Frequently Asked Questions
The following Q & A is designed to provide general information about the National Head Start Fellowships program. Answers may vary depending on specific circumstances.
General Information
1. What is the National Head Start Fellowships program?
2. What is the purpose of the program?
3. What type of individual is the program seeking to find?
4. What is the program schedule and selection timeline?
5. What is expected of a Head Start Fellow during the program year?
Application and Eligibility
6. How do I apply?
7. What are the eligibility requirements?
8. Does a candidate need to be of the same political party as the current Administration?
9. What is the best approach for handling recommendation letters?
10. Are Head Start Fellows required to undergo a security and background investigation?
Selection
11. How is a class of Fellows selected?
Leadership Development
12. What is the Leadership Development program?
Administration
14. Does the Fellowship provide housing during the Fellowship year?
16. How are previously scheduled commitments – such as a vacation – handled during the Fellowship year?
17. Where can I direct additional questions?
General Information
1. What is the National Head Start Fellowships Program?
The National Head Start Fellowships program is one of
Selected individuals spend a year working as a full-time, paid Fellow to senior staff in the Administration for Children and Families, the Office of Head Start, and the Child Care Bureau. Fellows also participate in a Leadership Development program consisting of professional development training, mentoring, and site visits to meet with leaders from the private and public sectors.
2. What is the purpose of the program?
The purpose of the non-partisan National Head Start Fellowships program is to create a cadre of leaders in the fields of early childhood and family services. The program accomplishes this by offering early childhood and family service professionals the opportunity to gain first-hand experience and a national perspective on Federal programs serving children and families. After the Fellowship year, Fellows are expected to contribute their skills and expertise in support of children and families.
3. What type of individual is the program seeking to find?
The Administration for Children and Families (ACF) seeks individuals who are most likely to fulfill the mission of the National Head Start Fellowships program. Selection as a Head Start Fellow is based on a combination of the following criteria:
A record of remarkable professional achievement early in one's career.
Evidence of leadership skills and the potential for further growth.
A commitment to early childhood and family services.
The skills to succeed at the highest levels of the Federal government, and the ability to work effectively as part of a team.
We also look for individuals with exceptional writing ability, a positive attitude, strong organizational skills, and the ability to work well with others.
All these qualities combined with the strength of one's character are taken into consideration when selecting a class of Head Start Fellows.
4. What is the program schedule and selection timeline?
April 1 – Application Deadline: Applications must be submitted online by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on April 1, 2010. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that his/her application has been submitted in its entirety.
May/June – National Finalist Selection: Applicants are notified in May/June as to whether they have been selected as National Finalists, and of the time and location for interviews.
June/July – Interviews: National Finalists are brought to
August – Housing Search: Head Start Fellows are brought to
October 1 to September 30: Inclusive dates of the Fellowship year.
5. What is expected of a Head Start Fellow during the program year?
Being a Head Start Fellow is an honor, a privilege, and a full-time commitment. Fellows are expected to fully engage in their work placement, which lies at the heart of the Fellowship. Work placements can offer unparalleled experience working with senior leaders on Administration initiatives to improve the quality of services to children and families. The work often requires duties that require as much perseverance as ability on the Fellows' part. Flexibility and adaptability are key to a successful Fellowship experience.
The Leadership Development program augments and enhances the work experience. Over the course of the year, Fellows are expected to fully participate in the Leadership Development program, which includes a monthly professional development seminar, monthly site visits, brown bag luncheon discussions, and mentoring.
Application and Eligibility
Applicants should apply online by visiting the "Apply Online" section of the National Head Start Fellowships landing page on the Early Childhood Learning and Knowledge Center (ECLKC). Applications must be submitted online by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on April 1, 2010. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that his/her application has been transmitted in its entirety.
7. What are the eligibility requirements?
Applicants must be
8. Does a candidate need to be of the same political party as the current Administration?
No. Fellowships are awarded strictly on a non-partisan basis.
9. What is the best approach for handling recommendation letters?
Applicants are required to submit a minimum of three, but no more than five, references. It is best to have recommendations from individuals who know you well and can fully answer the questions that are asked in the application. For example, a recommendation letter from a prominent person is not helpful if that individual cannot speak about your background and character.
At least one recommendation should be from an individual that can speak to your professional competence and accomplishments in your field. At least one recommendation should come from someone with knowledge of your community and civic activities.
References should be uploaded to the "Apply Online" section of the National Head Start Fellowships landing page on the Early Childhood Learning and Knowledge Center (ECLKC). You submit the names and email addresses of those sending recommendations for you when you apply. The Fellowships program staff will send these individuals information on how to submit the recommendations.
10. Are Head Start Fellows required to undergo a background investigation?
Yes. Head Start Fellows are required to submit comprehensive background information, along with their fingerprints, at the beginning of their Fellowship. Once this information is submitted, a background check will commence. Please be assured that all of this information is carefully protected and kept confidential.
Selection
11. How is a class of Fellows selected?
The Office of Head Start oversees the review process for the Administration for Children and Families. Applications are processed and screened. Approximately 20 of the most qualified applicants are selected to be interviewed. Based on the results of the interviews, the Administration for Children and Families recommends up to 10 candidates for a one-year appointment as Fellows.
Leadership Development
12. What is the Leadership Development Program?
The Leadership Development program augments and enhances the work placement experience. Fellows are expected to fully participate in the Leadership Development program, which includes a monthly professional development seminar, monthly site visits, brown bag luncheon discussions, and mentoring.
Each class meets with dozens of leaders representing public and private organizations that address early childhood and family services. Professional and leadership development training is held once per month, with assignments to be undertaken throughout the month. Each Fellow also selects an outstanding leader in
Administration
Yes. Fellows are paid a salary in accordance with the Federal Office of Personnel Management’s General Schedule (GS) Locality Pay Tables for
Fellows receive their salaries and a range of employee benefits through the Head Start Resource Center at Pal-Tech, Inc. Benefits include 10 vacation days and 10 sick days for the year. After 30 days, Fellows are eligible for medical insurance, including dental and vision coverage; short- and long-term disability insurance; and life insurance.
14. Does the Fellowship provide housing during the Fellowship year?
No. Fellows are responsible for their housing arrangements. A Housing Search is held in August to assist Fellows in locating convenient and affordable housing.
No. However, an additional $3,000 is added to salary to help with moving expenses.
16. How are previously scheduled commitments -- such as a vacation -- handled during the program year?
The program year is a full-time commitment, with work, education, travel, and fellowship responsibilities. Almost all activities are mandatory. Only under special circumstances are Fellows excused from activities.
If this is a year when you have a multitude of personal commitments, vacations, or issues, we strongly encourage applicants to reconsider the timing of their application. Each Fellow and the entire class are most effective with full participation and engagement. It is unfair to others to accept the fellowship and then not fully participate.
17. Where can I direct additional questions?
Program staff is available to provide assistance and answer questions. The staff can be reached Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time at 202-449-8150.