This certification provides fiscal staff the opportunity to demonstrate skills essential to Head Start fiscal and grant management and program administration.

Driven by federal oversight and the Head Start Program Performance Standards (HSPPS), fiscal management in Head Start requires thorough understanding of the federal requirements and how they impact day to day work of fiscal staff. The Academy’s Fiscal Management Certification provides learners an opportunity to create a professional portfolio demonstrating their expertise and understanding of their responsibilities as a fiscal manager or as fiscal staff supporting management. This process includes regular opportunities to meet with experts in the field and enhance knowledge throughout the experience. Learners will take away a portfolio that clearly demonstrates their mastery and a certification that clearly identifies that mastery.

Course information

• Start Date: New cohorts accepted monthly
• Course Level: Certification
• Requirements/Prerequisites: While no specific experience is required, a minimum three years of experience with Head Start finance is strongly recommended. The certification does not include instruction.
• Completion Timeline/Duration: Four months for portfolio completion and two months for review and final grade.

Includes:

• Online, Self-Paced Content
• Live Coaching from Facilitator
• Access to a National Cohort of Peers
• 40 Hours of Course Material
• 4 Months of Access to Course
• Video Content
• Discussion Forums
• Digital Badge
• Certificate of Completion with PD Hours
• 24/7 Access to Transcript

Head Start Alignment:

This course supports programs in meeting the Head Start Act Section 642 Powers and Functions of Head Start Agencies in which “the agency shall establish and maintain a formal structure for program governance, for the oversight of quality services for Head Start children and families and for making decisions related to program design and implementation. Such structure shall include…. not less than one member shall have a background and expertise in fiscal management or accounting.” It also supports programs in meeting Part 1303-Financial and Administrative Requirements of the HSPPS. Health and Human Services regulation 45 CFR §75.

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Facilitator

Perry Davis

Perry is a finance/management consultant specializing in the areas of Head Start fiscal management, program design & management, and eligibility recruitment selection enrollment and attendance. In addition, he’s conducted workshops at the national, regional and state Head Start association, as well Regional, State and Local Associations. Currently, Perry is the CEO of The Management Institute, providing training and technical assistance to federally and state funded entities throughout the country. He has a BS degree in finance/management and master’s degree in business administration with emphasis in finance from Jackson State University, Jackson, Mississippi.

Course Author

Belinda Rinker, JD

Belinda Rinker, JD, an attorney and managing member of SRCS, has over 30 years of experience working with grant-funded and nonprofit organizations. She recently retired from her position as a senior policy analyst at the national Office of Head Start in Washington, D.C., where she led fiscal, facilities, and disaster recovery initiatives. During her Head Start career, she gained hands-on experience in program operations and fiscal management. Belinda has extensive knowledge of the many governance and fiscal requirements that apply to federal awards and has provided training and compliance assistance at the grantee, state, and national level.

Alan Baquet, Ph.D.

Alan Baquet, PhD, an economist and member of SRCS, has a robust background in educational, nonprofit, and private industry settings. He is nationally recognized for his research and teaching accomplishments. He successfully applied for and managed grant awards throughout his university career. He has expertise in supporting the operation of complex organizations, having served as a department head and associate vice chancellor in educational settings. Alan is certified in both Life Coaching and Appreciative Inquiry, critical skills that enhance his ability to facilitate strategic planning and organizational change initiatives.

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