Leading in Head Start is a challenge. Expectations are high and you have plenty to do each day. Performance Standards say that you also have to build and maintain a culture of program improvement informed by data. How do you do that with everything else you have to do?
This certificate is designed to provide a solid foundation in the practical use of data in managing programs. The focus of the material is on the practical application of tools and techniques in your daily management that can help build a team that is comfortable with data as on of the tools to make your program achieve its goals. You may not be a “data person” but this certificate can help you to gain the skills you need to lead in the people side of all things data.
Five Modules:
- Module 1: Management and Data
- Module 2: Cultivating a Healthy Data Climate
- Module 3: Using Data Workflows
- Module 4: Storytelling with Data
- Module 5: Engaging Program Staff with Data
All sessions are single-day, 3-hour Zoom sessions.
Successful completion earns:
- 17 PDH (15 in sessions, 2 hours prep time prior to sessions)
- 1.7 CEUs
- A digital credential
Fall Cohort Dates (all classes meet from 8:30 – 11:30am Pacific Time):
- Module 1: October 1
- Module 2: October 15
- Module 3: October 29
- Module 4: November 12
- Module 5: December 3
Timeline
This course consists of 5 Zoom meetings of 3 hours each covering the 5 modules of the course. It is expected that learners will spend 2 hours total in preparation outside of class as part of their learning in the course.
For Individuals
- Boost Your Confidence in Using Data to Lead: You don’t need to be a “data person” to make smart, informed decisions. This training gives you the skills to confidently use data in your day-to-day leadership—even if you're new to it. It’s about using data as a practical tool to help your team and your program succeed.
- Grow in Your Role and Stay Aligned with Expectations: Head Start leaders are expected to use data to drive improvement. This certificate gives you the knowledge and tools to meet those expectations - and to stand out as someone who’s aligned with the vision of continuous, data-informed improvement.
- Learn How to Build a Healthy Data Culture on Your Team: Through interactive sessions, you’ll learn how to make data approachable and useful for your staff - reducing fear, increasing buy-in, and helping others feel comfortable using data as a part of their everyday work.
- Walk Away with Tools You Can Use Right Away: This is not theoretical training. Each module is filled with practical strategies that you can apply immediately in your current role, like how to build a workflow, tell stories with data, or lead better data conversations with staff.
- Earn CEUs and PDHs While Advancing Your Career: In just five short Zoom sessions, you’ll earn 17 professional development hours (PDHs) and 1.7 CEUs. It’s an efficient, affordable way to deepen your skills, build your resume, and invest in your long-term leadership growth.
For Programs
- Builds Internal Capacity for Data-Informed Leadership: Head Start programs are expected to make decisions based on data, but many managers lack formal training in how to do this effectively. This certificate helps build that internal capacity - developing leaders who can confidently use data as a tool for strategic improvement without needing to be technical experts.
- Supports Compliance with Head Start Performance Standards: The Head Start Program Performance Standards (HSPPS) explicitly call for ongoing program improvement informed by data. This training directly supports that mandate by equipping leaders with the knowledge and tools to meet those expectations in a practical, manageable way.
- Strengthens Organizational Culture Around Data Use: Participants learn how to foster a team culture that values data without fear or resistance - making improvement efforts more sustainable and collaborative.
- Practical Tools for Immediate Implementation: Each module is focused on practical application, not theory. Leaders return from each session with strategies and tools they can use immediately - such as workflow analysis, storytelling frameworks, and staff engagement techniques - which can improve program performance quickly and tangibly.
- Cost-Effective Professional Development with CEUs and PDHs: With 17 PDHs and 1.7 CEUs included, this training is a strong value for the professional development budget. The online format also eliminates travel costs and minimizes time away from the office, making it easier to invest in staff growth without disruption.