1. Head Start State/Regional Associations Research Committees “Helping Children and Families”

2. What Is Research?  A scholarly or scientific investigation or inquiry.  A thorough study that permits a detailed and accurate account to be presented.  A search for knowledge.

3. Why Is Research Important to Head Start?  Research Influences Policy.  Research Guides Best Practices.

4. What Are Head Start Research Committees? Head Start Research Committees promote research that seeks to strengthen the Head Start program and improve outcomes for Head Start children and families.

5. Why Are State/Regional Association Research Committees Important?  They can ensure valid and reliable Head Start research.  They can disseminate research to Head Start programs.  They can aggregate state-level or regional-level Head Start data.  They can improve outcomes for Head Start children and families.

6. How Are State/Regional Association Research Committees Established?  State research committees are established by state associations, and regional research committees are established by regional associations.  Goals, agendas, and action items are created.

7. Who Should Be on a State Head Start Association Research Committee?  Head Start and Early Head Start directors and staff from each region of the state.  Researchers and higher education professionals (generally from colleges and universities in the state).  Consultants.  Others (at the discretion of the state).

8. Who Should Be on a Regional Head Start Association Research Committee ?  Head Start and Early Head Start directors and staff from programs within the region.  Researchers and higher education professionals (generally from colleges and universities in the region).  Consultants.  Others (at the discretion of the regional association).

9. When Does the State Association Research Committee Meet?  The number of meetings is determined by the state association.  To cut travel costs, meetings should be coordinated during a state association’s annual training conference.  Listservs and conference calls are additional measures to reduce communication costs.

10. When Does the Regional Association Research Committee Meet?  The number of meetings is determined by the regional association.  To cut travel costs, meetings should be coordinated during a regional association’s annual training conference.  Listservs and conference calls are additional measures to reduce communication costs.

11. For More Information Contact: NHSA Research and Evaluation Department at (703) 739-0875 Ben Allen, Ph.D., Director Angela Smith, Associate Director