Head Start Fiscal Integrity Institute 2026
- Start: septiembre 15, 2026 7:30 am
- End: septiembre 16, 2026 4:45 pm
The Annual Head Start Fiscal Integrity Institute makes a return to Dallas for 2026! Ensure that your Head Start or Early Head Start program understands current fiscal management requirements and proposed updates by attending this special Institute from September 15-16, 2026.
Requirements for Head Start and Early Head Start fiscal integrity continue to change. The Department of Health and Human Services recently adopted a new set of grants management regulations in 2 C.F.R. pt. 300. New Part 300, which applies to Head Start and Early Head Start agencies, replaced the long-standing, existing regulations in Part 75. These requirements are in addition to the Head Start Program Performance Standards and implement the Office of Management and Budget’s Uniform Guidance. However, the OMB has already proposed updates to the Uniform Guidance that would be reflected in the HHS regulations. Stay ahead of these rapid changes. Understand both current fiscal management requirements and pending updates when you attend this year’s Annual Head Start Fiscal Integrity Institute.
The Institute will start with an in-depth, two-part discussion of current fiscal management requirements as well as the proposed revisions to the Uniform Guidance. In addition, during the first day of the Annual Head Start Fiscal Integrity Institute, you will learn to implement effective internal controls and prepare for a successful Single Audit. On the second day of the conference, you will learn how to grow your funding streams to reduce reliance on Federal funding. The Fiscal Integrity Institute will conclude with sessions explaining recordkeeping rules and best practices as well as the cost principles (along with how to avoid costly disallowances).
After attending this exclusive two-day training, you will have the information needed to keep your agency in compliance with the current Head Start fiscal integrity requirements and expectations. Make your plans now to join your fellow Head Start and Early Head Start colleagues deep in the heart of Texas for this special, two-day training. Register today for the Annual Head Start Fiscal Integrity Institute in Dallas on September 15 through 16, 2026.
TOPICS
The Annual Head Start Fiscal Integrity Institute has an updated agenda for 2026 that focuses on recent changes to grants management requirements for Head Start and Early Head Start programs. By attending this exclusive training, you will learn how to meet the fiscal integrity requirements while also avoiding the most common Head Start fiscal management findings. During two full-days in Dallas, you will explore the following topics:
- Important Head Start and Early Head Start fiscal integrity requirements.
- Changes to grants management rules for Head Start agencies.
- Maintaining an adequate financial management system.
- Designing and implementing effective internal controls.
- Head Start recordkeeping requirements and best practices.
- Procurement of goods and services with grant funds.
- Distinguishing between direct and indirect costs.
- Properly charging costs to Head Start and Early Head Start.
- Growing your agency’s non-Federal funding streams.
- Preparing for successful Single Audit Act audits in 2026.
- Recognizing and avoiding fiscal management red flags.
However, these are just some of the topics that you will learn about during the Head Start Fiscal Integrity Institute 2026. In addition to the planned agenda, our presenters will also be happy to answer your individual fiscal management questions. You will have the opportunity to ask questions throughout both days of the conference.
AGENDA
The Annual Head Start Fiscal Integrity Institute will be held in Dallas, Texas, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Campbell Centre from September 15-16, 2026. (Given these dates, the Institute has a special cancellation deadline, which is 5:00 pm EDT on August 21, 2026. Please review our cancellation policy for more details.) The planned agenda for each day is as follows:
Day One (Tuesday, September 15, 2026)
Complete your onsite check-in for the conference and enjoy a light breakfast before starting the conference.
Financial management requirements for Head Start and Early Head Start agencies continue to change. These include the adoption by the Department of Health and Human Services of new grants management rules and proposed updates by the OMB to the Uniform Guidance. During this double session, attorney Brian Tipton will discuss the major fiscal integrity standards for Head Start and Early Head Start programs. You will learn about requirements under both the Head Start Program Performance Standards and the HHS version of the Uniform Guidance. The discussion will also include recent and proposed updates to the Uniform Guidance as well as their impact on Head Start agencies. After attending this special session, you will be able to identify the current fiscal management requirements that apply to your agency.
Note: This is the first part of a two-part session.
Enjoy a fifteen (15) minute morning coffee break between sessions.
Financial management requirements for Head Start and Early Head Start agencies continue to change. These include the adoption by the Department of Health and Human Services of new grants management rules and proposed updates by the OMB to the Uniform Guidance. During this double session, attorney Brian Tipton will discuss the major fiscal integrity standards for Head Start and Early Head Start programs. You will learn about requirements under both the Head Start Program Performance Standards and the HHS version of the Uniform Guidance. The discussion will also include recent and proposed updates to the Uniform Guidance as well as their impact on Head Start agencies. After attending this special session, you will be able to identify the current fiscal management requirements that apply to your agency.
Note: This is the second part of a two-part session.
Take a ninety (90) minute break to sample the Dallas lunch scene. Note: Attendees are "on your own" for lunch.
Equip your organization with the necessary tools to design and implement effective internal control systems. Join Certified Public Accountant and experienced auditor Keith Hundley as he explains the requirements and best practices for internal controls using real world examples. This session will explore the elements of a robust internal control environment aligned with the Uniform Guidance’s five components of internal control, which also apply to Head Start and Early Head Start programs.
By attending, you will learn about the essential framework and strategies needed to reinforce compliance and prevent fraud. You will also learn about common control activities, their strengths, and their weaknesses. Following this session, you will be able to list the components of an effective internal control system, recognize common control activities, and outline the process to design controls for your organization.
Enjoy a thirty (30) minute break between our afternoon sessions.
Prepare your agency for success with its next Single Audit Act audit. Experienced auditor and CPA Keith Hundley will explain current requirements under the Single Audit Act, the OMB's Uniform Guidance, and the most recent annual Compliance Supplement, as well as best practices for audit preparation. This session will present a comprehensive overview of the current audit process and offer practical advice for having a successful audit. You will also learn about common audit findings and how to remedy them before fieldwork even begins. After attending this session, you will be able to list the requirements and elements of a Single Audit Act audit for Head Start and Early Head Start agencies.
The first day of the Annual Head Start Fiscal Integrity Institute will adjourn at 4:45 pm on September 15, 2026.
Complete your daily conference check-in while enjoying a light breakfast.
With the changing federal grant landscape and increasing uncertainty in financial markets, organizations are looking to diversify and grow their funding streams. But how do you even get started? Or get bigger and better?
In this double session, we will take a deep dive into how Head Start and Early Head Start agencies can more effectively secure their financial futures. You will learn about alternatives to Federal funding (including private and corporate grants), how to effectively build relationships with donors, how to encourage board participation in resource development, and varied opportunities for fundraising and communication. Kate Weaver Patterson will draw upon her personal experience in fundraising, as both a nonprofit executive and a consultant, to help you develop a robust plan for navigating financial challenges and opportunities.
Enjoy a fifteen (15) minute coffee break between the morning sessions.
With the changing federal grant landscape and increasing uncertainty in financial markets, organizations are looking to diversify and grow their funding streams. But how do you even get started? Or get bigger and better?
In this double session, we will take a deep dive into how Head Start and Early Head Start agencies can more effectively secure their financial futures. You will learn about alternatives to Federal funding (including private and corporate grants), how to effectively build relationships with donors, how to encourage board participation in resource development, and varied opportunities for fundraising and communication. Kate Weaver Patterson will draw upon her personal experience in fundraising, as both a nonprofit executive and a consultant, to help you develop a robust plan for navigating financial challenges and opportunities.
Take a ninety (90) minute break to sample the Dallas lunch scene. Note: Attendees are "on your own" for lunch.
Can we charge this to our Head Start or Early Head Start grant? The answer lies in cost principles. The cost principles help establish the allowability of items that Head Start and Early Head Start programs charge to their awards. Not following the cost principles can result in costly disallowances and even endanger your agency's funding. During this session, attorney Brain Tipton will explain key requirements under the general cost principles as well as the most common mistakes made in applying specific items of cost governing particular expenses. After participating in this session, you will be able to outline the cost principles as well as identify allowable (and unallowable) costs for Head Start and Early Head Start agencies.
Enjoy a thirty (30) minute break between our afternoon sessions.
Good recordkeeping and retention practices are essential to demonstrate compliance with Head Start and Early Head Start requirements. During this session, attorney Brian Tipton will explain recordkeeping standards for Head Start as well as best practices for records management. You will learn about records retention periods and exceptions and how these requirements intersect with other standards (such as those for financial management systems). You will also learn how to design retention schedules that take into account practical concerns while balancing operational efficiency with legal obligations. After participating in this session, you will be able to outline recordkeeping requirements for Head Start and Early Head Start agencies.
The Annual Head Start Fiscal Management Institute will adjourn at 4:45 pm on September 16, 2026.
At the Annual Head Start Fiscal Integrity Institute, you will learn about the major financial management requirements and expectations for Head Start and Early Head Start programs and how to keep your program in compliance. The focus will be on recent changes affecting key fiscal integrity standards. You will also learn about internal control implementation, successful Single Audit preparation, and cost principle application. After attending the Institute, you will be able to:
- Identify fiscal management rules for Head Start and Early Head Start programs.
- Outline recent and proposed changes to grants management requirements.
- List the features of an adequate fiscal management system.
- Describe the elements for maintaining effective internal controls.
- Outline the audit process for Head Start and Early Head Start agencies.
- Identify at least three strategies for growing your agency’s revenue streams.
- List the general cost principles and major specific items of cost.
- Distinguish between allowable direct and allocable indirect costs.
- Describe at least five common fiscal integrity issues.
AUDIENCE AND CONTINUING EDUCATION
This training is intended for all members of the Head Start and Early Head Start community. You will benefit from attending the Institute as an Executive Director, Fiscal Officer, Head Start or Early Head Start Director, Governing Board or Policy Council member, Procurement or Contracting Officer, or as a fiscal or program staff member. Attendees can earn up to 14 hours of Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credit in the field of specialized knowledge in accordance with the rules of the Texas State Board of Professional Accountancy. (However, please remember that each state’s board of accountancy has the final authority on acceptance of individual courses for CPE credit.) The experience level for this training is overview. No advance preparation is required and no prerequisites exist for attendance.
SPEAKERS
Keith Hundley is a CPA and partner with Carr, Riggs & Ingram, LLC (CRI), and has a combined twenty years of experience in private industry and public accounting. Keith is a part of the firm’s governmental services and nonprofit practice recognized throughout the South for its knowledge of auditing standards and business practices. Keith specializes in providing audit, tax and consulting services to nonprofits, as well as federal, state and local governments. Keith regularly serves as a continuing education leader for CRI as well as a certified facilitator in the CRI Leadership Academy. Keith is an active member in the American Institute of Certified Accountants (AICPA) and the Alabama Society of Certified Public Accountants (ASCPA), and is a 2011 inductee to the Troy University Accounting Hall of Honor.
Kate Weaver Patterson, Esq., is an experienced litigator, non-profit executive, and mediator. She is licensed to practice law in South Carolina and New York. Currently, Kate splits her time between Greenville, South Carolina, and Albuquerque, New Mexico, where she currently lives with her husband and their three children. She works with consulting clients across the United Stated
Before launching KWP Consulting, Kate started the Second Chance Justice Collaborative in 2019, a program of national non-profit Root & Rebound, whose mission is to help people navigate reentry after imprisonment and mitigate the harms caused by mass incarceration. Her work with R&R was particularly informed by the racial disparities within the criminal legal system and the need to bring disparate groups together to make meaningful change.
Before moving into nonprofit work, Kate worked as a litigation associate at Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton in New York and then clerked for four federal judges around the country. Following her clerkships, she spent five years as a domestic violence, child abuse and sex crimes prosecutor in Greenville, South Carolina, handling hundreds of cases and multiple trials. As a prosecutor, Kate learned the importance of thorough investigation and thoughtful deliberation to bring fairness to all involved.
Kate grew up in Greenville, South Carolina. She received her Bachelor of Arts in History and French from Duke University and earned her Master’s Degree in International Affairs, with distinction, from the University of Hong Kong. She returned to Duke University School of Law, receiving her Juris Doctor, magna cum laude.
R. Brian Tipton, Esq., is a practicing attorney with more than two decades' worth of experience working with nonprofits, governmental units, and other grant-funded organizations across the United States. Currently, Brian is Managing Director with Tipton KPCL in metro Atlanta, where he heads the firm's tax-exempt and grant-funded solutions practice. He is a summa cum laude graduate of the Louisiana State University and the Cumberland School of Law of Samford University. Brian regularly represents Head Start agencies and other grant-funded entities of all types in the areas of regulatory compliance, audits, funding source disputes, administrative appeals, and litigation. Brian also consults with organizations on governance, human resources, programmatic, and corporate matters, and develops and presents training programs for nonprofits and grant-funded organizations.
The Head Start Fiscal Integrity Institute 2026 will be held at the DoubleTree by Hilton Campbell Centre in Dallas, Texas. Rooms are available for special conference rates starting at just $162 per night (plus tax), which is less than the Federal per diem rate. These special conference rates are available for September 14 through 16, 2024, and may be offered for additional nights before and after the conference subject to hotel availability. If you need to reserve a room for check-in before September 14 or check-out after September 16, please contact Fariha Hoque at 1-214-706-0162 or Alexis Moore-Powell at 1-214-706-0104 for assistance. Otherwise, hotel reservations can be made by calling 1-800-HILTONS (1-800-445-8667). Please ask for the special group rate for “The Private Client Law Group” or use code “CDTPV1” to receive the discounted rates. However, the easiest way to make reservations is on-line by clicking here for the hotel reservations page. The hotel reservations cut-off date is August 31, 2026 (or until the block is full). Because of the limited number of rooms available, we advise making your reservations as soon as possible.
Please note that the cancellation deadline for the conference is 5:00 p.m. EDT on Friday, August 21, 2026.