Garden Grant Info Session
2024-11-13 14:00 - 14:30 (America/New_York)
Program: Garden Grant Info Session
Description: Join us for this 30-minute webinar to learn more about the application requirements, and what a really strong application looks like. The presenters will walk through the application itself, talk about the award process, offer resources to help you plan your garden, share ideas for garden programs and answer any questions you may have about the grant or gardening with kids.
Apply for a the Garden Grant!
Garden Grant Info Session Presenter:
Sarah Pounders has been active in the field of youth gardening for over 20 years. Growing up surrounded by plants instilled a deep love of gardens and the desire to share that love with others. While working toward her master’s degree in Horticultural Sciences at Texas A&M University, she had the opportunity to serve as a school garden coordinator and conduct research on the benefits of using school garden programs to teach nutrition. She went on to work at various botanical gardens, for Cooperative Extension in Virginia and Texas, and since 2005 as an education specialist at KidsGardening.org, coordinating numerous children’s gardens, writing curricula and activities for youth of all ages, teaching formal and informal youth education programs, and conducting teacher training sessions on integrating gardens into the classroom. Sarah also enjoys gardening at home with her two kids and volunteering with their school gardening projects.
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.

Preventive Solutions in Head Start: Enhancing Family Support
2024-11-13 14:00 - 15:30
Join CWLA and the National Head Start Association to explore how Head Start programs employ preventive strategies to support families and children. We’ll delve into effective connections with Head Start programs, the role of family services, and how collaborative efforts contribute to positive outcomes. Learn from successful examples of programs that excel in preventing issues before they arise and how their strategies can be applied more broadly.

2024 Fall Garden Storytime
2024-11-14 13:00 - 13:30
Program: 2024 Fall 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! Let’s fall into gardening together! Join us to learn more about all the sizes and shapes that pumpkins can grow to be and the many ways this delicious food can be used during this time of year.

Story: Runaway Pumpkins by Teresa Bateman
Sing Along: Do You Know How Pumpkins Grow?

2024 Fall Garden Storytime Presenters:
Sarah Pounders has been active in the field of youth gardening for over 20 years. Growing up surrounded by plants instilled a deep love of gardens and the desire to share that love with others. While working toward her master’s degree in Horticultural Sciences at Texas A&M University, she had the opportunity to serve as a school garden coordinator and conduct research on the benefits of using school garden programs to teach nutrition. She went on to work at various botanical gardens, for Cooperative Extension in Virginia and Texas, and since 2005 as an education specialist at KidsGardening.org, coordinating numerous children’s gardens, writing curricula and activities for youth of all ages, teaching formal and informal youth education programs, and conducting teacher training sessions on integrating gardens into the classroom. Sarah also enjoys gardening at home with her two kids and volunteering with their school gardening projects.

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.

Financial Wellness: Gratitude and Joy (Option 1)
2024-11-14 14:00 - 14:30
Financial Wellness Thursdays with The Beans: Gratitude and Joy
When you spend on what gives you joy you actually get more utility per dollar.
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: Gratitude and Joy (Option 2)
2024-11-14 18:00 - 18:30

The Sound of Safety: Building Secure Bonds Through Shared Music Making
2024-11-19 14:00 - 15:00
Program: The Sound of Safety: Building Secure Bonds Through Shared Music Making
Description: Touch, eye contact, and talking are some of the most common early bonding tools parents and caregivers receive, but they may be missing out on one of the most powerful items in the toolbox—music. In this workshop, we’ll define what happens in the brains of both grownup and child when they make music together (newborns included!), specific musical activities that spark connection, and why shared music making is the ultimate way to communicate the safety children need to feed positive development in the first few years of life.
Learning Objectives: As a result of this session, participants will be able to:

Understand the biological and emotional power of shared music making.
Explain why shared music making experiences are so critical to families with young children
Demonstrate how to engage children and adults in a variety of shared music-making activities to increase personal and brain connections

Price:

Regular Rate: $75
NHSA Member Rate: $50

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

Versión en español: “El Sonido de la Seguridad: Forjando vínculos duraderos a través de la creación musical compartida”
2024-11-21 14:00 - 15:00
Programa: Versión en español: “El Sonido de la Seguridad: Forjando vínculos duraderos a través de la creación musical compartida”
Descripción: El contacto físico, el contacto visual y la comunicación son algunas de las herramientas más comunes que padres y cuidadores utilizan para el apego temprano. Sin embargo, pueden estar pasando por alto una de las herramientas más poderosas: ¡la música! En este taller, explicaremos qué ocurre en los cerebros tanto de los adultos como de los niños (incluyendo recién los nacidos) al hacer música juntos, las actividades musicales específicas que fomentan la conexión y por qué la creación musical compartida es el medio más eficaz para comunicar la seguridad que los niños necesitan para favorecer su desarrollo positivo en los primeros años de vida. Este seminario virtual se impartirá totalmente en español.
Objetivos de aprendizaje: Al finalizar esta sesión, los participantes serán capaces de:

Comprender el impacto biológico y emocional de la creación musical compartida.
Comprender por qué las experiencias de creación musical compartida son fundamentales para las familias con niños pequeños.
Involucrar a niños y adultos en diversas actividades de creación musical compartida para fortalecer las conexiones personales y neuronales.

Precio:
Tarifa regular: $75
Tarifa para miembros de la NHSA: $50
Versión en español: “El Sonido de la Seguridad: Forjando vínculos duraderos a través de la creación musical compartida” Presentadora: Dra. Farida Peña, Entrenadora Bilingüe y Especialista en Currículo
La Dra. Farida Peña es Formadora Bilingüe, Especialista en Currículo, y miembro del equipo de Desarrollo de Productos de Kindermusik International. Posee un Doctorado en Medicina y una Maestría en Educación y Pedagogía Musical.
Con más de 30 años de experiencia, y formada en diversos métodos musicales, incluidos MLT, Dalcroze, Orff, Kodály, Kindermusik y Dissimilis, Farida ha trabajado como educadora musical, oradora internacional, facilitadora de talleres, y profesora de piano, liderando capacitaciones en países como República Dominicana, México, Puerto Rico, Brasil y Estados Unidos.

Patrocinado por: Kindermusik International.

NHSA and The National Zoo Field Trips: 2024 – 2025
2024-12-05 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
Program 4: April 3, 2025 from 2:00 – 2:30 p.m. ET

NHSA and The National Zoo Presenters:

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

Program of Excellence Informational Webinar
2024-12-11 14:00 - 15:00
Program: Program of Excellence Informational Webinar
Description: Have you heard of NHSA’s Program of Excellence designation? It is earned by programs that consistently demonstrate outstanding performance in program management and service and continually support robust outcomes for children birth-to-five, pregnant people, families, and the communities where they live.
To help you determine if now is the time to apply, we are hosting a Program of Excellence Informational Webinar for interested candidates to learn more about the program, ask questions, and hear from past awardees.
Learning Objectives:

Understand the Program of Excellence Designation: Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of what the NHSA’s Program of Excellence designation entails, including the criteria for earning the designation and the benefits it offers.
Evaluate Readiness for Application: Participants will learn how to assess their own program’s current performance and determine if it meets the standards required for applying to the Program of Excellence.
Learn from Past Awardees: Attendees will hear from past awardees about their experiences, best practices, and lessons learned during the application process, helping to identify key areas for program improvement.”

Program of Excellence Informational Webinar Presenters:

Kisha McCray, Senior Manager of Academy Resources
2024 Program of Excellence Winner

Financial Wellness: Holiday Survival Guide (Option 1)
2024-12-12 14:00 - 14:30
Financial Wellness Thursdays with The Beans: Holiday Survival Guide
This holiday season make a list to gift without regret. Gifting is good. In fact, it is actually good for us. When we express or receive gratitude our brain releases the happy chemicals (dopamine and serotonin). Save money by making a list of everyone you want to buy a gift for this year.
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: Holiday Survival Guide (Option 2)
2024-12-12 18:00 - 18:30

Parent and Family Engagement Conference
2024-12-16 - 2024-12-20
Together We Thrive: Engaging Programs and Families for Children’s Success
NHSA’s annual Parent and Family Engagement Conference is the sole national event dedicated to enhancing the partnership between Head Start parents, families, and staff to foster family engagement and children’s development.
Attendees will have the opportunity to delve into a variety of new resources and innovative ideas on important topics in early childhood development. Partnering with families is a vital component of the Head Start program. You will discover new methods to engage with families, learn how to build strong relationships, and develop open lines of communication. Programs and families working together promote children’s success both at home and school.
Register Here!

2025 Winter Garden Storytime
2025-01-09 13:00 - 13:30
Program: 2025 Winter Garden Storytime
Description: In these LIVE storytimes, we will read wonderful garden-themed books with a social emotional focus and have a “show and tell” about interesting plants. Both teachers and students will love these interactive learning sessions! Even when snow is falling all around, the garden is full of life for us to observe and appreciate if we just know where to look! Come sing, read, and learn with us about the wonders of nature in winter.

Story: It’s Winter! by Linda Glaser
Sing Along: Winter Slumbers

2025 Winter Garden Storytime Presenters:
Sarah Pounders has been active in the field of youth gardening for over 20 years. Growing up surrounded by plants instilled a deep love of gardens and the desire to share that love with others. While working toward her master’s degree in Horticultural Sciences at Texas A&M University, she had the opportunity to serve as a school garden coordinator and conduct research on the benefits of using school garden programs to teach nutrition. She went on to work at various botanical gardens, for Cooperative Extension in Virginia and Texas, and since 2005 as an education specialist at KidsGardening.org, coordinating numerous children’s gardens, writing curricula and activities for youth of all ages, teaching formal and informal youth education programs, and conducting teacher training sessions on integrating gardens into the classroom. Sarah also enjoys gardening at home with her two kids and volunteering with their school gardening projects.

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.

Financial Wellness: Goal Setting (Option 1)
2025-01-09 14:00 - 14:30
Financial Wellness Thursdays with The Beans: Goal Setting
Get what you want this year! Dream big, be optimistic, write down your goal and how you will achieve it, and then give some advice about it to someone else.
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: Goal Setting (Option 2)
2025-01-09 18:00 - 18:30

Tackle Behaviors that Challenge: by Realizing Expectation
2025-01-14 16:00 - 16:30
Webinar Series: Tackling Behaviors that Challenge Us
Program: Tackle Behaviors that Challenge: by RELEASING EXPECTATIONS
Description: All behavior is communication. Especially the behaviors that we adults find challenging. Now what can you do about it?
In this webinar series, our experts will share innovative approaches to building a trust-based classroom environment, which is the key to mitigating behaviors that challenge us. Learn practical strategies that will not only help you understand challenging interactions, they will significantly increase delightful interactions!
Join our experts as they share how to develop strong trust with the children in your care. You will learn:

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

Tackle Behaviors that Challenge: by RELEASING EXPECTATIONS
Fear-based or reward-based consequences are often used to communicate expectations. But in reality, they distract kids from really working on the skills they need to develop. Come learn how you can release your expectations and truly help kids learn the life skills they need to grow and thrive!
Releasing Expectation 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.

Enhancing Attunement with Music Rituals
2025-01-21 14:00 - 15:00
Program: Enhancing Attunement with Music Rituals
Description: Tricky transitions—like school drop-off, naptime, and handwashing—don’t have to be tricky. Music rituals help counteract stress responses and reduce anxiety by creating calm, setting expectations, and strengthening attunement.
Learning Objectives:

review the elements that trigger “shutdown” mode in young children,
why music transforms those responses faster than other solutions, and
how specific engaging activities can boost social-emotional development to maintain positive learning and home environments.

Price:

Regular Rate: $75
NHSA Member Rate: $50

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

Mental Health Micro-Credential Info Session
2025-01-22 16:00 - 16:30, 2025-02-13 14:00 - 14:30
Program: Mental Health Micro-Credential Info Session
Description: Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health (IECMH) is widely regarded as the foundation of healthy development for all young children. This is why The Academy at NHSA created the Mental Health Micro-Credential, to help adults who work with young children understand how they can support and promote children’s mental health through safe, stable, and nurturing relationships and interactions.
Join us for this 30-minute info session, hosted by experts from Georgetown University who created the course.
Objectives: Attendees will learn

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

Mental Health Micro-Credential 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.

Jennifer Drake-Croft, MSSW, IECMH-E®, is the Deputy Project Director of the Infant and Early Childhood (IECMH) Technical Assistance Center at Georgetown University and a Faculty Director for the Georgetown Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation Certificate Program. Her expertise includes Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health, child trauma, child abuse prevention, and child-centered systems and policy. Jennifer’s personal and professional passion is to partner with communities and systems in advancing policies and practices that support all children to thrive.

Versión en español: Enhancing Attunement with Music Rituals
2025-01-23 14:00 - 15:00
Programa: Versión en español de Enhancing Attunement with Music Rituals (Rituales Musicales para Fomentar la Compenetración)
Descripción: Las transiciones difíciles, como la hora de dejar a los niños en la escuela, la hora de la siesta y el lavado de manos, no tienen por qué ser complicadas. Los rituales musicales ayudan a contrarrestar las respuestas al estrés y a reducir la ansiedad al generar calma, establecer expectativas y fomentar la compenetración
Objetivos de aprendizaje:

Revisar los elementos que desencadenan el modo de “apagado” en los niños pequeños.
Por qué la música transforma esas respuestas más rápidamente que otras soluciones, y
Cómo actividades específicas y atractivas pueden fomentar el desarrollo socioemocional para mantener entornos de aprendizaje y hogareños positivos.

Precio:
Tarifa regular: $75
Tarifa para miembros de la NHSA: $50
Presentadora: Dra. Farida Peña, Entrenadora Bilingüe y Especialista en Currículo
La Dra. Farida Peña es Formadora Bilingüe, Especialista en Currículo, y miembro del equipo de Desarrollo de Productos de Kindermusik International. Posee un Doctorado en Medicina y una Maestría en Educación y Pedagogía Musical.
Con más de 30 años de experiencia, y formada en diversos métodos musicales, incluidos MLT, Dalcroze, Orff, Kodály, Kindermusik y Dissimilis, Farida ha trabajado como educadora musical, oradora internacional, facilitadora de talleres, y profesora de piano, liderando capacitaciones en países como República Dominicana, México, Puerto Rico, Brasil y Estados Unidos.
Patrocinado por: Kindermusik International.

Winter Leadership Institute
2025-01-27 - 2025-01-31
Join us in helping ensure this Congress is one that understands, values, and empowers the important role Head Start serves for our nation’s most vulnerable children and families.
Right now, key decision-makers in our nation’s capital are in the process of making difficult spending decisions, with differing priorities competing for a limited pool of money. These decisions will have a profound impact on Head Start’s work. It is critical that members of Congress and their staff hear firsthand how important Head Start is to the communities they serve.

Empowering High School Students with Free Education
2025-02-04 15:00 - 15:30
Program: Empowering High School Students for Early Childhood Education Careers
Description: Come join us to discover how to prepare work-ready high school graduates for rewarding careers in early childhood education (ECE). Hear from the deputy director of community and engagement from the National Head Start Association who is a former school administrator with over 30 years of experience, Dr. Deborah Bergeron, and find out how to create or enhance your system drawing inspiration from South Dakota’s innovative approach to addressing the workforce crisis one high school student at a time.
Explore turnkey resources to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in this critical field. Build a pipeline of talented ECE professionals and transform your community by empowering the next generation of early childhood educators.
Learning Objective: Learn how your school district can help high school students earn their CDA’s and get valuable experience for a career in early childhood education.
Presenters:
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.

Linda Farinha is the Director of the Anne Macaione Mitchell ‘44 College & Career Center at Norwich Free Academy (NFA) in Norwich, Connecticut. In this role, she supports students in exploring career opportunities, preparing for the workforce, and aligning career goals with the college selection process. Additionally, Linda coordinates pathways and pipelines initiatives that enable students to earn industry-recognized credentials while still in high school. Prior to her current role, Linda served as the Department Head of the Career & Technology Education Department at NFA for nine years. Her educational experiences include twenty years as a high school business education teacher and a First Year Experience adjunct professor at Three Rivers Community College. Linda has been extensively involved in community steering committees and business advisory boards. She is a graduate of Bryant University (BS in Business
Administration), Sacred Heart University (MA in Teaching), the University of Connecticut (6th Year Educational Technology), and Sacred Heart University (092 Certification).

NHSA and The National Zoo Field Trips: 2024 – 2025
2025-02-06 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

NHSA and The National Zoo Presenters:

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

Head Start Advocacy Series: What Are Appropriations?
2025-02-11 12:00 - 12:30
Program: What Are Appropriations?
Description: We will answer the comm questions: what are appropriations and how do they impact Head Start?
What Are Appropriations Presenter: Kathleen Havey
Kathleen Havey, Senior Advisor of Government Affairs

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

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

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

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

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

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

Price:

Regular Rate: $250
NHSA Member Rate: $200

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

Financial Wellness: Money & Relationships (Option 1)
2025-02-13 14:00 - 14:30
Financial Wellness Thursdays with The Beans: Money & Relationships
Did you know that staff and parents in your programs are likely eligible for more than $5,000 in tax refunds, and yet each year families miss out on $12 billion in tax credits because they don’t file or make mistakes when they do?

As your partner in financial success, through NHSA we’re here to support your parents and staff. Join us this next Thursday, February 13th to ensure your community is taking advantage of their available resources.
Sponsored by:

Financial Wellness: Money & Relationships (Option 2)
2025-02-13 18:00 - 18:30

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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