The Head Start Program Performance Standards mandate minimum compliance and provide a foundation on which Head Start and Early Head Start programs design and deliver supportive mental health services. Within these parameters, each program has the flexibility and the responsibility to decide how to implement the standards in ways that respond to their unique community and program needs. Mental health is multi-dimensional and affects all aspects of the Head Start and Early Head Start program. The standards that apply to mental health services and supports, including consultation, appear in multiple service areas and sections of the Performance Standards. More specifically, the standards state that all Head Start and Early Head Start programs must secure the services of a mental health professional (1304.24(a)(2) and must include a regular schedule of on-site mental health consultation (1304.24(a)(3) (U.S. Department of Health and Human Service, 1998). For further information, please reference the following documents

• The Act and Performance Standards
  • The Head Start Act
  • Head Start Program Performance Standards (1998)