Site Leader Credential
In-Person • Live • Online • 40 PD Hours
This credential explores topics surrounding day-to-day leadership in Head Start and Early Head Start sites. Participants will work on managing and leading teams, setting tone and culture at the site level, and managing the everyday responsibilities that make up Head Start and Early Head Start programming.
Fall 2025 registration is closed. Now enrolling for the Spring 2026 cohort.
Head Start and Early Head Start site leaders are key staff who are physically present at the site most days of the week. They are known by many names—center directors, center leaders, site supervisors, or site directors. Whatever their title may be, site leaders are the individuals on the ground with the best understanding of how to make the most of their staff's expertise.
The Site Leader Credential explores topics surrounding day-to-day leadership in a Head Start/Early Head Start site. Participants will work on managing and leading teams, setting tone and culture at the site level, and managing the everyday responsibilities that make up Head Start/Early Head Start programming. This four-month credentialing course includes independent online work, monthly virtual meetings, project-based learning experiences, problem-solving activities, and discussions about real-world issues site leaders are facing today, all with the support of a network of peers.
Start Date: Biannually in Fall and Spring
Course Level: Advanced
Requirements/Prerequisites: None
Target Audience: Leadership and Management
Course Meeting Times: Tuesdays from 2:00 - 3:30 p.m. ET
Completion Timeline/Duration: Four months
Head Start Alignment: This course supports programs in meeting Part 1302: Program Operations, Subpart I-Human Resources & J-Program Management and Quality Improvement requirements of the Head Start Program Performance Standards to ensure staff are qualified and supported to effectively provide services.
Course Facilitator
Teaching Assistant
What learners are saying...
"Great way to learn why we do what we do and gain your voice!"
- Erica Price, Site Supervisor, Benton Franklin Head Start
"I've learned so much and I feel so much better in my position. Dr. B was very knowledgeable and she shared all of her wisdom with the class. The class and the conferences were amazing.
I've never been a part of a program where I felt like a true team. We all shared the strengths and weaknesses in our programs and offered help and ideas to one another."
- Chandreka Preston, Early Childhood Assistant Center Coordinator, Child Development Resources
"Great Course! The wealth of knowledge shared by other center leaders across the states is amazing and priceless! The course allowed you to take "self-inventory" and become better prepared for your role."
- Karen Robinson, Center Leader, StarFish Family Services
"The opportunity to collaborate/network with colleagues across states, discuss topics that are impacting all of us, and receive quality information/discussion opportunities with one another was priceless.
This was similar to an intro grad-school course in ECE. I think it was a great opportunity for leaders who have a B.A. to get a glimpse of what courses to this degree feel like. The experiences, self-paced coursework, and reflective discussions were great!"
- Michelle Regalado, ECE Coordinator, Crystal Stairs, Inc.
Registration Rates
-Learn Together Rate Available Now: Register 6 for the Price of 5!
Regular Rate: $5,295
NHSA Member Rate: $2,500
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Includes
- Online, Self-Paced Coursework
- Live Instruction
- Access to a National Cohort of Peers
- 40 Hours of Course Material
- Video Content
- 4 Months of Access to Online Course
- Discussion Forums
- Digital Badge
- Certificate of Completion
- 24/7 Access to Transcript
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