with the tools necessary to ensure that ERSEA systems are proactive, efficient, and fully aligned with compliance requirements.

ERSEA Certification Review and Exam
September 10-11, 2026 – Virtual – 9:00 AM EST – 4:00 PM EST

Demonstrating Competency in Compliance, Implementation, and Management

The ERSEA Certification Review and Exam validates participants’ mastery of ERSEA core competencies across regulatory compliance, implementation, and systems management.

This comprehensive review session reinforces key concepts, addresses knowledge gaps, and prepares participants for successful completion of the certification exam. Participants will analyze current trends, engage in applied learning activities, and assess their readiness across all ERSEA domains.

Certification demonstrates an individual’s ability to:

• Ensure compliance with all ERSEA laws, regulations, and standards
• Effectively implement ERSEA systems and processes
• Manage and evaluate ERSEA performance to achieve full enrollment and program success

Program Impact

The HGJA ERSEA Certification Course Series strengthens organizational capacity by:

• Ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local ERSEA requirements
• Improving access to services for eligible and high-need populations
• Increasing and maintaining full enrollment and attendance
• Enhancing systems, accountability, and program performance
• Reducing compliance risk and improving audit readiness

This training is targeted for: Program Directors, Content Area Managers, Family Services Staff, Policy Council, Program Parents, Childcare Partners, and Other Key Community Partners

Take-Home Materials

Participants receive a comprehensive manual designed especially for each ERSEA Level. These Tool Kits will help program professionals better understand the fundamental requirements of the ERSEA System.

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. Registrants will be contacted in the event of cancellation. HGJA’s liability will be limited to the refund of the training registration fee only. All cancellation and substitution requests must be received in writing.