NHSA and The National Zoo Field Trips: 2024 – 2025
2025-02-06 14:00 - 14:30 (America/New_York)
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 (America/New_York)
Program: What Are Appropriations?
Description: We will answer the comm questions: what are appropriations and how do they impact Head Start?
What Are Appropriations Presenter: Kathleen Havey
Kathleen Havey, Senior Advisor of Government Affairs

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

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

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

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

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

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

Price:

Regular Rate: $250
NHSA Member Rate: $200

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Patrocinado por: Kindermusik International.

Tackle Behaviors that Challenge: with SOUND MAKING
2025-03-11 16:00 - 16:30 (America/New_York)
Webinar Series: Tackling Behaviors that Challenge Us
Program: Tackle Behaviors that Challenge: with SOUND MAKING

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 SOUND MAKING
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.
SOUND MAKING 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.

Father Friendly Check-Up
2025-03-12 14:00 - 15:30 (America/New_York)
Program: Father Friendly Check-Up
Description: The Father Friendly Check-Up workshop will provide participants with training on how to create a father-friendly organization in any setting. It is ideal for both staff who are beginning to engage fathers and those who are seasoned in father engagement.
Learning Objectives:

Learn to create a father-friendly organization from a holistic perspective.
Walk away with the foundation for a strategic plan to increase father-friendliness.
Gain information needed to encourage colleagues/co-workers to complete the Father Friendly Check-Up™.
Learn a little more about NFI and how we can help you develop and sustain exceptional fatherhood programs and services.

Price:

Regular Rate: $250
NHSA Member Rate: $200

Father Friendly Check-Up 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:

2025 Spring Garden Storytime
2025-03-13 13:00 - 13:30 (America/New_York)
Program: 2025 Spring 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! Spring is right around the corner and we are ready to get those gardens started! Are you? Join us to learn how to say hello to worms and other tiny garden friends and how to grow and enjoy the fruits of spring together.

Story: How to Say Hello to a Worm by Kari Percival
Sing Along: Spring Garden Song
Handout: Springtime Learn and Play

2025 Spring Garden Storytime 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.

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 Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation is deeply rooted in helping create healthier communities, empowering the next generation, and preserving our planet. Its support of the National Head Start Association includes providing GroMoreGood 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.

NHSA and The National Zoo Field Trips: 2024 – 2025
2025-04-03 14:00 - 14:30 (America/New_York)
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 (Colorful Creatures)

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

Tackle Behaviors that Challenge: with KINESTHETIC TEACHING
2025-04-08 16:00 - 16:30 (America/New_York)
Webinar Series: Tackling Behaviors that Challenge Us
Program: Tackle Behaviors that Challenge: with KINESTHETIC TEACHING

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 KINESTHETIC TEACHING
Young children are excellent observers. So when it is time to teach a new skill, a great way to teach is by modeling. Join us to learn how to empower your students to state their needs, including the need to move their bodies, and watch as your classroom moves to a trust-based, healthy culture.

KINESTHETIC TEACHING 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.

The 5 Bright Spots to Designing Your Fatherhood Program
2025-04-30 14:00 - 15:30 (America/New_York)
Program: The 5 Bright Spots to Designing Your Fatherhood Program
Description: The 5 Bright Spots workshop will instruct participants in the most effective programming strategies for successfully engaging and inspiring men to become committed nurturers and providers for their children. This workshop will equip organizations to more effectively serve fathers, provide quality services, and thereby help ensure the sustainability of their programs.
Learning Objectives:

Learn a simple, flexible approach—called “The Bright Spot Approach”—to the design of an exceptional community-based fatherhood program, regardless of the level of experience in serving dads, your community-based setting, or the kinds of dads served.
Understand how to apply each of the 5 Bright Spots to your program.
Learn about the resources NFI has designed to help organizations leverage and unlock the power of the 5 Bright Spots.

Price:

Regular Rate: $250
NHSA Member Rate: $200

The 5 Bright Spots to Designing Your Fatherhood Program 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:

2025 Summer Garden Storytime
2025-05-08 13:00 - 13:30 (America/New_York)
Program: 2025 Summer Garden Storytime
Description: Gardens bring joy and beauty into our lives allowing us to experience and express gratitude and love. Join us for a story about a young girl who plants a very special birthday present for her mom. We will sing, read, and learn about the wonders of nature and gifts from the garden as we celebrate summer – and birthdays! Just like we will celebrate Head Start’s 60th Birthday!

Story: Flower Garden by Eve Bunting
Sing Along: Summer Flowers

2025 Spring Garden Storytime 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.

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 Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation is deeply rooted in helping create healthier communities, empowering the next generation, and preserving our planet. Its support of the National Head Start Association includes providing GroMoreGood 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.

Advocacy vs. Lobbying 101
2025-05-13 12:00 - 12:30 (America/New_York)
Program: Advocacy vs. Lobbying 101
Description: To help Head Start programs understand the difference between advocacy and lobbying, with a focus on what they are allowed to do.
Learning Objectives: TBA
Presenters: TBA

Celebrate 60 Years of Head Start at The National Zoo
2025-05-15 14:00 - 14:30 (America/New_York)
Let’s celebrate 60 years of Head Start with NHSA at 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 an EXTRA, live learning opportunities about Zoo animals, created specifically for Head Start and Early Head Start programs across the country! The Zoo Crew will help us celebrate Head Start’s birthday with some extra fun Zoo animals!!
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 101: The Basics Behind Why We Do What We Do In The Program
2025-05-28 15:00 - 16:30 (America/New_York)
Program: Head Start 101: The Basics Behind Why We Do What We Do In The Program
Description: Curious about why you “have to” follow certain requirements in the program, we can talk. Interested in learning how the Head Start Act and Head Start Program Performance Standards impact your day-to-day work, we can help. Having challenges in the world of constant change, trying to do great work as you watch the headlines, those topics are on the table too. If you have a question about the why, what, or even want some suggested “how do we do X”, this is the session for you. This is a basic 101 to help teams know the why behind the what and to have a chance for open questions and answers as we have time. Wipfli has over five decades working in and with Head Start programs. Join us to hear what we are seeing as we offer regulations and leadership training/consulting across the country.
Learning Objectives: The participants will be able to:

Explore the basics of funding streams, regulations, and what makes EHS/HS programs unique.

Discuss the why behind the requirements.

Ask questions to help you learn more, and even where to find your own answers.

Price:

Regular Rate: $300
NHSA Member Rate: $250

Head Start 101 Presenter: Tammy Jelinek, Partner
Tammy Jelinek is a partner with over 25 years of experience working in and with federally funded nonprofit organizations and for-profit businesses. She engages with leadership teams to strategically align their goals to grow. Tammy is one of our nationally recognized trainers for issues involving Head Start/Early Head Start Community Services Block Grant and Uniform Guidance regulations. She answers questions and manages content for the My Wipfli Membership Service.

Sponsored By:

Kickoff: Film Screening
2025-09-24 14:00 - 15:00 UTC
Program: Cabinet of Wonder: A Private Film Screening with Natalie Merchant

Description: Join us for our official kick-off of the Cabinet of Wonder, a free online curriculum, resources and teaching guides for Head Start teachers and staff nationwide. This innovative program was created with singer, songwriter and performer Natalie Merchant, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and the Chicago Children’s Theatre in partnership with The Academy at NHSA.
Cabinet of Wonder is a joyful reimagining of Mother Goose for children ages 3 to 6 and will spark creativity and wonder in early learning classrooms everywhere. Watch the Trailer!
This film screening will serve as an introduction to a series of virtual journeys to the Land of Make Believe (Cabinet of Wonder sessions).
Price: Free for Head Start teachers and staff
Presenter: Natalie Merchant
Over her 40-year career, Natalie Merchant has attained a place among America’s most respected recording artists. She has earned a reputation for being a songwriter of quality and a captivating stage performer. Merchant has committed her time and talent to a wide-variety of nonprofit organizations, performing countless benefit concerts and creating documentary films and large-scale community arts projects.
Merchant began her musical career as the lead vocalist and lyricist of the pop music band 10,000 Maniacs and released two platinum and four gold records with the group: The Wishing Chair (1985), In My Tribe (1987), Blind Man’s Zoo (1989), Hope Chest (1990) Our Time in Eden & 10,000 Maniacs MTV Unplugged (1993). Merchant left the group in 1994 and has subsequently released nine albums as a solo artist with combined sales of seven million copies: Tigerlily (1995), Ophelia (1998), Natalie Merchant Live (1999), Motherland (2001), The House Carpenter’s Daughter (2004), Leave Your Sleep (2010), Natalie Merchant (2014), Paradise is There (2015), Butterfly (2017). In April 2023, Nonesuch Records released her first album of original material in nine years, Keep Your Courage.
Merchant has collaborated, both on stage and in the studio, with an impressive array of artists including: Philip Glass, Wynton Marsalis, David Byrne, The Chieftains, Medeski, Martin & Wood, Mavis Staples, REM, Daniel Lanois, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Tracy Chapman, Kronos Quartet, Lokua Kanza, The Klezmatics, Lúnasa, Yungchen Lhamo, Chris Botti, Dan Zanes, Billy Bragg and Wilco.
In 2007, Merchant was appointed by Governor Elliot Spitzer to serve a five-year term on the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA). In 2013, she spearheaded an effort to stop the advance of hydraulic fracturing in New York State with a concert film, Dear Governor Cuomo. Again, in 2013, she used the same format of concert film to address domestic violence with Shelter. Most recently, she spent two years as Artist-in-Residence with the Head Start Program Troy, NY creating a multi-disciplinary arts curriculum for preschoolers called The Mother Goose Project (2017-2019). In November of 2022, NY Senator and majority leader Chuck Schumer appointed Natalie to a six-year-term on the board of trustees of The American Folklife Center at The Library of Congress.
Merchant’s awards for artistic excellence and philanthropic work include: The Library Lion Award from the New York Public Library (2011), The American Society of Authors Composers & Publishers (ASCAP) Champion Award and The John Lennon Real Love Award.

Head Start Works: Opportunities for States
2025-11-19 15:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_672GPry7RV6C842h0TXnvA
Program: Head Start Works: Opportunities for States
Description: Join Dr. Dan Wuori and Head Start leaders to explore how states can collaborate with Head Start to strengthen early childhood systems, expand access, and improve outcomes for children and families.The discussion will be based on the new report, Head Start and Early Childhood Systems: Opportunities for Policy Makers.
Purpose:

Expose Early Childhood Leaders to the report, “Head Start and Early Childhood Systems: Opportunities for Policy Makers.”
Use this webinar to amplify the convening of NHSA & state partners coming in early 2026
Begin the national dialogue with Early Childhood leaders about effective partnerships with Head Start.

REGISTER HERE!
Head Start Works Presenter:
Dr. Dan Wuori
With more than 30 years of early years leadership, Dr. Dan Wuori is the Founder and President of Early Childhood Policy Solutions, a bipartisan public policy consultancy focused on the needs of young children, their families, and the early years professionals who serve them. He serves concurrently as a Strategic Advisor on Early Childhood to the Saul Zaentz Charitable Foundation. In both roles – and in his prior position as the founding Director of Early Childhood at The Hunt Institute in Cary, North Carolina – Dr. Wuori works alongside governors and state legislators to improve early years policy across the United States.
But to parents the world over, Dan is known not for his policy work, but for his innovative use of social media to educate about infants and toddlers – with more than 300,000 followers tuning in to his daily video child development lessons across platforms. This work was recently profiled in The New York Times, which called his X (Twitter) account “a font of delight and edification…educational, but also – put simply – awwwww.”
His new book The Daycare Myth: What We Get Wrong About Early Care and Education (and What We Should Do About It) was released in September 2024. Upon its announcement, the book – which explores the costly disconnect between what we know and what we do when it comes to the needs of young children – spent more than a week at the top of Amazon’s education best sellers list. It is now in its seventh printing.
Dan is currently at work on a second book, Wonderment: Our First Three Years, which was recently acquired by Ballantine Books (a division of Penguin-Random House) for publication in early 2027.

Tackle Behaviors that Challenge: by Teaching Mindfulness
2026-01-06 16:00 - 16:30 UTC
Webinar Series: Tackling Behaviors that Challenge Us
Program: Tackle Behaviors that Challenge: by Teaching Mindfulness
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Description:Every teacher wants to build a positive classroom culture of safety and trust, for children and for themselves. Turns out that is a lot easier said than done, especially when faced with behaviors that are really challenging. So, what is a well-meaning teacher to do?
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 teachers understand challenging interactions, but also 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:

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

Tackle Behaviors that Challenge: by teaching MINDFULNESS
Managing a learning environment can be extremely stressful, especially when facing behaviors that we do not understand. We can control how we respond to those times of stress, in part, by paying attention to the way that we breathe. In this session, we will learn a simple tool that we can use to focus on and control the breath when stress is high, so we can return to calm and respond with wisdom, care, and focus.
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.

Tackle Behaviors that Challenge: by offering CHOICES
2026-03-03 16:00 - 16:30 UTC
Webinar Series: Tackling Behaviors that Challenge Us
Program: Tackle Behaviors that Challenge: by offering CHOICES

Description: Every teacher wants to build a positive classroom culture of safety and trust, for children and for themselves. Turns out that is a lot easier said than done, especially when faced with behaviors that are really challenging. So, what is a well-meaning teacher to do?
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 teachers understand challenging interactions, but also 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:

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

Tackle Behaviors that Challenge: by offering CHOICES
When children want to learn, we can tell, because they all use the same simple tool: they start asking questions! But how often do we ask questions of them? In this session, we will explore the power of questions as a teaching tool, and share practical ways that teachers can develop a more positive and engaged learning environment by teaching less, and asking more.
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.
