NHSA

CDA in Spanish Info Session
2025-03-04 16:30 - 17:00 (America/New_York)
Program: CDA in Spanish Info Session
This info session will be provided in Spanish.
Program Description: Spanish-speaking teachers, would you like to earn your CDA in Spanish from The Academy at NHSA? We invite you all to attend an info session to explore the CDA pathway that The Academy is now offering. We recognize there is a large Spanish-speaking community nationwide, and now this pathway is available. Please come and learn more!
Learning Objective: To know there is a pathway to the CDA designed just for you!
CDA in Spanish Info Session Presenter: Zuly Vazquez
Zuly Vazquez is the senior manager of online professional development at the National Head Start Association. She has worked with Head Start and Early Head Start programs for over a decade, specializing in training, mentoring, coaching, facilitation, curriculum implementation, and management. She worked for several years in the classroom, providing high-quality education to children from different cultures, traditions, and ethnicities. She is a former EHS/HS parent. She has vast experience supporting and providing technical assistance to teachers, family child care providers, education specialists, and families in large EHS/HS programs in Florida and Georgia. Over her career, she designed a supplemental Christian early childhood curriculum, bilingual online lessons, and classroom observation tools and has facilitated early childhood education courses in English and Spanish at the college level. As an active early childhood advocate, she is a board member of her local NAEYC affiliate and Family Child Care Home Alliance of Georgia. She is a senior advisor of Latinas United for the Children of America.

Patty Berron is a Bilingual Instructor-Trainer, Coach, Mentor, CDA PDS-Professional Development Specialist, ECD Reviewer, NHSA Quality Initiative Reviewer, Early Head Start Reviewer Panelist, 2003 HS Fellowship Commissioner, CDA Instructor in Migrant Head Start Programs, American Indian Alaska Native Head Start Programs, Child Care Programs, School District, Early Childhood Associations, Universities, and paraprofessional schools. Head Start Fellow (2001), and a Former Head Start Parent. She has an Early Childhood Education Background, her master’s is focused on Professional Counseling, and she is in the process of finishing her Ph.D.

Data Literacy Credential Info Session
2025-03-05 11:00 - 11:30
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 April, now is the perfect time to learn how data-driven decision-making can strengthen your program’s impact.
Date: Wednesday, March 5, 2025
⏰ Time: 8:00 a.m. PT | 11:00 a.m. ET
Speaker: Stuart Jones, CEO & Lead Instructor, Acorn Evaluation, Inc.
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!

Connecting the Dots: Strategies for Effective Integration in Workforce Development and Apprenticeship Programs
2025-03-06 11:30 - 12:30
Program: Connecting the Dots: Strategies for Effective Integration in Workforce Development and Apprenticeship Programs
Description: Join us for an engaging webinar presented by Midwest Urban Strategies, where we explore how apprenticeship programs can effectively connect to workforce development systems. This session will highlight actionable strategies for fostering meaningful collaboration.
Learning Objectives:

Identifying critical connections within the workforce development ecosystem.
Leveraging financial and community resources to enhance apprenticeship sustainability.
Integrating supportive services to drive long-term success for apprentices.

Whether you’re developing or expanding apprenticeship programs, this webinar will provide valuable tools and real-world examples to strengthen your initiatives. Don’t miss the opportunity to learn from Midwest Urban Strategies’ expertise in workforce development and collaboration.
Connecting the Dots Presenters: Tracey Carey and Robyn Minton-Holmes
Tracey Carey leads Midwest Urban Strategies (MUS), a consortium of urban workforce boards. With more than $30 million in federal and philanthropic investment and a growing portfolio of business and service partners, MUS delivers high value resource to its members. The consortium’s mission is to grow business investment and expand and diversify talent in the Midwest. Tracey also is a Subject Matter Expert for the Early Childhood Workforce Connector (ECWC) and services on the ECWC Leadership Team.
Prior to her tenure with MUS, Ms. Carey enjoyed nearly two decades of service developing and supporting workforce development programs and strategies. As the Director of Strategic Initiatives for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee, Tracey facilitated the summer youth employment program that provided first jobs for more than 500 young people annually. She also developed and facilitated training programs for opportunity youth that reengaged them in school and/or work. In 2014 she joined Employ Milwaukee, the workforce development board for Milwaukee County (WI) as the Director of Fund Development & Strategic Initiatives. While serving in that capacity, Ms. Carey raised an additional $13 million dollars and supported the startup of MUS.
Then, in 2018, she left Milwaukee to join the staff at Partner4Work, the workforce development board for the City of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County, PA. As the Chief Strategy Officer. At P4W, Tracey led a team of innovators working to improve workforce development practice, including the restart of the area’s workforce funding collaborative. Through her leadership, P4W brought more than $10 million dollars to the region in her first year.
Tracey holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English from the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee, Certificate in Women’s Studies from the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee, Summa cum laude, Certificate in Non-Profit Management from the Center for Non-Profit Management, and Business and Economic Development Finance Professional Certification from the National Development Council.

With over 30 years of nonprofit work experience, Robyn Minton-Holmes currently serves as Senior Consultant with Midwest Urban Strategies (MUS) and is a Subject Matter Expert for the Early Childhood Workforce Connector (ECWC). Her involvement with MUS spans over the past 5+ years and includes time serving as the MUS Senior Director of Operations. Prior to joining MUS, Robyn was Vice President of Workforce Initiatives at the Center of Workforce Innovations (CWI). During her 13-year tenure at CWI, she was responsible for the integration, alignment, partnering, and innovation of the State’s Northwest Indiana regional WorkOne (Career Services and One Stop) Centers. She also shared her expertise as a School of Business Faculty Member at the University of Phoenix for ten years.
Robyn’s tenure in the nonprofit world led her to positions where she developed model programs and quality initiatives, set strategic direction in areas where change and crisis management were required, and stood as a human capital expert and coach while managing multi-site operations. She is a results-driven and business-oriented leader.
Before moving to the Midwest, Robyn was a Program Director at the Nashville, Tennessee YWCA where she managed day-to-day operations of the state’s largest domestic violence services program. Her role included program development and expansion, human capital management, (capacity building, community awareness, grants management, volunteer management and quality improvement initiatives. She oversaw this $1.7 million program with proven success and is proud to say that the programs initiated under her direction are still in existence and continue to grow and evolve. While at the YWCA, Robyn worked on initiatives with the United States Department of Justice and the Violence Against Women division in creating and evaluating best practice models.
Prior to the YWCA, Robyn’s social services work in Tennessee included her position as Associate Director at Omni Residential Treatment Service where she managed operations, personnel, and the design and oversight of therapeutic protocols. She also served for ten plus years as a Program Coordinator within the children and youth division of Centerstone, Inc.. Her position with Centerstone involved program development, managing grants, volunteer coordination, and fiscal oversight.
Robyn has an MBA from Vanderbilt University-Nashville, Tennessee. She earned her M.A. in Counseling from Trevecca Nazarene University, and a B.A. in Sociology from Kentucky Wesleyen College. She is a member of Leadership Northwest Indiana (LNI, 27) and is a commissioned Honorable Kentucky Colonel (’85).
She was a recipient of the Non-Profit Management Scholarship from Nashville’s Center for Non-Profit Management & Vanderbilt University. In addition, her leadership of volunteer recruitment and retention strategies for a school based HIV education program, garnered her recognition on a national level when she was recognized with the Golden Rule Award for Volunteer Management.

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

Description: All behavior is communication. Especially the behaviors that we adults find challenging. Now what can you do about it?
In this webinar series, our experts will share innovative approaches to building a trust-based classroom environment, which is the key to mitigating behaviors that challenge us. Learn practical strategies that will not only help you understand challenging interactions, they will significantly increase delightful interactions!
Join our experts as they share how to develop strong trust with the children in your care. You will learn:

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

Tackle Behaviors that Challenge: with SOUND MAKING
Everyday you have time when you need to engage the whole group of children in your care. Join us to learn how the Good Thinking strategy can engage everyone, even the distracted ones, and how using sound (and silence) can establish clear expectations and set boundaries.
SOUND MAKING Presenters:
Dr. Deborah Bergeron served as director of the Office of Head Start from 2018-21. From 2019-21 she broadened her leadership as director of the Office of Early Childhood Development in the Administration for Children and Families. Known as “Dr. B” to former students and teachers, she spent three decades in pre-K–12 public education as a classroom teacher and school administrator and currently serves as deputy director for Community Engagement and Innovation at NHSA.

Hayes Greenfield is the founder of Creative Sound Play and the Greenfield Method. He is a professional musician and artist who has taught with the PNC Bank Grow Up Great Initiative, consulted at Bank Street Head Start and led professional development workshops and programs for the New York City Dept of Ed.

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

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

Price:

Regular Rate: $250
NHSA Member Rate: $200

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

2025 Spring Garden Storytime
2025-03-13 13:00 - 13:30
Program: 2025 Spring Garden Storytime
Description: In these LIVE storytimes, we will read wonderful garden-themed books with a social emotional focus and have a “show and tell” about interesting plants. Both teachers and students will love these interactive learning sessions! Spring is right around the corner and we are ready to get those gardens started! Are you? Join us to learn how to say hello to worms and other tiny garden friends and how to grow and enjoy the fruits of spring together.

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

2025 Spring Garden Storytime Presenters:
Noel Nicholas (she/her) is the educational content manager for KidsGardening, where she co-develops original educational materials designed to help kids play, learn, and grow through gardening. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Creative Writing from University of Southern California, where she developed a passion for informal education while teaching poetry at 32nd Street School/USC Magnet. Prior to joining KidsGardening, Noel worked as museum educator at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, developing and delivering educational programs for diverse, multi-generational audiences, and managing the museum’s Storytime Live program. In her spare time she teaches in the school garden at Third Street Elementary in Los Angeles.

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

Sponsors:

The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation is deeply rooted in helping create healthier communities, empowering the next generation, and preserving our planet. Its support of the National Head Start Association includes providing GroMoreGood Garden grants, garden kits, educational curriculum, and garden training available to all Head Start programs with the goal of creating more edible gardens for young children and their families. The initiative also supports the creation of green space projects—land that is partly or completely covered with grass, trees, shrubs, or other vegetation—as an option for children and the community to learn.

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

Financial Wellness: 3 Principles to Money + Life Balance (Option 1)
2025-03-13 14:00 - 14:30
Financial Wellness Thursdays with The Beans: 3 Principles to Money + Life Balance

Make a Plan
Save Some
Spend on what brings you joy

Do you have a plan for your money? DYK people with a Plan are 10X more likely to succeed?!
Learn about The Beans’ highly rated professional development programs for improving your staffs’ financial wellness + the evidence-based principles proven to promote financial progress and reduce financial stress.
Sponsored by:

Financial Wellness: 3 Principles to Money + Life Balance (Option 2)
2025-03-13 18:00 - 18:30

Growing Resilient Children; The Garden as a Non-Judgmental Teacher
2025-03-20 14:00 - 15:00
Program: Growing Resilient Children; The Garden as a Non-Judgmental Teacher
Description: Gardens are more than places to grow food and flowers; they are outdoor classrooms, places of hope, connection, and inspiration, places where children learn compassion, communication, and essential early life skills. A garden’s very nature encourages children to slow down, listen deeply, and simply ‘touch the earth.’
Join staff from Denver Urban Gardens (DUG) to learn more about our Therapeutic Garden and Youth Education Programs. Participants will receive tried-and-true tips for teaching in the garden and activities that encourage personal and interpersonal growth and success.
Learning Objective: Introduce participants to ways to use gardens and gardening as a way to foster and support social and emotional learning.
Growing Resilient Children Presenters:
Lara Wirtz Fahnestock (she/her), DUG’s Director of Therapeutic Gardens, has a passion for building community, teaching children where their food comes from and finding places of beauty and healing wherever she can. Lara joined Denver Urban Gardens as a Garden Leader in 2010 and DUG staff in 2015. In her nine years at DUG, she has worked with Garden Leaders and garden projects and now oversees DUG’s Therapeutic Garden Initiative. She has a BA in Biology from the Colorado College, a certificate of Authentic Leadership from Naropa University, is a Licensed Massage Therapist specializing in trauma healing and is a Horticulture Therapy Practitioner.

Judy Elliott (she/her) is the Community Education Cultivator at Denver Urban Gardens, where she brings her lifetime of experience into DUG’s three pillars of food, climate, and community. With a background in horticulture and social justice, she has worked with immigrants & refugees (both adults and children), who have experienced the extreme traumas inherent in refugee camps and taught nutrition/gardening education curricula in inner-city schools. Her experience in teaching populations in third-world countries who have been exposed to pesticides and degraded soils led her to develop and implement a comprehensive community composting program and passionately believes that healthy soils and their connection to healthy food and healthy people are an inherent right for all. She deeply believes that gardens are for all, that cultivating a sense of wonder and joy through connecting to the earth is both restorative and healing for body, mind, and spirit.

Rob Payo (he/his) is a Senior Education Designer for the UCAR Center for Science Education, providing K-12 educators, students, and the general public with information and teaching materials in weather and climate education. As the former Director of Youth Education for DUG, Rob supported early childhood teachers with strategies for building young students’ identity as science learners through the use of gardens as outdoor classrooms.

Sponsored by:

Part of the GroMoreGood Garden Grants Initiative

Peak Performance for Head Start Leaders: Crisis Management
2025-03-20 16:00 - 17:00
Program: Peak Performance for Head Start Leaders: Crisis Management
Description: Join experienced Head Start leader Keri Newman Allred as she shares practical insights on navigating crises and challenges in Head Start programs. Drawing from her 30+ years in early childhood education and 11 years as Executive Director of Rural Utah Child Development, Keri will demonstrate how aligning personal and organizational values creates resilience during challenging times. Learn actionable strategies for effective crisis management while staying true to your program’s core values.
Learning Objectives:

Learn proven crisis management techniques that can be adapted for Head Start program operations
Develop leadership strategies to overcome common organizational challenges based on real-world experiences

Price:

Regular Rate: $75
NHSA Member Rate: $50

Presenter:
Keri Newman Allred is the Executive Director of Rural Utah Child Development and has held this position for 11 years. Her bachelors degree in child development, masters degree in human and family development and a 30 year career in early childhood has been inspired by the motto ‘childhood is a journey, not a race’. This belief is the driving force behind every success RUCD has achieved. Keri believes that a positive and productive workplace is the highest goal, and that living truthfully is the best way to get there.

Unpacking Burnout & Building Resilience by Starling Minds
2025-04-02 14:00 - 15:00
Program: Unpacking Burnout & Building Resilience
Description: Many of us may be feeling a strong sense of uncertainty surrounding our communities, and with that uncertainty comes mental fatigue and burnout. Starling Minds invites NHSA members to an exclusive webinar on unpacking burnout and building mental resilience—tailored specifically for educators. We’ll also showcase how the Starling Minds Mental Fitness platform (available FREE to all NHSA members) helps educators build long-term resilience and mental well-being. Start your journey to better mental health today! Have questions about how to get your program started? Contact Kisha McCray at kmccray@nhsa.org.
What is Starling Minds? Starling Minds is a digital mental health platform offering unlimited, personalized Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Developed by leading psychologists, Starling delivers accessible, ongoing mental health support anytime, anywhere.
Learning Objectives:

What Burnout really means—its causes, symptoms, and common myths
The DNA of Resilience—self-awareness, managing stress responses, openness, and community

Get Started in Three Steps:

Verify your membership at nhsa.org/access-starling-minds
Get your access codes on the next page
Visit nhsa.member.starlingminds.com to sign up and authenticate your account

NHSA and The National Zoo Field Trips: 2024 – 2025
2025-04-03 14:00 - 14:30
Let’s visit NHSA and the National Zoo! This will be a delightful lesson designed to support Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework (ELOF) standards! NHSA and Zoo in the Classroom is a high-energy, interactive experience that include music and movement. It is designed to keep children active, engaged, and thriving.
Join the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (SNZCBI) and NHSA for four LIVE learning opportunities about Zoo animals, created specifically for Head Start and Early Head Start programs across the country!

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

NHSA and The National Zoo Presenters:

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

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

Description: All behavior is communication. Especially the behaviors that we adults find challenging. Now what can you do about it?
In this webinar series, our experts will share innovative approaches to building a trust-based classroom environment, which is the key to mitigating behaviors that challenge us. Learn practical strategies that will not only help you understand challenging interactions, they will significantly increase delightful interactions!
Join our experts as they share how to develop strong trust with the children in your care. You will learn:

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

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

KINESTHETIC TEACHING Presenters:
Dr. Deborah Bergeron served as director of the Office of Head Start from 2018-21. From 2019-21 she broadened her leadership as director of the Office of Early Childhood Development in the Administration for Children and Families. Known as “Dr. B” to former students and teachers, she spent three decades in pre-K–12 public education as a classroom teacher and school administrator and currently serves as deputy director for Community Engagement and Innovation at NHSA.

Ron Shuali, M.Ed. has been called the “Messiah of the Mind”, the “Behavior Master” and the “Bad Boy of Early Childhood.” His laughter filled keynotes, workshops and assemblies are always full of eye-opening experiences as audiences have multiple “Ah-HA!” moments. He is the creator of the internationally acclaimed Yogarate and Behavior Mastery systems. Ron holds a Master’s of Education specializing in Early Childhood, is a best-selling author, motivational speaker, and most importantly…He is funny. His background of martial arts, yoga, reiki, professional wrestling and improv creates hilarious and educational experiences focusing on mindfulness and connecting with fellow humans and their inner-child.

Financial Wellness: Savings (Option 1)
2025-04-10 14:00 - 14:30
Financial Wellness Thursdays with The Beans: Savings
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 principles proven to promote financial progress and reduce financial stress.
Sponsored by:

Financial Wellness: Savings (Option 2)
2025-04-10 18:00 - 18:30

Empowering Your Professional Development Planning Process
2025-04-22 15:00 - 16:00
Program: Empowering Your Professional Development Planning Process
Description: How well are you meeting the unique training needs of each member of your team? In this webinar, we’ll show you how to create a professional development plan that meets the unique needs of each team member in your program.
Join our experts to:

Discover how to match training opportunities to individual roles and skill levels
Ensure everyone is engaged and learning at the right level
Learn how PD planning tools can assist you to streamline the process, select the best resources and track progress in meaningful ways

Learning Objectives:

Learn how to evaluate training opportunities and align them with the unique needs of your individual staff members
Examine the key features a professional development (PD) planning tool must have in order to enhance your ability to schedule, execute, monitor, and track PD assignments for every staff member

Resource: Fall PD Training Schedule
Empowering Your Professional Development Planning Process 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.

Bring Pre-Coding Skills to Your Summer Programs
2025-04-28 15:00 - 15:30
Program: Bring Pre-Coding Skills to Your Summer Programs!
Description: Are you interested in bringing coding readiness skills to your summer content for kiddos transitioning to kindergarten in the fall? Looking for some interesting new lessons and skills to teach before they head to the public school system?
NHSA, along with our partners at codeSpark and RAND, is excited to bring to you our free (!) pre-coding curriculum designed specifically for (and with input from) Head Start. Summer is a perfect time to test out this new curriculum with your students transitioning to kindergarten – so come join us to learn all about it.
This webinar will cover:
– What is coding readiness?
– How does coding readiness relate to what you do already in your classrooms?
– What does the curriculum entail?
– What does the training/professional development look like? (Hint: It’s quick and easy!)
– How can you sign up and get the resources?
Pre-Coding Skills Presenters:
Dr. Christopher Doss, Senior Policy Researcher; Professor of Public Policy, RAND School of Public Policy. Christopher Doss (he/him/his) is a senior policy researcher at RAND and professor of public policy at the RAND School of Public Policy. He is a quantitative researcher who specializes in fielding causal and descriptive studies in education. His research interests are broad and have focused on early childhood education policies, educational technologies, STEM education, alternative teacher and principal preparation programs, and post-secondary workforce success. He is currently leading a study to understand the effects of an SEL program in pre-K, leading a study seeking to integrate computational thinking into Head Start classrooms, co-leading a study looking at micro-credentials as a way to train high school teachers to teach STEM pathway courses, and continues to co-led studies on how text-messaging technology can help parents support the academic growth of their children at home.

Kassy Rinehard, Associate Product Manager at Begin. I’m all about turning ideas into joyful, intuitive digital experiences that educate, inspire, and make a real impact. My journey has taken me from hands-on teaching to leading the development of engaging, research-backed products that resonate with diverse audiences—from young learners to adults. I thrive on collaborating with engineers, designers, and customers to create products that put users first, transforming research into high-quality, impactful experiences that users can truly connect with.

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

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

Price:

Regular Rate: $250
NHSA Member Rate: $200

The 5 Bright Spots to Designing Your Fatherhood Program Presenter: Erik Vecere
As Chief Partner Success Officer for National Fatherhood Initiative® (NFI), Erik is responsible for developing and nurturing partnerships with network-based entities that have relationships with human service organizations. His goal is to help these organizations become more father-inclusive. Erik also facilitates strategic planning meetings that result in action plans, provides training on NFI programs, and oversees funded and non-funded projects. Erik is passionate about providing solutions to NFI partners and contributing to their success in reaching dads. With 11 years of experience in retail management, Erik has a strong foundation in identifying customers’ pain points so that he can help solve them. Having been a new dad twice, Erik also understands the importance of father-inclusive organizations and communities. He is grateful to have the opportunity to play a role in improving the lives of thousands of families each year. Erik received a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership from Geneva College, Beaver Falls, PA, and a B.A. in Communications from Robert Morris University, Moon Township, PA. He also holds an Associate’s Degree in Letters, Arts, and Sciences from Pennsylvania State University. He has two grown daughters and a granddaughter.
Sponsored By:

Speaking Up, Taking Action: Parents Rally for Head Start!
2025-05-01 19:00 - 20:00
Program: Speaking Up, Taking Action: Parents Rally for Head Start! A webinar on how to become a Head Start video influencer by making and using video to rally your friends.
Description: Ready, Set, Record! Create short videos to inspire your people to join you in fighting for Head Start. Join NHSA for a one-hour video party Make and Use Video to Rally Your Friends.
Get ready to raise your voice loud and proud for Head Start—and have a blast doing it! Join NHSA and Churmell Mitchell and Candace Mackey for a one-hour learning experience, bring your phone, and create your video. Churmell is a Head Start parent and professional videographer. We are excited to bring his skills and passion to you at this critical time.
Learning Objectives:
Learn how to make a short, powerful video and
Post your video on Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram.
Presenters: Churmell Mitchell and Candace Mackey
Churmell Mitchell, National Public Policy & Strategy Consultant | CEO & Founder, Emotions You Know | Award Winning Speaker & Author
Churmell Mitchell is a nationally recognized leader in early childhood education and family advocacy. As the previous Executive Director of the Alabama Head Start Association and founder of A Father’s Voice Matters, Churmell empowers families through education, storytelling, and leadership.
From overcoming homelessness in college to receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award from President Joe Biden, his journey inspires thousands. He’s a sought-after speaker on fatherhood, a bestselling author, and the inventor of tools that uplift the next generation—including the creation of games, books, and curriculum that strengthen families and empower parents. Whether he’s behind the camera or on stage, Churmell is on a mission to strengthen families and communities with purpose and passion. Ready to collaborate or book Churmell to speak? Visit www.emotionsyouknow.com or contact bookchurmellmitchell@gmail.com | 334-740-9246

Candace Mackey, Entrepreneur, Educator & Advocate for Stronger Systems and Stronger Families
Candace Mackey is an accomplished business strategist and the CEO of Strong Futures Services, where she helps visionary entrepreneurs organize their online presence, automate workflows, and build customer-centered experiences. With over 30 years of professional experience spanning project management, training, and leadership across major corporations like Toyota Financial Services and GoDaddy, Candace blends corporate insight with entrepreneurial agility.
A skilled facilitator, curriculum developer, and systems expert, Candace has overseen operations for over 20 small businesses, leading workshops on platforms like Go High Level and supporting live event management for high-profile influencers. She is passionate about empowering others through clear communication, strategic planning, and purposeful systems that drive business growth. For more information or to book Candace for your organization: Visit www.strongfuturesservices.com or contact info@strongfuturesservices.com | 310-995-3938

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

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

2025 Spring Garden Storytime Presenters:
Noel Nicholas (she/her) is the educational content manager for KidsGardening, where she co-develops original educational materials designed to help kids play, learn, and grow through gardening. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Creative Writing from University of Southern California, where she developed a passion for informal education while teaching poetry at 32nd Street School/USC Magnet. Prior to joining KidsGardening, Noel worked as museum educator at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, developing and delivering educational programs for diverse, multi-generational audiences, and managing the museum’s Storytime Live program. In her spare time she teaches in the school garden at Third Street Elementary in Los Angeles.

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

Sponsors:

The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation is deeply rooted in helping create healthier communities, empowering the next generation, and preserving our planet. Its support of the National Head Start Association includes providing GroMoreGood Garden grants, garden kits, educational curriculum, and garden training available to all Head Start programs with the goal of creating more edible gardens for young children and their families. The initiative also supports the creation of green space projects—land that is partly or completely covered with grass, trees, shrubs, or other vegetation—as an option for children and the community to learn.

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

Financial Wellness: 6 Stages of Change (Option 1)
2025-05-08 14:00 - 14:30
Financial Wellness Thursdays with The Beans: 6 Stages of Change
6 Stages of Change (framed within focus on spending)

How to set up implementation intention
Impact of positive reinforcement

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 + the evidence-based principles proven to promote financial progress and reduce financial stress.
Sponsored by:

Financial Wellness: 6 Stages of Change (Option 2)
2025-05-08 18:00 - 18:30

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

Celebrate 60 Years of Head Start at The National Zoo
2025-05-15 14:00 - 14:30
Let’s celebrate 60 years of Head Start with NHSA at the National Zoo!

This will be a delightful lesson designed to support Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework (ELOF) standards! NHSA and Zoo in the Classroom is a high-energy, interactive experience that include music and movement. It is designed to keep children active, engaged, and thriving.
Join the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (SNZCBI) and NHSA for an EXTRA, live learning opportunities about Zoo animals, created specifically for Head Start and Early Head Start programs across the country! The Zoo Crew will help us celebrate Head Start’s birthday with some extra fun Zoo animals!!
NHSA and The National Zoo Presenters:

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

60 Years of Head Start!
2025-05-18

Head Start Birthday
2025-05-18
The Head Start Project launched in 1965 as a comprehensive child development program. Over the last six decades, it has provided a window of opportunity to more than 40 million vulnerable children and their families. Join us in celebrating Head Start’s 60th year!

National Head Start Conference
2025-05-19 - 2025-05-23

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

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

Discuss the why behind the requirements.

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

Price:

Regular Rate: $300
NHSA Member Rate: $250

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

Sponsored By:

Empowering Head Start Girls: NHSA and Girl Scouts of the USA Launch New Partnership
2025-05-29 16:00 - 16:30
Program: Empowering Head Start Girls: NHSA and Girl Scouts of the USA Launch New Partnership
Description: Girl Scouts of the USA is offering complimentary memberships for rising kinder and 1st graders in Head Start through Sept. 30. If you serve girls from 4-5 years old, you won’t want to miss this informative session about how you can bring this partnership to your program.
Presenters: Girl Scouts USA and Dr. Deb Bergeron
More Information TBA

Building Stronger Apprenticeship Partnerships: Clarifying Roles, Responsibilities, and Shared Goals
2025-06-05 11:30 - 12:30
Program: Building Stronger Apprenticeship Partnerships: Clarifying Roles, Responsibilities, and Shared Goals
Description: Successful apprenticeship programs don’t happen by accident, they are built through strong partnerships grounded in clear roles, shared responsibilities, and aligned goals. In this dynamic panel discussion, panelists will share their unique perspectives on what makes apprenticeship partnerships work. Panelists will explore key ingredients for effective collaboration, common challenges they’ve faced, and how they’ve addressed those challenges. Whether you’re launching a new apprenticeship program or refining an existing one, you’ll gain insights into how to define responsibilities, strengthen coordination, and set your partnership up for long-term success.
Building Stronger Apprenticeship Partnerships Panelists:
Heather Bryant, Dean of Early Childhood Education at Dallas College. Heather has served in the field of early childhood education for over 30 years. She has been a PreK and Kindergarten teacher, a school administrator, and is the inaugural Dean of Early Childhood Education at Dallas College. Heather oversaw the development of the first early childhood apprenticeship program in the state of Texas that included a pathway from Level 1 Certification to a Bachelor’s degree. She has developed streamlined pathways for early childhood educators to obtain certification and degrees and works with a wide range of stakeholders in the local and state early childhood landscape.

Randi Wolfe, Ph.D., Founder and Executive Director of Early Care & Education Pathways to Success (ECEPTS). Randi Wolfe, Ph.D., Founder and Executive Director of Early Care & Education Pathways to Success (ECEPTS), is nationally recognized as a trailblazer in creating and replicating Registered Apprenticeships to meet the unique needs of the Early Care and Education industry. Dr. Wolfe has worked in ECE for more than 40 years, including 10 years as a professor at Northern Illinois University. From 2021-2025 she has served as an appointed member to the U.S. Secretary of Labor’s Advisory Committee on Apprenticeship. She has an Ed.M. in Instructional Leadership from the University of Illinois-Chicago, and a Ph.D. in Human Development and Social Policy from Northwestern University.
