Five Steps to Community Assessment Workbook

This workbook provides a guide to the community assessment process for Migrant and Seasonal Head Start grantees. Since the community assessment is the core planning tool for Head Start programs, the quality and analysis of the data influence decisions that have profound effects on the community, the agency, and on the lives of migrant and seasonal farm worker families served. Community assessments also serve as the basis for funding decisions. Eight reasons are offered for conducting community assessments in Migrant and Seasonal Head Start programs: (1) meeting Federal requirements, (2) decision making and program planning, (3) applying for funds in addition to the basic Head Start grant, (4) responding to trends and changes in agriculture and the community, (5) responding to changing policies and programs, (6) internal education, (7) community resources, and (8) advocacy. There are five basic steps in the community assessment process: (1) plan and organize, (2) design data collection, (3) gather data, (4) review and analyze data, and (5) make decisions. Each of the steps is discussed in detail. Appendices include: Federal regulation 45 CFR 1305, (2) Community Assessment Glossary, and (3) Migrant and Seasonal Farmworker Eligibility Matrix.