NHSA

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.

Marketing 101 for Head Start Personnel
2024-07-24 14:00 - 16:00
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.

Tuning Up Circle Time: How Musical Play Boosts Learning and Connection
2024-09-17 14:00 - 15:00
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

Connecting Refugees With Head Start and Early Head Start
2024-09-17 16:00 - 17:00
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:

New Resource for Programs: The Head Start Data Lake Collaborative
2024-09-18 15:00 - 16:00
Program: New Resource for Programs – The Head Start Data Lake Collaborative
Description: For the past year, NHSA has been piloting an early childhood data lake, a central repository that collects, stores, and analyzes data from Head Start programs in ways that help programs learn from each other. From the practitioner perspective, the data lake will provide dashboards that are useful to improve practice on a day-to-day basis. The lake will also contain aggregated national dashboards to drive quality improvement at a national level. Resources provided in presentation:

Slides
Start-Up Documentation

Learning Objective: Learn about the Head Start Data Lake, its value to programs, and how to join!
The Head Start Data Lake Collaborative Presenter:
Victoria Jones, is NHSA’s senior director of data. Victoria has prior experience in early childhood education from her five years working at Sesame Street in New York City. Victoria earned her bachelor’s degree from Barnard College at Columbia University and received her master’s in public policy from the Harvard Kennedy School.

Spanish Version of Tuning Up Circle Time: How Musical Play Boosts Learning and Connection
2024-09-19 14:00 - 15:00
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

Who’s Not At the Table: 3 Key Practices for Engaging Harder-To-Reach Families
2024-10-01 14:00 - 15:00
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
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.

Tackle Behaviors that Challenge: by EMBRACING OPPORTUNITIES
2024-10-08 16:00 - 16:30
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
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
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
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
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!

Parent Gauge 2.0: Elevating Head Start Programs to New Heights
2024-10-30 14:00 - 15:00
Program: Parent Gauge 2.0: Elevating Head Start Programs to New Heights
Description: Parent Gauge is a powerful resource that empowers Head Start programs to gain deeper insights into family engagement and child development.
Learning Objectives: In this webinar, you’ll discover how the revamped Parent Gauge assessment can take your program to new heights:

Explore the streamlined, user-friendly assessment experience
Learn how the enhanced data analytics uncover actionable insights to drive program improvements
Understand how to leverage Parent Gauge data to secure funding, enhance reporting, and demonstrate program impact
See real-world examples of Head Start programs using Parent Gauge to elevate their services

Whether you’re a seasoned Parent Gauge user or exploring the tool for the first time, this webinar will equip you with the knowledge to maximize the benefits of this transformative assessment solution.

Parent Gauge 2.0 Presenters: Sandy Oceguera and Lucricia Delgado

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.

Lucricia Delgado has served as a Parent Gauge consultant for over two and a half years, helping programs maximize their parent, family, and community engagement initiatives. She finds fulfillment working directly alongside the Parent Gauge community to support these efforts.

Brought to you by:

Advocacy Webinar: Empowering Your Parent Council for Advocacy
2024-11-12 12:00 - 12:30
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
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.

2024 Fall Garden Storytime
2024-11-14 13:00 - 13:30
Program: 2024 Fall Garden Storytime
Description: In these LIVE storytimes, we will read wonderful garden-themed books with a social emotional focus and have a “show and tell” about interesting plants. Both teachers and students will love these interactive learning sessions! Let’s fall into gardening together! Join us to learn more about all the sizes and shapes that pumpkins can grow to be and the many ways this delicious food can be used during this time of year.

Story: Runaway Pumpkins by Teresa Bateman
Sing Along: Do You Know How Pumpkins Grow?

2024 Fall Garden Storytime Presenters:
Sarah Pounders has been active in the field of youth gardening for over 20 years. Growing up surrounded by plants instilled a deep love of gardens and the desire to share that love with others. While working toward her master’s degree in Horticultural Sciences at Texas A&M University, she had the opportunity to serve as a school garden coordinator and conduct research on the benefits of using school garden programs to teach nutrition. She went on to work at various botanical gardens, for Cooperative Extension in Virginia and Texas, and since 2005 as an education specialist at KidsGardening.org, coordinating numerous children’s gardens, writing curricula and activities for youth of all ages, teaching formal and informal youth education programs, and conducting teacher training sessions on integrating gardens into the classroom. Sarah also enjoys gardening at home with her two kids and volunteering with their school gardening projects.

Pinky Jackalope (she/her) is a Motivational Associate with NHSA. She loves to learn new things, and to share them with her Head Start and Early Head Start friends! Pinky’s favorite fruit is a banana, and her favorite vegetable is the snap pea. Pinky loves watching flowers and herbs grow in container gardens.

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.

Want even more? Check out our Gardening with Kids Basics course provided by The Academy.

The Sound of Safety: Building Secure Bonds Through Shared Music Making
2024-11-19 14:00 - 15:00
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
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.

NHSA and The National Zoo Field Trips: 2024 – 2025
2024-12-05 14:00 - 14:30
Let’s visit NHSA and the National Zoo! This will be a delightful lesson designed to support Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework (ELOF) standards! NHSA and Zoo in the Classroom is a high-energy, interactive experience that include music and movement. It is designed to keep children active, engaged, and thriving.
Join the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (SNZCBI) and NHSA for four LIVE learning opportunities about Zoo animals, created specifically for Head Start and Early Head Start programs across the country!

Program 1: October 3, 2024 from 2:00 – 2:30 p.m. ET – (Beavers and Orangutans)
Program 2: December 5, 2024 from 2:00 – 2:30 p.m. ET (Lemurs and Sloth Bears)
Program 3: February 6, 2025 from 2:00 – 2:30 p.m. ET
Program 4: April 3, 2025 from 2:00 – 2:30 p.m. ET

NHSA and The National Zoo Presenters:

Emily Porter – Manager of Early Childhood and Family Learning Experience, SNZCBI
Bethany Wells – Get a Head Start with the Smithsonian Education and Program Coordinator, SNZCBI
Rachel Hutchison – Senior Associate, Instructional Practice Professional Programs, NHSA
Nick Young – Preschool Musician, PlayMotion Music
Smithsonian National Zoo Keepers
Guest presenters from other Smithsoninan institutions

2025 Winter Garden Storytime
2025-01-09 13:00 - 13:30
Program: 2025 Winter Garden Storytime
Description: In these LIVE storytimes, we will read wonderful garden-themed books with a social emotional focus and have a “show and tell” about interesting plants. Both teachers and students will love these interactive learning sessions! Even when snow is falling all around, the garden is full of life for us to observe and appreciate if we just know where to look! Come sing, read, and learn with us about the wonders of nature in winter.

Story: It’s Winter! by Linda Glaser
Sing Along: Winter Slumbers

2025 Winter Garden Storytime Presenters:
Sarah Pounders has been active in the field of youth gardening for over 20 years. Growing up surrounded by plants instilled a deep love of gardens and the desire to share that love with others. While working toward her master’s degree in Horticultural Sciences at Texas A&M University, she had the opportunity to serve as a school garden coordinator and conduct research on the benefits of using school garden programs to teach nutrition. She went on to work at various botanical gardens, for Cooperative Extension in Virginia and Texas, and since 2005 as an education specialist at KidsGardening.org, coordinating numerous children’s gardens, writing curricula and activities for youth of all ages, teaching formal and informal youth education programs, and conducting teacher training sessions on integrating gardens into the classroom. Sarah also enjoys gardening at home with her two kids and volunteering with their school gardening projects.

Pinky Jackalope (she/her) is a Motivational Associate with NHSA. She loves to learn new things, and to share them with her Head Start and Early Head Start friends! Pinky’s favorite fruit is a banana, and her favorite vegetable is the snap pea. Pinky loves watching flowers and herbs grow in container gardens.

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.

Want even more? Check out our Gardening with Kids Basics course provided by The Academy.

Tackle Behaviors that Challenge: by Realizing Expectation
2025-01-14 16:00 - 16:30
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
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
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.

NHSA and The National Zoo Field Trips: 2024 – 2025
2025-02-06 14:00 - 14:30
Let’s visit NHSA and the National Zoo! This will be a delightful lesson designed to support Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework (ELOF) standards! NHSA and Zoo in the Classroom is a high-energy, interactive experience that include music and movement. It is designed to keep children active, engaged, and thriving.
Join the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (SNZCBI) and NHSA for four LIVE learning opportunities about Zoo animals, created specifically for Head Start and Early Head Start programs across the country!

Program 1: October 3, 2024 from 2:00 – 2:30 p.m. ET – (Beavers and Orangutans)
Program 2: December 5, 2024 from 2:00 – 2:30 p.m. ET (Lemurs and Sloth Bears)
Program 3: February 6, 2025 from 2:00 – 2:30 p.m. ET (Elephants)
Program 4: April 3, 2025 from 2:00 – 2:30 p.m. ET

NHSA and The National Zoo Presenters:

Emily Porter – Manager of Early Childhood and Family Learning Experience, SNZCBI
Bethany Wells – Get a Head Start with the Smithsonian Education and Program Coordinator, SNZCBI
Rachel Hutchison – Senior Associate, Instructional Practice Professional Programs, NHSA
Nick Young – Preschool Musician, PlayMotion Music
Smithsonian National Zoo Keepers
Guest presenters from other Smithsoninan institutions

Head Start Advocacy Series: What Are Appropriations?
2025-02-11 12:00 - 12:30
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
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
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
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
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.
