Laura Candeloro

Founder, Candlelight Strategies LLC

I spent 16 years as a regional Program Specialist with the Office of Head Start, working with organizations across the western states and Pacific territories. During that time, I helped programs work through compliance issues, build stronger systems, and grow their leadership teams, always taking into account each community’s unique context and culture. Those years shaped how I approach my work today and gave me a practical understanding of how vision, policy, and everyday practice come together in early childhood programs.

I started Candlelight Strategies because I wanted to stay connected to a field I loved so much. I believe in the important work of early childhood educators and know programs provide their best services when systems are strong and their teams feel supported. During my time in federal service, I saw the pressure that leaders at all levels face, and how much of a difference it makes when someone helps them sort through the noise. I’m passionate about bringing clarity to complexity, and helping early childhood leaders create structures that support quality, sustainability, and continued growth.

Professional Experience

As a senior regional Program Specialist, I oversaw over $166 million in federal Head Start funding, supporting services for over 8,000 children across California, Hawaii, and Arizona, as well as a $4 million administrative support contract. I've had the pleasure to work directly with a diverse portfolio of organizations, including local education agencies, nonprofits, and city, county, and state governments. I also have experience in reviewing and evaluating competitive federal grant and contract proposals, as well as contract acquisition planning.

I've also led both comprehensive monitoring reviews and follow-up correction reviews with experience in leading tribal and migrant reviews as well. As Regional Monitoring Lead, I guided corrective-action planning and provided training and mentorship to other staff.

These experiences have helped me understand the 10,000 foot view, while recognizing how small changes can lead to big impact. I apply these learnings in my approach to capacity building with programs to strengthen their management and monitoring systems.

Professional Achievements

Leadership Development Associate, San Francisco Federal Executive Board - Cross-agency collaboration in leadership training, shadowing, and project management.

Management Fellow, UCLA/Johnson & Johnson Head Start Management Fellowship - Two-week intensive management course with a capstone management improvement project.

Education

Master of Science in Social Work, Concentration in Law

Columbia University School of Social Work (New York, NY)

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology

Ithaca College (Ithaca, NY)