National Head Start Conference

May 2 - 5, 2022 | Baltimore, Maryland

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the 2022 National Head Start Conference being held?

The conference will be held in Baltimore, Maryland, at the Baltimore Convention Center. All conference hotels are conveniently within walking distance of the Convention Center. Participants will receive a link to book hotel rooms at a special discounted rate after registering. Details will be shared in your confirmation email.

If you have any questions regarding reservations, please contact IMN Solutions: nhsahousing@imnsolutions.com or (571) 302-8406

Are all conference sessions being held at the same location?

What airport is closest to the conference location?

When should I arrive for the conference and depart?

How do I get a discount?

When is the last day to receive the discounted hotel rate?

How do I book my hotel room?

What are the hotel room rates?

Are there presenter fees?

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.

COVID-19 Policies

Are you implementing any COVID-19 prevention measures?

Will I need to show proof of vaccination for COVID-19?

Yes, all conference attendees are required to provide proof of vaccination or a negative covid test within 72-hours of arrival. Registrants can submit proof of vaccination during registration by submitting their vaccine records through a secure online portal. You will receive a link to the portal in your registration confirmation email. To ensure the highest levels of privacy, NHSA will retain these digital records only through the length of the National Conference, after which time they will be destroyed. If you do not submit proof of vaccination, you will receive an email 72-hours before the conference to upload your negative test result.

Will I be required to wear a mask?

Will there be social distancing?

Will COVID-19 testing be available?

Exhibiting and Sponsorship

How can I apply to be an exhibitor?

You can complete your application to be an exhibitor here.

Select a booth size, 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, GES, on how to get your booth set up and how to register your booth staff for the conference.

How can I learn more about opportunities?

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 most vulnerable children and families. It’s important that our community gathers 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.

It can be tough (or impossible) to step away from your program and attend a conference in person. Recognizing the importance of staying well-informed and up-to-date professionally, NHSA is hosting a virtual option for the upcoming National Head Start Conference & Expo. Featuring more than 25 of our most effective and experienced presenters, Conference+ sessions will be unique—not just recordings of in-person sessions. Conference+ presenters will make handouts and slides available to attendees for download.

Registration to the in-person conference includes access to Conference+ sessions. All registrants will be able to watch the on-demand trainings for 30 days at their own pace online.

Explore Content By Role

Teachers

A Whole Class Approach to Reducing Teacher Burnout and Load
Read Aloud Wow! The Book Vine's Best Picture Books of 2022
Songs, Stories, and Strategies to Support Social-Emotional Growth
Dual Language Learners: A Multicultural Approach
Understanding the Social Emotional and Self Regulation Process
Making Literacy Fun and Playful
African American Literature that Builds the Self-Esteem of Young Children
Productive PreK Morning Routines
Using Children's Books and Creative Interactions to Teach Equity
The Reading Party: Music! Phonics! Fitness! Fun!
Block Play: Stacked with Learning Potential

Leadership

Community Partnerships for Self-Assessment Success
The Power of Emotional Intelligence
Being a New Head Start Director within a Community Action Agency
Increasing Enrollment of Children Experiencing Homelessness: Head Start Referral
Using Data to Track and Measure Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Progress
Inclusion in Head Start: Policy & Practice to Support Children with Disabilities
Retaining Key Talent During Challenging Times
Head Start and School District Partnership
Pop-Up: iPD Portfolio Product Highlight
Foundational Support: Directors, Policy Council, and Board Members

Family Engagement Staff

Helping Parents Move Beyond Their Own ACE’s
Learning Continues At Home: Building Partnerships with Families
The Power of Connection: Recapturing the Art of Civility
Reframing Engagement to Include Fathers
Parents are the Foundation
Building Relationships with Community Partners to Increase Community Engagement
Smooth Sailing into Strong Families
It’s All About the Details: Shared Goals and Action Planning
Family Resilience: Supporting Parents and Children on Life’s Journey

Parents

Take a look at the schedule

Connect With Communities of Practice

To make the conference a rich experience, sessions held throughout the conference will be clearly designated as relevant to one or more of the following Communities of Practice:

ERSEA
Data (Management and CQI)
Health and Wellness
Education and Child Development
Family and Community Engagement

Parents
HR/Program Operations
Fiscal
New Directors
Early Head Start

Dig into Hot Topics

Early Head Start

Staff Wellness/Self-Care

Mindfulness Strategies for Stress Reduction and Mental Wellbeing
Reset & Rejuvenate: Paving a Positive Path
Compassion Fatigue in Head Start Staff
Workforce Wellness: You are a Priority!
The Power of Positive Energy
Supporting a Program-Wide Culture of Mental Health and Wellbeing
Improving Staff Effectiveness by Integrating Mental Wellness in the Workplace
Empowering Kindness: Shifting Emotional Reactions into Chosen Responses

Children’s Social-Emotional Wellness

Looking at Behavior Through the Lens of Development
The Impact of Community Violence Exposure on Early Childhood Development
TIC/TOC Training: Trauma Informed-Care/Talk Openly and Compassionately
Using Trauma-Informed Practices to Support Our Own Flourishing and Wellbeing
How to Build a Trauma-Sensitive Classroom?
Identifying, Preventing, and Intervening with Challenging Behaviors
Combating Young Children’s Stress and Anxiety Associated with Crises

Father Involvement

View all sessions

Ticketed Luncheons

Public Policy Luncheon

Data and Research Luncheon

Wednesday, May 4 from 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Child assessments are a required part of Head Start programming, and they’re required for a reason. The day-long child assessments track will advance attendees’ understanding of the purpose of child assessments and how to best use them to support program practice. Head Start isn’t one-size-fits-all, and neither are child assessments. This track will help attendees define their own program’s needs, learn what resources are available to them, and explore practice-based solutions.

The highlight of the day is the Data & Research Luncheon, sponsored by Measures for Early Success. In addition to a delicious, formal sit-down meal, attendees will hear an exclusive keynote from this year’s featured speaker, Dr. Tonia Durden. Dr. Durden is a clinical associate professor and birth through five (B-5) program coordinator within the Department of Early Childhood and Elementary Education at Georgia State University.

Dr. Durden’s presentation will examine the opportunity we have in early childhood education to collect data and implement early childhood assessment measures that promote culturally relevant teaching and educational equity. Participants will be introduced to innovative, research-based strategies to enhance child outcomes through the implementation of culturally relevant and equity-centered educational and assessment practices.

Ticket Price: $85.00

Attend Pre-Conference Sessions

New Directors' Bootcamp

Presented by Frog Street and The Academy at NHSA

Sunday, May 1 - Monday, May 2

Being a new leader anywhere is challenging. But, being a new Head Start/Early Head Start Director is unlike anything else. Come join 49 of your peers in this exciting day of sharing, listening, learning, and growing as we delve into the specific skills Head Start/Early Head Start leaders need to ensure their children and families have a high-quality experience. Connect with others. Learn from the field. And have some fun - the Frogstreet way!

Bias Buster Essentials

Presented by The Academy at NHSA

Sunday, May 1 - Monday, May 2

Come work with a national leader in diversity, inclusion, and equity AND have some fun doing it! Talking about bias and race can be challenging. But it doesn’t have to be difficult. Dr. Kimberly P. Johnson specializes in making supporting staff through the complex topics surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion. Spend a day digging into your own biases and how to support your entire community. This one-day, pre-conference session won’t just help you become a better Head Start/Early Head Start employee. It will help you become a better human.

Head Start Risk Management: Stay Current, Stay in Compliance

Presented by Feldesman Tucker Leifer Fidell

Monday, May 2

Join Feldesman Tucker Leifer Fidell attorney Ted Waters for this one-day workshop on high-risk areas that have troubled Head Start programs over the years and the new issues perplexing programs today, especially as “normal” operations resume. We will describe the laws that apply to Head Start programs, explain where the rules come from, what they mean on a practical level, and how to meet the standards for compliance. Whether you are brand new to Head Start leadership or need a refresher on recent changes to requirements, this overview will leave you feeling confident about your program’s ability to meet and maintain compliance with programmatic obligations. During the workshop, we will provide specific examples of high-risk areas so know how to spot an issue and can apply what you learn in a real-world setting.

This training will cover the key topics every Head Start leader needs to understand, highlighting the challenges you face every day, including:

Head Start Enrollment
Head Start Governance
Fiscal Integrity and Grants Management
Head Start Human Resources Requirements
Tips for preparing for review events under the Aligned Monitoring System

Runnin' on Empty: Dealing with Compassion Fatigue and Staff Wellness

Engaging with Families in Conversations about Sensitive Topics

Monday, May 2

Using strengths-based attitudes and relationship-based practices is especially important when working with families who are experiencing challenging situations. Get ready for a session that fosters participants’ opportunity to establish and strengthen their partnerships with families. We will practice conversation skills connected to sensitive topics during stressful times and explore strategies to support overall wellness for children and families.

Uniform Guidance

Monday, May 2

After an introduction to laws and regulations, there will be a discussion of the general provisions and administrative requirements in 2 CFR Part 200 Uniform Guidance. We’ll focus on these key areas: Procurement, property, and equipment; Reporting, and record retention requirements. The cost principles cover the costs that a grant-funded program can charge to federal grant awards. General principles, allowable costs, unallowable costs, and costs that require prior approval will be discussed. We’ll also discuss certain selected items of cost. And we will give an overview of the audit requirements.

Celebrate After-Hours

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

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

Join us in Charm City!

NHSA’s 49th annual National Head Start Conference will be held at the Baltimore Convention Center, just a stone’s throw from the historic Inner Harbor and right in the heart of the city. In addition to over 100 interesting, compelling, and challenging sessions, you will 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!

Registration Rates

Regular: $969
NHSA Member: $799
March 14 thru May 2
NHSA Member Onsite: $919
May 3 thru May 7
Conference+ Regular: $679
Conference+ Member: $559

All
Advocacy
Best Practice
BOLD
Culture and Language
Diversity Equity & Inclusion
Early Childhood Education
Early Head Start
Family Engagement
Health and Wellness
Membership
Nutrition
Parent and Family
Parent Gauge
Pregnancy
Research
School Readiness
States
Trauma
Workforce