Funded by the Office of Planning, Research, and Evaluation in the Administration for Children and Families, this project will build the knowledge base around conversion of enrollment slots from Head Start to Early Head Start. Over five years, the project will examine how and why Head Start grantees prepare for and engage in enrollment conversions. Likewise, it aims to identify facilitators and barriers to the provision of high-quality Early Head Start services that meet community needs. The project includes expert consultations, stakeholder engagement, and an assessment of the knowledge base involving key informant interviews and a scan of available information. A multi-site case study will be conducted to develop a deep understanding of the conversion process from the perspective of the HS/EHS program. The Urban Institute is the prime contractor. MEF is involved in all project tasks and will lead stakeholder engagement and key informant interviews and co-lead the multi-case study.
