The Administration for Children and Families (ACF), Office of Head Start (OHS), has announced a funding opportunity for the National Center on Health, Behavioral Health, and Safety (NC HBHS). This initiative aims to provide evidence-based training and technical assistance (TTA) to improve the health, behavioral health, and safety outcomes for children and families enrolled in Head Start and Early Head Start programs. The NC HBHS will also enhance professional development outcomes for Head Start staff.

The total funding for this opportunity is $7.8 million, with a single award expected. Eligible applicants include higher education institutions, tribal governments, nonprofits, small businesses, and other entities that meet the eligibility criteria. Faith-based organizations are also eligible to apply. Applicants may apply individually or lead a consortium, provided the lead applicant plays a significant role in project activities.

The NC HBHS will address critical areas including child nutrition, oral health, physical activity, hearing and vision screening, mental health promotion, resilience building, substance use prevention, safety practices, trauma prevention, emergency preparedness, prenatal and postpartum care, and environmental health and safety. The center will collaborate with three other national centers as part of the OHS TTA System.

Applications are due by June 2, 2025, and must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov. Applicants are encouraged to register early with SAM.gov and Grants.gov to ensure timely submission.

For additional information, applicants can contact Sangeeta Parikshak at (888) 242-0684 or via email at OHSgrants@koniag-gs.com. More details are available on the ACF funding page: [ACF Funding Opportunities](https://www.acf.hhs.gov/ohs/funding). This initiative underscores ACF’s commitment to fostering health, safety, and well-being in early childhood settings through research-informed best practices.