Lead with Confidence: Your Fast-Track to Head Start Leadership Excellence

Are you new in your leadership role and/or new to the Head Start world? Look no further! This course will teach you how to be a successful leader in Head Start. The course provides the basics and solid information about Head Start Program Performance Standards and is scenario-based, so you can be ready to face challenges head-on like a pro.

It includes 6 live sessions with experienced Head Start leaders who have led Head Start programs in different leadership roles. Registrations are filling up fast – ensure you get your spot now!

Course Information:

• Start Date: Launching Winter 2026 – Secure your spot in this game-changing course today!
• Course Level: Beginner
• Requirements/Prerequisites: For new Head Start leaders
• Target Audience: Leadership and Management
• Course Meeting Times: TBA
• Completion Timeline/Duration: 3 months

Skills You’ll Master:

• Navigate Head Start Program Performance Standards with confidence and apply them to real-world situations
• Make critical leadership decisions using scenario-based problem-solving techniques
• Manage compliance requirements while maintaining program quality and integrity
• Lead diverse teams effectively in the unique Head Start environment
• Handle challenging situations with proven strategies from experienced leaders
• Build strong stakeholder relationships with families, staff, and community partners
• Leverage data-driven insights to monitor program outcomes and drive strategic improvements
• Implement best practices for program operations and continuous improvement
• Communicate expectations clearly and foster accountability across your organization
• Balance administrative responsibilities with mission-driven leadership
• Anticipate and resolve conflicts before they escalate into major issues

Course Includes:

• Online, Self Paced Content
• 3 Hours of Course Material
• Video Content
• One Month Access to Online Course
• Digital Badge
• Certificate of Completion
• 24/7 Access to Transcript

Topics:

• HSPPS Head Start Program Performance Standards
• Ongoing Monitoring & Continuous Improvement
• Data-Driven Module
• Communication in Head Start Programs
• Training and Professional Development

Learning Objectives:

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

• Analyze Head Start Program Performance Standards (HSPPS) in complex organizational contexts
• Evaluate data-driven decision-making strategies in Head Start Programs
• Create innovative solutions to leadership challenges in Head Start programs
• Synthesize best practices across health, nutrition, and early learning domains

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Zuly Vazquez

Zuly Vazquez is the Senior Manager of Online Professional Development at the National Head Start Association (NHSA), where she leads leadership courses and both the 5-star review CDA program for Head Start and early childhood educators —a multiple-time Apex Award winner by Training Magazine—and the groundbreaking CDA Pathway to Purpose for High School students. As an innovative educator and professional development expert, she is transforming entry paths into early childhood education. Drawing from her experience as a classroom teacher, trainer, curriculum developer, to Head Start leadership, her expertise in bilingual instruction and curriculum design ensures all programs maintain rigorous, high-quality professional standards while offering flexible online delivery. Through her comprehensive approach to professional development, she strengthens the early childhood workforce pipeline by supporting current educators and creating pathways for high school students to discover their calling while building a more diverse, qualified, and passionate generation of educators committed to shaping the future of our youngest learners.