Technical assistance/expertise

The Head Start Family Information System is a fully automated case management record keeping system that collects, organizes, maintains and reports detailed demographic, education, health and social services information at the child and family level. It greatly assists agencies to determine the needs of the entire family unit, address family service goals, and track and manage the delivery of all appropriate services. Currently, over half of the nation’s Head Start programs are using this product. Each year, Cleverex Systems’ staff provide instruction to several hundred users at its own computer laboratory and at regional training events. HSFIS training courses are offered at three levels – beginner, intermediate and advanced. So far, over 3,000 Head Start staff have received HSFIS training. Also, a 1-800 Help Desk provides technical assistance to users. Typically, the HSFIS technical support staff handle about 100-150 daily contacts. In addition to these services, each year, Cleverex Systems staff conduct about a dozen or so onsite training or technical assistance visits.

Cleverex Systems staff help train Head Start program reviewers on the PRISM software and often go on program reviews in a support role. Also, Cleverex Systems staff provide extensive support to the Federal Head Start staff in the national and regional offices by aggregating data and running reports in connection with the GABI system. Cleverex Systems conducts stakeholder meetings in connection with the development of the Head Start Fiscal Assistant and is maintaining a network of consultants who are professionally qualified to develop written guidance on Federal requirements regarding grants administration and management. This cadre of professionals includes many certified public accountants, auditors, and experienced program reviewers.