New Solutions for Shared Challenges:
A Masterclass in Innovation
Early childhood education is in a watershed moment. Innovation is a necessity rather than an option, but for practitioners, the question is how to build the plane while flying. The Early Childhood Innovation Summit (ECIS) addresses this need by bridging the gap among researchers, policymakers, and practitioners and empowering early childhood educators to meet 21st-century challenges.
This year’s redesigned event starts with a masterclass on innovation principles to guide solutions that deliver impact for children and families. Following the masterclass, participants will join topic-driven and facilitator-led Accelerator Circles to apply learnings and craft innovative solutions to significant challenges in their work environments. The content-rich and practice-based agenda also includes plenary sessions with formidable thought leaders on some of today’s most pressing issues, like the intersection of early childhood education with AI and brain development.
We’re equipping today’s early educators to meet the challenges of the moment and prepare for tomorrow’s opportunities!
Schedule at a Glance
Tuesday, June 27
12 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Registration Desk Open
3:45 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Opening Plenary
5:15 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Welcome Reception & Gallery Walk
Wednesday, June 28
8:45 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Masterclass: Innovation Foundational Principles
1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Accelerator Circles (Breakouts)
3:45 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.
Plenary Session
5 p.m. - 6:15 p.m.
Bright Horizons Center Tour
Thursday, June 29
8 a.m. - 10 a.m.
HeadStarter Network Board (Closed Meeting)
9 a.m. - 10 a.m.
Plenary Session
10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Accelerator Circles (Breakouts)
12:10 p.m. - 1 p.m.
Closing Plenary

You won't want to miss this!
We incorporated plenty of fun with evening events like a welcome reception and gallery walk to meet peers, network, and exchange ideas, plus an exciting flagship Bright Horizons center tour highlighting their Discovery Driven Learning™ approach.
Join us for an intimate conference designed for changemakers like you. With only 90 participants, this event is limited to a small number of individuals who are passionate about innovation and making a positive impact.
About the HeadStarter Network
The HeadStarter Network is NHSA’s sister organization and is a separate nonprofit organization created to provide a nimble, interdisciplinary, and forward-looking engine for driving innovation in early childhood development and education. A frequent collaborator with NHSA, we constantly seek to apply best practices and innovations from technology, business, and academia to shape new models of early childhood education. Learn more.