Property Essentials

Due to technical upgrades taking place this spring, Property Essentials is currently unavailable. Please sign up on the interest form to be notified of any changes to the status of this course.

High-quality, well-maintained facilities are vital to quality early childhood education programming. Property Essentials supports Head Start grantees in ensuring that their facilities and equipment are safe, healthy, and nurturing environments for children, families, and staff. 

Building on the fundamentals explored in Property Management Basics, this course supports programs in developing systems, to ensure facilities meet compliance requirements and responsibilities that apply when Head Start funds are used to acquire or improve property. Property Essentials is ideal for all members of property teams-fiscal managers, directors, maintenance staff, property managers, health/safety managers, etc.

This course will delve into selected property topics, including what to do when property is no longer needed, federal interests and what they mean, valuation of donated space, depreciation, and cost allocation of shared facilities. Learners will be introduced to the Part 1303-Financial and Administrative Requirements of the Head Start Program Performance Standards (HSPPS), the Davis-Bacon and Related Acts, and other laws and regulations grantees must comply with.

• Course Level:Intermediate
• Requirements/Prerequisites: Property Management Basics is recommended.
• Target Audience: Leadership and Management, Program Operations, and Support Services
• Completion Timeline/Duration: One month
• Alignment with the Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework (ELOF): This credential supports programs in meeting Part 1303-Financial and Administrative Requirements the HSPPS and the Real Property Guidance and Regulations from the Office of Head Start.

Course Outline

Module Topics: 

1. Introduction and importance of facilities
2. Facility opportunities and challenges
3. Planning large-scale facility projects
4. Post-award requirements for funds awarded under 45 CFR Part 1303
5. Equipment

Learning Objectives:

• Be able to develop and maintain a tracking system for their facilities that assures timely and adequate maintenance and improvements             
• Be familiar with facilities resources on the ECLKC
• Understand the process for using Head Start funds for purchase, construction or major renovation of facilities, the resulting federal interest, and associated compliance requirements
• Know when the Davis-Bacon and Related Acts apply and where to find compliance resources
• Fulfill equipment management responsibilities required by the Uniform Guidance