CDI Head Start is here to maintain continuous, high‑quality Head Start services and to support families with reliable early learning and family resources. We’re committed to making sure children keep learning and thriving while ensuring your community’s services remain steady and strong.
Sometimes a Head Start or Early Head Start program can no longer continue to run the program. When that happens, the Federal Office of Head Start (OHS) asks Community Development Institute Head Start (CDI HS) to step in as the interim manager.
Interim management is temporary. During this time, we keep services going for children and families, support local staff, and help Head Start Services stay in the community while OHS works to select a new long-term provider. Our role is to support continuity and care during this initial transition. CDI Head Start cannot become the permanent grant recipient.
Learn more about Interim Head Start Services
Keep classrooms safe, healthy, and high-quality
Reduce disruption for children, families, and staff
Protect community resources and federal investments
Safeguard program quality and safety
While we manage the day-to-day operations of the program, the Office of Head Start (OHS) leads the process to choose a new long-term grant recipient.
Once OHS selects the new organization, we will work closely with them to support a smooth transition to the new organization so children, families, and staff experience as little disruption as possible.
If you have questions about the selection process, you can contact the Office of Head Start Operations Center at (866) 796-1591.
We value the experience, skills, and relationships staff bring to their work and understand that change can be challenging. During interim management, we work alongside staff, listen to their concerns, share clear expectations, and provide support so they can continue focusing on children and families. Our goal is to create a stable, respectful work environment where staff feel informed, supported, and valued during this transition.
We believe strong partnerships with families help children feel safe, supported, and ready to learn especially during times of transition. We know changes can bring questions and concerns. We approach our work with parents by listening first and responding with care. We respect families’ experiences and work to understand what matters most to them and their children.
We are people who love Head Start. We are partners in Head Start communities experiencing transitions. Our role is to reduce disruptions for families and staff and help communities move forward. We bring national experience and build on local strength.
