Duration: 59 minutes
Status: Now available on demand

In fall 2020, the Office of Head Start opened a series of funding opportunities—including expansions to Early Head Start–Child Care Partnerships and other state-specific grants. In this recorded webinar, experts from the field came together to discuss how programs can leverage these opportunities to support trauma-informed practices and accelerate gains in early language and literacy development.

The conversation includes insights from the former Director of the Office of Head Start, representatives from LENA, and leaders from the Mississippi Head Start Association, focusing on both funding strategy and implementation impact.

Topics discussed:

• Overview of fall 2020 Head Start funding opportunities
• Using grant funding to implement trauma-informed approaches
• Strategies for integrating language and literacy development
• Q&A with national and state Head Start leaders

Panelists:

Yvette Sanchez Fuentes
Former Director, Office of Head Start; Director of Children, Youth & Family Services at CAPSLO
With decades of national leadership in Head Start programs, Yvette brings experience from both federal administration and community-based implementation. She has held leadership roles at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Child Care Aware of America, and the National Migrant and Seasonal Head Start Association.

Dr. Candice N. Pittman
Program Manager, Mississippi Head Start Association (MHSA)
Dr. Pittman has extensive expertise in instructional systems, early childhood education, and workforce development. At MHSA, she supports strategic initiatives to enhance program quality and equity across the state.