Professional Development - Head Start - U.S. Department of Health ...

� The first is a series of Frequently Asked Questions
(FAQs) on disabilities issues to address grantee needs
for policy information.
� The second project is based on Program Information
Report (PIR) data. Based on discussions and requests,
Disabilities Services PIR Summaries were developed and
sent to the regions for comment. The reports include
state level data for use by Disabilities TA Content
Specialists in follow-up discussions with grantees.
� Finally, there is a synthesis of common features in
Memoranda of Understanding (MOAs), posted on the
zone as an informational tool for members.
Family and Community Partnership Work Zone—
Videoconferencing
Head Start Knowledge & Information Management
Services Subject Matter Expert Jacquie Davis said that
Student Financial Assistance
Students pursuing a college education
are making an investment in
their future. In addition to grantee
support, there are three main kinds of
financial aid:
� Scholarships and grants
� Loans
� Student employment or workstudy
aid
A resource for Head Start staff and
parents has been developed to provide
information on financial aid for higher
education. Refer to the following URL at
the Early Childhood Learning and
Knowledge Center for this information,
as well as explanations about types of
Audiences/Methods
financial aid, and learn how to apply for
these resources:
http://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/hslc/Professio
nal%20Development/Individual%20Dev
elopment/Financial%20Aid/prodev_bib_
00038_060205.html
Loan Repayment and Loan
Forgiveness
Note that some financial aid is
offered in the form of loans and loans
usually require repayment. The Head
Start link to relevant information about
loan repayment is
http://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/hslc/Professio
nal%20Development/Individual%20Dev
elopment/Financial%20Aid/prodev_bib_
videoconferences offer a more animated view of the participants,
better involvement and responsiveness to questions,
and strengthen relationships.
� At the January 2006, National TA Network Meeting,
zone members concurred that they would have better
and more responsive participation if they replaced
conference calls with videoconferences.
� In 2006, zone members took a leadership role on
monthly videoconferences on the following topics:
Family Literacy, ERSEA (Eligibility, Recruitment,
Selection, Enrollment, and Attendance), Fatherhood,
Health, and Community Assessment. Jacquie reports
that this zone has become more vibrant and effective
due to this practice. ■
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE WEB RESOURCES
00038_042506.html
Recipients of the Federal Perkins
Loan qualify for loan forgiveness. Fulltime
service as a staff member in the
educational component of a Head Start
program qualifies for up to 100% cancellation
of the Perkins Loan. This program
forgives 15% of the loan for the
first and second years of teaching service,
20% for the third and fourth years
and 30% for the fifth year. More information
on teaching service cancellation/deferment
options for this and
Stafford loans can be found at
www.studentaid.ed.gov. At the site, click
on “Repaying,” then on “Cancellation
and Deferment Options for Teachers.” ■
Head Start Bulletin 27