NHSA

Data Literacy Credential Info Session
2025-08-05 12:00 - 12:30 (America/New_York)
Join us for a FREE Data Literacy Credential Info Session! The Academy at NHSA, in partnership with Acorn Evaluation, offers the Data Literacy Credential—a professional development opportunity designed specifically for ALL Head Start and Early Head Start managers and directors.
With new cohorts launching in September, now is the perfect time to learn how data-driven decision-making can strengthen your program’s impact.
Date: Tuesday, August 5, 2025
⏰ Time: 9:00 a.m. PT | 12:00 a.m. ET
Speaker: Stuart Jones, CEO & Lead Instructor, Acorn Evaluation, Inc.
Stuart Jones has spent over 20 years working as a professional evaluator and management consultant, primarily focusing on organizations that serve the early childhood community. In 2013 he formed Acorn Evaluation to further the goal of providing quality evaluation and consulting services to the Head Start/Early Head Start community.
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!

Nutrition Funding Opportunity: Grant Writing Working Session
2025-08-06 15:00 (America/New_York)
The Office of Head Start (OHS) recently announced the availability of one-time funds to help local programs enhance their nutrition services. This webinar will introduce a creative strategy designed to help programs make durable, high-impact improvements with these funds and walk through the grant application process. Join us to learn how your program can make the most of this unique funding opportunity.
Presenters:
Dr. Deborah Bergeron
Deputy Director of Community Engagement and Innovation
National Head Start Association
Keri Allred
Executive Director
Rural Utah Child Development

Nutrition Funding Opportunity: Grant Writing Working Session 2
2025-08-13 15:00 (America/New_York)

Financial Wellness: Plan for a Secure and Joyful Retirement
2025-08-14 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
Financial Wellness Thursdays with The Beans: Plan for a Secure and Joyful Retirement
This August, we’re going back to the basics — that build lasting peace of mind. We’ll revisit the three core principles of money-life balance: make a plan, build savings, and spend on what brings you joy — with a clear focus on preparing for retirement. Whether you’re just getting started or recalibrating your goals, you’ll leave with practical tools to align your daily habits with the retirement you envision.
Sponsored by:

Together Forward: A Conversation with ChildPlus
2025-08-20 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
Step into an open dialogue where your voice shapes the future. NHSA and ChildPlus invite you to Together Forward: A Conversation with ChildPlus, an interactive forum where your input takes center stage.
Ahead of the session, submit your questions and concerns to guide our discussion. This is your chance to address what matters most to you and hear firsthand from the ChildPlus team. Together, we’ll explore innovative solutions, share insights, and build pathways to collective growth.
Don’t miss the opportunity to connect, contribute, and collaborate as we envision the future of ChildPlus—an endeavor driven by your valuable perspective.

Tackle Behaviors that Challenge: by saying “YOU MAY”
2025-09-02 16:00 - 16:30 (America/New_York)
Webinar Series: Tackling Behaviors that Challenge Us
Program: Tackle Behaviors that Challenge: by saying “YOU MAY”

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 saying “YOU MAY”
As humans, we have a natural tendency to use blaming language. When we train ourselves to think in new and healthier ways, we discover how uncomfortable blaming, living in the past and problem-centric language can be. In this session, we will talk about how to make the transition to a new, positive way of interacting that can dramatically improve interactions in your learning environment.

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.

Financial Wellness: Get Your Public Service Loans Forgiven
2025-09-11 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
Financial Wellness Thursdays with The Beans: Get Your Public Service Loans Forgiven
Get clear on the Public Service Loans Forgiven (PSLF) requirements, confirm your eligibility, and take the next steps to unlock full loan forgiveness. Leave with a clear, personalized plan and the confidence to not just move forward, but to support your colleagues in getting their PSLF, too!
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.

Humpty Dumpty: Virtual Cabinet of Wonder Time
2025-10-08 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
Program: NHSA In The Classroom | Virtual Cabinet of Wonder Time: Humpty Dumpty
Description: NHSA is hosting a series of virtual Cabinet of Wonder experiences with Natalie Merchant (or as the children will come to know her, “Miss Natalie”). Teachers will enjoy these enchanting journeys to the Land of Make Believe as much as the students, and be empowered to use the curriculum and resources to continue the learning journey on their own. The Cabinet of Wonder is a reimagining of Mother Goose and her famous canon of rhymes for a new generation. This powerful educational and enrichment tool has been developed for teachers and parents to share with children ages 3-6. The professionally produced musical recordings, inventive videos, and endearing nonsense of Mother Goose are sure to bring joy to adults and young learners alike.
Learning Objective: In these live sessions, Miss Natalie will lead the attendees through Cabinet of Wonder time. She will follow the Recommended Scaffolding that is laid out on the Cabinet of Wonder website so that teachers and children alike can experience it, and teachers will feel confident in implementing it on their own. In order to model the interactive components, Natalie will interact with Pinky Jackalope during the session just as she would with a child in the classroom.
Bring your students!

October: Humpty Dumpty

10/8 @ 2:00 pm ET

December: Jack Be Nimble

12/10 @ 2:00 p.m. ET

February: Queen of Hearts

2/11 @ 2:00 p.m. ET (just before Valentine’s Day!)

April: Little Nut Tree

4/8 @ 2:00 p.m. ET

Financial Wellness: Holiday Spending Game Plan: Plan Now + Celebrate Fully
2025-10-09 14:00 - 15:00 UTC
Financial Wellness Thursdays with The Beans: Holiday Spending Game Plan: Plan Now + Celebrate Fully
Skip the stress with a plan that lets you celebrate fully. Unlock the power of your mind to spend less overall this holiday season with very little effort and align holiday spending with your values — so you can enjoy the season without the financial hangover. Your joyful (and stress-free) holiday season starts now!
Sponsored by:

The Ever-Evolving Search for In-Kind
2025-10-15 14:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York)
Program: The Ever-Evolving Search for In-Kind
Description: Imagine if you had all the in-kind you needed! Generating in-kind can be a challenge. In this session, we will discuss the tools, techniques, and regulations of generating, calculating, and documenting non-federal matches. Make generating in-kind the responsibility of everyone in your program. We will also explore methods to plan who to ask, how to ask, and what in-kind to ask for in the community. Leave with specific goals, strategies, and tasks to bring more in-kind into your agency.
Learning Objectives: The participants will be able to:

Explore the requirements around allowable in-kind.
Determine what in-kind to request from the community.
Get tools to use when making your ask.

Price:

Regular Rate: $300
NHSA Member Rate: $250

Register Now
Search for In-Kind 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:

Strategic Problem-Solving with AI for Head Start Leaders
2025-11-04 14:00 - 15:30 UTC
Program: Strategic Problem-Solving with AI for Head Start Leaders
Description: Today’s Head Start leaders are asked to solve complex problems with limited time and resources — balancing staffing, enrollment, fiscal pressures, and compliance, often all at once. This session is designed for directors and executive leaders who want to move beyond basic AI use and apply it to strategic thinking and systems improvement. Together, we’ll explore how AI can help you see patterns across data, test scenarios before making decisions, and design smart workflows that keep your program running smoothly. Through real Head Start examples and hands-on demonstrations, you’ll practice using AI as a thought partner — not to replace leadership judgment, but to enhance it. Participants should come ready with their AI tool of choice (such as ChatGPT, Copilot, or Gemini) to actively test prompts and problem-solve alongside peers. You’ll leave with practical prompts, examples, and strategies you can take straight into your next management or planning meeting — ready to use AI to make faster, more informed, and more confident decisions for your program.
Price:

Regular Rate: $250
NHSA Member Rate: $150

Registration is now closed
Presenters:

Carolyn Heyliger-Graham:
Carolyn is a Senior Partnership Manager at Learning Genie, bringing over 17 years of experience in the early childhood education sector. With a Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy, Carolyn combines analytical thinking with a deep passion for education and helping Head Start and Early Childhood programs adopt innovative data solutions. Carolyn has also presented at regional, national, and state conferences, sharing early childhood insights and strategies to empower educational leaders in enhancing program outcomes and driving positive change.

Mary Grace Romo:
Mary Grace Romo is a national early childhood consultant and founder of EarlyEdPro.ai and EarlyEd.ai, sister brands that focus on innovation and capacity-building in Head Start and early education. Mary supports Learning Genie’s leadership in advancing AI-powered solutions for early learning, helping programs discover how technology can enhance data use, streamline operations, and strengthen family engagement. A former Head Start director and K–12 administrator, she brings deep expertise in program design, strategic planning, and federal grant management. Her work centers on helping agencies use technology and AI responsibly to solve complex challenges—advancing equity, efficiency, and quality for children, families, and staff.

Tackle Behaviors that Challenge: by having FUN
2025-11-04 16:00 - 16:30 (America/New_York)
Webinar Series: Tackling Behaviors that Challenge Us
Program: Tackle Behaviors that Challenge: by having FUN
Register Now
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 having FUN
As a busy teacher or education manager, it may be tempting to think of fun as a “nice to have” element of teaching, but it is actually essential. For humans, joy is just as important as achievement, and adults need it just as much as children! In this session, we will share ways to have fun in your learning environment that will increase everyone’s joy, and result in a more positive experience for everyone.
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.

Cabinet of Wonder: The Value of Nursery Rhymes Professional Development
2025-11-05 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
Program: Cabinet of Wonder: The Value of Nursery Rhymes Professional Development
Description: Why should traditional nursery rhymes still be used in early learning classrooms? While these rhymes are sometimes seen as outdated, research shows that these classic texts can be valuable teaching tools for young children. When early childhood educators facilitate thoughtful, structured discussions around them, these rhymes help create engaging and meaningful learning experiences for children.
Learning Objective: In this webinar, we’ll explore how to select historical poems and rhymes that work well in early learning environments, using research-based criteria.
WATCH NOW!
The Value of Nursery Rhymes Presenters:
Dr. Dana L. Suskind
Dana Suskind, MD, is Founder and Co-Director of the TMW Center for Early Learning + Public Health, Founding Director of the Pediatric Cochlear Implant Program, and Professor of Surgery, Pediatrics, and Public Policy (affiliated) at the University of Chicago.
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 also distinguished herself as a social justice and environmental activist through her work with a wide-variety of non-profit organizations, performing countless benefit concerts and creating documentary films and large-scale community arts projects.
Dr. Deborah Bergeron

Best known as Dr. B, she 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.

Garden Grant Info Session for 2026 Application
2025-11-06 14:00 - 14:45 (America/New_York)
Program: Garden Grant Info Session
Description: Join us for this 45-minute webinar to learn more about the application requirements, and what a really strong application looks like. The presenters will walk through the application itself, talk about the award process, offer resources to help you plan your garden, share ideas for garden programs and answer any questions you may have about the grant or gardening with kids.
REGISTER HERE!
Garden Grant Info Session Presenter: 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.
Sponsor:
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.

Fall Garden Storytime
2025-11-12 13:00 - 13:30 UTC
Program: Fall Garden Storytime
Description: In these LIVE storytimes, we will read wonderful books about growing gardens everywhere – sometimes in unexpected places! – and have a “show and tell” about interesting plants. Both teachers and students will love these interactive learning sessions!
WATCH HERE!
Story: Farm Boots by Lisl H. Detlefsen — Grab your boots, it’s time to explore life on a farm! We’re kicking off Garden Storytime with a visit to the farm, where gardening happens on a big scale to bring us the foods we enjoy. Farm Boots follows a diverse cast of farming families as they care for the crops and animals on their farms all year long, and bring in the autumn harvest to share!
Fall Garden Storytime Presenters:

Noel Cibulka (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 the University of Southern California, where she developed a passion for informal education while teaching poetry at 32nd Street School/USC Magnet. She also spent time running the school garden program at Third Street Elementary in Los Angeles. Prior to joining KidsGardening, Noel worked as a museum educator at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, developing and delivering educational programs for diverse, multi-generational audiences.

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.

Financial Wellness: Already Rich: Joy, Gratitude and Generational Wealth
2025-11-13 14:00 - 15:00 UTC
Financial Wellness Thursdays with The Beans: Already Rich: Joy, Gratitude and Generational Wealth
Generational wealth is more than money — it’s values, traditions, and opportunities passed down through family, culture, and community. Define what it means to leave a legacy, especially when it feels like you’re starting from scratch. Align spending, gratitude, and joyful giving to build a foundation that lasts for generations.
Sponsored by:

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.

Jack Be Nimble: Virtual Cabinet of Wonder Time
2025-12-10 14:00 - 14:30 (America/New_York)
Program: NHSA In The Classroom | Virtual Cabinet of Wonder Time: Jack Be Nimble
Description: NHSA is hosting a series of virtual Cabinet of Wonder experiences with Natalie Merchant (or as the children will come to know her, “Miss Natalie”). Teachers will enjoy these enchanting journeys to the Land of Make Believe as much as the students, and be empowered to use the curriculum and resources to continue the learning journey on their own. The Cabinet of Wonder is a reimagining of Mother Goose and her famous canon of rhymes for a new generation. This powerful educational and enrichment tool has been developed for teachers and parents to share with children ages 3-6. The professionally produced musical recordings, inventive videos, and endearing nonsense of Mother Goose are sure to bring joy to adults and young learners alike.
Learning Objective: In these live sessions, Miss Natalie will lead the attendees through Cabinet of Wonder time. She will follow the Recommended Scaffolding that is laid out on the Cabinet of Wonder website so that teachers and children alike can experience it, and teachers will feel confident in implementing it on their own. In order to model the interactive components, Natalie will interact with Pinky Jackalope during the session just as she would with a child in the classroom.
Bring your students!

October: Humpty Dumpty

10/8 @ 2:00 pm ET

December: Jack Be Nimble

12/10 @ 2:00 p.m. ET

February: Queen of Hearts

2/11 @ 2:00 p.m. ET (just before Valentine’s Day!)

April: Little Nut Tree

4/8 @ 2:00 p.m. ET

Head Start at the National Zoo
2025-12-11 14:00 - 14:30 (America/New_York)
Program: Get a Head Start with the Smithsonian
Description: It’s time for music, it’s time for fun! It’s time to explore the Smithsonian National Zoo and Smithsonian museums with live 30-minute virtual field trips for all early learners. In this field trip, children will learn about community helpers, who they are, and how they help take care of a community, all while meeting a beaver, meerkat, and western lowland gorilla!
REGISTER HERE!
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 Manager, Instructional Programs, NHSA
Nick Young – Preschool Musician, PlayMotion Music
Smithsonian National Zoo Keepers
Guest presenters from other Smithsonian institutions

Financial Wellness: Holiday Survival Guide: Joyful Gifting Ahead
2025-12-11 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
Financial Wellness Thursdays with The Beans: Holiday Survival Guide: Joyful Gifting Ahead
Holiday Survival Guide sets you up to enjoy the holidays without overspending or over extending yourself. Make a gifting plan and tap into the science of gratitude. Giving can feel good and be financially healthy — because with a balanced plan, joy and mindful spending go hand in hand.
Register Now
Sponsored by:

Attracting and Retaining Great ECE Teachers
2025-12-16 16:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York)
Program: Attracting and Retaining Great ECE Teachers
Description: Come learn some new strategies from soup to nuts about attracting, hiring and retaining new Head Start staff. Early Day, a new NHSA partner, specializes in this process and will share some tips and tricks for programs.
REGISTER HERE!
Purpose: Connect field to new partner and do some PD around recruiting talent
Target Audience: Leadership/HR/Managers (Anyone who hires)
Presenter:
Emma Harris, Vice President, Wonderschool

Program of Excellence Informational Webinar
2025-12-17 14:00 - 14:30 (America/New_York)
Program of Excellence Informational Webinar
Description: Join us for an engaging session to learn about NHSA’s Program of Excellence designation—a prestigious recognition awarded to programs that consistently excel in program management, deliver exceptional services, and support strong outcomes for children from birth to five, pregnant people, families, and their communities.
This informational webinar is designed for interested candidates to gain insights into the application process, ask questions, and hear inspiring testimonials from past awardees. Discover if now is the right time for your program to pursue this esteemed designation.
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how your program can shine!
REGISTER HERE!
Presenters:
Kisha McCray, Senior Manager of Academy Resources, NHSA
Celeste Presley, CCAP Head Start Project Manager, Community Action Council

Tackle Behaviors that Challenge: by Teaching Mindfulness
2026-01-06 16:00 - 16:30 (America/New_York)
Webinar Series: Tackling Behaviors that Challenge Us
Program: Tackle Behaviors that Challenge: by Teaching Mindfulness
REGISTER NOW
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.

Financial Wellness: Make Meaningful Progress This Year
2026-01-08 14:00 - 15:00 UTC
Financial Wellness Thursdays with The Beans: Make Meaningful Progress This Year
Dream big, make a plan, and set research-backed goals to make meaningful financial progress this year. Did you know writing down your goals and giving advice to others boost motivation and keep you on track. You’ll leave with a clear money plan, actionable steps, and the science behind turning your financial dreams into reality.
Register Now
Sponsored by:

Growing Strong at the CORE: Family and Community Partnership Series
2026-01-20 16:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York)
Webinar Series: Growing Strong at the CORE: Family and Community Partnership
Description: This is a part of quarterly webinar series which started 10/14 focusing on various aspects of family and community engagement. Each session focuses on a key element of our CORE framework, providing practical strategies, tools, and insights to enhance your engagement efforts.
This session focuses on the CORE principal of OUTREACH: Learn effective outreach strategies to connect with diverse populations, expand your reach, and create welcoming pathways for engagement.
REGISTER HERE!
Growing Strong at the CORE Presenter: Sandy Oceguera, Senior Data Product Manager, NHSA

Winter Garden Storytime 2026
2026-01-21 13:00 - 13:30 (America/New_York)
Program: 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: Outdoor Farm, Indoor Farm by Lindsay H. Metcalf
Sing Along: TBA

REGISTER HERE!

2026 Winter Garden Storytime Presenters:
Noel Cibulka (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 BA 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 a 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 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.

Mental Health Micro-Credential Info Session
2026-01-21 14:00 - 14:30 (America/New_York)
Program: Mental Health Micro-Credential Info Session
Description: Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health (IECMH) is widely regarded as the foundation of healthy development for all young children. This is why The Academy at NHSA created the Mental Health Micro-Credential, to help adults who work with young children understand how they can support and promote children’s mental health through safe, stable, and nurturing relationships and interactions.
Join us for this 30-minute info session, hosted by experts from Georgetown University who created the course.
Objectives: Attendees will learn

All about the course requirements and timeline
Valuable strategies for supporting young children
Who from your program should register for the course (hint: it’s more than one person!)

REGISTER HERE!
Mental Health Micro-Credential Presenters:
Jennifer Drake-Croft, Deputy Project Director of the Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health (IECMH) Technical Assistance Center at Georgetown University and a Faculty Director for the Georgetown Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation Certificate Program.
Lauren Rabinovitz, Academic Program Officer at the Georgetown Center for Child and Human Development; Early Childhood Division and the Program Director for the SAMHSA funded Center of Excellence on Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation; and Co-Director of the Certificate Program in Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation with the Georgetown University School of Continuing Studies. Lauren is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with specialized training and experience in Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health.

Queen of Hearts: Virtual Cabinet of Wonder Time
2026-02-11 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
Program: NHSA In The Classroom | Virtual Cabinet of Wonder Time: Queen of Hearts
Description: NHSA is hosting a series of virtual Cabinet of Wonder experiences with Natalie Merchant (or as the children will come to know her, “Miss Natalie”). Teachers will enjoy these enchanting journeys to the Land of Make Believe as much as the students, and be empowered to use the curriculum and resources to continue the learning journey on their own. The Cabinet of Wonder is a reimagining of Mother Goose and her famous canon of rhymes for a new generation. This powerful educational and enrichment tool has been developed for teachers and parents to share with children ages 3-6. The professionally produced musical recordings, inventive videos, and endearing nonsense of Mother Goose are sure to bring joy to adults and young learners alike.
Learning Objective: In these live sessions, Miss Natalie will lead the attendees through Cabinet of Wonder time. She will follow the Recommended Scaffolding that is laid out on the Cabinet of Wonder website so that teachers and children alike can experience it, and teachers will feel confident in implementing it on their own. In order to model the interactive components, Natalie will interact with Pinky Jackalope during the session just as she would with a child in the classroom.
Bring your students!

October: Humpty Dumpty

10/8 @ 2:00 pm ET

December: Jack Be Nimble

12/10 @ 2:00 p.m. ET

February: Queen of Hearts

2/11 @ 2:00 p.m. ET (just before Valentine’s Day!)

April: Little Nut Tree

4/8 @ 2:00 p.m. ET

Financial Wellness: Money + Love: Building a Supportive Network for Financial Success
2026-02-12 14:00 - 15:00 UTC
Financial Wellness Thursdays with The Beans: Money + Love: Building a Supportive Network for Financial Success
Your relationships can enhance your financial well-being. Discover the power of social support in overcoming financial stress and building resilience. Whether it’s significant others, family, friends, or mentors, your people can accompany you on the path to financial balance. Strengthen your network and lift each other up!
Sponsored by:
