NHSA

Tackle Behaviors that Challenge: with KINESTHETIC TEACHING
2025-04-08 16:00 - 16:30 (America/New_York)
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 (America/New_York)
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 (America/New_York)

Empowering Your Professional Development Planning Process
2025-04-22 15:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York)
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 (America/New_York)
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 (America/New_York)
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 (America/New_York)
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 (America/New_York)
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 (America/New_York)
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 (America/New_York)

Advocacy vs. Lobbying 101
2025-05-13 12:00 - 12:30 (America/New_York)
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 (America/New_York)
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 (America/New_York)
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 (America/New_York)
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 (America/New_York)
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.

Financial Wellness: Joy! (Option 1)
2025-06-12 14:00 - 14:30 (America/New_York)
Financial Wellness Thursdays with The Beans: Joy!
Aligning your summer plans with your financial plan. Regardless of how you plan on spending your long summer days- fun and financial progress do coexist! Answer these three questions:

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

Learn about The Beans’ highly rated professional development programs for improving your staffs’ financial wellness + the evidence-based principles proven to promote financial progress and reduce financial stress.
Sponsored by:

Financial Wellness: Joy! (Option 2)
2025-06-12 18:00 - 18:30 (America/New_York)

Data Literacy Credential Info Session
2025-08-05 12:00 - 12:30 (America/New_York)
Join us for a FREE Data Literacy Credential Info Session! The Academy at NHSA, in partnership with Acorn Evaluation, offers the Data Literacy Credential—a professional development opportunity designed specifically for ALL Head Start and Early Head Start managers and directors.
With new cohorts launching in September, now is the perfect time to learn how data-driven decision-making can strengthen your program’s impact.
Date: Tuesday, August 5, 2025
⏰ Time: 9:00 a.m. PT | 12:00 a.m. ET
Speaker: Stuart Jones, CEO & Lead Instructor, Acorn Evaluation, Inc.
Stuart Jones has spent over 20 years working as a professional evaluator and management consultant, primarily focusing on organizations that serve the early childhood community. In 2013 he formed Acorn Evaluation to further the goal of providing quality evaluation and consulting services to the Head Start/Early Head Start community.
Can’t join us live? Sign up anyway and the recording will be shared with you. You can enjoy the recording and resources at your convenience!

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

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

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

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

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

Description:Every teacher wants to build a positive classroom culture of safety and trust, for children and for themselves. Turns out that is a lot easier said than done, especially when faced with behaviors that are really challenging. So, what is a well-meaning teacher to do?
In this webinar series, our experts will share innovative approaches to building a trust-based classroom environment, which is the key to mitigating behaviors that challenge us. Learn practical strategies that will not only help teachers understand challenging interactions, but also significantly increase delightful interactions!
Join our experts as they share how to develop strong trust with the children in your care. You will learn how to:

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

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

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

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

Kickoff: Film Screening
2025-09-24 14:00 - 15:00 UTC
Program: Cabinet of Wonder: A Private Film Screening with Natalie Merchant

Description: Join us for our official kick-off of the Cabinet of Wonder, a free online curriculum, resources and teaching guides for Head Start teachers and staff nationwide. This innovative program was created with singer, songwriter and performer Natalie Merchant, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and the Chicago Children’s Theatre in partnership with The Academy at NHSA.
Cabinet of Wonder is a joyful reimagining of Mother Goose for children ages 3 to 6 and will spark creativity and wonder in early learning classrooms everywhere. Watch the Trailer!
This film screening will serve as an introduction to a series of virtual journeys to the Land of Make Believe (Cabinet of Wonder sessions).
Price: Free for Head Start teachers and staff
Presenter: Natalie Merchant
Over her 40-year career, Natalie Merchant has attained a place among America’s most respected recording artists. She has earned a reputation for being a songwriter of quality and a captivating stage performer. Merchant has committed her time and talent to a wide-variety of nonprofit organizations, performing countless benefit concerts and creating documentary films and large-scale community arts projects.
Merchant began her musical career as the lead vocalist and lyricist of the pop music band 10,000 Maniacs and released two platinum and four gold records with the group: The Wishing Chair (1985), In My Tribe (1987), Blind Man’s Zoo (1989), Hope Chest (1990) Our Time in Eden & 10,000 Maniacs MTV Unplugged (1993). Merchant left the group in 1994 and has subsequently released nine albums as a solo artist with combined sales of seven million copies: Tigerlily (1995), Ophelia (1998), Natalie Merchant Live (1999), Motherland (2001), The House Carpenter’s Daughter (2004), Leave Your Sleep (2010), Natalie Merchant (2014), Paradise is There (2015), Butterfly (2017). In April 2023, Nonesuch Records released her first album of original material in nine years, Keep Your Courage.
Merchant has collaborated, both on stage and in the studio, with an impressive array of artists including: Philip Glass, Wynton Marsalis, David Byrne, The Chieftains, Medeski, Martin & Wood, Mavis Staples, REM, Daniel Lanois, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Tracy Chapman, Kronos Quartet, Lokua Kanza, The Klezmatics, Lúnasa, Yungchen Lhamo, Chris Botti, Dan Zanes, Billy Bragg and Wilco.
In 2007, Merchant was appointed by Governor Elliot Spitzer to serve a five-year term on the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA). In 2013, she spearheaded an effort to stop the advance of hydraulic fracturing in New York State with a concert film, Dear Governor Cuomo. Again, in 2013, she used the same format of concert film to address domestic violence with Shelter. Most recently, she spent two years as Artist-in-Residence with the Head Start Program Troy, NY creating a multi-disciplinary arts curriculum for preschoolers called The Mother Goose Project (2017-2019). In November of 2022, NY Senator and majority leader Chuck Schumer appointed Natalie to a six-year-term on the board of trustees of The American Folklife Center at The Library of Congress.
Merchant’s awards for artistic excellence and philanthropic work include: The Library Lion Award from the New York Public Library (2011), The American Society of Authors Composers & Publishers (ASCAP) Champion Award and The John Lennon Real Love Award.

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

October: Humpty Dumpty

10/8 @ 2:00 pm ET

December: Jack Be Nimble

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

February: Queen of Hearts

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

April: Little Nut Tree

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

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