July 15-October 21, 2025
Head Start Leadership Clinics: Leading with Courage, Strategy, and Purpose- Empowering leaders to rise, reimagine, and lead with resilience
In a time of historic transformation in Head Start—with regional office closures, workforce reductions, shifting federal priorities, and deepening uncertainty—leaders are being called to navigate not just operational challenges but also emotional resilience. Many are carrying the weight of their entire organizations while caring for everyone else—often without a place to be supported themselves.
That’s why the Head Start Leadership Clinics were created.
Facilitated by Cynthia Yao, former Region IX Regional Program Director and seasoned early childhood leader, this clinic series offers more than updates and guidance. It is a leadership anchor—a space for reflection, strategy, connection, and care. Cynthia’s experience overseeing federal grants, lifelong connection to Head Start, beginning as a child and continuing through years of program leadership, and her strategic vision now serve as a resource for those still on the front lines. You will leave each session not only better informed—but also more prepared, more supported, and more resilient.
Led by Cynthia Yao, the Head Start Leadership Clinics is a four-part, four-month virtual experience designed exclusively for Head Start and Early Head Start leaders. With space for up to 50 participants, each 90-minute session goes beyond traditional training—offering real-time consultation, peer learning, and actionable leadership strategies grounded in today’s realities.
Whether you’re looking for a fresh approach, a practical solution, or simply a moment to connect and reset—these clinics offer what today’s leaders need. Each session, facilitated live by Cynthia Yao, creates space for insight, reflection, and renewed purpose.
Grounded in emerging guidance from HHS/ACF/OHS, recent federal shifts, and real-time concerns or questions from the field, these clinics will provide:
This series is designed for Head Start and Early Head Start leaders—Executive Directors, Directors, Managers, and Supervisors—seeking not only strategic guidance, but also a supportive space to connect, share, and grow alongside peers facing similar challenges.
Virtual/Live- Zoom
Session 1: July 15 | 2:00–3:30 PM
Session 2: August 19 | 2:00–3:30 PM
Session 3: September 16 | 2:00–3:30 PM
Session 4: October 21 | 2:00–3:30 PM
Member Pricing Full Access: $375.00
Non Member Pricing Full Access: $415.00
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 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.
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.
