12/10/2025: Update on Funding:
December 12, 2025
At this time, we want to inform you that CDI Head Start has received the Notice of Award (NOA) from the Office of Head Start. This is important because the NOA is the federal document that provides both the funding and the legal authority for us to begin Head Start program services.
With this approval, we can now move forward with the required processes to begin interim services. These include activities such as securing facility agreements, completing licensure requirements, and hiring staff.
CDI Head Start remains fully committed to opening services as quickly and safely as possible. We will continue to share updates as we make progress toward the start of interim services.
We sincerely appreciate the patience and understanding of families, staff, and community partners as we work diligently to bring Head Start services to your community.
Sincerely,
Tonora Sands Diana Smith
NIM Site Manager NIM Lead Site Manager
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12/4/2025: Update on Funding:
At this time, CDI Head Start has not yet received a Notice of Award (NOA) from the Office of Head Start. This matters because the NOA is the federal document that provides both the funding and the legal authority for us to begin Head Start program services. Without an NOA, we are not able to initiate certain required processes to begin interim services, including things like securing facility agreements, completing licensure, or hiring staff.
The length of time it takes to receive the NOA may create additional delays in launching interim services. For instance, depending on the length of the delay, there could be complications in securing facilities, processing licensing and completing the hiring process for Head Start staff. These ripple effects may extend the time before interim services can be started.
CDI Head Start remains fully committed to opening services as quickly and safely as possible. We will continue to provide updates as soon as new information becomes available. We appreciate the patience and understanding of families, staff, and community partners as we work diligently to begin services in your community.
Sincerely,
Tonora Sands Diana Smith
NIM Site Manager NIM Lead Site Manager
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Staff Letter:
November 26, 2025
Dear Head Start and Early Head Start Staff:
Encompass Community Services will no longer provide Head Start/Early Head Start services in Santa Cruz County, CA, after November 30, 2025. Beginning on December 1, 2025, Community Development Institute Head Start CDI HS will begin providing Head Start/Early Head Start services in this area on an interim basis.
For more information on interim management, please see the CDI HS website: www.cdiheadstart.org
The goal of CDI HS is to serve Head Start/Early Head Start children with minimal disruption of services to children and families. We have a team in your local community that will be working in the following key areas to begin operations as soon as possible:
The role of CDI HS is to provide services to children and families until a replacement grantee is selected through the Federal grant competition system utilized by the Office of Head Start. This could be several months or longer.
CDI HS has set up a toll-free number that current Head Start/Early Head Start staff can call to get the most up-to-date information on the startup process: 888-891-3215. This information line will provide the time and location of any informational meetings and/or New Employee Orientation Meetings that have not yet been scheduled. Additionally, you can leave a message and one of our team members will respond to you promptly. You can also visit our program website for this service area for updates during the startup process: www.cdiheadstart.org/santacruzcounty
In addition, the Office of Head Start Central Office staff will attend our initial staff meeting virtually so you will be able to meet them.
Please use the links below for additional information on Head Start, Interim services, and contact the Office of Head Start Central Office:
Sincerely,
Tonora Sands Diana Smith Jessica Hartfield-Turner
NIM Site Manager NIM Lead Site Manager Startup Lead
Parent Letter:
November 26, 2025
Dear Parents:
Encompass Community Services will no longer receive federal funding to provide Head Start/Early Head Start services in Santa Cruz County, CA, after November 30, 2025. Beginning on December 1, 2025, Community Development Institute Head Start (CDI HS) will begin providing Head Start/Early Head Start services in this area on an interim basis.
The goal of CDI HS is to provide Early Head Start services with minimal disruption of services to children and families. We have a team arriving in your local community to work in the following key areas to begin operations as soon as possible:
The role of CDI HS is to provide services to children and families until a replacement grantee is selected by the federal Office of Head Start through the Federal grants process. This could be several months or longer. CDI HS has nothing to do with the selection of a replacement grantee.
You may call toll-free at (888-891-3215) or visit www.cdiheadstart.org/santacruzcounty for the most up-to-date information regarding Head Start interim management services in your area. You may also contact your program staff who will be receiving more information as they participate in the upcoming process. For any other questions or if you would like to leave a message, you may call (888-891-3215) and one of our team members will respond to you promptly.
Part of the process will include you electing parent members to the CDI HS Policy Council (PC) within the first 30-45 days of CDI HS operations. The Policy Council structure will be provided prior to the election process, and you will be receiving a guide to Parent Committees titled The Parent Voice. IF NEEDED: From December 1, 2025, until the election of the regular Policy Council, an interim/temporary PC will be formed.
Thank you for your patience and understanding during this time. You can be assured that we will do our best to deliver quality Head Start/Early Head Start services with as minimal amount of disruption as possible. We are looking forward to working with you.
Please use the links below for additional information about Head Start, Interim services, and to contact the Office of Head Start Central Office:
Sincerely,
Tonora Sands Diana Smith Jessica Hartfield-Turner
NIM Site Manager NIM Lead Site Manager Start up Lead