Tlingit & Haida is proud to announce the promotion of Kayla Tripp to Head Start Director!
Kayla has been an integral part of the Tribe’s Head Start program since 2013, serving as the lead teacher for the Taashuka I classroom in Juneau, Alaska where she created a vibrant, nurturing learning environment for children to thrive and encouraged them to explore, grow and dream. In 2021, Kayla joined the Head Start Management team as the Child Development Coordinator, which oversees the Education and Disabilities components.
“Head Start has shaped me into the educator I am today. I am honored to work with this passionate team of teachers and staff as their Head Start Director. I am fortunate to have had so many mentors and role models within the early childhood field. I hope to continue the work of my predecessors and support Tlingit & Haida through the upcoming transitions within Head Start,” Kayla said.
In 2018, Kayla was named Early Childhood Educator of the Year by the Association for the Education of Young Children Southeast Alaska in recognition of her creativity, excellence in teaching, and unwavering dedication to early childhood education.
As Head Start Director, Kayla will be responsible for ensuring the program meets all federal performance standards, improving service delivery in collaboration with the Parent Policy Council, overseeing grant reporting, and supervising all Head Start staff.
“Under her leadership, we are confident the program will continue to flourish and provide high-quality early education that supports school readiness and lifelong success for our children,” said Early Education Senior Director Daayóosh, Ethan Petticrew.
Kayla is of Tlingit, German and English descent, and continues to inspire the next generation with her dedication to community and culture.
Please join us in congratulating Kayla on her well-earned promotion!
About Head Start
Head Start is a federally funded program offered nationwide to support school readiness by fostering the social, physical, and cognitive development of young children. The program is free to families and serves children ages 3-5. Tlingit & Haida operates center-based classrooms in 10 Southeast Alaska communities, with a mission to respectfully nurture families and their children—helping them grow, participate in life with confidence and awareness, and use their strengths to reach their full potential. In 2024, Tlingit & Haida Head Start served 197 children across the region.
To learn more or apply for enrollment in Head Start, click here.