NHSA

Head Start Works: Opportunities for States
2025-11-12 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.

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:

Jack Be Nimble: Virtual Cabinet of Wonder Time
2025-12-10 14:00 - 15:00 (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

Financial Wellness: Holiday Survival Guide: Joyful Gifting Ahead
2025-12-11 14:00 - 15:00 UTC
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.
Sponsored by:

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

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.
Sponsored by:

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:

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.

Financial Wellness: Unlock Your Max Refund: Save Big, Plan Bigger
2026-03-12 14:00 - 15:00 UTC
Financial Wellness Thursdays with The Beans: Unlock Your Max Refund: Save Big, Plan Bigger
Get ready for tax season and maximize your refund. Take advantage of the biggest refund opportunities and set yourself up for future financial success. Discover smart savings strategies, how to build a strong financial foundation, and how to plan for a future free from financial stress.
Sponsored by:

Little Nut Tree: Virtual Cabinet of Wonder Time
2026-04-08 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
Program: NHSA In The Classroom | Virtual Cabinet of Wonder Time: Little Nut Tree
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: Maximize Your Refund and File Confidently: A Step-by-Step Tax Session
2026-04-09 14:00 - 15:00 UTC
Financial Wellness Thursdays with The Beans: Maximize Your Refund and File Confidently: A Step-by-Step Tax Session
Get hands-on support with filing your taxes and ensuring you maximize your refund. In this working session, we’ll guide you through the process of submitting your taxes, explain how to use your refund to make financial progress, and introduce a free, easy filing option. Leave with the confidence to file on your own and keep more of your hard-earned money!
Sponsored by:

Financial Wellness: Mind Over Money: The Psychology of Changing Spending Behavior
2026-05-14 14:00 - 15:00 UTC
Financial Wellness Thursdays with The Beans: Mind Over Money: The Psychology of Changing Spending Behavior
“Mind Over Money” dives into the psychology behind spending habits and how to change them. Spot patterns, set an implementation intention, and use the six stages of behavior change to make meaningful progress. Growth requires change — and it all starts with seeing what’s really driving our spending.
Sponsored by:
