National Head Start Conference

April 15 - 18, 2024 | Portland, OR

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 51st annual National Head Start Conference will be held in Portland, Oregon. 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 some free stuff!) for Head Start and Early Head Start programs
  • And keynote speakers who will make you cry, laugh, and cheer!

📣 Exhibitors

Register for a booth!

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

Keynotes announced!

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Dr. Amy King

Opening Keynote Speaker

We are thrilled to announce that Dr. Amy King will provide the Keynote at the opening plenary in Portland!

Dr. King is a “local hero” in the Oregon early childhood community–a trainer and expert on using trauma informed practices in early care and education. 

She will talk with us about the importance of connection, based on groundbreaking research that underscores how EVERY adult in the life of a child has opportunities to connect in meaningful ways. Relational health is the key building block for resilience, imperative for positive outcomes that decrease stress and reduce the impact of trauma. 

Stephanie Land

Stephanie Land

Closing Keynote Speaker

We are honored to have Stephanie Land join us at our National Conference.

Stephanie's bestselling debut memoir Maid: Hard Work, Low Pay, and a Mother’s Will to Survive recounts her harrowing saga as a single mom navigating the poverty trap. Her unflinching testimony exposes the physical, economic, and social brutality that domestic workers face, all while radiating a parent’s hope and dedication.  

Registration Rates

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.

NHSA Member Rate:

$799

Available from 2/24/2024 - 4/14/2024

On-Site Member Rate:

$919

Available from 4/15/2024 - 4/18/2024

Non-Member Rate:

$969

Not a member? Sign up to save.

Schedule at a Glance

Monday, April 15

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

1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Pre-Conference Sessions (Separate registration and fee)

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

Tuesday, April 16

8:00 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

11:30 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.
Public Policy Luncheon (Separate registration and fee)

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

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

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

4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Head Start Alumni Reception (Separate registration and fee)

Wednesday, April 17

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.
Data and Research Luncheon (Separate registration and fee)

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

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

7:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
After Glow

Thursday, April 18

8:00 a.m. - 12:00 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

Pre-Conference Sessions


Why not arrive a little early Monday–and spend a few hours diving deep in one of our three paid pre-conference sessions?

The 2024 National Head Start Conference kicks-off with an evening reception Monday, April 15. Sessions included with conference registration begin Tuesday morning, April 16.

The pre-conference sessions on Monday are paid sessions, not included in your conference registration. There are no free sessions Monday.

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Come See What's New with ChildPlus
Come See What's New with ChildPlus

Monday, April 15, 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Presented by: ChildPlus

ChildPlus Software continues to research the agency workflow to refine the software and improve the foundation for data collection and output.  We identified and implemented two areas for enhancement in the application and attendance modules for ChildPlus Online.

In this session we present a centered approach to help you handle a wide range of scenarios at your agency. Flexibility is fundamental to the application process in ChildPlus Online. The attendance redesign put all the possible options in one place in a thoughtful layout. Always keeping your security in mind, ChildPlus Online has a new security option that we will explore. Join us to learn more and be the ChildPlus Online influencer at your agency.

Learning Objections

· Apply specific features in ChildPlus Online to improve day-to-day tasks

· Share with other staff the benefits of using ChildPlus Online

· Analyze areas of data collection at your agency that could be strengthened

From Burnout to Balance: Mental Resilience For Educators
Health and Safety Incidents
In-Kind: Making the Match
Total Rewards: Get and Keep the Best People for Your EHS/HS Program
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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.

Celebrate After-Hours

Opportunities to reconnect with all your colleagues you have not seen for more than a year!

  • The Scholarships and Awards - Free!
    Celebrate talented and innovative Head Start and Early Head Start staff, parents, and programs.
  • The Exhibit Hall Grand Opening Reception - Free!
  • Explore the largest gathering of vendors and service providers for Head Start.
  • AfterGlow Lounge - Free!
    Step out and dance with friends and colleagues.
  • Alumni After Happy Hour - Ticketed Event
    Did you attend Head Start as a child? Join fellow Head Start alumni for a meet-up.

Frequently Asked Questions

Policies & Resources

Exhibiting and Sponsorship