Head Start

On September 25, 2026, more than 250 Head Start staff members gathered to be celebrated as the Heart of Head Start. They are the people, purpose and passion behind CDR's Head Start program that provides high-quality early childhood services to some of the most vulnerable children and families in the communities of Ventura County. Every day, they bring their knowledge, compassion, commitment, and heart to the children and families served. The morning began with warm and enthusiastic greetings as staff arrived, reconnected with colleagues, and enjoyed coffee and pan dulce. The atmosphere was filled with energy, camaraderie, laughter, and

Berylwood Head Start In mid-November before the Thanksgiving holiday, CDR’s Berylwood Head Start Center in Simi Valley, hosted a fun and interactive Family Night. The event borrowed from the popular Make & Take activity taken directly from the Teaching Pyramid Resource Guide. The Teaching Pyramid is a framework for early childhood educators and families to promote young children's social-emotional development. This helps to prevent challenging behaviors using a tiered system built on a foundation of effective workforce training. This tool is used in the Head Start classroom when teaching children about their emotions and how to self

The day before the Thanksgiving holiday, CDR’s Westview Head Start center in Ventura, held a Friendsgiving gathering for staff and center families. Maricela Cabrera, Head Start Cook, prepared the meal that included turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, and of course, pumpkin and apple pie for dessert. Staff also planned a cooking demo to give parents the opportunity to see how the Head Start center incorporates cooking experiences into its weekly lesson plans. The hands-on experience had parents and their children preparing a tasty and healthy fruit salad. "This event was originally scheduled to be our bi-monthly family night at the

That's a wrap! As part of the ongoing efforts to spread the word about the programs and services at Child Development Resources (CDR), our creative team collaborated with the Julie Irving Head Start Center to photograph and design the mobile ad. The wrap includes information and messaging of the popular Head Start program and features the real children and staff from the center. Thank you to everyone involved, including the beautiful images of our own Sandra Reyes, Child Care Services Supervisor, and super skilled photog. A million thanks to the team at Rubber Neck Signs for being masters in

On Friday, September 26, 2025, Child Development Resources Head Start family gathered at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center for The Heart of Head Start celebration. Parents, past and current, direct service staff, and leadership team, filled the venue with anticipation, ready to reflect on the impact of the work, hear powerful stories, and honor the dedication of staff across every role. Amid these acknowledgements, the audience joined in a joyous 60th birthday celebration honoring Head Start's enduring legacy. But it was the video montage of our current children that truly brought the event to life. One by one, the

We are proudly celebrating Head Start’s 60th birthday by spreading the word about the monumental impact the program has had on children, families, communities, and the country. Head Start just works. Since 1965, Head Start has impacted the life circumstances of more than 40 million children and families with better health, better preparation for kindergarten, greater likelihood of graduating high school and going on to post-secondary education. To celebrate Head Start’s 60th anniversary, the National Head Start Association (NHSA) set off to create a project that would encapsulate the breadth and depth of the program’s impact over the past six

The next time you’re invited to join a group social event such as a picnic in the park, a trip to the local museum, or exploring the colorful world of an indoor playground, keep in mind that there is more going on than just a day of fun. Group social events support both social and developmental skills that can last a lifetime. Healthy Benefits of Interacting in Group Socials Social Skills Development Interacting with peers helps children improve their communication and teamwork abilities. Emotional Growth Exposure to diverse social settings can improve emotional regulation and help children feel more

Wellness has become a central topic of conversation here at CDR, and we’re proud to hear of a meaningful new initiative called the Peer Reflection Group. The pilot has been launched with those serving children ages 0-5 within the Head Start Program, including Early Head Start, Head Start Home-Based, and Child Care Partnership. This platform provides an opportunity for participants to share personal ideas, strategies, and resources related to wellness in a supportive, confidential, and engaging environment Benefits of a Peer Reflection Group Over the past few months, the Peer Reflection Group has sparked open and insightful discussions on

Early Head Start is a federally funded program designed to support low-income families with infants, toddlers, and expectant mothers. It provides comprehensive early childhood education, health services, and family support, ensuring that children receive the strong foundation they need for lifelong success. This program focuses on child development, family well-being, and self-sufficiency, offering parents educational resources, healthcare access, and child care assistance. Through individualized services, Early Head Start helps families navigate the critical early years of a child’s life while fostering healthy learning environments. Families in Ventura County can access tailored Early Head Start services through our Early Head Start

Many parents wonder what Head Start is and how it can benefit their child’s early development. Head Start is a federally funded program designed to foster the healthy development of young children from low-income families. Established in the 1960s under the Economic Opportunity Act, Head Start emerged as a cornerstone initiative to break the cycle of poverty. Its comprehensive approach addresses not only the educational needs of preschool-aged children but also their emotional, social, health, nutritional, and psychological well-being. The program recognizes that a child’s development is intrinsically linked to their family environment. Therefore, Head Start actively promotes family engagement,