Introduction

This year, Head Start WEST set out to redefine our strategies and elevate our manifesto in response to today’s evolving landscape.

Since 2016, our manifesto has reflected our enduring passion: We are passionate about the possibility of giving all families and children from birth to 5, an opportunity to succeed in school, and in life. This is our purpose. The Head Start Community is our inspiration, and we wish to foster inclusivity, kindness, knowledge, leadership, courage, and innovation. It is our duty to elevate the Head Start Community by offering insightful, innovative, and pertinent programs and services via our conferences, networks, events, and advocacy.

Read about our Impact Report to learn more about what we have accomplished.

Today, we face new challenges, including pressures from the current administration. In response, we are setting intentional goals and embracing shared aspirations. The focus ahead may not lie solely in expansion, but in strengthening connections within the communities we serve. More than ever, Head Start is essential — a national program operating in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Tribal nations, and several U.S. territories. It supports children and pregnant women in both urban and rural areas, with services delivered through approximately 1,600 local agencies. These agencies, including school districts, local governments, community-based and faith-based organizations, and tailor Head Start to meet the unique needs of families in their areas.

As we look forward to the future, Head Start WEST is prepared to engage broadly with hope and determination. Over the next three years, we are excited to launch new services, cultivate collaborations, and strive for even higher-quality support in every community we serve.

We are ready to lead, to follow, and above all, to serve the Head Start community — especially the children and families, the focus of our work.

Our Process

We are grateful for the engagement and guidance of Ray Madadhiele of Business Energizers. He led our board’s 2024 reflective process from start to finish. As illustrated in the graphic, we took time at each of the Board of Directors meetings to gather ideas and data from our informants. From our internal board evaluation, to hearing from industry experts and key informants to a two-day retreat, the Board of Directors ensured a deliberative and inclusive process.

Each stop along our journey HSW’s Executive Committee was engaged in collaboration with HSW’s Executive Director, meetings were facilitated by HSW Vice Chair, Larry Campbell to ensure our result was a meaningful and actionable strategic plan.

We are very grateful for the partnership and insights of the following community members:

• Katie Beckmann, Packard Foundation (Foundation)
• Kevin Carnes, Lakeshore Learning (Educational Supplier)
• Adrian Pedroza, Abriendo Puertas (Family Engagement)
• Erica Phillips, National Association of Family Child Care (Policy)
• Nicole Russell, Teaching Strategies (Trainer/Instruction)
• Ristyn Wooley, Director, California Head Start State Collaboration Office
• Melanee Cottrill, Executive Director, Head Start California
• David Knight, Executive Director California Community Action Association
• Cleo Rodriguez, Executive Director of the National Migrant Seasonal Head Start Association
• Teri Stringer, Senior Manager, National Indian Head Start Directors Association

Executive Summary

Emerging from this process, HSW Board of Directors adopted four pillars to guide the association into the future.

We will launch the Center for Strong Families and Strong Futures, focusing on building regional capacity to support member programs. This initiative aims to deepen programming and services, leading to stronger families and better economic futures for every child enrolled. The focus will be on ensuring families experience security, dignity, and love, enhancing research, advocacy, engagement, and exemplary programming in the process.

Desired Outcomes for Strong Families and Strong Futures:

• Stronger Families: Families will experience improved economic security, stronger connections to community support, and more robust access to resources that enhance family life.

• Stronger Economic Futures: Through programming and advocacy, families will be better equipped to build sustainable economic futures for their children.

• Elevated Impact: The Center will serve as a hub for advancing regional and national best practices, elevating the work of member programs, and promoting research and policy changes that benefit children and families.

HSW will prioritize Community Building through the creation and expansion of a diverse network of community partnerships to increase resources and support for the Association’s operations, programs, and the families and agency staff it serves. This effort will focus on strengthening relationships with partners, securing additional resources, and aligning efforts to achieve greater strategic impact.

Desired Outcomes for Community Building:

• Increased Resources: The Association will secure additional financial, technical, and human resources to enhance operations, program delivery, and family services.
• Stronger Partnerships: HSW will have a diverse and robust network of engaged community partners working toward shared goals and objectives.
• Strategic Impact: Realigned partnerships will result in greater efficiency, alignment with organizational goals, and a higher collective impact for families and communities.

Finding fresh approaches, Innovations to fundamentally transform, elevate, and engage our constituents to solve complex challenges. Innovation is essential for adapting to the changing needs of the Head Start community. This pillar focuses on integrating new ideas, technologies, and best practices into program delivery, operations, and service models to improve efficiency and effectiveness in meeting the needs of families and children.

Desired Outcomes for Innovations:

• Improved Program Delivery: More effective, efficient, and adaptable Head Start programs that better serve children and families through the integration of innovative ideas and practices.
• Enhanced Efficiency: Operational improvements that reduce costs, streamline processes, and increase the impact of services.
• Increased Family Engagement: More accessible, personalized, and effective ways families to interact with Head Start programs and access services.
• Culture of Innovation: A strong, supportive organizational culture that continuously seeks creative solutions to complex challenges and supports staff and stakeholders in their efforts to innovate.

The Sustainability pillar is designed to ensure the long-term viability and success of the Head Start WEST (HSW). This pillar is grounded in strengthening the operational infrastructure of the Association, diversifying its funding sources, and advocating for policies that will promote continued growth and financial stability. By focusing on these key areas, HSW aims to create a foundation that will allow it to thrive and expand its impact for years to come.

Desired Outcomes: for Sustainability:

• Stronger Leadership: A well-prepared and effective board and staff leadership that ensures consistent, strategic growth and direction for HSW.
• Diverse Funding: A broad range of funding sources that ensure financial resilience and reduce the risk of relying on a single source.
• Financial Stability: A solid financial foundation with strategic planning, efficient resource allocation, and sound fiscal management.
• Policy Support: Stronger policy support for Head Start programs, resulting in sustainable funding and legislative backing for continued program growth.