EHS Best Practice: Earning Your CDA in Spanish
2023-10-04 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
NHSA supports anyone who wants to achieve their CDA, in English and in Spanish!

Tackling Challenging Behaviors with JOY
2023-10-10 16:00 - 16:30 (America/New_York)
In this Tackling Challenging Behaviors webinar series, we will share innovative approaches to building a positive classroom environment. These strategies not only mitigate challenging behaviors, they 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!

Tackling Challenging Behaviors with JOY: mistakes are a part of life and that’s where the learning happens! Join us as we discuss how to create a joyful classroom environment that embraces mistakes.
Head Start Behavior Experts:
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.

GroMoreGood Grant Application Walk-through
2023-11-09 15:00 - 15:30 (America/New_York)
The GroMoreGood grant application is open and we want to invite to an application walk-through event! Join us for this 30-minute webinar to learn about the grant application, walk through the application and award process, and ask questions.
Grant Information:
In collaboration with the Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation, the National Head Start Association is honored to bring the life-enhancing benefits of gardens to more children and families in the Head Start community. Our desire is for this garden grant program to foster exciting, hands-on experiences for Head Start children and families, connecting them with their natural world, increasing their appreciation and understanding of fresh healthy foods and nutrition, and inspiring a lifelong love of gardening.
2023-24 Gro More Good Garden Grant Application:
NHSA will be awarding grants in variable amounts depending on demonstrated need and proposal in the application. Grant awards will supplement needs of existing garden projects, help launch new garden projects, or supplement/launch outdoor green space projects (land that is partly or completely covered with grass, trees, shrubs, or other vegetation and an option for children and the community to learn).
The Garden Grant Applications deadline is December 18, 2023.
As part of the grant award, Head Start programs will be expected to host a Community Build Day, bringing together Head Start students and families, community partners, and Scotts Miracle-Gro associates (if available) in a day of community service to build and celebrate the garden. Community Build Days should be held during the March through June timeframe and grantees are allowed maximum flexibility if inclement weather or other circumstances result in a delay.
Application Walk-through Presenter:

Sarah Pounders, while working toward her master’s degree in Horticultural Sciences at Texas A&M University, Sarah Pounders served as a school garden coordinator and conducted research on the benefits of using school garden programs to teach nutrition. She went on to work at various botanical gardens and for Cooperative Extension in Virginia and Texas. Since 2005, Sarah has been an education specialist at KidsGardening, coordinating numerous children’s gardens and writing curricula and activities for youth of all ages. Sarah enjoys gardening at home with her two children and serves as the volunteer garden coordinator at her son’s elementary school.
Sponsor:

Tackling Challenging Behaviors with INSIGHT
2023-11-14 16:00 - 16:30 (America/New_York)
In this Tackling Challenging Behaviors webinar series, we will share innovative approaches to building a positive classroom environment. These strategies not only mitigate challenging behaviors, they 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!

Tackling Challenging Behaviors with INSIGHT: if you could only use one method in the classroom, it should be asking questions. 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!

Head Start Behavior Experts
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 Future of ERSEA in Head Start (Nov. 2023)
2023-11-28 14:00 - 16:00 UTC
With our partners at Wipfli, NHSA is hosting an online, two-day training series on current best practices with your professional peers and exploring challenges and solutions regarding the future of ERSEA in Head Start.
Learning Objectives:

Review regulation requirements from the HS Act and for 45 CFR Part 1302, Subpart A (ERSEA).
Share best practices in implementing ERSEA in the program.
Explore future challenges and solutions regarding ERSEA in Head Start.

Description:
Head Start/Early Head Start programs have a specific set of requirements to assist program leaders in identifying, recruiting, and selecting those children and families with the most need in their communities. This training will focus on all of the eligibility, recruitment, selection, enrollment, and attendance requirements, best known by the initials ERSEA, including adjusted guidelines and areas of Determining community strengths Documentation Recruitment options Attendance Fees, And more!
Presenter:
Tammy Jelinek, Principal
Tammy has spent more than 20 years working in and with grant-funded and fee-for-services nonprofit organizations. She engages with leadership teams to strategically align their goals to grow, expand, and meet their mission. Tammy has trained nationally in the areas of OMB Uniform Guidance, Head Start/Early Head Start Act and program regulations, parent/volunteer involvement, organizational development, human resources, leadership, and management. In helping clients make changes to impact their communities, she has engaged in organizational development and culture initiatives, process design and implementation, financial analysis, and change management (including coaching). Tammy holds a B.S. in business management (psychology minor) and an M.B.A. (emphasis in organizational development) from Upper Iowa University. She answers questions for the My Wipfli Annual Membership.
Certificate of completion is good for two months.
Regular Rate: $350
NHSA Member Rate: $300

2023 Parent and Family Engagement Conference
2023-12-04 - 2023-12-07

Tackling Challenging Behaviors with LOVE
2024-01-09 16:00 - 16:30 (America/New_York)
In this Tackling Challenging Behaviors webinar series, we will share innovative approaches to building a positive classroom environment. These strategies not only mitigate challenging behaviors, they 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!

Tackling Challenging Behaviors with LOVE: shifting your classroom to a trust-based, healthy culture starts with empowering your students to state their needs. Join us to learn about effective tools that will allow you and your students to express your needs and achieve more happiness and joy within the classroom environment.

Head Start Behavior Experts
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.

Inspiring Curiosity and Wonder with the Smithsonian
2024-01-17 19:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York)
Program:
Curiosity and wonder are at the heart of the desire to learn and the development of a love of learning that can last a lifetime. But what do curiosity and wonder look like in our classrooms? How can you drive learning through curiosity for preschoolers? What about infants and toddlers?
The Smithsonian Institution has so many resources for teachers to use to help to foster curiosity and wonder. This session will introduce you to some of our favorite strategies and ideas to help you foster curiosity and wonder in your classroom and help students Get a Head Start with the Smithsonian.
This interactive session will include discussion and opportunities to practice with hands-on components, so bring your sense of fun and excitement to engage with the instructors and other participants in the class.
In this session, you will:

Explore why curiosity and wonder are at the core of learning in early childhood.
Learn about ways to make your classroom environment a playground for curious minds.
Discover a world of amazing resources from the Smithsonian Institution to inspire young learners.
Gain skills and tools to help you meet key ELOF “Approaches to Learning” goals.

Presenters:

Ann Caspari is an Early Childhood Education Specialist at the National Air and Space Museum. With over 30 years of experience connecting young children to museum objects and content, Ann works to develop NASM’s learning experiences for young children and their caregivers in both locations (DC and Virginia) as well as the virtual environment. She designs and leads professional development in teaching inquiry science for early childhood teachers in the District of Columbia Public Schools and other early childhood teachers across the United States. As a founding member of the Smithsonian Early Learning Collaborative, Ann has championed early learners at the Smithsonian since 2008. Ann holds a BA in Religion and Cultural Anthropology from Trinity College (Hartford, CT) and MAT in Museum Education from The George Washington University. Before joining NASM, Ann worked as Manager of Museum Programs for the Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center where she gave professional development seminars on museums and young children. Ann also worked with audiences that included young children at the National Building Museum and the Calvert Marine Museum in Maryland. Ann co-authored, with Carol Kuhlthau and Leslie Maniotes, Guided Inquiry: Learning in the Twenty-first Century and Guided Inquiry Design: A Framework for Inquiry in Your School.

Julia Smith is a Museum and Early Learning Specialist at the Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center’s (SEEC) Office of Engagement. In this position she offers curricular support to classroom educators working with children birth through kindergarten. She aids in developing lessons grounded in play and utilizing the surrounding museums and community. Additionally, Julia brings SEEC’s expertise in museum-based education for young children out to the world through professional development for educators, public programs, and partnerships with other educational institutions. Julia began her role at SEEC as a toddler educator. She is committed to advocating for the inclusion of all young children, particularly those 0-3 years, in educational spaces.

Moderator: Rachel Hutchison, Manager of Online Instructional Design
Rachel Hutchison is the Manager of Online Instructional Design at the National Head Start Association (NHSA). In this role she oversees the design and management of 100+ online courses for the Academy at NHSA. In 2021, Hutchison launched NHSA in the Classroom, an initiative that aims to increase access to world-class arts and educational resources through virtual programming. Rachel earned her bachelors in writing and communication at Concordia College in Moorhead, MN and her masters in creative writing at Harvard University in Cambridge, MA. Rachel grew up in Havre, Montana and enjoys puppetry, music, and hiking

2024 Winter Leadership Institute
2024-01-22 - 2024-01-25
Explore meaningful policies, meet with lawmakers, and advocate for Head Start. The 2024 Winter Leadership Institute will take place in Crystal City, Virginia from January 22-25, 2024.

Sensory Gardens
2024-01-31 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
Coming to Our Senses: Fun & Easy Ways to Use Gardens and Greenspaces to Enrich Sensory Integration
Sensory Gardens Program:
Increasingly, we are finding that children are demonstrating sensory integration challenges that present as behavioral challenges, anxiety, and being overwhelmed. These issues can impact learning and play. Join occupational therapist and therapeutic landscape design consultant Amy Wagenfeld and mom, gardener, and garden educator Em Shipman from KidsGardening to learn how to design a garden or greenspace for kids ages 3-5 intended to engage each of the body’s sensory systems.
We’ll share five specific activities to use in a garden or greenspace to help young children integrate and organize their senses, as well as tips and tricks for managing challenging sensory-related behaviors.
Learning Objectives:

Learn about the eight sensory systems from an occupational therapy perspective
Understand the behavioral symptoms of sensory overload and sensory processing challenges in children ages 3-5
Learn how to design a garden or greenspace (sensory garden) for kids ages 3-5 to engage each of the body’s sensory systems
Learn five specific activities to use in a garden or greenspace to help children ages 3-5 integrate and organize their senses

Presenters:
Em Shipman, MSM, Executive Director, KidsGardening
Em is a nonprofit executive with nearly 20 years of experience leading transformative programs in food systems, agriculture, and education. She holds a B.A. in Public Policy from Hobart and William Smith College and an M.S. in Nonprofit Management from Marlboro College Graduate School. Em is a passionate advocate for children and the planet and believes that garden-based learning and hands-on, placed-based education benefit both. Em has also worked as a professional gardener and garden designer and spends all of her free time (and then some) digging in the dirt. Em chairs her local school forest committee and volunteers for an award-winning Vermont-based children’s science museum. She sits on the School Garden Support Organization Network’s (SGSO Network) Governance Board.

Amy Wagenfeld, PhD, OTR/L, SCEM, EDAC, FAOTA
Amy is an occupational therapist, therapeutic and universal design consultant, educator, researcher, and author. She is Affiliate Associate Professor in the University of Washington’s Department of Landscape Architecture and Principal of Amy Wagenfeld | Design, a therapeutic design consulting organization. Amy is a Fellow of the American Occupational Therapy Association, holds specialty certification in environmental modifications (SCEM) through the American Occupational Therapy Association, and certification in Healthcare Garden Design through the Chicago Botanical Garden. Amy publishes and presents widely on topics related to nature and health and is co-author of the award-winning book, Therapeutic Gardens: Design for Healing Spaces (Timber Press), Nature-Based Strategies for Allied Health Practitioners (Jessica Kingsley Publishers), and The Nature of Inclusive Play (Routledge, Inc.).

Moderated by NHSA’s Rachel Hutchinson

Tackling Challenging Behaviors with FUN
2024-02-13 16:00 - 16:30 (America/New_York)
In this Tackling Challenging Behaviors webinar series, we will share innovative approaches to building a positive classroom environment. These strategies not only mitigate challenging behaviors, they 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!

Tackling Challenging Behaviors with FUN and AARF! Let’s face it – Acronyms are fun and they work. The components of this one will drive motivation in your classroom: Achievement, Respect, Freedom, and Fun (AARF). Join us to learn more about how to balance these four essential elements of personal wellbeing for everyone in your classroom.
Head Start Behavior Experts:
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.

The Future of ERSEA in Head Start (February 2024)
2024-02-14 14:00 - 16:00 UTC
Registration is Closed.
With our partners at Wipfli, NHSA is hosting an online, two-day training series on current best practices with your professional peers and exploring challenges and solutions regarding the future of ERSEA in Head Start for February 2024.
Learning Objectives:

Review regulation requirements from the HS Act and for 45 CFR Part 1302, Subpart A (ERSEA).
Share best practices in implementing ERSEA in the program.
Explore future challenges and solutions regarding ERSEA in Head Start.

Description:
Head Start/Early Head Start programs have a specific set of requirements to assist program leaders in identifying, recruiting, and selecting those children and families with the most need in their communities. This training will focus on all of the eligibility, recruitment, selection, enrollment, and attendance requirements, best known by the initials ERSEA, including adjusted guidelines and areas of Determining community strengths Documentation Recruitment options Attendance Fees, And more!
Presenter:
Tammy Jelinek, Principal
Tammy has spent more than 20 years working in and with grant-funded and fee-for-services nonprofit organizations. She engages with leadership teams to strategically align their goals to grow, expand, and meet their mission. Tammy has trained nationally in the areas of OMB Uniform Guidance, Head Start/Early Head Start Act and program regulations, parent/volunteer involvement, organizational development, human resources, leadership, and management. In helping clients make changes to impact their communities, she has engaged in organizational development and culture initiatives, process design and implementation, financial analysis, and change management (including coaching). Tammy holds a B.S. in business management (psychology minor) and an M.B.A. (emphasis in organizational development) from Upper Iowa University. She answers questions for the My Wipfli Annual Membership.
Certificate of completion is good for two months.
Regular Rate: $350
NHSA Member Rate: $300

Creating an Effective Professional Development Plan for Head Start Education Staff
2024-03-07 14:00 - 16:00 UTC
Get ready to elevate your expertise as a Head Start Education Coordinator! This exciting training session is designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge to craft comprehensive and effective professional development plans for your Head Start center’s education staff. Discover the secrets of conducting needs assessments, setting clear training goals, and selecting the most effective strategies to captivate your team’s learning journey. Unleash your creativity in developing relevant training content that aligns with your school readiness goals, the Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework (ELOF), and your program grant.
Whether your staff write their professional development plans with their supervisors or a coach, this series will be valuable for your program. Get hands-on with logistical planning to ensure a seamless training experience. By the end of this exhilarating series, you’ll be armed with the tools to inspire your staff and create a powerful impact on your center’s success. Let the training adventure begin!
PART I (March 7, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. ET)

Reflect on your current practices and identify areas for improvement

3 areas that are strong and 3 areas to improve

Head Start’s guiding resources in professional development plans
Why we create plans – workforce turnover and development
Review the process of developing a professional development plan

PART II (March 14, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. ET)

Introduce resources that can improve your plan development practice
Learn how to create intentional professional development plans with individual staff members
Writing meaningful goals
Develop a plan that supports those goals
Align with your school readiness goals, ELOF, and program grant

Objective: This training session aims to equip Head Start Education Coordinators with the skills and knowledge to design and implement effective professional development plans for staff working in Head Start centers. There will be a strong emphasis on incorporating School Readiness Goals into the professional development plan.

Presenter:
Dru O’Connor, NHSA Content Consultant & Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency Education Coach and Disabilities Manager
Dru has worked in many different roles for Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency’s Head Start program starting in 1994. She has been an Education Coordinator, Training Coordinator, an Early Head Start Manager and she currently is an Education Coach and Disabilities Manager for the direct operated preschool classrooms. She has been in this current role for 14 years. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Preschool Education from Central Michigan University then received her Master’s in Early Childhood Education from Grand Valley State University. For the past 5 years Dru has served as a Content Consultant for the National Head Start Association where she assists the association in providing current and relevant conference topics for the Head Start community. Dru currently resides in northern Michigan with her husband and children.

Tackling Challenging Behaviors with OPPORTUNITY
2024-03-12 16:00 - 16:30 (America/New_York)
In this Tackling Challenging Behaviors webinar series, we will share innovative approaches to building a positive classroom environment. These strategies not only mitigate challenging behaviors, they 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!

Tackling Challenging Behaviors with OPPORTUNITY: everyday you have time when you need to engage the whole group of children in your care. Join us to learn how the Good Thinking strategy can engage everyone, even the distracted ones, and how using sound (and silence) can establish clear expectations and set boundaries.
Head Start Behavior Experts
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.

STEM Learning in the Garden
2024-03-19 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
Description:
A garden offers an array of exciting opportunities to introduce science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) in fun ways that align with early learning outcomes and standards; thus, STEM Learning in the Garden just makes sense! Join educators from KidsGardening and explore hands-on, garden-based STEM lessons and activities that you can share with your students. You will leave excited to try these practical ideas for digging into STEM through gardening!
Presenters:
Noel Nicholas (she/her) is the educational content manager for KidsGardening, where she co-develops original educational materials designed to help kids play, learn, and grow through gardening. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Creative Writing from University of Southern California, where she developed a passion for informal education while teaching poetry at 32nd Street School/USC Magnet. Prior to joining KidsGardening, Noel worked as museum educator at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, developing and delivering educational programs for diverse, multi-generational audiences, and managing the museum’s Storytime Live program. In her spare time she teaches in the school garden at Third Street Elementary in Los Angeles.

Sarah Pounders, while working toward her master’s degree in Horticultural Sciences at Texas A&M University, Sarah Pounders served as a school garden coordinator and conducted research on the benefits of using school garden programs to teach nutrition. She went on to work at various botanical gardens and for Cooperative Extension in Virginia and Texas. Since 2005, Sarah has been an education specialist at KidsGardening, coordinating numerous children’s gardens and writing curricula and activities for youth of all ages. Sarah enjoys gardening at home with her two children and serves as the volunteer garden coordinator at her son’s elementary school.

Marketing 101 for Head Start Recruitment
2024-03-20 14:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York)
Registration is now closed.
With our partners at Working Smarter Consulting, NHSA is hosting a live and virtual training session on Marketing for Head Start Recruitment. 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.
Description:
Learn tools and resources to reach your target audience quicker, and enhance the look and feel of your organization’s digital presence. Solve enrollment challenges through better messaging and virtual content development.
Regular Rate: $325
NHSA Member Rate: $225
Learning Objectives:

Understanding your target audience
Identifying how to communicate successfully with your audience
Developing a marketing plan specific to recruitment that produces
retention.
Marketing strategies for any budget.
Chance to network with similar programs and share ideas and strategies.

Presenters:
Gerald Washington, Chief Executive Officer
With 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 Officer
With 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 how your program recruits children.

Tackling Challenging Behaviors with HEART
2024-04-09 16:00 - 16:30 (America/New_York)
In this Tackling Challenging Behaviors (with HEART) webinar series, we will share innovative approaches to building a positive classroom environment. These strategies not only mitigate challenging behaviors, they 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!

Tackling Challenging Behaviors with HEART: respect is a cornerstone of classroom management. Join us to learn how demonstrating respect through words, tone, and body will help any child to choose positive behaviors.

Head Start Behavior Experts
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.

Messages that Motivate!
2024-04-11 15:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York)
Messages that Motivate! Program:
Between work, caregiving, and all the rest of life’s demands, Head Start families are busy. With so much on their plates, it’s no wonder educators say it’s hard to get families’ attention. Whether we’re communicating in person or through emails and flyers, it’s a challenge to ensure your messages have an impact. In this webinar, you’ll get practical strategies for connecting with families without overwhelming them.
Learning Objectives:

Break down complex topics into manageable activities for parents
Write with equity, access and empowerment in mind
Lead a high quality conversation that results in action
Using your communications tools to motivate parents to keep coming back

Tune in for messages that motivate and practical strategies you can use right away to meaningfully engage with families and improve student outcomes by strengthening family involvement.

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.

Rebecca Honig is the Chief Content and Curriculum Officer at ParentPowered. She has authored numerous curricula, parent guides, and children’s storybooks for Sesame Workshop, Scholastic, Disney, Compass Learning, PBS, WGBH, HITN, Nickelodeon, Mo Willems, and The Norman Rockwell Museum. She has also served as a Curriculum and Content Specialist for Sesame Street and spent ten years teaching in public, private, and after-school programs. Rebecca has a master’s degree in early childhood education from Bank Street College.

Mary Westervelt is the Director of Marketing and Communications for ParentPowered. She is passionate about helping great ideas take flight. A lifelong member of the mission-driven entrepreneurial world, she has worked across industries and sectors, with the last seven years in edtech. She holds an MBA in managing for sustainability from Marlboro College and a B.A. from the College of William & Mary in anthropology.

Sponsored by:

2024 National Head Start Conference
2024-04-15 - 2024-04-18
The largest national conference devoted to all things Head Start, NHSA’s annual conference brings our community together for a week of sharing, networking, learning, and celebrating. The 2024 National Conference & Expo will take place in Portland, Oregon from April 15-18.

How to Discuss Tough Topics
2024-04-24 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
Program: How to Discuss Tough Topics: Approaching Sensitive Issues in Developmentally Appropriate Ways
Purpose: In Head Start, children ask complicated questions all the time – of teachers, staff, families/caregivers, community leaders, and any adult the child has developed a trusting relationship with. In this webinar, Smithsonian Education’s Early Learning Consortium members will share a host of tools and resources for answering young children’s questions about sensitive topics.
Learning Objectives for How to Discuss Tough Topics:

Gain tools for building a classroom community that supports and celebrates individual differences.
Learn how a supportive community of adults and peers strengthens children’s ability to explore complex topics and ask critical questions.
Practice skills for addressing complicated content and celebrating differences between people, in ways that are developmentally appropriate for ages 0-5.
Discover helpful resources from the Smithsonian Institution to build community and support discussions around complex topics.

Presenters:
Beth Evans, Youth and Family Programs Coordinator, National Portrait Gallery
Maureen Leary, Youth and Family Programs Manager, National Postal Museum
Tiffany McGettigan, Head of Education, Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden
Emily Porter, Manager of Early Childhood and Family Learning, National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute
Julia Smith, Museum and Early Learning Specialist, Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center
Moderator:
Rachel Hutchison, Manager of Online Instructional Design, National Head Start Association

Resources to Connect Head Start and Refugee Resettlement Agencies: Welcoming Families New to the United States
2024-05-07 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
Program: Resources to Connect Head Start and Refugee Resettlement Agencies: Welcoming Families New to the United States
Description:
NHSA and research and communications firm Fors Marsh have teamed up to promote connections between local Head Start programs and refugee communities. In addition to providing high-quality services to the families of eligible children in refugee communities, Head Start programs can facilitate community integration by connecting refugees to local resources and offering employment opportunities.
Attend this webinar to learn about new communications materials on The Hub that your Head Start program can use to connect with refugee communities. Materials include guides on how to engage local refugee organizations and how to enroll refugee children in Head Start.
Presenters:

Dr. Deborah Bergeron, Deputy Director, Community Engagement & Innovation, NHSA
Mariana Eberle-Blaylock, MA, Associate Director, Fors Marsh
Alicia Garza, MA, Partnership Manager, Fors Marsh
Sara Varela, MS, Partnership Manager, Fors Marsh

The Future of ERSEA in Head Start (May 2024)
2024-05-14 14:00 - 16:00 UTC
Registration is now closed.
With our partners at Wipfli, NHSA is hosting an online, two-day training series on current best practices with your professional peers and exploring challenges and solutions regarding the future of ERSEA in Head Start for May 2024.
Learning Objectives:

Review regulation requirements from the HS Act and for 45 CFR Part 1302, Subpart A (ERSEA).
Share best practices in implementing ERSEA in the program.
Explore future challenges and solutions regarding ERSEA in Head Start.

Description:
Head Start/Early Head Start programs have a specific set of requirements to assist program leaders in identifying, recruiting, and selecting those children and families with the most need in their communities. This training will focus on all of the eligibility, recruitment, selection, enrollment, and attendance requirements, best known by the initials ERSEA, including adjusted guidelines and areas of Determining community strengths Documentation Recruitment options Attendance Fees, And more!
Presenter:
Tammy Jelinek, Principal
Tammy has spent more than 20 years working in and with grant-funded and fee-for-services nonprofit organizations. She engages with leadership teams to strategically align their goals to grow, expand, and meet their mission. Tammy has trained nationally in the areas of OMB Uniform Guidance, Head Start/Early Head Start Act and program regulations, parent/volunteer involvement, organizational development, human resources, leadership, and management. In helping clients make changes to impact their communities, she has engaged in organizational development and culture initiatives, process design and implementation, financial analysis, and change management (including coaching). Tammy holds a B.S. in business management (psychology minor) and an M.B.A. (emphasis in organizational development) from Upper Iowa University. She answers questions for the My Wipfli Annual Membership.
Certificate of completion is good for two months.
Regular Rate: $350
NHSA Member Rate: $300

Best Practices and Effective Strategies for Connecting Head Start Programs with Refugee Communities
2024-06-05 13:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York)
Program: Best Practices and Effective Strategies for Connecting Head Start Programs with Refugee Communities
Representatives from Head Start programs and Refugee Resettlement Agencies will share lessons learned, best practices, and effective strategies when engaging and collaborating with refugees. The 1-hour panel discussion will also offer opportunities for Head Start programs across the country to ask questions and share their own experiences when engaging this community.
Presenters:

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.

Dr. Deborah Bergeron, known affectionately as “Dr. B” to former students and teachers, brings a wealth of experience to her role as Deputy Director of Community Engagement and Innovation at the National Head Start Association (NHSA). Prior to joining NHSA in January 2021, she served as the Director of the Office of Early Childhood Development and represented the Office of Head Start as its director. With three decades of experience in pre-K–12 public education as a classroom teacher and school administrator, Dr. Bergeron holds a bachelor’s degree from Texas State University and earned her master’s in education leadership and doctorate in education policy from George Mason University.

Dr. Thea Wilson is the Vice President for Children and Families at Step Forward. Dr. Wilson is responsible for managing the operations of Early Head Start, Head Start, and all service areas and Parental Involvement programs for 1750 children. Dr. Wilson has over 40 years of early childhood development experience in a public school system and spent 11 years in administration. She has 15 years of experience teaching college level courses as well as creating workshops and facilitating training for parents, teachers and other professionals. Dr. Wilson served as the Chair of Early Childhood at The Music Settlement — a five-star, arts-based, early childhood education program in Cleveland. Immediately prior, Dr. Wilson served as the Executive Director of the Office of Early Childhood – Pre-K to Third Grade – for the Cleveland Metropolitan School District.

Gilda Morales-Aleman, Administrative Director of eligibility, recruitment, selection, enrollment, and attendance (ERSEA),Family Services & Data Systems at Cardinal McCloskey Community Services Early Childhood Division, is a dedicated advocate for children and families. Born in Ecuador, Ms. Morales-Aleman’s parents migrated to New York when she was just 3 years old, instilling in her a deep appreciation for the immigrant experience. She is the proud mother of Natalia (16) and Victor Manuelle (9), and lives in New Jersey. With a passion for serving her community, Ms. Morales-Aleman’s journey in the education and social services field spans an impressive 23 years within the Department of Education (DOE) Bilingual Elementary
school 4th grade teacher, to presently working with the Head Start family. She has worked in the DOE and Head Start centers in the Bronx, Harlem, and Washington Heights. In her current role, she focuses on ERSEA, community partnerships, and family engagement, recognizing the importance of supporting and advocating for the most vulnerable populations.

Moderator:

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.

Leadership Education and Development Summit
2024-06-25 - 2024-06-28

Marketing 101 for Head Start Personnel
2024-07-24 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 101 for Head Start Personnel. 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.
Description:
Combat high employment turnover in the early childhood sector with tips and tricks for attracting qualified, dependable applicants.
Regular Rate: $325
NHSA Member Rate: $225
Marketing 101 for Head Start Personnel Learning Objectives:

Identify data needed for understanding personnel areas of opportunity.
Utilize free and low-cost resources.
Explore unique ways to share benefits with applicants.
Gain an understanding of partnerships and how they can funnel new staff.

Presenters:
Gerald Washington, Chief Executive Officer
With 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 Officer
With 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 how your program recruits personnel.

Early Childhood Innovation Summit
2024-08-05 - 2024-08-08
Looking at the Future of Early Education
Early childhood education stands at a pivotal juncture where innovation is essential. However, for practitioners, the challenge is figuring out how to build the plane while flying. The Early Childhood Innovation Summit (ECIS) is here to bridge this gap, connecting researchers, policymakers, and practitioners and empowering educators to tackle 21st-century challenges head-on.
Each year, we curate an agenda rich in content and rooted in practice, featuring plenary sessions with brilliant thought leaders addressing today’s most pressing issues. We explore the intersections of early childhood education with AI and brain development, delve into pediatric health, and discover trauma-informed tools to enhance social and emotional health for children and families facing adversities.
Meet us at the Summit, where we equip today’s early educators to meet current challenges and prepare for future opportunities!

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
