National Head Start Conference and Expo

May 19 - 22, 2025 | Columbus, Ohio

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As the largest national conference devoted to all things Head Start, the annual National Head Start Conference brings the Head Start community together for a week of sharing knowledge, networking with peers, and celebrating achievements.

NHSA’s 52nd annual National Head Start Conference and Expo will be held in Columbus, Ohio. With more than 130 interesting, compelling, and challenging sessions, you will also find:

Plenty of special events, celebrations, and entertainment
Networking opportunities with hundreds of Head Start colleagues from across the country
The largest collection of exhibitors offering products and services (and even free stuff!) for Head Start and Early Head Start programs
And keynote speakers who will make you cry, laugh, and cheer!

View Sessions

Engage Decision Makers

Exhibit booths are now available for purchase.

Interested in advertising or sponsorship opportunities? Reach out to Kenna Pruitt, NHSA's partnership director, at kpruitt@nhsa.org.

Registration Rates

Regular Rate:

$1,015

NHSA Member Rate:

$845

Available until May 18, 2025

On-Site Member:

$965

Available after May 18, 2025

*All discounts are available to those who are a staff or parent in a Head Start/Early Head Start program which has an active NHSA program membership. Sign up to save. Sign up to save.

Keynote Speakers

Erin Ramsey

Opening Keynote Speaker

Driven to help people live and work joyfully and abundantly, Erin brings over 30 years of early childhood experience as a practitioner, leader, and advocate. Author of "Be Amazing" and "Inspired Work," she's a sought-after speaker inspiring service globally. Holding degrees in Child Development/Psychology and Public Service Administration, Erin cultivates peace and well-being at her family's Kentucky lavender farm, Big Roots.

The Opening General Session is sponsored by The Council for Professional Recognition.

Ron Shuali

Closing Keynote Speaker

Forget boring trainings! Ron Shuali, M.Ed., the playfully named "Messiah of the Mind" and "Bad Boy of Early Childhood," presents hilarious and eye-opening "unprofessional development." This best-selling author and creator of Yogarate and Behavior Mastery blends his unique background in martial arts, yoga, improv, and more to deliver memorable experiences focused on mindfulness and connecting with others.

The Closing General Session is sponsored by Unprofessional Development by Ron Shuali.

Isabelle Hau

Data and Research Luncheon Keynote Speaker

Isabelle Hau is a visionary leader transforming children's education as Executive Director of the Stanford Accelerator for Learning. Leveraging brain science, learning science, and technology, she champions innovative and inclusive learning solutions. A former impact investor at Omidyar Network and Imaginable Futures, she authored "Love to Learn" and writes the "Small Talks" newsletter. Hau serves on multiple boards and committees, has received accolades, and aims to bring the love of learning to all children.

The Data and Research Luncheon is sponsored by Measures for Early Success.

Mecah Mochoge

Alumni Impact Luncheon Keynote Speaker

Mecah Mochoge, a Head Start alumna, is a Sr. Project Engineer at Barton Malow, contributing to major construction projects in Columbus, Ohio after serving as a construction engineer in the U.S. Army and earning a BS from Ohio State. Deeply engaged in her community, she mentors students, promotes construction careers to youth, supports local schools with initiatives like bookbag drives, and aids the veteran homeless community.

Why is this such an important event?

The Head Start community is driven like none other to provide opportunities for success in the lives of our nation's systemically underserved children and families. It’s important that our community comes together every year to refresh our commitment to Head Start’s vital mission and discuss the latest developments, innovations, and obstacles in early childhood. Only by stepping away from our day-to-day work can we look at the big picture and help propel Head Start to even greater heights.

Want to attend but you need to convince your boss? Our dear boss letter may do the trick!

Download

Schedule at a Glance

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🎟️ Ticket icon indicates a ticketed event with additional fee

Monday, May 19

8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Registration Desk Open

9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
🎟️ Local Program Tours

1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
🎟️ Pre-Conference Sessions

5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
🌟 Welcome Reception & Exhibit Hall Grand Opening

Tuesday, May 20

7:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Registration Desk Open

9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
🌟 General Opening Session

11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Lunch on Your Own

11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
🌟 Exhibit Hall Open

11:30 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.
🎟️ Public Policy Luncheon

1:00 p.m. - 2:15 p.m.
Breakout Sessions

2:45 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Breakout Sessions

Wednesday, May 21

8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Registration Desk Open

8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Exhibit Hall Open

9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Breakout Sessions

11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Breakout Sessions

12:00 p.m. - 1:45 p.m.
Lunch On Your Own

12:15 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
🎟️ Alumni Impact Luncheon

12:15 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
🎟️ Data and Research Luncheon

1:45 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.
Breakout Sessions

3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Breakout Sessions

6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
🌟 Head Start's 60th Birthday Party

Thursday, May 22

8:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Registration Desk Open

9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Breakout Sessions

10:45 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
🌟 General Closing Session

Ticketed Events

Local Program Tours

Arrive in Columbus early on Monday and take a tour of a local program. Additional fee required.

(Sold Out!) ~~Columbus State Community College / Child Development Council of Franklin County, Inc. Partnership Tour~~

SOLD OUT

Ticketed event with additional cost

The Center for Early Learning at Columbus State is an innovative partnership between Columbus State Community College (CSCC) and the Child Development Council of Franklin County, Inc. (CDCFC). It was designed to train the next generation of skilled childcare professionals in Central Ohio. The partnership serves Columbus State student-parents, Columbus State employees, and other parents in the community for whom access to childcare remains a barrier.

Columbus State’s investment in the design of the facility provided integration with its Early Childhood Development Education program, which enables students and faculty to engage with the center for learning and innovation purposes. The center offers six classrooms: three infant-to-toddler rooms and three pre-K instruction rooms utilizing The Creative Curriculum®. Other unique features are indoor gross motor space, art studio, and one-way viewing rooms for clinicaland academic observations.

Child Development Council of Franklin County, Inc. Tour (Johnstown Location)

Ticketed event with additional cost

The Child Development Council of Franklin County, Inc.’s Head Start classrooms utilize a model where every child's individual learning approach is supported and valued by a collaborative teaching team. This team comprises Head Start Teachers, Special Education Teachers from the Franklin County Board of Developmental Disabilities, and experts in occupational, physical, and speech therapy. All children thrive through enriching programs like adapted physical education, art, and music. Our practices and spaces are guided by the Reggio Emilia Approach®, emphasizing children's capabilities and fostering connections and shared learning for everyone. Classrooms, hallways, and activity areas are designed to represent, support, and reflect the varied backgrounds of the children, families, caregivers, and educators within them. This initiative was the first in our community to unite multiple programs in a single location, providing care, services, and education for all children, regardless of ability, fostering a sense of belonging.

Pre-Conference Sessions

Gain insights before the main event even starts! Explore paid special pre-conference sessions that are focused on specific topics.

Adapting and Thriving: Strategies for Success in a Changing Landscape

Ticketed event with additional cost

Time: Monday, May 19, 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Presented by: Feldsman

This interactive training is designed to give Head Start leaders an in-depth understanding of the myriad of applicable rules and regulations necessary to lead a strong program. Feldesman's Phillip Escoriaza will discuss how to comply with the rules while implementing strategies to differentiate your organization from others and build effective systems to support plans to move forward and fulfill the organization’s visions and goals.

Throughout the training, you will collaborate with other Head Start leaders in lively discussions of the issues at the top of mind in the Head Start community, including leadership and governance, financial management, and health and safety compliance.

Learning Objectives:

Understand how Head Start leaders can demonstrate compliance with the Head Start
Program Performance Standards
Describe how to successfully mitigate common compliance risks
Recognize current hot-topic issues that every Head Start leader should know.

Target Audience:

C-Suite
Executive Directors and Directors
Interagency Leadership
Governing Body Members

Elevate Your Head Start Success: Compliance and Data Quality with ChildPlus Online

Ticketed event with additional cost

Time: Monday, May 19, 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Presented by: ChildPlus

Stay ahead in Head Start program excellence by diving into recent Head Start Performance Standards updates. Discover how to effectively align these regulations with ChildPlus modules and features to streamline operations, improve outcomes, and ensure compliance. This session offers actionable strategies to maximize the value of ChildPlus in achieving program goals.

Moving to the Uniform Guidance

Ticketed event with additional cost

Time: Monday, May 19, 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Presented by: Feldsman

Join Feldesman attorney Ted Waters for this half-day workshop on the major transition for Head Start grants from 45 CFR Part 75 to the newly revised 2 CFR Part 200. Covering essential federal funding compliance measures for grantees, Mr. Waters will discuss what these changes mean and how your agency can take advantage of the increased thresholds as well as potential pitfalls from moving forward too quickly.

Throughout the workshop, Mr. Waters will cover changes to mandatory disclosures, cybersecurity, subrecipient agreements including advance payments, federal approvals and fixed amount subawards, prior approvals, budget flexibility, procurement, property, program income, closeout, and audits. He will also note any changes to these topics in the recently issued HHS Grants Policy Statement.

Please join to learn how to best prepare your organization for the massive changes.

Learning Objectives:

Understand HHS’ actions in its September 2024 interim final rule
Confirm the changes your organization should make now, and which will need to be
implemented at a later date
Discuss what will be different when Part 200 applies to Head Start grants and what policy
changes will be necessary to be in compliance
Address the transition timing, grant administration, cost principles, and audit
requirements
Begin to develop policies and procedures that reflect all the upcoming changes

Target Audience:

CFOs, Finance Managers, and Finance Department Personnel
Other Managers involved in Budgeting and Funds Management
Head Start Leadership, including CEOs, COOs, CMOs
Executive Directors/Head Start Program Directors
Grant Managers, Specialists, and Administrators
Program Officers
Grant Officers

What is New with DHHS: Program and Fiscal Working Together

Ticketed event with additional cost

Time: Monday, May 19, 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Presented by: Wipfli

Individuals working in the finance department and NOT working in the finance department need to understand financial terms, budgets, reports, overall financial management and each other.

This session will give fiscal and program directors guidance on how to communicate with each other while achieving good financial management. In this session, fiscal staff and program staff will determine what each of their roles are and why certain aspects of fiscal are necessary. We will discuss what program staff should look for in financial reports and how to monitor their budgets throughout the year.

Using the changes happening with the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) regarding adoptions of the new Uniform Guidance and the timeline of the changes that are effective now and that will be effective in October 2025, we will share examples. In addition, we will highlight the changes to the new Grants Policy Statement issued in October 2024 and how that interacts with the Uniform Guidance.

Learning Objectives:

Discuss what financial information should be monitored.
Explore challenges in communication.
Explore using examples around the changes happening with DHHS and the Uniform Guidance.

Tough Times-Tougher Families: Promoting Family Resilience

Ticketed event with additional cost

Time: Monday, May 19, 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Presented by: Devereux Center for Resilient Children

Resilience—the ability to bounce back from adversity— is a lifelong journey and offers hope and strength in time of hardship. Family resilience is critical, emphasizing the health and well-being of both children and their adult caregivers. ALL parents, no matter the obstacles, can learn resilience-building skills for their children and equally important, for themselves. Educators, coaches, home visitors, and all professionals who work with families are invited to this interactive professional development event that focuses on showing parents how to do just that - create safe, trusting, and healing homes where the entire family can thrive. Participants will be introduced to practical approaches that can be used to help families truly understand and see how their everyday parenting actions can support their child’s resilience. The approach will emphasize how professionals can make the concepts of resilience easily understandable, relatable, and build on what families already know and understand. Participants will gain tools, resources and strategies to help families feel confident, capable, motivated, and supported in their family resilience-building journey. Participants will receive a copy of Your Journey Together (YJT), a parenting curriculum that includes guided talking points and activities that cover 29 key resilience-building concepts including topics like:

(1) What is Resilience?;

(2) How can resilience happen during meal time and bedtime routines?;

(3) How do conversations with my children build resilience?;

(4) How can I promote my own resilience as a parent?; and

(5) Why does promoting my young child’s resilience help prepare them for learning to read?

Learning Objectives for participants:

Participants will be able to define resilience, risk factors, and protective factors
Participants will understand the connection between resilience and a child’s overall
healthy development.
Participants will learn simple strategies to introduce the concepts of resilience to
families.
Participants will understand how to infuse the materials from Your Journey Together
into all the various ways that they communicate and support families.

New Directors Orientation

Ticketed event with additional cost

Time: Monday, May 19, 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Presented by: The Academy at NHSA

Are you a new Head Start leader? Feeling a little overwhelmed by all of the unique demands leading a Head Start program requires?

Join Dr. Deborah Bergeron (Dr. B), Deputy Director of Community Engagement and Innovation and Zuly Vazquez, Sr. Manager of Online Professional Development and a handful of amazing experienced Head Start leaders, for an intense orientation around what it means to lead in a Head Start environment. Dig deep into the Head Start Program Performance Standards (HSPSS), get a sense of what monitoring looks like and meet other new leaders just like you! This session is sure to be a great way to tee up a meaningful week at the National Conference!

Special Events

Take your conference experience to the next level! Add a special ticketed event to your conference schedule for an additional fee.

Public Policy Luncheon

Ticketed event with additional cost

Time: Tuesday, May 20, 11:30 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.

The Public Policy Luncheon is a perennial favorite among National Conference attendees. In addition to a seated meal, there is an exclusive keynote presentation on a specific policy topic relevant to the Head Start field. This is an opportunity to hear from NHSA leadership and outside experts on issues of critical importance related to the policies governing Head Start.

Attendees must be seated by 11:45 am to receive their plated lunches.

Alumni Impact Luncheon

Ticketed event with additional cost

Time: Wednesday, May 21, 12:15 p.m. - 1:15 p.m.

This spectacular, plated lunch event will recognize amazing Head Start alumni from the Columbus metropolitan area whose careers, service, and achievements exemplify positive and transformational impact.

Keynote Speaker: Mecah Mochoge, Sr. Project Engineer at Barton Malow, and Head Start Alum of Child Development Council of Franklin County, Inc.

Mecah Mochoge attended Head Start at the Child Development Council of Franklin County, Inc. from 1993 - 1995. She began her career as a construction engineer in the U.S. Army, where she participated in NATO missions overseas. Following her military service, Mecah attended Ohio State University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Construction Systems Management in 2020. As a Sr. Project Engineer at Barton Malow, she has contributed to significant projects, including the new Hilton in downtown Columbus, and current projects renovating and building charter school buildings. Beyond her professional achievements, Mecah is deeply committed to community engagement. She serves on the Industry Advisory Council at Ohio State, mentors college students, and actively promotes construction careers to youth through programs like the annual middle school girls' construction camp and ACE Mentorship. Additionally, she organizes initiatives like bookbag drives for local charter schools and seeks to support the veteran homeless community.

Attendees must be seated by 12:30 p.m. in order to receive their plated lunch.

Data and Research Luncheon

Ticketed event with additional cost

Time: Wednesday, May 21, 12:15 p.m. - 1:15 p.m.

Keynote speaker: Isabelle C. Hau is a visionary leader who is dedicated to transforming the way we nurture and educate our children.

Every year, a highlight of the National Head Start Conference is the Data and Research Luncheon, focusing on important themes in the data and research space relevant to Head Start practitioners. In addition to a delicious, formal sit-down meal, attendees will hear an exclusive keynote presentation on a relevant topic within Head Start research.

Attendees must be seated by 12:30 in order to receive their plated lunch.

Conference Sponsors

DIAMOND SPONSORS

PLATINUM SPONSORS

GOLD SPONSORS

Frequently Asked Questions

General

Where is the 2025 National Head Start Conference being held?

The conference will take place at the Greater Columbus Convention Center in Columbus, Ohio. Participants will receive a link to book hotel rooms at a special discounted rate after registering. Details will be shared in your confirmation email. When making your travel plans, make sure to arrive by Monday afternoon, May 19, in time for the Welcome Reception at 5:00 p.m. ET and depart Thursday afternoon, May 22 after our closing plenary, which ends at 12:00 p.m. ET.

How can I register?

What airport is closest to the conference location?

When should I arrive for the conference and depart?

How do I get a discount?

How do I book my hotel room?

Are there any mobility vendors for rentals?

Is there parking on-site?

Policies and Resources

What is the cancellation and refund policy?

All requests for conference cancellations must be submitted in writing prior to the start of the conference. Cancellation notifications must be emailed to cancellation@nhsa.org. Please include the name of the registrant and the name of the conference. Each canceled registration will be assessed a $75 cancellation fee. For more information about NHSA's Cancellation and Refund Policy, visit: nhsa.org/conferences/cancellation-policy

What is your photo and video policy?

By registering for an NHSA event, all registrants understand and agree that the National Head Start Association (NHSA) and its employees and agents have the right and permission to copyright and/or use, reuse and/or publish, and republish photographic pictures or portraits of them, recorded images of them, including recordings of their voice, in any medium, including motion picture and video images and reproductions thereof in color or black and white, made through any media by or on behalf of NHSA, for any purpose whatsoever, including the use of any printed matter in conjunction therewith. Registrants further waive any right to inspect or approve the finished photograph, motion picture, videotape, advertising copy, or printed matter that may be used in conjunction therewith or to the eventual use that it might be applied.

Registrants further release, discharge, and agree to save harmless NHSA, its employees and agents, and any firm publishing and/or distributing the finished product, in whole or in part, from and against any liability as a result of any distortion, blurring, or alteration, optical illusion, or use in composite form, either intentionally or otherwise, that may occur or be produced in the taking, recording, processing, editing, or reproduction of the finished product, its publication or distribution of the same, even should the same subject them, the designated property, to ridicule, scandal, reproach, scorn, or indignity.

Registrants further warrant that they are over eighteen years of age, or if they are not, their parent or guardian consents to their agreement, upon registration, to this release.

If you have any questions, please email: marcomm@nhsa.org

What is your recording policy?

We want everyone to feel comfortable sharing and learning openly at our conference! For the privacy and respect of conference presenters, participants, and staff, video and voice recording is strictly prohibited without written permission from the National Head Start Association (NHSA).

By participating in this NHSA event, participants agree to refrain from making video or voice recordings of any sessions, presentations, or other conference activities. This includes, but is not limited to, using cameras, phones, tablets, or other recording devices.

Participants found recording without prior permission will be asked to leave the conference immediately. We appreciate your cooperation in maintaining a respectful and private environment for our speakers and attendees.

Thank you for helping us maintain a trusted space where ideas can flow freely and connections can flourish.

Exhibiting and Sponsorship

How can I learn more about opportunities?

How can I apply to be an exhibitor?

When will the exhibitor portal open?

The exhibitor portal is now open! When you register, you will select a booth size and three choices of booth preference, and pay for your booth. You will receive confirmation of your exhibit booth purchase. The NHSA Conference team will then assign your booth location based on your selections. You will receive an email confirmation of your assigned booth and information from our show decorator, Freeman, on how to get your booth set up and how to register your booth staff for the conference. For additional questions, please contact Kenna Pruitt at kpruitt@nhsa.org.

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