The Head Start WEST Managers Academy is a comprehensive leadership development program designed for current managers and emerging leaders in Head Start and Early Head Start programs. Recognizing that strong management is essential to translating vision into high-impact results, the Academy combines virtual and in-person learning to provide leadership essentials, team-building strategies, and practical tools for program design, evaluation, and continuous improvement.

 Participants will engage in small-group and independent learning, practice systems thinking, develop monitoring and evaluation plans, and cultivate meaningful community partnerships. By the end of the program, managers leave with a deeper understanding of their leadership style and the confidence to leverage it in advancing program initiatives, fostering sustainability, and driving long-term organizational success. 

The Managers Academy is facilitated by Dr. Desiree Del-Zio, a seasoned Head Start leader and organizational change expert. With extensive experience in operations, program design, evaluation, and federal oversight, Dr. Del-Zio has led hundreds of federal Head Start reviews and specializes in building high-performing teams and strengthening management systems. Her expertise equips participants with the practical tools and strategies needed to elevate their leadership and enhance organizational performance.