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Head Start Stories
My Head Start Story: CiaraStory submitted by: Ciara
Head Start parent
My journey with Head Start began when we were a young, struggling family of six. My husband and I were both in college and working part-time to care for our four children. Our middle daughter started the Head Start program and things in our life immediately began to improve. Head Start paid for us to go to marriage counseling to help improve our relationship, provided us with a fireplace baby gate to keep our toddler safe and gave us opportunities to learn parenting and child development skills. -
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. -
Head Start California Updates
Introducing Head Start California’s New Executive Director, Melanee CottrillHead Start California is pleased to introduce Melanee Cottrill as our new Executive Director. With her exceptional qualifications, over 15 years of experience in association leadership, along with several years handling state advocacy efforts and fund development, Melanee has emerged as the perfect choice to lead our association forward.
Melanee brings a wealth of experience to her new position, having served as Executive Director of a 2,000-member statewide association, the California Association of School Psychologists (CASP). -
Head Start California Updates
HSC Board of Directors Welcomes Two New Board MembersThe HSC Board of Directors is comprised of two representatives from nine geographic Clusters as well as representatives from Migrant and Seasonal Head Start Programs and Tribal Programs. Cluster representatives serve as members of the Board of Directors for a three-year term.
Each Spring, the Board of Directors invites nominations for Cluster Representatives on a rotating schedule to ensure a healthy balance of stability and new perspectives. In 2023-24, the Board welcomes Juan Cisneros and Michelle Dove as new members. -
Head Start California Updates
Blending, Braiding and Layering with Head Start Webinar: Recording is now availableOn Tuesday, May 30, HSC had the pleasure of hosting a webinar on ways local educational agencies and Head Start programs can work together to braid, blend and layer Head Start funding. Amanda Dickey, Executive Director of Government Relations at Santa Clara County Office of Education was key in the development of the content for this presentation. She began by first defining the terms braiding, blending and layering to set the foundation for common understanding. Then,
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Head Start California Updates
Managers and Directors Institute convenes 200 Head Start leadersHead Start California extends heartfelt thanks to all the incredible individuals who graced us with their presence at the Managers and Directors Institute on May 16-18, 2023. The event was nothing short of a resounding success, and it wouldn’t have been possible without each and every one of you.
Over 250 passionate attendees, awe-inspiring speakers, and innovative exhibitors converged in Sacramento, igniting a powerful atmosphere of connection and leadership. We were truly honored to have esteemed representatives from the Region IX Office of Head Start and the National Head Start Association grace us with their wisdom. -
Advocacy and Policy News
Advocacy Day Brings More than 100 Head Start Parents & Staff to the State CapitolOn Thursday, March 23, 2023, 116 Head Start staff, parents and members of the ECE community from 40 different organizations joined the Head Start to the Capitol Advocacy Day in Sacramento. This was nearly triple the turnout from the previous year. The day began with a morning training where participants learned about how to tell their Head Start story to elected officials, how to grassroots advocate at home, followed by a march around the capitol,
