Head Start

Early Learning Outcomes

Developed by the Office of Head Start, the Early Learning Outcomes Framework is a guide for what children should know and be able to do during their early years. Head Start is a federal program that provides comprehensive early childhood education, health, nutrition, and parent involvement services to low-income children and their families.

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Breakdown by Domain

Domain Key

Cognitive

Emotion

Social

Values

Perspectives

Identity

Cognitive 28%
Emotion 16%
Social 36%
Values 14%
Identity 5%

Key Features

Context & Culture

Calls attention to the existence and importance of individual differences in development
Includes specific recommendations for supporting dual language learners and children with disabilities
Offers examples of how culture, background, language, and beliefs may influence how children develop skills in particular areas
Available in Spanish
Describes the role of social contexts and learning climates on development of skills

Developmental Perspective

Includes a learning progression for each sub-domain with differentiated learning expectations and behavioral indicators for ages 0-9 months, 8-18 months, 16-36 months, 3-4 years, and 4-5 years
Provides general information about what occurs during various developmental stages in early childhood

Associated Outcomes

Provides some information about the impact of early learning experiences on school success

Available Resources

Support Materials

Informational videos, webinars, and handouts
Digital resources including an interactive online version of the framework and a mobile app that provides on-the-go access to early learning goals and teaching practices
Implementation Toolkit designed to help educators align their early childhood program and practices with the framework
Podcast series featuring childhood experts sharing practical information about how to apply the framework to specific populations and contexts
Tools for identifying areas and opportunities for alignment with state early childhood standards

Programs & Strategies

Effective Practice Guides provide early childhood practitioners with teaching practices to support skill development in each domain

Measurement Tools

No information or tools provided

Key Publications

Office of Head Start. (2015). Head Start early learning outcomes framework: Ages birth to five. Retrieved from: https://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/elof-ohs-framework.pdf
Office of Head Start website: https://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/

Office of Head Start (Administration for Children and Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services)

Government

To help teachers, childcare providers, and home visitors select curricula and learning materials, plan daily activities, develop effective teaching practices, and engage families to build early learning outcomes that support school readiness

Used by Head Start programs, which provide early childhood education and other services to more than 1 million children and their parents in the U.S. each year