NHSA

Head Start Advocacy: Voting Counts!
2024-08-13 12:00 - 12:30 (America/New_York)
Voting Counts: Understanding the Important Role Head Start Parents and Staff can have in the 2024 election.
Program Description: This year’s presidential election is already a hot topic and not likely to cool in the fall. As citizens of the USA we all can and need to vote. It’s one thing that makes this country great. Voting is a right and privilege that we all need to exercise. Learn how Head Start parents, staff and programs can support voter registration and Get Out the Vote (GOTV) activities. Learn how to engage in these activities while following the Head Start standards. Here what other programs are doing. Do not let fear and discouragement keep you from taking action.
Together we can help the whole Head Start community participate in the election and know that Voting Counts!
Learning Objective:

Understand the Head Start standards relative to voter registration and GOTV activities.
Find inspiration and courage to engage in supporting the election process in your Head Start program.

Presenters:
Blair Hyatt, Senior Director of State Affairs
Katie Dufford-Melendez, Manager, State Affairs
This professional development presentation is part of a larger Head Start Advocacy Series. By registering for this event, you can sign up for the entire 2024-2025 series. Each month will feature new topics of concern when we talk about the big picture of advocacy.

Onboarding New Leaders
2024-08-15 15:00 - 15:30 (America/New_York)
Program: Onboarding New Leaders in Head Start
Purpose: New leadership in any environment can be tough. But, becoming a new leader in Head Start is particularly challenging. Head Start requires a very specific understanding of Federal requirements, program history and managing in an environment that is ever-changing. Come learn about how to support new Head Start leaders and how you can take charge of your new position and grow your own capacity to serve your program, staff and community.
Learning Objectives: To Identify what is your leadership style is and who do you want to be as a leader; Exploring the differences between managing and leading; Determining actions to take over the next 6 months.
Presenters:
Dr. Deborah Bergeron served as director of the Office of Head Start from 2018-21. From 2019-21 she broadened her leadership as director of the Office of Early Childhood Development in the Administration for Children and Families. Known as “Dr. B” to former students and teachers, she spent three decades in pre-K–12 public education as a classroom teacher and school administrator and currently serves as deputy director for Community Engagement and Innovation at NHSA.

Zuly Vazquez is the senior manager of online professional development at the National Head Start Association. She has worked with Head Start and Early Head Start programs for over a decade, specializing in training, mentoring, coaching, facilitation, curriculum implementation, and management. She worked for several years in the classroom, providing high-quality education to children from different cultures, traditions, and ethnicities. She is a former EHS/HS parent. She has vast experience supporting and providing technical assistance to teachers, family child care providers, education specialists, and families in large EHS/HS programs in Florida and Georgia. Over her career, she designed a supplemental Christian early childhood curriculum, bilingual online lessons, and classroom observation tools and has facilitated early childhood education courses in English and Spanish at the college level. As an active early childhood advocate, she is a board member of her local NAEYC affiliate and Family Child Care Home Alliance of Georgia. She is a senior advisor of Latinas United for the Children of America.

Advocacy: What is it? How to do it!
2024-09-10 12:00 - 12:30 (America/New_York)
Program: Advocacy: What is it? How to do it!
Description: The lack of funding needed so that programs can implement the Final rule without having to cut large numbers of children and their families from programs has put Head Start in a funding crisis. We need everyone to step up their advocacy capacity and skills. This webinar will help people understand how to be an advocate, what an advocate does and how to do it with the limits of the Head Start Standards.
Learning Objectives: Attendees will learn:

What is educating.
What is advocacy.
What is lobbying.
The Head Start standards that impact doing education, advocacy, and lobbying.
The important role parents and staff play in education and advocating for Head Start.

Advocacy: What is it? How to do it! Presenters:

Blair Hyatt, Senior Director of State Affairs

Katie Dufford-Melendez, Manager, State Affairs

This professional development presentation is part of a larger Head Start Advocacy Series. By registering for this event, you can sign up for the entire 2024-2025 series. Each month will feature new topics of concern when we talk about the big picture of advocacy.

Tuning Up Circle Time: How Musical Play Boosts Learning and Connection
2024-09-17 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
Program: Tuning Up Circle Time: How Musical Play Boosts Learning and Connection
Description: Circle time—a safe, focused space for children to learn and interact in a group setting—is nothing new. So, how do we keep it from getting old and fine-tune it as a model for healthy social behavior? Leaning into the rich history of making music in the round and dancing in circle formation is key to cementing developmental milestones in this important early childhood setting. This workshop focuses on how to boost social awareness and connection through joyful musical circle time experiences, including morning rituals, dance breaks, and story time.
Learning Objectives: As a result of this session, participants will be able to:

Explain the science behind why circle time—specifically musical circle time—is beneficial to the social-emotional development of children.
Incorporate music more intentionally into movement-based brain breaks and gathering rituals.
Scaffold teaching of music-based activities to lead with confidence and enhance learning.

Price:

Regular Rate: $75
NHSA Member Rate: $50

Tuning Up Circle Time Presenter: Deanna Bucci, Director of Product Development for Kindermusik International
Deanna Bucci oversees the content creation for Kindermusik’s programs and curricula as well as professional development and product training. She has worked with and trained various organizations and educators across the United States, including presenting at national conferences for NAEYC and NHSA. Deanna holds a Bachelor of Music in Music Education and Master of School Administration. She taught elementary general music (ages 3-8) for eight years in New Jersey before initially becoming a Curriculum Designer for Kindermusik in 2017. Through childcare, musical direction, and private music instruction, she has also taught and worked with children and adults of all ages over the last 15+ years.
Sponsored by: Kindermusik International

Rallying for Meaningful Trainings Series
2024-09-17 16:00 - 16:30 UTC
In this Rallying for Meaningful Trainings webinar series, we will unlock the magic of leveraging self-paced PD to create engaging training for all staff, so you can spend less time meeting compliance and more time where it matters – relationship building!
Join our experts in this two-part series as they unveil:

Onboarding without Overboarding
In-Service for Everyone

Learning Objectives
In this series, you will learn practical ways to align your professional development offerings with the way adults learn – and immediately make your training sessions more meaningful!

Autonomy: Give adult learners the ability to direct their own learning
Constructivism: Actively involve the learner in the process of making learning meaningful
Prior knowledge: Respect and acknowledge the experience of adult learners

Register for this webinar series today! Also Check-out Pre-Service with a Punch!

Connecting Refugees With Head Start and Early Head Start
2024-09-17 16:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York)
Program: Connecting Refugees With Head Start and Early Head Start: Introducing NHSA and Fors Marsh Toolkits
Description: In partnership with Fors Marsh, NHSA designed toolkits including customizable fact sheets, guides, flyers, social media ads, and posters to encourage the enrollment and employment of children and families with refugee status in Head Start. This webinar will provide an overview of Head Start programs and present the toolkits developed to the Episcopal Migration Ministries (EMM) and their affiliates.
Learning Objectives:

Overview of Head Start programs
Increase awareness and collaborate around connecting refugee families and children to Head Start and Early Head Start programs.
Utilize toolkits to support connection efforts

Connecting Refugees Presenters:
Mark Weber provides 32 years of experience at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) challenging the status quo and creating meaningful change in Federal programs. Most recently he served as principal advisor and major policy-coordinating official on communications across public health, healthcare and in particular the human services portfolio of HHS agencies and offices. Examples of his work as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs include formulating and leading the first $300 million phase of the U.S. Government’s COVID-19 Public Education Media Campaign and leading communications work on the humanitarian response to the dramatic increase in unaccompanied children referred to HHS care by immigration officials. Prior to serving as HHS Deputy Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs from January 2012 to July 2021, Mark Weber was the HHS Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Director of Communications from September 1995 to January 2012 and a speechwriter in the HHS Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health from October 1989 to September 1995. Mark Weber achieved a bachelor’s degree in marketing management from Virginia Tech in 1987 and a master’s in business administration from George Washington University in 1995. He has documented and published much of his work in peer reviewed journals and received numerous awards throughout his career at HHS.
Jennifer Larson, a former Head Start parent, has seamlessly transitioned from beneficiary to advocate, dedicating 31 years to supporting others in the early childhood field. Starting as a parent in a Head Start program, she rose to become the Associate Head Start Director of Child Care Resource and Referral/Families First of Minnesota. Throughout her journey, Ms. Larson completed her Elementary Education degree, obtained her Minnesota Teaching Licensure, and became a trainer for the development program at Minnesota Department of Education. Her diverse experience includes teaching in a classroom, building relationships with parents as a home visitor, coaching staff, supervising, and training. Ms. Larson’s personal experience underscores her dedication to improving the lives of children, families, and communities served by the Head Start program.
Malath Alarnosi, originally from Iraq, serves as a dedicated Case Manager Supervisor at Canopy Northwest Arkansas (NWA), assisting refugee families during their resettlement in NWA. Central to her role is facilitating the enrollment of these families in the Head Start program, helping them to navigate both the triumphs and obstacles of the process to ensure ongoing cooperation and support.
Kisha McCray is the Senior Manager of Academy Resources at The National Head Start Association. In 2005, she began her journey working as an Early Childhood teacher and in 2007 she discovered her love for Head Start and has held various positions to include Family Advocate, Family Services Supervisor, Health Coordinator, Director of Child Health and Wellness, Director of Child Development and Health, Program Director of Health, Family, and Community Partnerships, and Associate Executive Director. Kisha has spent years advocating for early childhood education and early intervention services through working for Early Head Start, Head Start, and other agencies that support pregnant mothers and the birth through five populations and their families. She has previously served as a member of the public policy committee for the Maryland Head Start Association and Coordinator for the Maryland Health Managers Network. She has completed HS University’s Program Design and Management Credential, Yale School of Management Women’s Leadership Program and UCLA’s New Director Mentor program. Kisha has a commitment to community service, community development, and empowerment and has dedicated her life both personally and professionally to engaging the unserved and empowering the marginalized.
Brought to you by:

Spanish Version of Tuning Up Circle Time: How Musical Play Boosts Learning and Connection
2024-09-19 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
Spanish Version of Tuning Up Circle Time: How Musical Play Boosts Learning and Connection Program
Description: This entire program will be complete in Spanish. Circle time—a safe, focused space for children to learn and interact in a group setting—is nothing new. So, how do we keep it from getting old and fine-tune it as a model for healthy social behavior? Leaning into the rich history of making music in the round and dancing in circle formation is key to cementing developmental milestones in this important early childhood setting. This workshop focuses on how to boost social awareness and connection through joyful musical circle time experiences, including morning rituals, dance breaks, and story time.
Learning Objectives: As a result of this session, participants will be able to:

Explain the science behind why circle time—specifically musical circle time—is beneficial to the social-emotional development of children.
Incorporate music more intentionally into movement-based brain breaks and gathering rituals.
Scaffold teaching of music-based activities to lead with confidence and enhance learning.

Price:

Regular Rate: $75
NHSA Member Rate: $50

Spanish Version of Tuning Up Circle Time Presenter: Dr. Farida Peña, Bilingual Trainer and Curriculum Specialist
Dr. Farida Peña is a Bilingual Trainer and Curriculum Specialist at Kindermusik International. Farida has an M.D. and a Master’s Degree in Music Education and Music Pedagogy. She has worked as a music educator, speaker, international workshop facilitator, and piano teacher for over 25 years, teaching multiple workshops in countries such as the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Brazil, and the US. Farida has been trained in diverse musical methods such as MLT, Dalcroze, Orff, Kodaly, and Dissimilis. Currently, she works with Kindermusik International in the training and implementation of their programs in the US and Latin America.
This wonderful program is brought you by: Kindermusik International

Peak Performance for Head Start Leaders: 2-part Series
2024-09-19 16:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York)
Program: Peak Performance for Head Start Leaders: Mediation / Tough Conversations + Succession Planning
Description: Peak Performance for Head Start Leaders is a dynamic webinar series designed to elevate the skills of seasoned directors. Each one-hour session focuses on critical leadership competencies, empowering participants to excel in their roles and drive program success.

Mediation / Tough Conversations: This interactive and reflective session will allow participants to look inward and ask themselves if they are using their tone to define the setting or are they speaking in a way that is inclusive and inviting to others. Dr. Kimberly P. Johnson will use her expertise in equity and inclusion and challenge participants to think about their approach to others and if they are allowing their tone to set the tone in a negative manner. Come and learn about the power of positive interactions and verbal praise.

Learning Objectives: By the end of this webinar series, participants will be able to:

9/19/24: Mediation / Tough Conversations

Master techniques for conducting difficult conversations and mediating conflicts, fostering a positive and productive work environment.

11/21/24: Succession Planning

Strengthen overall leadership performance by applying advanced skills in decision-making, communication, and strategic management.

Price:

Regular Rate: $200
NHSA Member Rate: $100

Presenters:
Dr. Kimberly P. Johnson, Children’s author and educator, grew up in Shelby, NC. She is married to Jeff Johnson who retired from the United States Air Force after 22 years of service. She is the author of 22 children’s books. Kimberly received her Doctorate in Curriculum, Teaching, and Leadership from Northeastern University in Boston, MA and also holds a Master’s Degree from Clemson University, in Youth Development and Leadership. Kimberly has an Early Childhood Education Degree and a Communications Degree from UNC – Chapel Hill.

Denyse Cardoza, CEO, Executive Director (ED), and HS/EHS Director, Denyse serves as Executive Director of Placer Community Action Council, Inc. KidZCommunity providing direction and oversight for all programs, and establishes and maintains solid, effective relationships with community partners. She has served KidZCommunity for 41 years in numerous capacities including home visitor, teacher, home-based education manager and the EHS project director in 1997 and assumed her current role 20 years ago. She has presided over seven successful OHS Federal Monitoring Reviews and 18 compliant annual fiscal audits. She maintains high visibility in the community to increase awareness of essential early childhood education services, legislation, and policies. She currently serves as a board member for the National Head Start Association, Region IX Head Start Association, and served 15 years as a board member for Head Start California.

Dr. Deborah Bergeron served as director of the Office of Head Start from 2018-21. From 2019-21 she broadened her leadership as director of the Office of Early Childhood Development in the Administration for Children and Families. Known as “Dr. B” to former students and teachers, she spent three decades in pre-K–12 public education as a classroom teacher and school administrator and currently serves as deputy director for Community Engagement and Innovation at NHSA.

Zuly Vazquez is the senior manager of online professional development at the National Head Start Association. She has worked with Head Start and Early Head Start programs for over a decade, specializing in training, mentoring, coaching, facilitation, curriculum implementation, and management. She worked for several years in the classroom, providing high-quality education to children from different cultures, traditions, and ethnicities. She is a former EHS/HS parent. She has vast experience supporting and providing technical assistance to teachers, family child care providers, education specialists, and families in large EHS/HS programs in Florida and Georgia. Over her career, she designed a supplemental Christian early childhood curriculum, bilingual online lessons, and classroom observation tools and has facilitated early childhood education courses in English and Spanish at the college level. As an active early childhood advocate, she is a board member of her local NAEYC affiliate and Family Child Care Home Alliance of Georgia. She is a senior advisor of Latinas United for the Children of America.

2024 Fall Leadership Institute
2024-09-23 - 2024-09-27
NHSA’s Fall Leadership Institute is a four-day deep dive into the policy and advocacy issues that will impact Head Start for years to come. The Institute will take place September 23-26, 2024 in Washington D.C.

Who’s Not At the Table: 3 Key Practices for Engaging Harder-To-Reach Families
2024-10-01 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
Program: Who’s Not At the Table: 3 Key Practices for Engaging Harder-To-Reach Families
Description: Looking for practical solutions you can use immediately to engage your hardest-to-reach families? Then this is the interactive webinar you’ve been waiting for. In this session, we will focus on effective strategies to connect with and empower all families in your program, especially those who may be underrepresented or facing barriers to participation. We’ll explore innovative and field-tested approaches to ensure every family’s voice is heard and valued.
Spread the word, because this is one event your team won’t want to miss!
Learning Objective:

Create a shared understanding of what we mean by “harder-to-reach” families
Identify common barriers to family engagement in Head Start and Early Head Start programs.
Learn about inclusive strategies for reaching seldom heard families and making all families feel welcome and empowered to participate in their child’s education.

Who’s Not At the Table Presenters:

Sandy Oceguera is the Sr. Data Product Manager at NHSA. Her background includes 5 years in social services and 5 years in big data analytics lending her a unique perspective in utilizing and developing NHSA’s data products, including Parent Gauge, usefulness for the field. Sandy holds a bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Colorado State University with a specialization in public and nonprofit management.

Mallary Swartz, Ph.D, Senior Director of Learning and Impact at ParentPowered and an applied researcher in family engagement and early childhood. She has spent 20 years cultivating relationships, managing partnerships, and leading research, evaluation, and innovation projects at family-focused organizations such as Start Early, Fred Rogers Productions, and Brazelton Touchpoints Center. Mallary also served as Co-Principal Investigator for the National Center on Parent, Family, and Community Engagement. She has a Ph.D. in Child Development from Tufts University, an M.S. from the University of Pittsburgh, and a B.A. from Duke University.

Sponsored by:

Unleashing the Leader Within You: Discover Your Leadership Style
2024-10-02 16:00 - 16:45 (America/New_York)
Program: Unleashing the Leader Within You: Discover Your Leadership Style
Description: Discover your leadership potential in our dynamic one-hour webinar designed for Head Start staff. This engaging session will inspire you to see yourself as a leader and introduce you to reflective practices that enhance your leadership skills. You’ll gain valuable insights into your personal leadership style and learn practical ways to apply these skills in your daily work. Whether you’re aspiring to be a Director, Site Leader, Head Start Manager, or Whole Community specialist, this webinar is your first step towards unleashing your leadership potential. Join us for an hour that could transform your career perspective and set you on the path to becoming a more effective leader in the Head Start community.
Learning Objectives:

Learn about yourself as a leader.
Learn how to apply your leadership style and skills to your work.

Unleashing the Leader Within You Presenters:
Dr. Deborah Bergeron served as director of the Office of Head Start from 2018-21. From 2019-21 she broadened her leadership as director of the Office of Early Childhood Development in the Administration for Children and Families. Known as “Dr. B” to former students and teachers, she spent three decades in pre-K-12 public education as a classroom teacher and school administrator and currently serves as deputy director for Community Engagement and Innovation at NHSA.

Zuly Vazquez is the senior manager of online professional development at the National Head Start Association. She has worked with Head Start and Early Head Start programs for over a decade, specializing in training, mentoring, coaching, facilitation, curriculum implementation, and management. She worked for several years in the classroom, providing high-quality education to children from different cultures, traditions, and ethnicities. She is a former EHS/HS parent. She has vast experience supporting and providing technical assistance to teachers, family child care providers, education specialists, and families in large EHS/HS programs in Florida and Georgia. Over her career, she designed a supplemental Christian early childhood curriculum, bilingual online lessons, and classroom observation tools and has facilitated early childhood education courses in English and Spanish at the college level. As an active early childhood advocate, she is a board member of her local NAEYC affiliate and Family Child Care Home Alliance of Georgia. She is a senior advisor of Latinas United for the Children of America.

Empowering Future Educators: Funding Strategies for ECE Apprenticeships
2024-10-03 11:30 - 12:30 (America/New_York)
Program: Apprenticeship Workcircle Webinar – Funding Strategies for ECE Apprenticeships
Description:
Join us for a dynamic webinar where experts will explore innovative approaches to funding apprenticeships in Early Childhood Education (ECE). Presenters will dive into strategies to secure funding from multiple angles, including federal grants, state programs, private partnerships, and community initiatives. Whether you’re an administrator, educator, or policymaker, this session will provide you with actionable insights and resources to support the growth and development of future ECE professionals through well-funded apprenticeship programs. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how to empower the next generation of educators with sustainable financial backing!
Objectives:

Understand Funding Sources: Participants will identify various funding sources available for ECE apprenticeships, including federal grants, state programs, private partnerships, and community initiatives.
Evaluate Funding Strategies: Participants will assess innovative strategies for securing funding from multiple angles and determine which approaches best fit their organization’s needs.
Foster Collaborative Networks: Participants will engage in discussions to share experiences and strategies, fostering a network of support among administrators, educators, and policymakers.

Presenters:

Angela Cabrerra
Meagan Burk
Erin Young
Sue Polojac

Tackle Behaviors that Challenge: by EMBRACING OPPORTUNITIES
2024-10-08 16:00 - 16:30 (America/New_York)
Webinar Series: Tackling Behaviors that Challenge Us
Program: Tackle Behaviors that Challenge: by EMBRACING OPPORTUNITIES
Description: All behavior is communication. Especially the behaviors that we adults find challenging. Now what can you do about it?
In this webinar series, our experts will share innovative approaches to building a trust-based classroom environment, which is the key to mitigating behaviors that challenge us. Learn practical strategies that will not only help you understand challenging interactions, they will significantly increase delightful interactions!
Join our experts as they share how to develop strong trust with the children in your care. You will learn:

how to use music and movement for joy, fun, and increased focus;
turn transitions into meaningful parts of your day;
how to inspire the desire to behave well;
and so much more!

Tackle Behaviors that Challenge: by EMBRACING OPPORTUNITIES
Mistakes are a part of life, and they are learning opportunities just waiting to happen! Join us as we discuss how to create a joyful classroom environment that embraces mistakes.
EMBRACING OPPORTUNITIES Presenters:
Dr. Deborah Bergeron served as director of the Office of Head Start from 2018-21. From 2019-21 she broadened her leadership as director of the Office of Early Childhood Development in the Administration for Children and Families. Known as “Dr. B” to former students and teachers, she spent three decades in pre-K–12 public education as a classroom teacher and school administrator and currently serves as deputy director for Community Engagement and Innovation at NHSA.

Nick Young has been sharing the joy and enrichment of interactive music and movement with children for over 30 years. Nick began his career as a preschool teacher and created The Young Music Company—a mobile music school for preschoolers—bringing music into the lives of thousands of children every year.

Beyond the Stereotype: Empowering Men in Early Childhood Education
2024-10-09 14:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York)
Program: Beyond the Stereotype: Empowering Men in Early Childhood Education
Description: This webinar will explore the unique challenges and opportunities faced by men in a traditionally female-dominated field. This session will address the critical need for gender diversity in early childhood education and how male educators can bring valuable perspectives that enrich learning environments for young children. The webinar will cover topics such as overcoming societal stereotypes, strategies for recruitment and retention, and the impact of male role models on early childhood development. The goal is to provide actionable strategies for supporting and empowering men in early childhood roles, as well as a deeper understanding of the benefits of gender diversity in education.
Learning Objectives: Participants will be able to:

Describe the unique role men play in the field of ECE
Implement initiatives to retain and recruit more men into ECE communities
Create more opportunities for fathers to become involved in ECE classrooms and centers

Price:

Regular Rate: $300
NHSA Member Rate: $250

Beyond the Stereotype Presenter: Chrystine Mitchell, PhD
Chrystine Mitchell, PhD is a former Associate Professor of Early Childhood Education and also functioned as the Director of the ECE Program at Alvernia University. She is now serving as Director of Early Childhood Education Operations at ChildCare Education Institute (CCEI), with previous experience working as an elementary school teacher, preschool teacher, Director of an EC center, and trainer, educational consultant, and administrator working in the public school system. She has a B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies/Children’s Literature from the University of Pittsburgh, a post-bacc Elementary Education Certification from Millersville University, M.Ed. in Educational Administration from Temple University, and a Ph.D. in Reading Education from the University of Maryland, College Park. Her work in higher education has focused on helping integrate best practices and 21st century skills into literacy instruction and assessment. Her research and scholarship includes literacy pedagogy, culturally sustaining pedagogy, digital technologies and ECE partnerships.
This wonderful program is brought you by:

Fueling the STEAM Engine with Music
2024-10-15 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
Program: Fueling the STEAM Engine with Music
Description: STEM is already on the rotation in early childhood classrooms, but have you considered STEAM? Elements within the Arts directly support skills learned and needed within Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. “A” is truly the secret ingredient as the joy that happens in early shared music making helps the learning stick and ignites curiosity in STEM for years to come. From cause and effect, to critical thinking, to pattern recognition, this workshop focuses on how to implement music and movement-based activities with our littlest learners to fuel STEAM education.
Learning Objectives: As a result of this session, participants will be able to:

Understand the science behind how the Arts support the other four areas of STEM learning.
Identify why music is the ultimate “Arts” tool in STEAM-based learning.
Teach music-based activities that enhance STEAM-based learning.

Price:

Regular Rate: $75
NHSA Member Rate: $50

Fueling the STEAM Engine Presenter: Deanna Bucci, Director of Product Development for Kindermusik International
Deanna Bucci oversees the content creation for Kindermusik’s programs and curricula as well as professional development and product training. She has worked with and trained various organizations and educators across the United States, including presenting at national conferences for NAEYC and NHSA. Deanna holds a Bachelor of Music in Music Education and Master of School Administration. She taught elementary general music (ages 3-8) for eight years in New Jersey before initially becoming a Curriculum Designer for Kindermusik in 2017. Through childcare, musical direction, and private music instruction, she has also taught and worked with children and adults of all ages over the last 15+ years.
Sponsored by: Kindermusik International

¡Potenciando las habilidades STEAM a través de la Música!
2024-10-17 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
POSTPONED
Programa: ¡Potenciando las habilidades STEAM a través de la Música!
Descripción: El enfoque STEM ya forma parte de las actividades en las aulas de educación infantil, pero ¿ha considerado integrar el enfoque STEAM? Los elementos de las Artes apoyan directamente las habilidades que se desarrollan en Ciencia, Tecnología, Ingeniería y Matemáticas. La “A” es, de hecho, el ingrediente secreto, ya que la alegría que surge al hacer música en grupo desde una edad temprana ayuda a que el aprendizaje perdure, y despierta la curiosidad por STEM durante muchos años. Desde la relación causa y efecto, pasando por el pensamiento crítico, hasta el reconocimiento de patrones, este taller se centra en cómo implementar actividades basadas en música y movimiento con los más pequeños para impulsar la educación STEAM.
Objetivos de aprendizaje: Al finalizar esta sesión, los participantes serán capaces de:

Comprender la base científica de cómo las Artes apoyan las otras cuatro áreas del aprendizaje STEM.
Identificar por qué la música es la herramienta más poderosa de las Artes en el aprendizaje basado en STEAM.
Enseñar actividades musicales que apoyen el aprendizaje STEAM.

Precio:

Tarifa regular: $75
Tarifa para miembros de la NHSA: $50

¡Potenciando las habilidades STEAM a través de la Música! Presentadora: Dra. Farida Peña, Entrenadora Bilingüe y Especialista en Currículo
La Dra. Farida Peña es Formadora Bilingüe, Especialista en Currículo, y miembro del equipo de Desarrollo de Productos de Kindermusik International. Posee un Doctorado en Medicina y una Maestría en Educación y Pedagogía Musical. Con más de 30 años de experiencia, y formada en diversos métodos musicales, incluidos MLT, Dalcroze, Orff, Kodály, Kindermusik y Dissimilis, Farida ha trabajado como educadora musical, oradora internacional, facilitadora de talleres, y profesora de piano, liderando capacitaciones en países como República Dominicana, México, Puerto Rico, Brasil y Estados Unidos.

Patrocinado por: Kindermusik International

Marketing for Head Start Parent Engagement
2024-10-23 14:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York)
With our partners at Working Smarter Consulting, NHSA is hosting a live and virtual training session on Marketing for Head Start Parent Engagement. Working Smarter Consultants, with over 25 years of experience in Head Start and marketing, will guide you through innovative strategies tailored to increasing your market presence while driving new traffic and increasing engagement.
Marketing for Head Start Parent Engagement Description:Engage Head Start parents in vital program activities using successful strategies from programs nationwide.
Price:

Regular Rate: $325
NHSA Member Rate: $225

Learning Objectives:

Assess parent needs and individualize digital marketing strategies to communicate the benefits of each program year effectively.
Brainstorm diverse parent engagement plans, including events, socials, and shared resources.
Create 10 ways to increase attendance at Parent Committee Meetings.
Chance to collaborate and share and exchange ideas with similar programs.
Tips on how to use culturally relevant and appropriate messaging to reach the target audience

Presenters:
Gerald Washington, Chief Executive OfficerWith a longstanding history of taking brands and businesses to the next level of success, Gerald’s leadership, innovation, and business acumen will be sure to shock Head Start Programs. Prior to this venture, Gerald was the partner and president of Steve Harvey World Group, partner and president East 112th Street Productions, and president of the Steve Harvey Radio Network, where he led business development, production, and operations for all three companies. Gerald successfully secured major partnerships and endorsement deals with household names such as T-Mobile, Ford, State Farm, NBC, ABC, Fox and BET. He led the launch and growth of new business ventures with Match.com and Garrett’s Popcorn Shops, as well as the transformational coaching company Act Like a Success and Easy Bacon, Steve Harvey’s first food product. Through his leadership, the Steve Harvey World Group tripled in revenue and grew by 65 percent. It is this experience that makes Gerald an asset to any program working through contracts, contract negotiations, service, and lease agreements. Gerald has the uncanny ability to see the potential in staff that they don’t often see in themselves. He coaches people into leadership roles with ease. Gerald is ready to take your Head Start program to the next level. Kenna Pruitt, Chief Operating OfficerWith more than 13 years of Head Start experience, Kenna brings knowledge that is unmatched in the field/industry. She began her Head Start journey working as the Family and Community Partnerships Manager, for a large Head Start and Early Head Start program in Texas. This program served more than 1,500 children and families in 22 centers across Texas. This experience helped Kenna become well versed in data capturing, data analysis, processes and systems, leadership, management, supervision, and a deep understanding of all service areas. After working in a Head Start program, Kenna ventured out to the federal level. Working for DANYA, which, at the time, had a contract with the Office of Head Start, for Federal Reviews. Kenna’s time spent as a Content Area Lead for HSKI-C Reviews and Leadership, Governance, and Management Systems Reviews afforded her the opportunity to travel the country and visit Head Start programs in every shape and size. Kenna was able to see the complexities of a variety of programs, as well as, how programs attack and troubleshoot unique situations. It was at this point, that Kenna wanted to take the information she was learning from all these programs and share it with others. From here she went to work for ChildPlus Software, the data management system most used by Head Start programs. It was here, that Kenna was able to explore and dig into data. Understand how programs were and were not using it effectively. Her role as a ChildPlus Consultant fostered her skills in creating processes and policies, sharpened her abilities to find holes in data and create a plan to repair them, as well as, customize any training for varieties of staff. Starting Working Smarter Consulting, was a dream that would allow Head Start programs the ability to get training, coaching, and consulting from one place. Let’s Work Smart Together! Take advantage of this one-of-a-kind opportunity to revamp your marketing strategies with Working Smarter Consulting!

Advocacy Webinar: Empowering Your Parent Council for Advocacy
2024-11-12 12:00 - 12:30 (America/New_York)
Program: Empowering Your Parent Council for Advocacy
Description: As you know, Head Start Policy Councils are composed of Head Start preschool and Early Head Start parents and community members. With parent members often joining after serving on a parent committee and community members taking a special interest in the broader benefits of Head Start, the members of your Policy Council are knowledgeable and well-positioned to advocate for your program–at the local, state, and federal levels. Policy Council members can be especially helpful in advocating at the federal level–reaching out directly, joining you when an elected official visits your program, or being part of your delegation to NHSA’s Fall or Winter Leadership Institutes.
Learning Objectives:

understand how to consider advocacy when seeking Policy Council members;
learn how to engage and empower your Policy Council for advocacy; and
hear what other programs are doing.

Can’t join us live? Sign up anyway, and the recording will be shared with you. You can enjoy the recording and resources at your convenience!
Empowering Your Parent Council for Advocacy Presenter:
Bob Bissen, Director of Government Affairs

Tackle Behaviors that Challenge: by LISTENING
2024-11-12 16:00 - 16:30 (America/New_York)
Webinar Series: Tackling Behaviors that Challenge Us
Program: Tackle Behaviors that Challenge: by LISTENING
Description: All behavior is communication. Especially the behaviors that we adults find challenging. Now what can you do about it?
In this webinar series, our experts will share innovative approaches to building a trust-based classroom environment, which is the key to mitigating behaviors that challenge us. Learn practical strategies that will not only help you understand challenging interactions, they will significantly increase delightful interactions!
Join our experts as they share how to develop strong trust with the children in your care. You will learn:

how to use music and movement for joy, fun, and increased focus;
turn transitions into meaningful parts of your day;
how to inspire the desire to behave well;
and so much more!

Tackle Behaviors that Challenge: by LISTENING
Young children ask a LOT of questions. How many are you asking in return? Join us to learn how this teaching strategy can enhance every aspect of your classroom from how to walk in the hallway, play safely on the playground, sit in circle time, move during centers, speak to each other – everything!
LISTENING Presenters:
Dr. Deborah Bergeron served as director of the Office of Head Start from 2018-21. From 2019-21 she broadened her leadership as director of the Office of Early Childhood Development in the Administration for Children and Families. Known as “Dr. B” to former students and teachers, she spent three decades in pre-K–12 public education as a classroom teacher and school administrator and currently serves as deputy director for Community Engagement and Innovation at NHSA.

Hayes Greenfield is the founder of Creative Sound Play and the Greenfield Method. He is a professional musician and artist who has taught with the PNC Bank Grow Up Great Initiative, consulted at Bank Street Head Start and led professional development workshops and programs for the New York City Dept of Ed.

The Sound of Safety: Building Secure Bonds Through Shared Music Making
2024-11-19 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
Program: The Sound of Safety: Building Secure Bonds Through Shared Music Making
Description: Touch, eye contact, and talking are some of the most common early bonding tools parents and caregivers receive, but they may be missing out on one of the most powerful items in the toolbox—music. In this workshop, we’ll define what happens in the brains of both grownup and child when they make music together (newborns included!), specific musical activities that spark connection, and why shared music making is the ultimate way to communicate the safety children need to feed positive development in the first few years of life.
Learning Objectives: As a result of this session, participants will be able to:

Understand the biological and emotional power of shared music making.
Explain why shared music making experiences are so critical to families with young children
Demonstrate how to engage children and adults in a variety of shared music-making activities to increase personal and brain connections

Price:

Regular Rate: $75
NHSA Member Rate: $50

The Sound of Safety Presenter: Deanna Bucci, Director of Product Development for Kindermusik International
Deanna Bucci oversees the content creation for Kindermusik’s programs and curricula as well as professional development and product training. She has worked with and trained various organizations and educators across the United States, including presenting at national conferences for NAEYC and NHSA. Deanna holds a Bachelor of Music in Music Education and Master of School Administration. She taught elementary general music (ages 3-8) for eight years in New Jersey before initially becoming a Curriculum Designer for Kindermusik in 2017. Through childcare, musical direction, and private music instruction, she has also taught and worked with children and adults of all ages over the last 15+ years.
Sponsored by: Kindermusik International

Versión en español: “El Sonido de la Seguridad: Forjando vínculos duraderos a través de la creación musical compartida”
2024-11-21 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
Programa: Versión en español: “El Sonido de la Seguridad: Forjando vínculos duraderos a través de la creación musical compartida”
Descripción: El contacto físico, el contacto visual y la comunicación son algunas de las herramientas más comunes que padres y cuidadores utilizan para el apego temprano. Sin embargo, pueden estar pasando por alto una de las herramientas más poderosas: ¡la música! En este taller, explicaremos qué ocurre en los cerebros tanto de los adultos como de los niños (incluyendo recién los nacidos) al hacer música juntos, las actividades musicales específicas que fomentan la conexión y por qué la creación musical compartida es el medio más eficaz para comunicar la seguridad que los niños necesitan para favorecer su desarrollo positivo en los primeros años de vida. Este seminario virtual se impartirá totalmente en español.
Objetivos de aprendizaje: Al finalizar esta sesión, los participantes serán capaces de:

Comprender el impacto biológico y emocional de la creación musical compartida.
Comprender por qué las experiencias de creación musical compartida son fundamentales para las familias con niños pequeños.
Involucrar a niños y adultos en diversas actividades de creación musical compartida para fortalecer las conexiones personales y neuronales.

Precio:
Tarifa regular: $75
Tarifa para miembros de la NHSA: $50
Versión en español: “El Sonido de la Seguridad: Forjando vínculos duraderos a través de la creación musical compartida” Presentadora: Dra. Farida Peña, Entrenadora Bilingüe y Especialista en Currículo
La Dra. Farida Peña es Formadora Bilingüe, Especialista en Currículo, y miembro del equipo de Desarrollo de Productos de Kindermusik International. Posee un Doctorado en Medicina y una Maestría en Educación y Pedagogía Musical.
Con más de 30 años de experiencia, y formada en diversos métodos musicales, incluidos MLT, Dalcroze, Orff, Kodály, Kindermusik y Dissimilis, Farida ha trabajado como educadora musical, oradora internacional, facilitadora de talleres, y profesora de piano, liderando capacitaciones en países como República Dominicana, México, Puerto Rico, Brasil y Estados Unidos.

Patrocinado por: Kindermusik International.

Tackle Behaviors that Challenge: by Realizing Expectation
2025-01-14 16:00 - 16:30 (America/New_York)
Webinar Series: Tackling Behaviors that Challenge Us
Program: Tackle Behaviors that Challenge: by RELEASING EXPECTATIONS
Description: All behavior is communication. Especially the behaviors that we adults find challenging. Now what can you do about it?
In this webinar series, our experts will share innovative approaches to building a trust-based classroom environment, which is the key to mitigating behaviors that challenge us. Learn practical strategies that will not only help you understand challenging interactions, they will significantly increase delightful interactions!
Join our experts as they share how to develop strong trust with the children in your care. You will learn:

how to use music and movement for joy, fun, and increased focus;
turn transitions into meaningful parts of your day;
how to inspire the desire to behave well;
and so much more!

Tackle Behaviors that Challenge: by RELEASING EXPECTATIONS
Fear-based or reward-based consequences are often used to communicate expectations. But in reality, they distract kids from really working on the skills they need to develop. Come learn how you can release your expectations and truly help kids learn the life skills they need to grow and thrive!
Releasing Expectation Presenters:
Dr. Deborah Bergeron served as director of the Office of Head Start from 2018-21. From 2019-21 she broadened her leadership as director of the Office of Early Childhood Development in the Administration for Children and Families. Known as “Dr. B” to former students and teachers, she spent three decades in pre-K–12 public education as a classroom teacher and school administrator and currently serves as deputy director for Community Engagement and Innovation at NHSA.

Ron Shuali, M.Ed. has been called the “Messiah of the Mind”, the “Behavior Master” and the “Bad Boy of Early Childhood.” His laughter filled keynotes, workshops and assemblies are always full of eye-opening experiences as audiences have multiple “Ah-HA!” moments. He is the creator of the internationally acclaimed Yogarate and Behavior Mastery systems. Ron holds a Master’s of Education specializing in Early Childhood, is a best-selling author, motivational speaker, and most importantly…He is funny. His background of martial arts, yoga, reiki, professional wrestling and improv creates hilarious and educational experiences focusing on mindfulness and connecting with fellow humans and their inner-child.

Enhancing Attunement with Music Rituals
2025-01-21 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
Program: Enhancing Attunement with Music Rituals
Description: Tricky transitions—like school drop-off, naptime, and handwashing—don’t have to be tricky. Music rituals help counteract stress responses and reduce anxiety by creating calm, setting expectations, and strengthening attunement.
Learning Objectives:

review the elements that trigger “shutdown” mode in young children,
why music transforms those responses faster than other solutions, and
how specific engaging activities can boost social-emotional development to maintain positive learning and home environments.

Price:

Regular Rate: $75
NHSA Member Rate: $50

Enhancing Attunement with Music Rituals Presenter: Deanna Bucci, Director of Product Development for Kindermusik International
Deanna Bucci oversees the content creation for Kindermusik’s programs and curricula as well as professional development and product training. She has worked with and trained various organizations and educators across the United States, including presenting at national conferences for NAEYC and NHSA. Deanna holds a Bachelor of Music in Music Education and Master of School Administration. She taught elementary general music (ages 3-8) for eight years in New Jersey before initially becoming a Curriculum Designer for Kindermusik in 2017. Through childcare, musical direction, and private music instruction, she has also taught and worked with children and adults of all ages over the last 15+ years.
Sponsored by: Kindermusik International

Versión en español: Enhancing Attunement with Music Rituals
2025-01-23 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
Programa: Versión en español de Enhancing Attunement with Music Rituals (Rituales Musicales para Fomentar la Compenetración)
Descripción: Las transiciones difíciles, como la hora de dejar a los niños en la escuela, la hora de la siesta y el lavado de manos, no tienen por qué ser complicadas. Los rituales musicales ayudan a contrarrestar las respuestas al estrés y a reducir la ansiedad al generar calma, establecer expectativas y fomentar la compenetración
Objetivos de aprendizaje:

Revisar los elementos que desencadenan el modo de “apagado” en los niños pequeños.
Por qué la música transforma esas respuestas más rápidamente que otras soluciones, y
Cómo actividades específicas y atractivas pueden fomentar el desarrollo socioemocional para mantener entornos de aprendizaje y hogareños positivos.

Precio:
Tarifa regular: $75
Tarifa para miembros de la NHSA: $50
Presentadora: Dra. Farida Peña, Entrenadora Bilingüe y Especialista en Currículo
La Dra. Farida Peña es Formadora Bilingüe, Especialista en Currículo, y miembro del equipo de Desarrollo de Productos de Kindermusik International. Posee un Doctorado en Medicina y una Maestría en Educación y Pedagogía Musical.
Con más de 30 años de experiencia, y formada en diversos métodos musicales, incluidos MLT, Dalcroze, Orff, Kodály, Kindermusik y Dissimilis, Farida ha trabajado como educadora musical, oradora internacional, facilitadora de talleres, y profesora de piano, liderando capacitaciones en países como República Dominicana, México, Puerto Rico, Brasil y Estados Unidos.
Patrocinado por: Kindermusik International.

Head Start Advocacy Series: What Are Appropriations?
2025-02-11 12:00 - 12:30 (America/New_York)
Program: What Are Appropriations?
Description: We will answer the comm questions: what are appropriations and how do they impact Head Start?
What Are Appropriations Presenter: Kathleen Havey
Kathleen Havey, Senior Advisor of Government Affairs

Tackle Behaviors that Challenge: with JOYFUL SUPPORT
2025-02-11 16:00 - 16:30 (America/New_York)
Webinar Series: Tackling Behaviors that Challenge Us
Program: Tackle Behaviors that Challenge: with JOYFUL SUPPORT
Description: All behavior is communication. Especially the behaviors that we adults find challenging. Now what can you do about it?
In this webinar series, our experts will share innovative approaches to building a trust-based classroom environment, which is the key to mitigating behaviors that challenge us. Learn practical strategies that will not only help you understand challenging interactions, they will significantly increase delightful interactions!
Join our experts as they share how to develop strong trust with the children in your care. You will learn:

how to use music and movement for joy, fun, and increased focus;
turn transitions into meaningful parts of your day;
how to inspire the desire to behave well;
and so much more!

Tackle Behaviors that Challenge: with JOYFUL SUPPORT
ARFF! Let’s face it, acronyms are fun. And the components of this one are key drivers of motivation in your classroom: Achievement, Respect, Freedom, and Fun. Join us to learn more about how to balance these four essential elements of personal wellbeing for everyone in your classroom.
JOYFUL SUPPORT Presenters:
Dr. Deborah Bergeron served as director of the Office of Head Start from 2018-21. From 2019-21 she broadened her leadership as director of the Office of Early Childhood Development in the Administration for Children and Families. Known as “Dr. B” to former students and teachers, she spent three decades in pre-K–12 public education as a classroom teacher and school administrator and currently serves as deputy director for Community Engagement and Innovation at NHSA.

Nick Young has been sharing the joy and enrichment of interactive music and movement with children for over 30 years. Nick began his career as a preschool teacher and created The Young Music Company—a mobile music school for preschoolers—bringing music into the lives of thousands of children every year.

Moving Through the Stages of Father Inclusion
2025-02-12 14:00 - 15:30 (America/New_York)
Program: Moving Through the Stages of Father Inclusion
Description: A National Fatherhood Initiative® (NFI) trainer will conduct a training on how to move through the Four Stages of Father Inclusion: 1) Aware, 2) Prepare, 3) Launch, and 4) Maintain & Grow. The training will use engaging videos to illustrate the importance of father inclusion, how to plan a father-inclusive effort that will succeed, how to launch a successful father-inclusive effort, and how to maintain and grow a father-inclusive effort. And that’s not all! The training will highlight case studies and NFI programs and resources appropriate for use in each stage.
Learning Objectives:

Participants will learn why it is important to be intentional and proactive in including fathers.
Participants will learn about the Four Stages of Father Inclusion and their vital role in creating father-inclusive efforts.
Participants will learn about examples of what organizations have done within each of the Four Stages of Father Inclusion.
Participants will learn how NFI programs and resources will help them implement the Four Stages of Father Inclusion successfully.
Participants will learn how to apply the Four Stages of Father Inclusion regardless of experience in serving fathers.

Price:

Regular Rate: $250
NHSA Member Rate: $200

Moving Through the Stages of Father Inclusion Presenter: Erik Vecere
As Chief Partner Success Officer for National Fatherhood Initiative® (NFI), Erik is responsible for developing and nurturing partnerships with network-based entities that have relationships with human service organizations. His goal is to help these organizations become more father-inclusive. Erik also facilitates strategic planning meetings that result in action plans, provides training on NFI programs, and oversees funded and non-funded projects. Erik is passionate about providing solutions to NFI partners and contributing to their success in reaching dads. With 11 years of experience in retail management, Erik has a strong foundation in identifying customers’ pain points so that he can help solve them. Having been a new dad twice, Erik also understands the importance of father-inclusive organizations and communities. He is grateful to have the opportunity to play a role in improving the lives of thousands of families each year. Erik received a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership from Geneva College, Beaver Falls, PA, and a B.A. in Communications from Robert Morris University, Moon Township, PA. He also holds an Associate’s Degree in Letters, Arts, and Sciences from Pennsylvania State University. He has two grown daughters and a granddaughter.
Sponsored By:

The Multisensory Magic of Music Making with Infants
2025-02-18 13:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York)
Program: The Multisensory Magic of Music Making with Infants
A baby’s brain doubles in size during its first year—before they can speak or walk, their brain is busy forming crucial neurological connections that will affect how they interact with and relate to others, perform academically, and grow developmentally later in life. One of the best ways to support these brain sprints is through multisensory experiences, and music is a one-stop-shop! This workshop focuses on infant development through effective music and movement strategies and activities to support adult-child bonding, motor skills, language development, pattern recognition, and more!

Learning Objectives: As a result of this session, participants will be able to:

Learn the science behind why intentional, multisensory experiences are vital in the first year.

Engage musically with babies (specifically, 0-18 months) to boost neurological growth and create lasting connections.

Teach specific musical play strategies and activities to help families replicate the learning at home.

Price: FREE! ($50 value!)
The Multisensory Magic of Music Making with Infants Presenter: Deanna Bucci, Director of Product Development for Kindermusik International
Deanna Bucci oversees the content creation for Kindermusik’s programs and curricula as well as professional development and product training. She has worked with and trained various organizations and educators across the United States, including presenting at national conferences for NAEYC and NHSA. Deanna holds a Bachelor of Music in Music Education and Master of School Administration. She taught elementary general music (ages 3-8) for eight years in New Jersey before initially becoming a Curriculum Designer for Kindermusik in 2017. Through childcare, musical direction, and private music instruction, she has also taught and worked with children and adults of all ages over the last 15+ years.
Sponsored by: Kindermusik International

Exploring Social-Emotional Learning Through Nature-Focused Children’s Literature
2025-02-19 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
Program: Exploring Social-Emotional Learning Through Nature-Focused Children’s Literature
Description: In this webinar, participants will explore the connection between emergent, seasonal curriculum and social-emotional classroom dynamics. Attendees will learn about high-quality children’s literature that combines nature and social-emotional learning, identify ways to use nature-themed children’s books to build social-emotional skills, and practice applying a social-emotional lens to classic, nature-themed children’s books.
Learning Objectives: Attendees will learn about high-quality children’s literature that combines nature and social-emotional learning, identify ways to use nature-themed children’s books to build social-emotional skills, and practice applying a social-emotional lens to classic, nature-themed children’s books.
Exploring Social-Emotional Learning Presenters:
Emma Donnelly, Coordinator, Early Childhood Programs & Assistant Preschool Director at The Chicago Botanic Garden; Emma Donnelly has been a nature educator for over a decade and has worked as an informal nature educator at various museums and zoos, including the Saint Louis Zoo, Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, and the Lincoln Park Zoo. She graduated from Loyola University Chicago with a BS in Biology in 2016 and obtained her Master’s in Early Childhood Education from the American College of Education in 2023. Emma is currently the Assistant Preschool Director and a Lead Teacher for a 3-5-year-old class at the Chicago Botanic Garden Nature Preschool, a program that follows an emergent, child-directed curriculum. As a teacher, Emma focuses on social-emotional learning and advocacy to build a strong classroom community, using literacy as a springboard for learning and connection while fostering nature stewardship and a love of the outdoors.
Sponsors:

The GroMoreGood initiative makes garden grants, garden kits, educational curriculum, and garden training available to all Head Start programs with the goal of creating more edible gardens for young children and their families. The initiative also supports the creation of green space projects—land that is partly or completely covered with grass, trees, shrubs, or other vegetation—as an option for children and the community to learn.

Spanish version of The Multisensory Magic of Music Making with Infants
2025-02-20 13:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York)
Program: Spanish version of The Multisensory Magic of Music Making with Infants
Description: A baby’s brain doubles in size during its first year—before they can speak or walk, their brain is busy forming crucial neurological connections that will affect how they interact with and relate to others, perform academically, and grow developmentally later in life. One of the best ways to support these brain sprints is through multisensory experiences, and music is a one-stop-shop! This workshop focuses on infant development through effective music and movement strategies and activities to support adult-child bonding, motor skills, language development, pattern recognition, and more!
Learning Objectives: As a result of this session, participants will be able to:

Learn the science behind why intentional, multisensory experiences are vital in the first year.

Engage musically with babies (specifically, 0-18 months) to boost neurological growth and create lasting connections.

Teach specific musical play strategies and activities to help families replicate the learning at home.

Precio: FREE! ($50 value!)
Versión en español Presentadora: Dra. Farida Peña, Entrenadora Bilingüe y Especialista en Currículo
La Dra. Farida Peña es Formadora Bilingüe, Especialista en Currículo, y miembro del equipo de Desarrollo de Productos de Kindermusik International. Posee un Doctorado en Medicina y una Maestría en Educación y Pedagogía Musical.
Con más de 30 años de experiencia, y formada en diversos métodos musicales, incluidos MLT, Dalcroze, Orff, Kodály, Kindermusik y Dissimilis, Farida ha trabajado como educadora musical, oradora internacional, facilitadora de talleres, y profesora de piano, liderando capacitaciones en países como República Dominicana, México, Puerto Rico, Brasil y Estados Unidos.

Patrocinado por: Kindermusik International.
