Finding Text
Criteria – • As per CFR 1302.93(a) and the grant agreement, a program must ensure each staff member has an initial health examination and TB testing and periodic re-examination as recommended by their health care provider. • As per CFR 1302.90 and the grant agreement, a program must conduct a complete background check which includes central registry clearance for child abuse prior to hiring. • As per CFR 1302.92 and the grant agreement, a program must conduct annual performance evaluations and establish and implement a systematic approach to staff training and professional development designed to assist staff in acquiring or increasing the knowledge and skills needed to provide high-quality, comprehensive services. Condition and Description – During testing of personnel files for employees funded under the Head Start program, we noted the following: • The Organization did not have a formal process to ensure staff members receive periodic health examinations and TB re-examinations after their initial hire date. As a result, documentation supporting periodic health re-examinations could not be verified. • For 1 out of 10 samples tested documentation supporting the required central registry clearance for child abuse was not provided for our review. • For 18 out of 40 samples tested, documentation of annual performance evaluations for program year 2024-2025 was not available for review. Questioned Costs – None identified. Identification of a Repeat Finding – This finding was not reported in the prior year. Cause - Procedures were not consistently followed to ensure personnel files contained all required documentation related to health requirements, background checks, and performance evaluations. Effect – Incomplete personnel documentation may result in noncompliance with Head Start program requirements and could impair the Organization’s ability to demonstrate compliance with federal regulations.