Danielle Jordan, M.A., serves as Director of Educare Chicago and Healthy Parents & Babies, where she oversees the day-to-day operations of Start Early’s directly operated Head Start and Early Head Start center and home-based programs. She ensures aligned interdisciplinary practices across program models, supporting high-quality education planning, meaningful family engagement and staff development.

With more than two decades of experience in early childhood education, Danielle is recognized for her strength in curriculum implementation, trauma-informed practice, program administration, and partnership-building with families and communities. She is a steadfast advocate for high-quality early learning and is dedicated to cultivating compassionate, collaborative educators who honor the strengths and diversity of families.

Danielle’s personal philosophy centers on the power of relationships:
“As an educator, I hope to instill the value of developing relationships with families by honoring the unique characteristics of our families and our community. There is a need for compassionate, strong, and resolute educators who are excited about partnering with families and children and cultivating our community. I hope that my experiences will influence and inspire others to become educators.”

Danielle holds a Bachelor of Science in Child Development and a Master of Science in Family and Child Studies from Northern Illinois University; an Infant/Toddler Specialist credential from the Erikson Institute; and a master’s in Early Childhood Education from the University of Illinois Chicago, with credentials in Special Education and English as a Second Language. She also completed a trauma fellowship with the Chicago Center for Psychoanalysis. Danielle is currently pursuing a doctorate in Educational Administration and Foundations at Illinois State University, with a focus on Leadership in Education and Higher Education Administration.