Communication and Connectivity: Family Supports for Remote Service Delivery

Phones, laptops, tablets, Wi-Fi, and charging capability are critical tools for Head Start and Early Head Start remote service delivery. Families and children rely on these tools to access Head Start and Early Head Start and other vital health and human services in their communities. To ensure Head Start and Early Head Start families have the access they need, wherever possible, consider these resources.

Lifeline Program
This federal benefit program lowers the monthly cost of phone or internet service for eligible low-income consumers. They can receive up to $9.25 per month toward home or mobile phone service or high-speed broadband, and up to $34.25 per month for those living on tribal lands.

The Federal Communications Commission's Universal Service Administrative Company administers the Lifeline Program. For more information about the application process and eligibility criteria for consumers, review How to Apply. Find a tribal fact sheet and other downloadable resources on their Consumer Outreach page. Families can find a list of Lifeline phone or internet companies that serve their area by entering in their zip code or city and state using the Companies Near Me tool. For additional questions, call the Lifeline Support Center at 800-234-9473 or email LifelineSupport@usac.org.

CARES Act Funding
Reach out to your local Community Action Agency (CAA) and find out whether energy or related emergency assistance funds are available through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act authorization under the Community Service Block Grant and other funding sources. In many cases, your local CAA may be your agency.

Free and Low-cost Internet Plans
Explore the National Digital Inclusiveness Alliance's list of free and low-cost internet plans. This information is updated daily during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) emergency.

Head Start Funds
Financial operations, like program operations, have been disrupted during the COVID-19 health emergency. The Office of Head Start has implemented fiscal flexibilities that simplify most grant applications, provide extended due dates for financial reporting, continue existing indirect cost rate agreements, and delay audit submission. Waivers of some prior approval requirements allow for greater budget flexibility and remove barriers to acquiring materials, supplies, and equipment needed to prepare for, respond to, and recover from the COVID-19 emergency. Guidance is provided to assist grantees in determining what expenses are allowable for their base grant and CARES Act funding as they deliver comprehensive services remotely and, when possible, resume their planned center- or home-based services. For more information, see ACF-IM-HS-20-03 Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Fiscal Flexibilities.