NHSA

Your Key to Gathering Meaningful Parent Feedback
2024-07-16 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
Program: Parent Gauge: Your Key to Gathering Meaningful Parent Feedback
Description: Join us for an in-depth look at Parent Gauge, NHSA’s premier family engagement assessment tool tailored specifically for Head Start and Early Head Start programs. In this informative session, we will explore how Parent Gauge leverages guided interviews conducted by frontline staff to delve into family experiences. Discover how you can utilize this invaluable information to make data-backed program decisions and drive continuous quality improvement. This webinar will provide essential insights and practical strategies to maximize family engagement and support program success.
Learning Objective: Explanation of the Parent Gauge tool and a look at how it is used to gain meaningful parent feedback.
Presenters: Parent Gauge Team

Bob Manning
Lucricia Delgado
Sandy Oceguera

Financial Wellness: How do I save when I have debt? (Option 2)
2024-07-11 18:00 - 18:30 (America/New_York)
Financial Wellness Thursdays with The Beans

How do I save when I have debt? Automation is key!
Learn about The Beans’ highly rated professional development programs for improving your staffs’ financial wellness + find the evidence-based key to supercharging your debt pay off.

Sponsored by:

Financial Wellness: How do I save when I have debt? (Option 1)
2024-07-11 14:00 - 14:30 (America/New_York)

Unlocking Your Career Potential: Next Steps After Your CDA!
2024-07-10 16:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York)
Program: Unlocking Your Career Potential: Next Steps After Your CDA!
Just earned your CDA credential with The Academy? Congratulations! Take the next step by joining our webinar to explore the exciting career pathway National University created for Head Start CDA graduates. Discover opportunities to advance your early childhood education career and unlock your full professional potential. Don’t miss this chance to turn your CDA achievement into a rewarding future!
Learning Objective: National University’s Partnership Manager will walk attendees through the next steps in expanding your opportunities.
Presenter:
Katrina Davis-Darnell is a passionate higher education professional with 15+ years of supporting Head Start and PK-12 entities. She manages education partnerships at the National University in their Workforce and Community Education division. In her role, she develops and leads education solution projects that support making professional development affordable and accessible for K-12 professionals seeking to achieve their career ambitions through National University offerings.

Brought to you by:

NHSA Closed: Independence Day
2024-07-04 - 2024-07-06

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

Pop-Up Informational Event: The Data Literacy Credential
2024-06-24 16:00 - 16:20 (America/New_York)
Join us for a free, quick and easy but extremely valuable pop-up informational event.
The Academy at NHSA in partnership with Acorn Evaluation offers the premier professional development opportunity for Head Start/Early Head Start managers and directors in the country: The Data Literacy Credential.
The program is specifically designed for ALL managers and directors in any Head Start/Early Head Start program nationwide. Cohorts are launching soon, so now is the time to learn! Feel free to share and forward this invite to your colleagues. Everyone is welcome to come, listen and ask questions. Just 20 minutes of your time could have a huge POSITIVE impact on your program!
Pop-Up Informational Event by to you by:

Info Session: Bilingual CDA Course in Arabic
2024-06-20 16:00 - 16:30 (America/New_York)
Program: Bilingual CDA Course in Arabic
Arabic-speaking teachers, would you like to join a CDA bilingual course from The Academy at NHSA?
We invite you all to attend a webinar to explore the new bilingual course The Academy is offering. We recognize there is a large Arabic-speaking community nationwide, and now this course is available. Please come and learn more!
Learning Objective: To raise awareness about the bilingual CDA course now available in Arabic and other resources available to support learners.
ثنائية اللغة باللغة العربية CDA البرنامج: دورة
ايها المعلمون الناطقون باللغة العربية، هل ترغبون في الانضمام إلى دورة CDA ثنائية اللغة من الأكاديمية في NHSA ؟
ندعوكم جميعاً لحضور ندوة عبر الإنترنت لاستكشاف الدورة التدريبية الجديدة ثنائية اللغة التي تقدمها الأكاديمية.
نحن ندرك أن هناك مجتمعاً كبيراً يتحدث العربية في جميع أنحاء البلاد، والآن تم توفيرهذه الدورة.
من فضلك تعال وتعلّم المزيد!
الهدف التعليمي: زيادة الوعي حول دورة CDA ثنائية اللغة المتوفرة الآن باللغة العربية وغيرها من الموارد المتاحة لدعم المتعلمين.
– ناقشنا أيضاً عمل فيديو قصير باللغة العربية (لمدة دقيقة واحدة) يدعو المعلمين للانضمام إلى الدفعة التالية لإضافة صفحة التسجيل.
سأرسل لك روابط المراجعة لإحدى الدورات اليوم أو غداً حتى تتمكن من مراجعة وإضافة تعليقاتك حول مكان إضافة بعض مقاطع الفيديو باللغة العربية في المستقبل.
لدينا بريد إلكتروني سيصدر قريباً، وسيكون من الرائع إرساله باللغة العربية أيضاً. هنا بعض المعلومات:
لدينا بعض الأخبار المثيرة – تفتخر الأكاديمية في NHSA بتقديم برنامج CDA Pro Bilingual in Arabic وهو مفتوح الآن للتسجيل الصيفي!
أبرز مميزات البرنامج:
• الدورات الدراسية الذاتية: ادرس بالسرعة التي تناسبك من خلال دوراتنا لتتناسب مع جدولك.
• دعم مخصص لأعضاء هيئة التدريس: احصل على تدريب فردي مع المحتوى باللغة الإنكليزية ودعم إضافي باللغة العربية لضمان نجاحك.
• التدريب الشامل: أكمل 120 ساعة من التطوير المهني من خلال جلسات مباشرة تغطي جميع جوانب عملية اعتماد CDA.
إذا كان عندك الرغبة أنت أو غيرك لمعرفة المزيد حول كيفية الحصول على الـ: CDA يمكن لهذا أن يفيد مسار التعليم في مرحلة الطفولة المبكرة لديك، فنحن نشجعك على الانضمام إلينا يوم الخميس، June 20 at 4:00 p.m. بالتوقيت الشرقي لجلسة معلومات افتراضية!
Presenter:
Najwa Dahdah is the Founder and CEO of Empowered Child Care Consulting, Inc., established in 2016 to enhance community development and provide training in Early Childhood Education (ECE) for bilingual and underserved groups. Fluent in Arabic, she plays multiple roles including CDA Trainer, mentor, Professional Development Specialist, Pre-K CLASS observer and CDA Council Midwest Region CAN Ambassador. With over 25 years of experience, she has trained more than 3,500 CDA students and has provided training to Head Start programs in Michigan, focusing on the Head Start standards, CLASS Observations, and teacher mentoring. Additionally, she has supported the Michigan Association for Early Childhood Education (MIAEYC) by hosting CDA resource days statewide. Najwa is also the founder and CEO of Empowered Community Outreach Services (ECOS), a 501c3 non-profit providing resources to underserved communities. Najwa holds a master’s degree in ECE leadership/administration from the University of Michigan-Dearborn and a bachelor’s in ECE from Rochester University. She is committed to advancing culturally and linguistically responsive education and leads Arabic translation services for the ECE community.
Moderator: Zuly Vazquez

NPRM/Final Rule Workshop Series
2024-06-20 14:00 - 17:00 UTC
Program: NPRM/Final Rule Workshop Series
Description: A dynamic workshop series to address the NPRM final rule and how to respond. More details will be posted
Presenters: Content Area Experts To Be Announced

NHSA Closed: Juneteenth
2024-06-19

Financial Wellness: Joy (Option 2)
2024-06-13 18:00 - 18:30 (America/New_York)
Financial Wellness Thursdays with The Beans
Aligning your summer plans with your financial plan. Regardless of how you plan on spending your long summer days- fun and financial progress do coexist!
Answer these three questions:

What do you value?
Do you have a plan?
Is your savings automated?

Learn about The Beans’ highly rated professional development programs for improving your staffs’ financial wellness + align your summer fun with your financial plan.
Sponsored by:

Financial Wellness: Joy (Option 1)
2024-06-13 14:00 - 14:30 (America/New_York)

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.

Pre-service with a Punch!
2024-06-04 15:00 - 15:30 (America/New_York)
Do you struggle with how to ‘fit it all in’ when you are planning pre-service?
Interested in an easy, affordable, fun way to maximize your time so you can spend more time building relationships and less time meeting compliance?
Come listen to Dr. B and Rachel Hutchison as they show you the magic of self-paced professional development (PD) and how you can use and even create your own high quality Head Start specific online PD. In this Pre-Service with a Punch! webinar, we will unlock the magic of leveraging self-paced PD to create engaging training for all staff, so you can spend less time meeting compliance and more time where it matters – relationship building!
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.

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

Show and Tell: Academy+
2024-05-31 10:30 - 11:00 (America/New_York)
Ensure your staff is Head Start-ready with access to Academy+!
Academy+ is a comprehensive solution to prepare your Head Start program for successful Focus Area 1 and 2 reviews and meet approximately 90% of the OHS training requirements. With access to 14 dynamic courses, totaling over 30 hours of professional development, your staff will have the knowledge and tools they need to excel in their roles and stay compliant with the latest OHS standards.
In this show and tell Academy+ session, you can take a tour of the Academy+ to determine if this is the right training and professional development opportunity for your team. Attendees will be able to completely explore all the Academy+ has to offer and ask pertinent questions to our Academy+ team.

NHSA Closed: Memorial Day
2024-05-27

NHSA and The Zoo in The Classroom: Head Start's Birthday Party at the Zoo
2024-05-16 14:00 - 14:30 (America/New_York)
This is 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: November 16th—Pre-Math with Cheetahs (Math Concepts) – watch recording!
Program 2: January 18th—Me, You, and Elephants Too! (Identity, Culture and Community) – watch recording!
Program 3: March 21st—Do Sea Lions Wear Sunglasses? (Weather and Space) – watch recording!
Program 4: May 15th—Head Start’s Birthday Party at the Zoo (Our Bodies and the Five Senses)

Presenters for NHSA and Zoo in the Classroom:
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’s National Zookeepers, , SNZCBI

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

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

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

Financial Wellness: 6 Stages of Change (Option 2)
2024-05-09 18:00 - 18:30 (America/New_York)
Financial Wellness Thursdays with The Beans: 6 Stages of Change Focusing on Spending
Behavior change is not always easy, and it takes a little time, but knowing the stages of behavior change will make the process more successful and more fun.
Learn about The Beans’ highly rated professional development programs for improving your staffs’ financial wellness + make real financial progress.
Sponsored by:

Putting Your Family Engagement Data into Action
2024-05-09 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
Program: Examples From the Field: Putting Your Family Engagement Data into Action
Description:
Join NHSA’s panel of experts from the field as they share their success stories and practical strategies for leveraging Parent Gauge data to drive meaningful family engagement initiatives. Discover how their data-driven approach has not only improved their scores but also created a lasting impact on the families they serve.
Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights from seasoned professionals who have successfully transformed their family engagement efforts. Register now and take the first step towards building a more inclusive and collaborative community.
Presenters:

Sandy Oceguera, Sr. Data Product Manager, National Head Start Association
Lucricia Delgado, Parent Gauge Consultant, National Head Start Association
Jaime Coryea, Parent Family Community Engagement Coordinator, Astor Services Head Start Program For Dutchess County
Dr. Isaiah Santa, Human Services Supervisor – Health, Nutrition, Data, Quality Assurance and Training Hillsborough County Head Start/Early Head Start
Nyanda Finley de Santos, Director of Family and Community Engagement, Community Services for Children, Inc.

Sponsored by:

Financial Wellness: 6 Stages of Change (Option 1)
2024-05-09 14:00 - 14:30 (America/New_York)

Summer Garden Storytime
2024-05-08 14:00 - 14:30 (America/New_York)
Welcome to Summer Garden Storytime brought to you by NHSA in the Classroom, KidsGardening, and ScottsMiracle-Gro. Our team of experts will share the joy of gardening and reading with your Head Start cuties. Get ready for an interactive story, gardening treats, and classroom resources which are provided seasonally within the school year calendar:

5/8/24: Summer Storytime – Singing Activity

Our storytellers are gardeners, and in these LIVE storytime sessions they will read wonderful garden-themed books to the children, and “show and tell” about interesting plants. Both teachers and students will love this interactive learning session!
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 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.

Starling Minds’ webinar series on 'Moving Through Grief'
2024-05-07 19:00 - 20:00 UTC
Moving Through Grief: A 6-Week Workshop
Grieving is a deeply personal journey but one that can benefit from community support. We invite you to an upcoming Grief and Loss Workshop, where we’ll come together to find solace, support, and healing.
In this workshop, we’ll create a safe space to explore and understand your feelings, find ways to navigate challenging times or support others in theirs, and connect with people who understand what you’re going through.
What to expect:

– Expert Guidance: Our experienced facilitators will provide insights, coping strategies, and resources to help you navigate the grieving process.
– Healing Activities: Engage in different exercises designed to promote healing, self-reflection, and growth.
– Empowerment: Learn practical tools and techniques to cope with grief and embrace life with renewed strength and resilience.
– Community Support: Connect with others who are also experiencing loss, and gain strength from the understanding and empathy of fellow participants.

Regardless of where you are in your journey of grieving, find support and resources to keep moving forwards.

Weekly on Tuesdays: May 7th – June 11th, 2024 | 4:00 PM – 5 PM (PT) / 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM (ET)
*All sessions are recorded and will be accessible through the Starling Minds program. In case you miss a live session, you can easily catch up by watching the recording at your convenience.

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

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

Info Session: Parent Gauge and ParentPowered
2024-05-02 15:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York)
Program: Research-Based Family Engagement: Parent Gauge & ParentPowered Info Session
Description: Does your program struggle with implementing family engagement strategies that are targeted to the needs of your families? If so, we invite you to learn about a unique Parent, Family, and Community Engagement (PFCE) solution: Parent Gauge family assessment and ParentPowered family engagement curriculum. Both are grounded in research and use data to drive decision making for your program.
Learning Objective: In this info session, you’ll see not only how each product can enhance your program’s PFCE efforts, but how you can maximize results when you use them together.
Parent Gauge & ParentPowered Info Session 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.

Felix Caballero, Before joining ParentPowered, Felix has spent more than a decade working with organizations that serve to improve the lives of children. In addition to his role as a member of the Illuminate sales team, he also spent 7 years in the classroom as a Spanish teacher and a volunteer for Big Brothers Big Sisters. Beyond the world of education, Felix loves to engage with people in a variety of settings. He’s been known to lead kayak tours and DJ community events. He is a proud veteran of the United States Air Force and holds a Bachelor of Arts from the Interamerican University of Puerto Rico.
Sponsored by:

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

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

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

Head Start Alumni Impact Reception
2024-04-16 16:30 - 18:00 (America/New_York)
Put on your party hat and get ready to raise a glass! At the inaugural Head Start Alumni Impact Reception, we will celebrate Pacific Northwest alumni whose careers, service, and achievements exemplify positive and transformational impact.
Date: Tuesday, April 16, from 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Location: Amphora Wine Merchant, 401 NE Holladay Street, Portland, OR 97232 (A four-minute walk from the Oregon Convention Center)
Cost: $65.00
Admission includes small plates, soft drinks, and two alcoholic drink tickets.
If you are NOT attending the National Head Start Conference please purchase tickets above through the button portal.
If you are attending the National Head Start Conference, please purchase tickets here.

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

Financial Wellness: Savings (Option 2)
2024-04-11 18:00 - 18:30 (America/New_York)
Financial Wellness Thursdays with The Beans
Savings is essential! What you really need in your savings account: research shows that with $500 in your savings account you make stronger financial decisions and when you reach $2,500 you are insulated from most economic shocks.
Learn about The Beans’ highly rated professional development programs for improving your staffs’ financial wellness + the evidence-based strategies to set your savings up for success.
Sponsored by:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sponsored by:
