THE KEYS TO ERSEA . . .
Lock OUT errors, misunderstanding, and fraud . . .
Lock IN full compliance and program integrity.
As reported in GAO-10-733T (Undercover Testing Finds Fraud and Abuse at Selected Head Start Centers, May 18, 2010), an ongoing Government Accountability Office investigation has found several instances where Head Start programs fraudulently misrepresented information, disregarded portions of family income, and registered over-income children in under-income slots. The result is that a critical spotlight is being shined on Head Start and it is imperative that Head Start staff not only have access to accurate information about ERSEA, but that they fully understand and appropriately apply the relevant regulations governing ERSEA practices.
Whatever the reasons for the GAO findings, it is essential that all programs re-double their efforts to properly train and educate all staff in the areas of Eligibility, Recruitment, Selection, Enrollment, and Attendance. The specialists at Training & Technical Assistance Services at Western Kentucky University have the insight, in-depth knowledge, and skills to help your Head Start program review your current practices and design and implement management systems that meet Federal laws and regulations for all aspects of ERSEA and that ensure that your program is violating neither the letter nor intent of the law.
Call 800-882-7482 today to request a consultation. We will help your Head Start or Early Head Start program...
- Conduct an on-site audit of your ERSEA procedures and records
- Evaluate your program’s current compliance with regulations
- Ensure understanding of Parts 1304 and 1305 of the regulations
- Develop strategies to address eligibility and recruitment challenges
- Examine your program’s current eligibility procedures
- Build staff skills for interviewing families and analyzing application information
- Develop the ability of staff to recognize potential signs of deceptive or fraudulent information
- Review your program’s enrollment practices
- Ensure that under-income and categorically eligible children are given priority for open slots
- Fully comprehend the restrictions on enrolling over-income children, especially when eligible under-income children are not being served
- Revise existing or develop new ERSEA plans that reduce the risk of non-compliance
- Define and designate the ERSEA roles and responsibilities of staff
- Establish written procedures for monitoring and tracking ERSEA processes
- Provide guidance on integrating management activities with ERSEA
- Establish cohesive management systems that support continuous improvement
- Design strategies to resolve any future ERSEA issues that may arise
CONTACT US TODAY TO LOCK IN YOUR DATES!
800-TTAS-4-TA (800-882-7482) E-Mail us at TTAS.INFO@WKU.EDU
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