The National Center for Program Management and Fiscal Operations (PMFO) offers a unique opportunity for new Head Start directors who have been in their position for less than three years to participate in the Head Start New Director Mentor Initiative (NDMI). Conducted by the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Anderson School of Management, NDMI helps participants expand their knowledge and practice, enhance their networks, and improve performance and career development through a yearlong mentor–mentee relationship with an effective and experienced Head Start director. It also provides new directors with tools and resources on key Head Start management systems, leadership, and governance through live training and technical assistance webinars and self-directed learnings throughout the one-year program.

Through the New Director Mentor Initiative, new Head Start directors have the opportunity to become more effective leaders to achieve maximum positive impact on their organizations. Applicants who are chosen to become mentees develop the following core leadership capabilities:

• Engage and inspire. Listen well, build teams, create allies, develop talent, and offer their best self in the workplace.
• Learn and grow. Reflect often, share insights, push boundaries, and raise the bar continuously.
• Develop an entrepreneurial mindset. Increase ability to plan, lead, and control effective delivery of comprehensive services.
• Make decisions based on data to plan program operations. Allow for critical thinking and be mission-driven in planning.
• Stay open. Remain curious, ask questions, defer judgment, and seek out various perspectives.

The NDMI Process

The mentoring program is designed to ensure that both mentors and mentees benefit in ways that result in enhanced performance and career development, overall career satisfaction, and greater self-esteem at work. NDMI is a one-year commitment during which mentors engage with mentees to design and implement a Mentoring Action Plan (MAP).

The key part of a successful mentoring program is a facilitated first meeting between the mentors and mentees. That's why the NDMI kicks off with a three-day live learning event held at UCLA Anderson School of Management. It allows mentors and mentees to discuss expectations and get to know each other. Failure to set initial expectations can have a significant negative impact on the program.

To be eligible, Head Start directors need to be in their current position for less than three years. Selected directors must commit to the following:

• Attend the live learning event. Travel and per diem are provided.
• Access pre- and post-institute online learning opportunities.
• Participate and engage in a yearlong, one-on-one interactive relationship with an experienced mentor.

Mentors selected to participate in the NDMI are graduates of the highly successful UCLA Head Start Management Fellows Program (HSMFP), which has developed the entrepreneurial mindset and competence of nearly 1,800 Head Start directors and managers nationwide since 1991. Graduates of the UCLA HSMFP have been known to be quality system thinkers, data-driven decision makers, and implementers of effective management practices. They also operate with a continuous improvement mindset.

Last Updated: April 28, 2025