Acorn Workgroups

This is the application page for acceptance into an Acorn Workgroup.

Please read the details below carefully and complete all fields in the application.
When finished, you will receive confirmation of your submission, and information about what to expect next.

Acorn Workgroups are a comprehensive professional development opportunity specifically designed for Head Start and Early Head Start leaders who want to enhance their leadership capabilities and effectively manage their programs. These workgroups provide a structured environment where leaders can focus on developing the skills necessary to navigate the complexities of their roles, ensuring they can lead their teams with confidence and clarity. Participants will engage in a variety of activities and discussions aimed at fostering growth, improving communication, and implementing best practices that align with the latest standards and expectations in early childhood education. Through these workgroups, leaders will not only strengthen their ability to guide their programs towards success but also contribute to the overall advancement of the Head Start and Early Head Start initiatives.

Recent revisions to the Head Start Program Performance Standards (HSPPS) require professional development for leaders that helps them promote clear and reasonable roles and responsibilities for all staff that provides ongoing staff supervision with meaningful and effective employee engagement practices. This is exactly what we will work on together as a group.

Workgroup Expectations

In a Workgroup you will:

• Receive support from professionals outside your agency, offering valuable perspectives on shared challenges and diverse managerial approaches.

• Gain access to a wide array of best practices that extend far beyond those typically employed within your own agency.

• Participate in a professionally guided group process led by an Acorn leader, featuring issue resolution and quality content work.

• Engage in discussions, offering constructive feedback, sharing personal experiences, and collaborating on problem-solving strategies.

Workgroup Outcomes

Participants often report outcomes such as:

"I developed new skills"
Quickly improve in areas where growth was needed. This targeted improvement will enable you to tackle challenges with greater confidence and efficiency, ultimately contributing to your overall professional growth and success.

"I felt more motivated"
Gain greater job satisfaction and perform more effectively. This improvement in performance not only boosts your personal sense of achievement but also contributes positively to your team and organization, creating a more harmonious and productive work environment.

"I overcame obstacles"
Find solutions to workplace challenges with support from peers. This collaborative approach not only helps in identifying innovative strategies to overcome obstacles but also fosters a sense of community and mutual support, empowering you to tackle challenges with renewed confidence and a broader understanding of potential solutions.

"My program improved"
Learn and successfully implement best practices. This will enable you to promote ongoing enhancement, cultivate a standard of excellence, and realize substantial progress in your program's effectiveness and influence.

Workgroup Descriptions

There are two unique types of Workgroups available, each tailored to meet the specific needs and responsibilities of different leadership roles within the Head Start/Early Head Start programs. These Workgroups are designed to cater to the unique challenges and objectives faced by individuals in varying positions of authority, ensuring that participants receive the most relevant and impactful professional development experience.

Executive Director Workgroup

2nd and 4th Wednesdays - 7:45 am - 9:45 am PT (10:45 am - 12:45 pm ET)

The Executive Director Workgroup is designed to bring together individuals who share overall responsibility for their Head
Start/Early Head Start program – typically sharing titles such as “Executive Director”, “Head Start Director”, or similar leadership roles, and are tasked with the critical duty of steering their programs towards achieving their educational and developmental goals. This Workgroup provides a unique opportunity for these leaders to come together, share insights, and collaborate on strategies that enhance program effectiveness. Participants will have the opportunity to engage with peers who understand the complexities and challenges of their roles, fostering a supportive environment where they can exchange ideas, discuss innovative solutions, and collectively work towards elevating the standards of their programs. Through this collaborative effort, Executive Directors can refine their leadership skills, gain new perspectives, and drive meaningful improvements within their organizations.

Head Start Leader Workgroups

1st and 3rd Tuesdays - 8:30 am - 10:00 am PT (11:30 am - 1:00 pm ET)

or

1st and 3rd Thursdays - 9:15 am - 11:15 am PT (12:15 pm - 2:15 pm ET)

The Head Start Leader Workgroup is designed to bring together individuals who share direct responsibility for one or more operational components of a Head Start and/or Early Head Start program. Typically, these are Assistant Directors, Managers, Coordinators, Content Leads, or other similar positions, and they oversee content areas such as Education, Family Engagement, Health, Disabilities, ERSEA, Data, or Fiscal. This Workgroup provides a collaborative environment for these leaders to come together and openly share their diverse experiences, discuss the unique challenges they face, and exchange innovative strategies they have developed. By engaging in this dynamic and interactive setting, participants can gain valuable insights from their peers, learn from each other's successes and setbacks, and collectively brainstorm solutions to common issues. As a result, they can implement more effective management practices, drive positive changes, and achieve higher levels of success in their operational components.

Workgroup Membership

Workgroup Cost and Commitment

• The cost for participating in a Workgroup is $3,600 for 2025 and can be paid monthly at $400 a month or as one-time payment. 
• The initial commitment period spans from April to December 2025. After this period, there is an option to renew your membership for the calendar year 2026, contingent upon mutual agreement between you and the Acorn Workgroup Team. 
• It is expected that, as much as reasonably possible, all workgroup participants will attend every scheduled meeting. This commitment to attendance is crucial for maximizing the benefits of the program and fostering a collaborative environment. Regular attendance ensures that all participants are well-informed and prepared to engage fully in the workgroup activities

If you have reviewed the description, cost, and commitment thoroughly and are prepared to continue, please apply below.
If you have a specific question about this process, the Workgroups, or any other related item, please reach out to us at support@acornevaluation.com and we’ll reply to you as soon as possible.

Thank you for your interest in Acorn Workgroups. We look forward to hearing from you!