R9HSA

success stories -

The work that Region 9 does is inspiring and motivates me to push myself to be the best person and leader that I can be, and to help my staff reach for that same goal as well.

Cedrick N. Ondra

Early Head Start
Family Support Hawaii

success stories -

Region9 created a platform through Zoom where we can share information and strategies. We see how others implement ideas and collaborate. Everyone on the network call shares trends, needs and strengths.

Alma Quintana and Cadie Chavez

The City of Phoenix
Head Start

success stories -

The EHS-CCP Partner Conference has been “phenomenal” since staff are “eager for training.” We reach people who feel like their work is making a difference, and they are very professional in what they are doing.

Donna Elmore

The California Dept. of Education (CDE)
Early Head Start -
Child Care Partnership (EHS-CCP)

Who We Are

Elevating The Head Start Community

Region 9 Head Start Association provides assistance to Head Start programs in Arizona, California, Nevada, Hawaii, and the Pacific Region to ensure their ongoing viability and vitality. Operating a high impact, community-driven Head Start program has become more complicated, more challenging — and more necessary than ever.

Region 9 Head Start currently serves more than 130,000 children and their families and encompasses the largest geographical area of any regional association.

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Success Stories

A model of leadership: Entire staff receiving leadership training in Tulare ECE program

Alex Elliott
Professional Development

Alex Elliott, Ed.D., administers the Tulare County Office of Education Early Childhood Education department that encompasses a staff of 450 people, including the $19.2 million Head Start program. Elliott has been with the Tulare COE for six years and assumed the ECE directorship two years ago. With a doctorate in organizational leadership, it’s obvious when she says, “I am very passionate about leadership.” And that’s leadership for everyone — not ...

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The City of Phoenix Head Start

Alma Quintana and Cadie Chavez
Professional Development

A Valuable Connection: Phoenix Head Start Improves Services via Region 9 Head Start Partners With a $41.8 million budget and a staff of more than 500, the City of Phoenix Head Start Birth to Five Program has a massive need for professional staff development. The Phoenix Head Start serves more than 4,000 families in sprawling Maricopa County, Arizona. “Bringing professional development to our staff is a huge undertaking,” said Cadie Chavez, professional development specialist. ...

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The California Department of Education (CDE) Early Head Start–Child Care Partnership (EHS-CCP)

Donna Elmore
Professional Development

Creating out of crisis: How R9HSA built wrap-around literacy readiness to engage children and parents with California Department of Education (CDE EHS-CCP) Early Head Start-Child Care Partnership When the Covid-19 pandemic hit, The California Department of Education (CDE) Early Head Start-Child Care Partnership (EHS-CCP) Director Donna Elmore and staff were faced with the problem of how to connect with children and families in their program. With a service area ...

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A model of leadership: Entire staff receiving leadership training in Tulare ECE program

Alex Elliott
Professional Development

The City of Phoenix Head Start

Alma Quintana and Cadie Chavez
Professional Development

The California Department of Education (CDE) Early Head Start–Child Care Partnership (EHS-CCP)

Donna Elmore
Professional Development

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Testimonials

I have been to management workshops, not leadership training. This has totally changed my perspective and encouraged me to propel forward in developing my skills.

TONI LOMBRICK, Disability Specialist from Pinal Gila Community Child Services

I am honored and humbled to be a recipient of the Region 9 Head Start Association’s Legacy Scholarship. The scholarship helped me get one step closer to achieving my goal of becoming a Head Start Director.

GLORIA ANAYA TORRES, PFCE Specialist – Community Action Partnership of San Luis Obispo

I took part in The disproportionate impact of COVID 19, and how to provide “real” support for black/brown children and families and I just want to say this was an amazing webinar. I hope we can look forward to further conversation on this topic.

ERENDIRA GUERRERO, Director – Encompass Community Services

Thank you so much for making events like this! I really enjoyed and learned so much teaching strategies to implement STEM in the classroom.

BELVA GONZALES, Lead Teacher Infant Toddler – SETA Head Start

The HR Network was an excellent opportunity to network and learn the best practices from other HR professionals within Head Start programs. You will be amazed by the level of talent and experience of the participants.

SABRINA DONG, HR Manager – Kai Ming Head Start

The Summer Camp training was powerful and inspiring! Each presenter was very engaging, it’s hard to even pick a favorite session!

CRECIA BILDERBACK, EHS Site Supervisor – KidZCommunity

The Leadership Challenge training was very relevant to my work as a Head Start leader! Great facilitation; stayed with the program yet allowed time for individual and small group reflections.

CARLA CLARK, Director – Shasta Head Start

Head Start Gear

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Our Voice

Early Childhood Science Is a Fast Track to a High-Quality Learning Environment

by Andres S. Bustamante, Ph.D. For many, the idea of science education is scary. It conjures memories of high school chemistry and memorizing formulas that feel unrelated to our daily lives. This wariness of science education is especially common in early childhood, several studies suggest that early ...

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