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Head Start California Updates
Highlights from HSC’s Achievements in Fiscal Year 2023By: Melanee Cottrill, Executive Director, Head Start California
Happy New Year – I hope it’s off to a great start. As I look ahead to what’s in store for 2024, I cannot help but also look back at what an incredible year fiscal 2023 was. I joined Head Start California in late July, only a few weeks after the end of the 2022-23 fiscal year. It was immediately clear that we have an incredibly talented team; -
Head Start California Updates
HSC Announces Retirement of Joe Franklin, Manager of Finance and OperationsIt is with a sense of both gratitude and sadness that Head Start California (HSC) announces the retirement of Joe Franklin, who has devoted over six years of exemplary service as the Manager of Finance and Operations.
During his tenure, Joe demonstrated exceptional leadership in overseeing the association’s financial operations, playing a pivotal role in managing the books and serving on both the audit and finance committees. His responsibilities extended to crucial areas of human resources, -
Head Start California Updates
Head Start Looking ForwardBy: Guest contributor, Paul Behrman
Walnut Leadership www.walnutleadership.com
Friends in California! I bring you good tidings from the Brave Little State of Vermont!
In July 2021, I began work as a national consultant, trainer and keynote presenter for Head Start organizations across the U.S. My national work, and continued advocacy for the Head Start program, builds on my 22+ years as a Head Start director in Vermont, and 20+ years as chair for the Vermont Head Start Association. -
Head Start California Updates
Mapping the Road Ahead: Insights from the Head Start Professional Development SurveyHere at HSC, we have two critical functions: advocacy and professional development. And our goal in everything we do is to meet your most pressing needs and make your life that much easier. To that end, this summer we teamed up with the Region 9 Head Start Association to conduct a survey on professional development needs. Thank you to everyone who responded to the survey! Your input is impactful and appreciated. We know you are asked to answer a lot of surveys and are grateful you chose to help map our future professional development offerings.
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Head Start California Updates
Remembering Senator Dianne Feinstein: A Champion for Head Start
Head Start California is saddened by the passing of U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein, a leader whose legacy will forever resonate across our nation, throughout California, and within the Head Start community. Senator Feinstein’s unwavering support for Head Start was a testament to her dedication to enriching the lives of at-risk children and families nationwide.
Among her most notable contributions to Head Start, Senator Feinstein introduced the bipartisan Loan Forgiveness for Head Start Teachers Act of 2007, -
Head Start California Updates
It’s Head Start Awareness Month: Celebrate with us
October has arrived, marking the beginning of Head Start Awareness Month—a wonderful opportunity for us to shine a light on Head Start! With looming threats to cut Head Start funding by $750 million in FY 24, now is an urgent time to impress upon our lawmakers the profound significance of Head Start.
Last month, we put out a call for story submissions and received a total of 24 stories, each a testament to the remarkable impact of Head Start. -
Head Start California Updates
Updates from the CHSSCO Director, Ristyn Woolley (August Recap)Happy September! I hope those who have started the new school year have had great success. I am excited to see what the new program year brings to the children, families, and workforce of California Head Start-funded programs. Please let me know if you have any questions, concerns, or would like to connect.
Staffing Update
It is with mixed emotions that I share that Desirae Carrera is no longer with the CHSSCO. She has been a tremendous support in the work and will be missed in this role, -
Head Start California Updates
Commission on Teacher Credentialing Convenes Child Development Permit Workgroup
The California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC) in August convened a new Child Development Permit Workgroup. Over the next several months the workgroup will examine the current Child Development Permit (CDP) structure and recommend updates to the Commission. Workgroup members comprise a diverse array of experts in child development permits, from school districts, county offices of education, college programs, Head Start programs, and community-based organizations. Melanee Cottrill, Head Start California Executive Director, -
Head Start California Updates
Ristyn Woolley Appointed Head Start Collaboration DirectorHead Start California is delighted to learn that Ristyn Woolley has been appointed as Director of the California Head Start Collaboration Office (CHSSCO). You may already be familiar with Ristyn, as she has been serving as the Interim Director of CHSSCO since March, following the departure of Stephanie Myers.
Over the past few months, the Head Start California staff and Board of Directors have actively engaged with Ristyn on numerous projects and initiatives. Considering her extensive background in early learning and care, -
Head Start California Updates
Media Release: Head Start California Welcomes New Executive Director, Melanee Cottrill(Sacramento, CA)- Head Start California (HSC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Melanee Cottrill as its new executive director.
Melanee brings a wealth of experience to her new role, having served as executive director of the California Association of School Psychologists (CASP), a statewide association with more than 2,000 members. With a strong background in nonprofit leadership, a commitment to continuous improvement, and a passion for advocacy, Melanee Cottrill is an invaluable addition to the Head Start California team.
