National Center on Head Start Early Learning, Health and Family Engagement

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) Office of Head Start (OHS), has issued a forecast for the funding opportunity titled "National Center on Head Start Early Learning, Health and Family Engagement" under opportunity number HHS-2026-ACF-OHS-HC-0002. This initiative represents a cooperative agreement designed to provide approximately $15 million in federal support for establishing a National Center that will focus on advancing professional development and technical assistance in areas vital to the Head Start program—specifically early learning, health, and family engagement. The primary objective of this National Center is to deliver training and technical assistance (TTA) that is research-informed and aligned with current evidence and best practices. This effort aims to enhance the quality of Head Start program services and improve outcomes for children and families. The awarded entity will be responsible for developing and disseminating professional development resources and services to support Head Start grantees in implementing effective practices in education, health, mental health, safety, and family engagement. In addition to direct services, the center must contribute to continuous program improvement, increasing staff capabilities, and ensuring alignment with state, Tribal, and territorial systems. The scope of funding allows for comprehensive programming, and the recipient is expected to work collaboratively with subrecipients who bring expertise in the three core content areas. This cooperative agreement emphasizes that the lead applicant must perform a substantive role and not serve merely as a pass-through entity. The work of the center will be coordinated with existing technical assistance providers, including the Head Start National Center on Program Management and Quality Assurance, forming part of the broader OHS Technical Assistance system. Eligibility for this funding opportunity is broad. Entities that may apply include nonprofits (both with and without 501(c)(3) status), public and private institutions of higher education, state and local governments, Tribal organizations (both federally recognized and other), school districts, public housing authorities, and certain for-profit entities. Faith-based and community organizations that meet these criteria are also eligible. However, individuals and foreign entities are not eligible and will be disqualified. Consortia applications are allowed, provided the lead applicant meets the eligibility requirements and maintains a substantive role in project execution. The opportunity is currently in the forecasted stage. Applications are expected to be accepted starting October 15, 2025, with a submission deadline of December 15, 2025, at 11:59 PM EST. The estimated award date is March 1, 2026, and the project is slated to begin on March 2, 2026. Matching funds are not required for this grant, and a single award is anticipated. The cooperative agreement is supported under Assistance Listing Number 93.600. The point of contact for this grant opportunity is Marco Beltran, who can be reached at (888) 242-0684 or via email at OHSgrants@koniag-gs.com. For additional information and updates regarding this opportunity, applicants are advised to consult the official OHS website at https://www.acf.hhs.gov/ohs/funding.