Community Spotlight: Meet Jack Hinojosa of Child Development Resources

Jack Hinojosa

Chief Executive Officer, Child Development Resources

Can you please share more about yourself and the mission of Child Development Resources? 

I have had the privilege of serving Child Development Resources (CDR) for nearly 25 years and currently serve as CEO. CDR has proudly served Ventura County children and families for decades and was incorporated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation in July 1980. While CDR has served as a Head Start grantee since 1965, the organization has continued to evolve and expand its services to meet the changing needs of children and families throughout Ventura County.

Today, CDR provides an array of programs and services that support children, families, child care providers, and communities across Ventura County. In addition to Head Start, Early Head Start, and State Preschool programs, CDR also provides Subsidized Child Care and Child Care Resource & Referral services that help create a strong and steady foundation for children and working families.

The mission of Child Development Resources is to provide the foundation to build promising futures for our children. CDR collaborates with parents and the community to deliver programs that enrich lives. Our vision is that every child’s growth and development will be fully supported to help ensure a happy and successful adult life.

An important part of our organizational culture is CDR’s YES Commitment — “We inspire children, parents, and staff with an attitude of YES that we all can achieve our aspirations and goals.” The YES Commitment reflects our belief in possibility, encouragement, collaboration, and the potential within every child, family, employee, and community we serve.

What continues to inspire me most is our staff’s commitment to meeting families where they are, treating every individual with dignity and compassion, and helping create pathways to opportunity and wellness for future generations.

Who has made a strong impact on your life and has helped you to get where you are today?

The greatest influence in my life has been my parents. They led by example, instilled a strong work ethic, emphasized the importance of treating people with respect and compassion, and were always supportive throughout my life and

career. Their guidance and values continue to shape both my personal and professional leadership approach today.

My father passed away on June 27, 1991, and my mother passed away on May 14, 2018. My mother also had a long and meaningful connection to Child Development Resources, serving as a Head Start Cook — affectionately known by many as the “Master Chef” — in Santa Paula for 38 years before retiring in June 2016. Her dedication to children, families, and service to the community left a lasting impression on me and many others.

I have also been fortunate to learn from many mentors, colleagues, community leaders, and staff throughout my career. Leadership is never accomplished alone, and I believe the strongest progress happens through collaboration, trust, and shared purpose.

I continue to draw inspiration from the resilience of the children and families we serve every day. Their strength and perseverance are a constant reminder of why this work matters.

What are some recent highlights at Child Development Resources? And what events, milestones and steps are in the near future?

CDR continues to expand and strengthen its services, infrastructure, and community partnerships throughout Ventura County. Recent highlights include continued investments in early childhood education, family support systems, staff development, technology modernization, and prevention-focused community initiatives designed to improve access to services and family wellness.

One important area of focus is our active involvement in the County of Ventura’s Comprehensive Prevention Plan to create a Wellness System for child, youth and families and the Ventura County Family Connections, also known as the “Every Right Door” community pathway initiative, which emphasizes coordinated access, warm handoffs, and collaboration among agencies serving children and families.

Another exciting initiative is the Isabella Pilot Project in Santa Paula, a community-driven effort focused on expanding access to the highest-quality early childhood education opportunities for children ages 0–5 and strengthening support systems for families. The Isabella Project brings together education, nonprofit, business, philanthropic, and community partners to help create a model that can positively impact Santa Paula and potentially communities throughout Ventura County.

As CDR approaches future milestones, our commitment remains the same: supporting children, strengthening families, and building healthier communities

through collaboration, innovation, and long-term investment in the well-being of future generations.

What about Child Development Resources is special to you, what would you like our readers to know?

What makes CDR special is the heart and dedication of our people. Every day, our employees work with compassion, professionalism, and an unwavering commitment to children and families. The work can be challenging, but our staff consistently demonstrate resilience, teamwork, and care for the communities we serve.

CDR is also special because of its deep roots in Ventura County. For nearly 60 years, the organization has evolved alongside the community while remaining grounded in its mission and values.

I would want readers to know that CDR’s impact extends far beyond classrooms. In addition to early childhood education services, we also provide subsidized child care through partnerships with child care providers, including family child care homes and center-based settings throughout Ventura County. We help strengthen families, support workforce participation, connect individuals to resources, and contribute to the long-term well-being of our region.

As I reflect on the past, I do so with deep gratitude and a renewed sense of purpose. “Looking Back to Move Forward” is more than a theme — it is a guiding principle that honors where we have been while strengthening our resolve for what lies ahead. I am deeply grateful for the collective that makes our work possible: our dedicated staff, committed child care providers, engaged parents and families, our Board of Directors and Policy Council, and our community partners and key stakeholders. Their leadership, trust, collaboration, and shared belief in our mission continue to strengthen CDR’s impact and advance opportunity for children and families throughout Ventura County.

Why did you think it was important to become a member of the CNL? What do you value most about your connection with CNL?

The Center for Nonprofit Leadership plays a key role in strengthening nonprofit organizations and leaders throughout our region. I value the Center’s commitment to leadership development, collaboration, professional growth, and community engagement.

As someone who believes strongly in continuous learning and relationship-building, I appreciate the opportunity to connect with other nonprofit and community leaders who are working to create positive change. My graduate studies in Social Impact at Claremont Lincoln University have further reinforced

the importance of thoughtful leadership, collaboration, and community-centered solutions.

CNL creates spaces for dialogue, learning, and partnership that ultimately strengthen the nonprofit sector and the communities we collectively serve.

How can the community support you? Where can they find you on social media?

Community support can take many forms — volunteering, advocacy, partnerships, donations, and simply helping raise awareness about the importance of investing in children and families.

We encourage community members to learn more about CDR’s programs and services, follow our work on social media, and support organizations that are helping strengthen families throughout Ventura County.

Website: www.cdrv.org Facebook: Child Development Resources (CDR) Instagram: @cdrventura LinkedIn: Child Development Resources of Ventura County, Inc.

Any questions or need for additional information regarding Child Development Resources, please contact Luis Guereca, community outreach coordinator, at luis.guereca@cdrv.org or Jack Hinojosa, CEO, jack.hinojosa@cdrv.org