Community Development Institute Head Start funded by Office of Head Start

what we do:

The mission of CDI Head Start is to serve children and families of low-income by fostering comprehensive, quality early childhood services in community.

Our approach is key

CDI HS uses a high performance, strengths-based management philosophy in providing interim program services. We are community-focused and relate to local program staff, parents, and community members as true partners in this work. We value and seek diversity, are committed to continuous learning and improvement, and we communicate and act with integrity and transparency.

WHAT
CDI HS serves as the National Interim Management Program for the Office of Head Start. We work closely with programs to ensure high performance in the areas of health and safety, management systems, fiscal operations, and program quality. We work in partnership with OHS, Regional Offices, prior grantees, and replacement grantees to ensure a successful interim management experience.

WHEN
The Office of Head Start appoints CDI HS to provide administration and oversight of the day-to-day Head Start/Early Head Start services in communities where a grantee has relinquished, is under suspension, or has had its grant terminated by OHS, or as a result of the Designation Renewal System (DRS).

WHERE
CDI HS provides interim management services for Head Start/Early Head Start grantees in all 12 federal regions. To date, we have operated programs in 43 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico.

WHY
When existing grantees are no longer operational, the Office of Head Start is able to ensure critical services continue with minimal disruption to children and families through interim management.

HOW
CDI HS’s main office is located in Denver, Colorado, where all program fiscal operations, human resources, and information technology for interim programs is managed. A Site Manager, Lead Site Manager and team of content area specialists are assigned to the program to support program operations, staff development, and progress in meeting all Head Start Performance Standards. A Program Director is also a critical part of managing the program and works in the program locally.