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Head Start California Updates
Media Release: Head Start California Celebrates Approval of New Law Adding Early Childhood Ed Representation to the Commission on Teacher Credentialing
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SACRAMENTO, CA –Head Start California today applauded Governor Newsom for signing AB 1123, a new law that will modify the composition of the Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) to include members with early childhood education (ECE) experience and expertise.
“We applaud Governor Newsom for signing this bill, and we appreciate the leadership of Assemblymember Muratsuchi for authoring this measure,” said Melanee Cottrill, Executive Director, Head Start California. -
Head Start California Updates
Media Release: Assembly Resolution Honoring 60 Years of Head Start is Chaptered into LawFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SACRAMENTO, CA – The California Secretary of State has officially chaptered Assembly Joint Resolution 12 (AJR-12), honoring the 60th anniversary of Head Start and its legacy of services. The resolution affirms the Head Start’s foundational role in California’s early learning and family support systems and calls on Congress and the President of the United States to protect and increase funding for Head Start.
Authored by Assemblymember Patrick Ahrens (D-Silicon Valley) coauthored by Assemblymember Heather Hadwick (R-Redding), -
Head Start California Updates
Media Release: Head Start California Responds to Federal House Committee Markup
For Immediate Release: Head Start California Responds to Federal House Committee Markup that Would Lead to Reduced Services for Head Start Children and Families
Sacramento, CA – Head Start California today called on members of Congress to address the lack of a cost-of-living increase (COLA) for Head Start in a bill recently approved by the U.S. House Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Committee.
Without a COLA for Head Start included in the federal Fiscal Year 2026 Labor, -
Head Start California Updates
Media Release: Head Start California Responds to Federal Appropriations Bill MarkupLacking Critical Funds Needed to Give Kids a Head Start
Sacramento, CA – Head Start California today issued the following statement to express concern that the federal Fiscal Year 2026 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill, which was recently marked up in the Senate Appropriations Committee, does not include funding needed to address current needs of California’s Head Start programs.
The federal bill includes a 0.7% increase in funding for Head Start, -
Head Start California Updates
Health Institute Brings in Record Number of Head Start Health Staff to Newport Beach EventThank you to everyone who joined us at the 2024 Health Institute, held from November 13-15 in beautiful Newport Beach! With over 280 attendees, this year’s event set a new HSC record and proved to be an incredible success. Feedback from our 152 survey respondents highlighted this achievement, with an impressive 97.3% rating the conference as either “good” or “excellent.” One participant shared, “I really enjoyed connecting with other people, especially from outside of my region,” reflecting the strong sense of community and collaboration fostered at the event.
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Head Start California Updates
Introducing Gricelda Ocegueda: HSC’s New Engagement CoordinatorHead Start California is thrilled to welcome its newest team member, Gricelda Ocegueda, who joins us as the Engagement Coordinator. In this vital role, Gricelda will spearhead the support for HSC’s five signature conferences and a range of other learning opportunities. Her responsibilities will encompass program coordination, registration management, speaker coordination, and on-site support. Additionally, she will actively engage with members at cluster meetings and contribute to the association’s social media, advocacy, and outreach efforts.
Gricelda brings a wealth of experience in event support, -
Head Start California Updates
Preparing for a Safe Start to the School Year
Written By: Marissa LaBreque, Hanna Institute
The beginning of the school year is a high-energy season, layered with hope, anticipation, and anxiety. This goes for children, teachers, and the whole education community. One lens that we like to put on our preparation is safety. A feeling of physical, emotional, and psychological safety is imperative for children to learn, develop, and connect- all the things that we are hoping for in a new school year. -
Head Start California Updates
HSC Board of Directors Welcomes Six New Board MembersEach spring, the Board of Directors invites nominations for Cluster Representatives on a rotating schedule to ensure a healthy balance of stability and fresh perspectives. For the 2024-25 year, the Board is pleased to welcome six new members:
- Jacquelyn Greene, San Bernardino County Preschool Services (Cluster 1)
- Ramiro “Ray” Rojas, Easter Seals of Southern California (Cluster 1)
- Latonda Williams, Plaza de la Raza Child Development Services (Cluster 2)
- Cheryl Horney,
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Head Start California Updates
Building a Calm and Safe Environment to Reduce Escalated BehaviorsWritten By: Marissa LaBreque, Hanna Institute
In the last year, we have heard from so many of you that classroom behavior is increasingly elevated and challenging. Even relationships with families and co-workers have become more intense. In early childhood education settings, creating a calm and safe environment is crucial, especially for children who have experienced trauma. We all understand that. But actually achieving it is not always easy. And the more escalated everyone around you becomes, -
Head Start California Updates
National Safety Month: Creating a Safe & Nurturing Environment for Head Start ChildrenWritten By: Marissa LaBreque, Hanna Institute
June is National Safety Month, an important time to emphasize the significance of creating safe and nurturing environments for children, especially those who have experienced higher-than-normal levels of trauma. For Head Start staff, who are dedicated educators and care providers, understanding and implementing strategies to foster a sense of security in children is crucial. Children who have faced trauma often find it challenging to feel calm and safe,
