Cheri Longaker

Cheri Longaker has been a PITC/PQ Regional Coordinator for the WestEd’s CCFS program since 2000, collaborating with local agencies, and coordinating and delivering professional development services in multiple northern California counties. Longaker has been called up to assist with other WestEd projects in capacities such as DRDP trainer and workshop developer, and a Preschool English Learners Project trainer. Longaker has also coordinated and delivered Early Education Effectiveness Exchange (E4) training and technical assistance services in her assigned region, in support of the CA First 5 Child Signature Program (CSP) and IMPACT quality improvement efforts.

Longaker has an extraordinary amount of experience in the early care and education field. Her parents’ care for over 300 foster children during Cheri’s childhood has led to a lifelong devotion to the well-being and success of children and families, and those who work with them. Longaker has participated in project and program design, management, and evaluation; trained and supervised education staff; provided coaching and technical assistance to programs; facilitated meetings and round tables; presented at conferences, and served on various county, state and national entities. She builds strong relationships, and is an effective collaborator and team-player.

Longaker holds an MA in curriculum and instruction with an emphasis in early childhood education from the University of Missouri.