{"id":434,"date":"2026-03-27T19:25:15","date_gmt":"2026-03-27T19:25:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cdiheadstart.org\/wilmingtonde\/?page_id=434"},"modified":"2026-04-28T18:40:13","modified_gmt":"2026-04-28T18:40:13","slug":"startup","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/cdiheadstart.org\/wilmingtonde\/","title":{"rendered":"Startup"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n<h5>\n\t\t\tWelcome to CDI Head Start Serving\t<\/h5>\n<h3>\n\t\t\tWilmington, Delaware\t<\/h3>\n\t<p>CDI Head Start is here to maintain continuous, high\u2011quality Head Start services and to support families with reliable early learning and family resources. We&#8217;re committed to making sure children keep learning and thriving while ensuring your community&#8217;s services remain steady and strong.<\/p>\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/cdiheadstart.org\/wilmingtonde\/program-page\/updates\/\"  target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"    rel=\"noopener\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tClick for program announcements\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n<figure itemscope itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/ImageObject\">\n\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdiheadstart.org\/wilmingtonde\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/23\/2026\/02\/pexels-yankrukov-8613093-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Preschool students practicing fine motor skills and pattern recognition using wooden bead mazes and an abacus.\" height=\"2560\" width=\"1707\" title=\"Preschool students practicing fine motor skills and pattern recognition using wooden bead mazes and an abacus.\" onerror=\"this.style.display='none'\" loading=\"lazy\" \/>\n\t<\/figure>\n\t<h3><strong>What is Interim Management?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdiheadstart.org\/wilmingtonde\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/23\/2026\/03\/OHS-Blocks-Logo-265x300.png\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 39px) 100vw, 39px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdiheadstart.org\/wilmingtonde\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/23\/2026\/03\/OHS-Blocks-Logo-265x300.png 265w, https:\/\/cdiheadstart.org\/wilmingtonde\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/23\/2026\/03\/OHS-Blocks-Logo.png 700w\" alt=\"\" width=\"39\" height=\"44\" \/>Learn more about\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/acf.gov\/ohs\/interim-head-start-services\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Interim Head Start Services<\/a><\/p>\n\t<h3><strong>Our Goals During Interim Management<\/strong><\/h3>\n\t\t\t <p>Keep classrooms safe, healthy, and high-quality<\/p>\t\t\n\t\t\t <p>Reduce disruption for children, families, and staff<\/p>\t\t\n\t\t\t <p>Protect community resources and federal investments<\/p>\t\t\n\t\t\t <p>Safeguard program quality and safety<\/p>\t\t\n\t<figure itemscope itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/ImageObject\">\n\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdiheadstart.org\/wilmingtonde\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/23\/2026\/02\/AdobeStock_1728043928-scaled.jpeg\" alt=\"Building bright futures with Head Start program at a classroom setting focused on early childhood education for young learners\" height=\"1920\" width=\"2560\" title=\"Building bright futures with Head Start program at a classroom setting focused on early childhood education for young learners\" onerror=\"this.style.display='none'\" loading=\"lazy\" \/>\n\t<\/figure>\n<figure itemscope itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/ImageObject\">\n\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdiheadstart.org\/wilmingtonde\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/23\/2026\/03\/AdobeStock_224261536.jpg\" alt=\"Teacher and two children playing with colorful wooden blocks at a table\" height=\"1602\" width=\"2400\" title=\"A warm and inviting Head Start classroom where students and teachers collaborate on creative building projects.\" onerror=\"this.style.display='none'\" loading=\"lazy\" \/>\n\t<\/figure>\n\t<h3><strong>What Happens Next?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>If you have questions about the selection process, you can contact the Office of Head Start Operations Center at (866) 796-1591.<\/p>\n\t\t<h3><a href=\"https:\/\/cdiheadstart.org\/wilmingtonde\/startup\/information-for-staff\/\" target=\"_self\">Information for Staff<\/a><\/h3><figure itemscope itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/ImageObject\">\n\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/cdiheadstart.org\/wilmingtonde\/startup\/information-for-staff\/\"  target=\"_self\" itemprop=\"url\">\n\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdiheadstart.org\/wilmingtonde\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/23\/bb-plugin\/cache\/AdobeStock_823700638-panorama-8b69fe9262010a1b8f7188e177c562b3-.jpg\" alt=\"AdobeStock_823700638\" height=\"1600\" width=\"2400\" title=\"AdobeStock_823700638\" onerror=\"this.style.display='none'\" loading=\"lazy\" \/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t<\/figure>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/cdiheadstart.org\/wilmingtonde\/startup\/information-for-staff\/\"  target=\"_self\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWhat Staff Need to Know\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<h3><a href=\"https:\/\/cdiheadstart.org\/wilmingtonde\/startup\/information-for-families\/\" target=\"_self\">Information for Families<\/a><\/h3><figure itemscope itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/ImageObject\">\n\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/cdiheadstart.org\/wilmingtonde\/startup\/information-for-families\/\"  target=\"_self\" itemprop=\"url\">\n\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdiheadstart.org\/wilmingtonde\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/23\/bb-plugin\/cache\/AdobeStock_422278993-panorama-7866af7966e4abf786871115527b4301-.jpg\" alt=\"Parents and children engaging in a digital literacy activity together at home.\" height=\"1600\" width=\"2400\" title=\"Parents and children engaging in a digital literacy activity together at home.\" onerror=\"this.style.display='none'\" loading=\"lazy\" \/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t<\/figure>\n<p>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&#8217; experiences and work to understand what matters most to them and their children.<\/p>\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/cdiheadstart.org\/wilmingtonde\/startup\/information-for-families\/\"  target=\"_self\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWhat Families Need to Know\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/cdiheadstart.org\/wilmingtonde\/program-page\/updates\/\"  target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"    rel=\"noopener\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tClick for program announcements\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t<h3>Who We Are<\/h3>\n<figure itemscope itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/ImageObject\">\n\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdiheadstart.org\/wilmingtonde\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/23\/2026\/03\/AdobeStock_1484337633.jpg\" alt=\"Joyful, diverse children bonding through creative play, reflecting the supportive environment of our Head Start program\" height=\"1345\" width=\"2400\" title=\"Joyful, diverse children bonding through creative play, reflecting the supportive environment of our Head Start program\" onerror=\"this.style.display='none'\" loading=\"lazy\" \/>\n\t<\/figure>\n\t<p>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.<\/p>\n<figure itemscope itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/ImageObject\">\n\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/ohsim.org\/\"  target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"  itemprop=\"url\">\n\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdiheadstart.org\/wilmingtonde\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/23\/2026\/03\/Final_CDI_HS_Logo_Horizontal_Color-1536x356.png\" alt=\"Community Development Institute (CDI) Head Start Logo\" height=\"356\" width=\"1536\" title=\"Community Development Institute (CDI) Head Start Logo\" onerror=\"this.style.display='none'\" loading=\"lazy\" \/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t<\/figure>\n\t<h3>FAQs<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 id=\"fl-accordion--label-0\">What are Startup Activities?<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<button type=\"button\" id=\"fl-accordion--icon-0\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"fl-accordion--panel-0\"><i>Expand<\/i><\/button>\n\t\t\t\t\t<p>During Startup, CDI HS works quickly to prepare program operations so children and families can receive services as soon as possible. This includes:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Hiring staff<\/li>\n<li>Reviewing, assessing, and preparing facilities<\/li>\n<li>Securing childcare licensing<\/li>\n<li>Setting up insurance and employee benefits<\/li>\n<li>Arranging food services and CACFP approval<\/li>\n<li>Assessing transportation needs<\/li>\n<li>Reviewing local contracts and partnerships<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Every community is different, so timelines vary. We will keep staff and families updated and post updates and information on the program website as activities move forward.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 id=\"fl-accordion--label-1\">How will CDI HS communicate with us?<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<button type=\"button\" id=\"fl-accordion--icon-1\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"fl-accordion--panel-1\"><i>Expand<\/i><\/button>\n\t\t\t\t\t<p>We will share updates in several ways, so families, staff, and community members stay informed. You may receive updates through:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>In\u2011person meetings<\/li>\n<li>Letters shared with staff and families<\/li>\n<li>The CDI Head Start program website<\/li>\n<li>Text messages, phone calls, or emails<\/li>\n<li>A toll\u2011free or local phone number to call, where you can ask questions<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>We are committed to clear and open communication. We will share information as updates become available, so you know what&#8217;s happening and what to expect next.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 id=\"fl-accordion--label-2\">How is program funding used during interim management?<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<button type=\"button\" id=\"fl-accordion--icon-2\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"fl-accordion--panel-2\"><i>Expand<\/i><\/button>\n\t\t\t\t\t<p>CDI Head Start receives a short-term grant at the same funding amount as the previous grant recipient. This funding supports local program operations, including:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Local Head Start staff salaries<\/li>\n<li>Classrooms and facilities, including playgrounds<\/li>\n<li>Meals<\/li>\n<li>Transportation<\/li>\n<li>Supplies<\/li>\n<li>Child and family services<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Separate from local grant funding, the National Interim Management Contract from the Office of Head Start provides funding for interim management support staff.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 id=\"fl-accordion--label-3\">How does CDI HS operate the program?<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<button type=\"button\" id=\"fl-accordion--icon-3\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"fl-accordion--panel-3\"><i>Expand<\/i><\/button>\n\t\t\t\t\t<p>We hire a local program director, management team, and teaching staff to operate the program in the local community, always recruiting first from the existing Head Start staff.<\/p>\n<p>While we have a national support team, we believe strong programs are built locally. We work closely with local staff and community partners, supporting the positive relationships that may already exist between families and programs. Our role is to bring experience and resources that strengthen what is already working in the program and the community.<\/p>\n<p>We have a central business office in Denver, CO. Our business office manages:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Fiscal operations<\/li>\n<li>Human resources<\/li>\n<li>Administrative activities<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 id=\"fl-accordion--label-4\">How will CDI HS learn about our community?<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<button type=\"button\" id=\"fl-accordion--icon-4\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"fl-accordion--panel-4\"><i>Expand<\/i><\/button>\n\t\t\t\t\t<p>Most individuals hired during Startup are the same local staff who already know the community. CDI HS also listens, learns, and reviews program information to understand what is working well and where support is needed.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 id=\"fl-accordion--label-5\">How are pay rates decided? Will my pay stay the same?<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<button type=\"button\" id=\"fl-accordion--icon-5\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"fl-accordion--panel-5\"><i>Expand<\/i><\/button>\n\t\t\t\t\t<p>Because CDI Head Start is a new employer, pay is determined using:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>The program&#8217;s budget<\/li>\n<li>Education and qualifications<\/li>\n<li>Job responsibilities<\/li>\n<li>Local pay conditions<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>We work hard to offer fair, competitive wages. About 60 days after Startup, we will review the budget. If there are savings, we may adjust the pay scale and increase salaries when possible.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 id=\"fl-accordion--label-6\">How do we work with vendors in the community?<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<button type=\"button\" id=\"fl-accordion--icon-6\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"fl-accordion--panel-6\"><i>Expand<\/i><\/button>\n\t\t\t\t\t<p>We value the local businesses and service providers who support Head Start programs. We work to continue existing vendor relationships whenever possible and welcome new vendors who can support children, families, and programs. We are committed to clear communication and working with vendors in a respectful and collaborative way.<\/p>\n<p>Any contracts, bills, or debts owed by the prior grantee remain with that agency and do not involve CDI Head Start. We are not liable for, nor are we permitted to issue payments for, expenses incurred by the prior grant recipient.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 id=\"fl-accordion--label-7\">What will happen to my child&#8217;s services?<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<button type=\"button\" id=\"fl-accordion--icon-7\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"fl-accordion--panel-7\"><i>Expand<\/i><\/button>\n\t\t\t\t\t<p>When interim management begins, children who were already enrolled in Head Start or Early Head Start with the prior program will continue receiving services under CDI Head Start. Enrolled families do not need to reapply.<\/p>\n<p>We will stay in touch with current families to share information and explain what to expect during the Startup period and to inform them about when CDI Head Start services will begin.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 id=\"fl-accordion--label-8\">How can I be involved in Policy Council?<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<button type=\"button\" id=\"fl-accordion--icon-8\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"fl-accordion--panel-8\"><i>Expand<\/i><\/button>\n\t\t\t\t\t<p>Policy Council is an important way for parents and family members to share their voices and help guide the program. Parents of children enrolled in Head Start or Early Head Start and community members are eligible to participate.<\/p>\n<p>As a new operator of Head Start services in your community, a new CDI Head Start Policy Council election is held shortly after services resume following Head Start requirements.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 id=\"fl-accordion--label-9\">Are there staff positions available?<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<button type=\"button\" id=\"fl-accordion--icon-9\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"fl-accordion--panel-9\"><i>Expand<\/i><\/button>\n\t\t\t\t\t<p>During the Startup period, staff who worked for the previous program are given the first chance to apply for available positions with CDI Head Start. Shortly after Startup, any job vacancies available are posted more widely, so be sure to watch for openings!<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 id=\"fl-accordion--label-10\">What if my child was already enrolled in the prior Head Start program?<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<button type=\"button\" id=\"fl-accordion--icon-10\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"fl-accordion--panel-10\"><i>Expand<\/i><\/button>\n\t\t\t\t\t<p>When interim management begins, children who were already enrolled in Head Start or Early Head Start with the prior program will continue receiving services under CDI Head Start. Enrolled families do not need to reapply.<\/p>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Welcome to CDI Head Start Serving Wilmington, Delaware CDI Head Start is here to maintain continuous, high\u2011quality Head Start services and to support families with reliable early learning and family resources. We&#8217;re committed to making sure children keep learning and thriving while ensuring your community&#8217;s services remain steady and strong. Click for program announcements What [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-434","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/cdiheadstart.org\/wilmingtonde\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/434","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/cdiheadstart.org\/wilmingtonde\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/cdiheadstart.org\/wilmingtonde\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cdiheadstart.org\/wilmingtonde\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cdiheadstart.org\/wilmingtonde\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=434"}],"version-history":[{"count":11,"href":"https:\/\/cdiheadstart.org\/wilmingtonde\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/434\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":605,"href":"https:\/\/cdiheadstart.org\/wilmingtonde\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/434\/revisions\/605"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/cdiheadstart.org\/wilmingtonde\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=434"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}