LACOE Recognizes Inaugural Group of Rising Head Start Leaders

LACOE Recognizes Inaugural Group of Rising Head Start Leaders

Mon Aug 10 12:09:00 PDT 2026

Early education leaders from across L.A. County were celebrated in the ceremony.

LACOE Head Start and Early Learning Division recognized the inaugural cohort of the Rising Leaders Academy (RLA) with a culmination ceremony in Santa Fe Springs. Participants were acknowledged for completing the first session of this new yearlong program, representing their heartfelt dedication to serving children, families and communities and commitment to grow into leadership roles.

"Rising Leaders Academy represents what's possible when we invest in people," said Luis Bautista, Head Start and Early Learning Division executive director. "By strengthening leadership across Head Start programs, we can ensure that children and families continue to receive high-quality, consistent services far into the future. I salute this first cohort for their dedication, curiosity and willingness to step into new challenges, all while continuing to serve their communities every day."

Launched in fall 2025, RLA aims to grow a strong leadership team across L.A County Head Start agencies through focused training on Head Start principles, leadership skills, fiscal management and administrative systems to ensure programs consistently deliver high-quality services and work toward effective succession planning.

RLA is a Head Start and Early Learning Division initiative designed in partnership with Foundation for Early Childhood Education, St. Anne's Family Services, Para Los Niños and Breakwater Associates. The RLA strategy embodies the values of the division's 2024-29 strategic plan: a human-centered, learning-focused approach that reflects LACOE's commitment to Head Start delegate agencies to integrate efficiencies founded on reciprocal communication and dual accountability.

Participants in the first cohort hailed from several Head Start agencies, including Blind Children's Center, El Monte City School District, Foundation for Early Childhood Education, Mexican American Opportunity Foundation, Mountain View School District, Pacific Asian Consortium in Employment and LACOE.

More than a celebration, the culmination was an opportunity to welcome rising leaders who bring new ideas and fresh perspectives. A second cohort of RLA has just launched, with "RLA 2.0" planned for later in the program year, allowing graduates of both initial cohorts to dive even deeper into the history, culture, rules, regulations and expectations of Head Start, the gold standard child development and school readiness program.