January 23rd l Navigating Head Start's New Wage Compensation Requirements

This interactive 90-minute virtual training equips Head Start programs with the essential knowledge and practical tools to conduct effective wage and compensation studies in response to the 2024 Performance Standards. Participants will gain a clear understanding of the four new wage requirements—pay parity, competitive pay scales, salary floors, and wage comparability—and learn step-by-step methodologies for gathering market data and analyzing wage gaps. Through real-world examples and accessible data sources, staff will discover how to conduct their own wage studies or effectively manage external consultants. This training transforms a regulatory requirement into a strategic opportunity to strengthen recruitment, retention, and program quality before the August 1, 2031, deadline.
By the end of this training, participants will be able to:

Understand Compliance Requirements – Explain the four wage requirements under the 2024 Performance Standards and the August 1, 2031 deadline.
Identify Data Sources – Locate and use reliable market data including BLS, school district salaries, and cost-of-living calculators.
Conduct Gap Analysis – Compare current wages to market benchmarks and identify priority areas for improvement.
Plan Next Steps – Develop an action plan for conducting or commissioning a comprehensive wage study.

Dates: January 23rd, 2026
Targeted Audience: HR Directors, Program Directors, Finance Directors, Executive Directors, Compliance Officers
$1,000 per agency