December May 12-13, 2026
Head Start and Early Head Start staff are challenged with juggling the needs of children, parents, and co-workers as well as the myriad of tasks necessary to meet performance standards and organizational goals. Our work is both urgent and fast passed as well as very emotional. Because of passion and determination, Head Start achieves great outcomes. Organizations that are high functioning believe strongly in the power of leadership is everyone’s business. From the director to the new assistant teacher, from accounting to family services, well-lead teams do extraordinary services for their constituents. The Head Start WEST (HSW) believes strongly in the notion that we must build strong agencies that sustain both clients and staff. Since 2016, we have set out to strengthen the leadership skills of staff. We regularly bring forward The Leadership Challenge Workshop, coaching utilizing the Leadership Practice Inventory, and ongoing networking of our leadership community.
Registration closes April 24, 2026
Led by Head Start West Executive Director Edward Condon, a Certified Master Facilitator of The Leadership Challenge from Wiley. Since 2014, he has guided nearly 700 participants from Head Start and Early Head Start programs and is known for shaping the content to meet the real pressures and needs of the field.
This workshop helps leaders achieve extraordinary results while navigating complex demands. It offers a deep-dive experience rooted in The Five Practices of Exemplary Leadership, developed by Jim Kouzes and Barry Posner. Their Leadership Challenge Model is recognized as a leading standard in leadership excellence.
The cohort will meet in person in Southern California on May 12 and 13, 2026. Sessions include lectures, discussions, small group work, and guided reflection. Participants complete brief pre-work to set the stage for a more meaningful experience.
Each attendee receives the Leadership Practices Inventory, a 360 online assessment, along with the hardback sixth edition of The Leadership Challenge, the Participant Workbook, Value Cards, and additional materials. By the end of the program, participants leave with a personalized action plan and receive follow up coaching to support their goals.
To learn more about the course, click here to hear from the facilitator.
In Person in Southern California (Specific Location Coming Soon)
May 12-13, 2026 In Person
This course may also be contracted through individual agencies. If interested, please reach out to Edward Condon.
As part of our Training West offerings, The Leadership Challenge Workshops are scheduled as open enrollment and contract courses. Open enrollment allows for anyone to register as many staff as they wish at the established member or non-member rate. Also, the workshop can be contracted by an agency or a cluster of agencies for a set fee. Each class accommodates 36-48 participants.
Please contact msahagun@headstartwest.org
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.
I am honored and humbled to be a recipient of the Head Start WEST’s Legacy Scholarship. The scholarship helped me get one step closer to achieving my goal of becoming a Head Start Director.
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.
Thank you so much for making events like this! I really enjoyed and learned so much teaching strategies to implement STEM in the classroom.
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.
The Summer Camp training was powerful and inspiring! Each presenter was very engaging, it’s hard to even pick a favorite session!
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.
Regular price $12.00
Regular price $39.00
Questions? Contact us at headstartr9@region9hsa.org.
