A – 010 Can a Head Start program have a graduation ceremony for their children at the end of the year?
Yes. A graduation ceremony is an acceptable activity for a Head Start program to sponsor and it is permissible to use the Head Start center for such an event and for Head Start staff to participate in the graduation ceremony. However, it is important to note that Head Start grant funds may not be used to cover any of the costs of such an event (i.e. special clothing, refreshments, etc.). Programs can seek to get such items donated to the program or parents can raise funds through appropriate fund raising activities. However, the value of such donations cannot be claimed as non-Federal share.
