Why

Fiscal leaders in Head Start and early childhood programs play a critical role in safeguarding public funds, yet there are few ongoing opportunities for fiscal officers to come together in a shared learning and peer networking environment. Professional development is often episodic or siloed within individual agencies, leaving fiscal staff without consistent access to peers, practical problem-solving, or trusted guidance. The Fiscal Exchange Network addresses this gap by creating a structured, collaborative space focused on capacity building, shared learning, and real-world application across diverse organizational and funding contexts.

This network is especially timely as the current administration places increased emphasis on fiscal integrity, internal controls, and fraud prevention. Head Start WEST is intentionally uplifting strong fiscal practices across programs by convening fiscal leaders to learn from one another and engage with experts who can help interpret evolving policies, regulations, and fiscal guidance. Through regular connection, expert facilitation, and peer exchange, the Fiscal Exchange Network strengthens internal controls, supports fiscal staff, and reinforces a proactive culture of accountability and excellence across the Head Start WEST community.

What

The Head Start WEST Fiscal Network is a four-part virtual training series delivered in partnership with Rise Partners LLC. Designed to strengthen fiscal leadership capacity, support compliance readiness, and promote peer learning across the region, the series builds on the successful fiscal webinar model developed for the Pennsylvania Head Start Association, with content adapted to the Head Start WEST landscape and emerging federal priorities. Each session is a 90-minute facilitated convening grounded in Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200), Head Start Program Performance Standards, and Office of Head Start fiscal monitoring expectations. Participants engage in applied decision-making, real-world fiscal scenarios, and collaborative discussion to deepen understanding and share effective practices with peers across the region.

Session 1: Foundations of Head Start Fiscal Stewardship | February 25, 2026 1:30-3:00pm PST

• This session introduces federal fiscal requirements, recent updates to the Uniform Guidance, and key fiscal monitoring priorities. Participants will explore roles and responsibilities related to fiscal oversight, review major updates in the revised Uniform Guidance, examine fiscal monitoring expectations including FA1 and FA2 and common findings, and discuss how strong fiscal systems support effective governance and oversight.

Session 2: Building Strong Fiscal Leadership: An Introduction for New Head Start Fiscal Officers | April 22, 2026 1:30-3:00pm PST

• This session provides an overview of Head Start fiscal requirements and the regulatory framework while clarifying the roles and responsibilities of fiscal staff within a Head Start system. Participants will explore the connection between program operations and fiscal decision-making, examine the importance of strong program and fiscal communication and coordination, and gain an introduction to key fiscal reports and data that fiscal staff should understand and monitor. The session also highlights common pitfalls and compliance risks faced by new fiscal leaders.

Session 3: Allowable, Allocable, and Reasonable Costs | June 24, 2026 1:30-3:00pm PST

• This session focuses on practical decision-making related to cost allowability, including a clear framework for determining whether costs are allowable, allocable, and reasonable. Participants will examine common misconceptions and high-risk gray areas, explore how to align costs with approved budgets and program goals, and work through real-world scenarios related to staffing, incentives, wellness, fundraising, and blended or braided funding.

Session 4: Internal Controls- Safeguarding Federal Funds | August 26, 2026 1:30-3:00pm PST

• This session focuses on the core components of effective internal controls, including segregation of duties, approval processes, and documentation standards. Participants will explore strategies for preventing, detecting, and responding to fiscal risk through practical examples and peer discussion.

Where

Virtual Via Zoom

When

Session 1- February 25, 2026 | 1:30-3:00pm PST
Session 2- April 22, 2026 | 1:30-3:00pm PST
Session 3- June 24, 2026 | 1:30-3:00pm PST
Session 4- August 26, 2026 | 1:30-3:00pm PST

Fees

Member Pricing: $159.00 Per Person
Non Member Pricing: $179.00 Per Person

Email Melissa Sahagun for any questions msahagun@headstartwest.org