It's About The People That Bring CDR To Life

Welcome to the fall 2026 edition of the Child Development Resources (CDR) newsletter. Order that pumpkin spice latte, pull up a chair, and click here or the image above to watch a short video from CEO, Jack Hinojosa.

Celebrating The Heart And Soul Of Head Start

On September 25, 2026, more than 250 Head Start staff members gathered to be celebrated as the Heart of Head Start. They are the people, purpose and passion behind CDR's Head Start program that provides high-quality early childhood services to some of the most vulnerable children and families in the communities of Ventura County. Every day, they bring their knowledge, compassion, commitment, and heart to the children and families served.

The morning began with warm and enthusiastic greetings as staff arrived, reconnected with colleagues, and enjoyed coffee and pan dulce. The atmosphere was filled with energy, camaraderie, laughter, and a shared sense of pride in the important work they do each day.

During the event, CDR's CEO, Jack Hinojosa, and CDR YES Coach, Dr. Roberto Vargas led staff through an informative and engaging presentation on the progress of CDR’s 2026 Proactive Plan.

The event continued with guest speaker Ronald Mah, who reminded staff of the tremendous value of their work and the important role they play in the communities they serve. Ronald also emphasized, “Self-care is not selfish; it replenishes our capacity to serve others.” In sharing the importance of self-care, Mah reminded staff that taking care of themselves is essential to sustaining the compassion, energy, and commitment they bring to work each day.

The Heart of Head Start celebration was a wonderful opportunity to come together, reflect on a shared mission, and celebrate the dedicated staff who make a difference every day.

Special Moments For Outing At Kiddie Beach

On September 18, 2026, Head Start Home-Based families gathered at Kiddie Beach in Oxnard for a fun-filled morning of learning, exploration, and family connection. With a beautiful clear blue sky overhead and the ocean sparkling in the sunshine, it was the perfect day for a beach adventure.

Approximately 40 children and parents joined the social outing. For some families this was their first time visiting the beach, making the experience even more memorable.

The morning was filled with hands-on activities designed to encourage children's curiosity, creativity, movement, and early learning. For many children, the beach became a classroom without walls. They experienced new textures, sounds, sights, and sensations while spending quality time with their families. Parents were able to follow their children's interests, encourage exploration, and share their excitement.

One of the sweetest moments of the day was watching a father and his daughter work together to build three little sandcastles. Their teamwork, creativity, and laughter were a wonderful example of how everyday experiences can become meaningful learning opportunities when families play and explore together.

As the families headed home, it was clear that everyone had enjoyed a wonderful experience. The beautiful weather, ocean views, hands-on activities, and enthusiastic participation from our families made the social at Kiddie Beach a day to remember.

Provider Puppet Play Is A Seriously Fun Time

On September 24, CDR's Resource & Referral (R&R) kicked off its first workshop of the fiscal year with Puppet Play. This workshop provided child care providers with hands-on learning on how puppets can be used as a fun and creative tool to encourage language development, literacy skills, imagination, communication, and confidence in children.

The workshop was presented in English and Spanish. Each table was assigned a different type of puppet, including sock, stick, paper bag, and paper roll puppets, along with a variety of materials to spark creativity. Providers created their own unique puppets and then shared their story play with the group. The room was filled with laughter, clapping, and creativity as everyone’s imagination came to life.

We hope providers were left with lots of new ideas and inspiration to bring puppet play into their child care programs. 

Recognizing Head Start Awareness In October

"October is a time to celebrate Head Start and the lasting difference it makes in the lives of children and families across our Ventura County communities.

For more than six decades Head Start has helped children enter school ready to learn by partnering with families and connecting families with the resources, support, and opportunities they need to thrive.

This month, I want to thank the instructional staff, family services and food service staff, support staff, families, and community partners whose dedication helps make this work possible every day. Thank you for investing in our future by investing in our children and strengthening our communities."

Suzanne Godinez

Director of Early Childhood Programs

Child Development Resources

For more on the celebration of Head Start Awareness Month, be sure to check out a collection of stories from around the state on the Head Start California website. CDR is featured here with an audio story about teacher Dolores Moraza and the twins at Benita Wallick Head Start center in Ventura. Don't forget to follow CDR on social media for postings throughout October honoring Head Start’s life changing impact.

Partner With CDR As A Member Of The Board

Child Development Resources (CDR) is expanding its Board of Directors and is seeking individuals ready to join Ventura County’s leader in early childhood education.

CDR partners with federal, state, and local agencies to provide critical services to children and families.

We welcome Ventura County residents and professionals with experience working with children and families in the community and passionate about the importance of early education.

If you’re interested in serving on the CDR Board of Directors, please email Jack Hinojosa, Chief Executive Officer, at jack.hinojosa@cdrv.org.

Head Start Program

CDR’s Head Start Program has prepared Ventura County’s children to succeed in school and become lifelong learners. The program offers free services, individualized plans, family engagement, small group sizes, and more. Build your child’s future by enrolling them in Head Start today.

Click here to learn more, or call (805) 485-7878 Ext. 1438. 

Child Care Assistance Program

CDR administers a total of seven programs that provide subsidized child care assistance to families in Ventura County. Families with children ages 0-12 years are strongly encouraged to apply. To find out about child care program requirements and eligibility, please click here for complete details, or call (805) 485-7878 Ext. 1511.

Child Care Referrals

Looking for child care? CDR’s Resource & Referral (R&R) Program offers FREE child care referrals to all Ventura County residents. You can receive referrals online and learn more about our services by visiting our webpage here. Need assistance? Our R&R team is available Monday–Friday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. at (805) 485-7878, Ext. 1512, or toll-free at (844) 961-5437. For personalized, in-person assistance, please call ahead to schedule an appointment.

Career Opportunities

CDR's Resource and Referral (R&R) Program provides FREE Child Care Referrals to all residents of Ventura County. To get referrals online and to learn more about the program, visit our webpage here. Phone assistance is available M-F from 10 am - 5 pm by calling (805) 485-7878 Ext. 1512 or the toll-free number (844) 961-5437. For in-person consultation, please call us to make an appointment.

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