Winter Leadership Institute

January 27 - 30, 2025 | Washington, D.C.

Join us in helping ensure this Congress is one that understands, values, and empowers the important role Head Start serves for our nation’s most vulnerable children and families.

Right now, key decision-makers in our nation’s capital are in the process of making difficult spending decisions, with differing priorities competing for a limited pool of money. These decisions will have a profound impact on Head Start’s work. It is critical that members of Congress and their staff hear firsthand how important Head Start is to the communities they serve.

Highlights Include:

  • Meetings with members of Congress
  • Advocacy trainings
  • Engaging discussions on how Head Start programs are leading in their communities
  • Professional development opportunities
  • Educational sessions on policy issues of critical importance to Head Start
  • Breakfast for Head Start on Capitol Hill

Interested in advertising, exhibiting, and sponsorship opportunities at the Conference? Learn more.

Registration Rates

NHSA Member Rate*:

$799

Available December 8 - January 26.

On-Site Member Rate*:

$865

Available January 27 - 30.

Non-Member Rate:

$969

Available to non-members

*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.

An Unforgettable Experience

Network and Share

By convening leaders from across the country, our Leadership Institutes drive the Head Start community forward. Meet with your colleagues from across the country, share in conversations about niche Head Start happenings, and make connections that last.

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Advocate and Educate

NHSA's government affairs team will make sure that you have all the resources you need to schedule meetings with your members of Congress. These meetings connect your work to Congress' agenda so you can have a hand in shaping a strong future for Head Start. Together, we can make sure that this dialogue leads to results.

Learn and Grow

Leadership Institutes offer deep-dive insights into the policies that affect Head Start nationally and explore how these can be implemented locally. What's the latest and what can we expect in the months ahead?

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Schedule at a Glance*

*Times are subject to change. 

Monday, January 27

10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Opening Plenary Session

2:00 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.
General Session

4:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Closing Plenary Session

Tuesday, January 28

9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Washington Insider Panel

10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Hill Day Prep Session

11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
General Session

2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Breakout Sessions

3:15 p.m. - 4:15 p.m.
Breakout Sessions

4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Town Hall

Wednesday, January 29

  • Take your passion to Capitol Hill! We will start the day with a star-studded Head Start breakfast
  • Then, meet with members of Congress to share firsthand about Head Start’s impact and the support we need to fully serve our nation's children who might not have the same opportunities as others

Thursday, January 30

9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Thursday Plenary Session

Explore the Nation's Capital

The Institute will be held in downtown Washington, D.C.—near Capitol Hill, close to the White House, and within walking distance to the National Mall, Washington Monument, and other nearby attractions.

Attendees will have the opportunity to join colleagues for a Moonlight Monuments Tour on Wednesday evening in a comfortable, state-of-the-art, and all-weather stadium trolley. Fully-trained, certified tour guides provide expert narration and, frankly, really know their stuff! It is a fun, interactive, and informative experience that is anything but boring.

Tommy Speaking

A Word from NHSA

"The Leadership Institutes are essential, not only because they offer informative sessions and invaluable networking events, but because they provide the opportunity throughout the year to meet with members of Congress and their staff to build strong, impactful relationships."

- Tommy Sheridan, Deputy Director

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