NHSA

Tackling Challenging Behaviors with OPPORTUNITY
2024-03-12 16:00 - 16:30 (America/New_York)
In this Tackling Challenging Behaviors webinar series, we will share innovative approaches to building a positive classroom environment. These strategies not only mitigate challenging behaviors, they 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!

Tackling Challenging Behaviors with OPPORTUNITY: 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.
Head Start Behavior Experts
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.

Spring Garden Storytime
2024-03-13 14:00 - 14:30 (America/New_York)
Welcome to Spring Garden Storytime brought to you by NHSA in the Classroom, KidsGardening, and ScottsMiracle-Gro. Our team of experts will share the joy of gardening and reading with your Head Start cuties. Get ready for an interactive story, gardening treats, and classroom resources which are provided seasonally within the school year calendar:

3/13/24: Spring Storytime – Singing Activity
5/8/24: Summer Storytime

Our storytellers are gardeners, and in these LIVE storytime sessions they will read wonderful garden-themed books to the children, and “show and tell” about interesting plants. Both teachers and students will love this interactive learning session!
Presenters:
Noel Nicholas (she/her) is the Educational Content Manager for KidsGardening, where she co-develops original educational materials designed to help kids play, learn and grow through gardening. She holds a BA in Creative Writing from University of Southern California, where she developed a passion for informal education while teaching poetry at 32nd Street School/USC Magnet. Prior to joining KidsGardening, Noel worked as a Museum Educator at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, developing and delivering educational programs for diverse, multi-generational audiences, and managing the museum’s Storytime Live program. In her spare time she teaches in the school garden at Third Street Elementary in Los Angeles.

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

Sponsors:

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

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

Financial Wellness: The Basics (Option 1)
2024-03-14 14:00 - 14:30 (America/New_York)
Financial Wellness Thursdays with The Beans
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 and make progress on the path to money + life balance!
Sponsored by:

Financial Wellness: The Basics (Option 2)
2024-03-14 18:00 - 18:30 (America/New_York)

Pop-Up Informational Event: The Data Literacy Credential
2024-03-15 12:00 - 12:30 (America/New_York)
Join us for a free, quick and easy but extremely valuable pop-up informational event.
The Academy at NHSA in partnership with Acorn Evaluation offers the premier professional development opportunity for Head Start/Early Head Start managers and directors in the country: The Data Literacy Credential. The program is specifically designed for ALL managers and directors in any Head Start/Early Head Start program nationwide. Cohorts are launching in early February and early April, so now is the time to learn! Feel free to share and forward this invite to your colleagues. Everyone is welcome to come, listen and ask questions. Just 30 minutes of your time could have a huge POSITIVE impact on your program!

Pop-Up Informational Event by to you by:

STEM Learning in the Garden
2024-03-19 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
Description:
A garden offers an array of exciting opportunities to introduce science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) in fun ways that align with early learning outcomes and standards; thus, STEM Learning in the Garden just makes sense! Join educators from KidsGardening and explore hands-on, garden-based STEM lessons and activities that you can share with your students. You will leave excited to try these practical ideas for digging into STEM through gardening!
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.

Sarah Pounders, while working toward her master’s degree in Horticultural Sciences at Texas A&M University, Sarah Pounders served as a school garden coordinator and conducted research on the benefits of using school garden programs to teach nutrition. She went on to work at various botanical gardens and for Cooperative Extension in Virginia and Texas. Since 2005, Sarah has been an education specialist at KidsGardening, coordinating numerous children’s gardens and writing curricula and activities for youth of all ages. Sarah enjoys gardening at home with her two children and serves as the volunteer garden coordinator at her son’s elementary school.

Marketing 101 for Head Start Recruitment
2024-03-20 14:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York)
Registration is now closed.
With our partners at Working Smarter Consulting, NHSA is hosting a live and virtual training session on Marketing for Head Start Recruitment. Working Smarter Consultants, with over 25 years of experience in Head Start and marketing, will guide you through innovative strategies tailored to increasing your market presence while driving new traffic and increasing engagement.
Description:
Learn tools and resources to reach your target audience quicker, and enhance the look and feel of your organization’s digital presence. Solve enrollment challenges through better messaging and virtual content development.
Regular Rate: $325
NHSA Member Rate: $225
Learning Objectives:

Understanding your target audience
Identifying how to communicate successfully with your audience
Developing a marketing plan specific to recruitment that produces
retention.
Marketing strategies for any budget.
Chance to network with similar programs and share ideas and strategies.

Presenters:
Gerald Washington, Chief Executive Officer
With a longstanding history of taking brands and businesses to the next level of success, Gerald’s leadership, innovation, and business acumen will be sure to shock Head Start Programs. Prior to this venture, Gerald was the partner and president of Steve Harvey World Group, partner and president East 112th Street Productions, and president of the Steve Harvey Radio Network, where he led business development, production, and operations for all three companies. Gerald successfully secured major partnerships and endorsement deals with household names such as T-Mobile, Ford, State Farm, NBC, ABC, Fox and BET. He led the launch and growth of new business ventures with Match.com and Garrett’s Popcorn Shops, as well as the transformational coaching company Act Like a Success and Easy Bacon, Steve Harvey’s first food product. Through his leadership, the Steve Harvey World Group tripled in revenue and grew by 65 percent. It is this experience that makes Gerald an asset to any program working through contracts, contract negotiations, service, and lease agreements. Gerald has the uncanny ability to see the potential in staff that they don’t often see in themselves. He coaches people into leadership roles with ease. Gerald is ready to take your Head Start program to the next level.
Kenna Pruitt, Chief Operating Officer
With more than 13 years of Head Start experience, Kenna brings knowledge that is unmatched in the field/industry. She began her Head Start journey working as the Family and Community Partnerships Manager, for a large Head Start and Early Head Start program in Texas. This program served more than 1,500 children and families in 22 centers across Texas. This experience helped Kenna become well versed in data capturing, data analysis, processes and systems, leadership, management, supervision, and a deep understanding of all service areas. After working in a Head Start program, Kenna ventured out to the federal level. Working for DANYA, which, at the time, had a contract with the Office of Head Start, for Federal Reviews. Kenna’s time spent as a Content Area Lead for HSKI-C Reviews and Leadership, Governance, and Management Systems Reviews afforded her the opportunity to travel the country and visit Head Start programs in every shape and size. Kenna was able to see the complexities of a variety of programs, as well as, how programs attack and troubleshoot unique situations. It was at this point, that Kenna wanted to take the information she was learning from all these programs and share it with others. From here she went to work for ChildPlus Software, the data management system most used by Head Start programs. It was here, that Kenna was able to explore and dig into data. Understand how programs were and were not using it effectively. Her role as a ChildPlus Consultant fostered her skills in creating processes and policies, sharpened her abilities to find holes in data and create a plan to repair them, as well as, customize any training for varieties of staff. Starting Working Smarter Consulting, was a dream that would allow Head Start programs the ability to get training, coaching, and consulting from one place. Let’s Work Smart Together!
Take advantage of this one-of-a-kind opportunity to revamp how your program recruits children.

NHSA and The Zoo in The Classroom: Do Sea Lions Wear Sunglasses?
2024-03-21 14:00 - 14:30 (America/New_York)
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: November 16th—Pre-Math with Cheetahs (Math Concepts)
Program 2: January 18th—Me, You, and Elephants Too! (Identity, Culture and Community)
Program 3: March 21st—Do Sea Lions Wear Sunglasses? (Weather and Space)
Program 4: May 16th—Head Start’s Birthday Party at the Zoo (Our Bodies and the Five Senses)

Presenters for NHSA and Zoo in the Classroom:

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

Empowering High School Students for Careers in ECE
2024-03-27 15:00 - 15:30 (America/New_York)
Empowering High School Students Program:
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. Don’t miss this insightful webinar – register now!
Presenter:
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.

Higher Education and Apprenticeships
2024-04-04 11:30 - 12:30 (America/New_York)
When developing an apprenticeship model for an early childhood program, one of the major challenges that apprentices often face is the lack of subject matter alignment in their coursework, and having to do work over when colleges don’t accept previous coursework (lack of articulation agreements). Join us to learn from this panel discussion with higher education representatives in states that are tackling this challenge with an inspired and unified approach! Attendees will learn more about this, how it came to fruition and what it looks like in practice.

Facilitator: Pamm Shaw

Pamm Shaw is the former Director of Strategic Funding and Partnerships for the YMCA of the East Bay. Prior to this role, she served as the VP/Executive Director of the YMCA Early Childhood Impact Branch.

Pamm has extensive experience in implementing programs, professional development and managing multiple funding sources and is known for her innovative programs.

In 2016, Pamm and her team created the YMCA Early Educator Apprentice program – training Head Start/child care parents and community members to become early learning professionals. Since that time, over 400 participants have completed coursework, degrees and permits in this program.

Panelists:

Dr. Hanan Osman
Senior Director of Early Childhood Professional Development
NAEYC & T..E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® Indiana

Dr. Lygia Stebbing
President and CEO
Edvance College

Dr. Carola Oliva-Olson
Chief Innovation Officer
Edvance College

Alicia Osborne
VP of Workforce Development and Admissions
Edvance College

Tackling Challenging Behaviors with HEART
2024-04-09 16:00 - 16:30 (America/New_York)
In this Tackling Challenging Behaviors (with HEART) webinar series, we will share innovative approaches to building a positive classroom environment. These strategies not only mitigate challenging behaviors, they 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!

Tackling Challenging Behaviors with HEART: respect is a cornerstone of classroom management. Join us to learn how demonstrating respect through words, tone, and body will help any child to choose positive behaviors.

Head Start Behavior Experts
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)
2024-04-11 14:00 - 14:30 (America/New_York)
Financial Wellness Thursdays with The Beans
Savings is essential! What you really need in your savings account: research shows that with $500 in your savings account you make stronger financial decisions and when you reach $2,500 you are insulated from most economic shocks.
Learn about The Beans’ highly rated professional development programs for improving your staffs’ financial wellness + the evidence-based strategies to set your savings up for success.
Sponsored by:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sponsored by:

Financial Wellness: Savings (Option 2)
2024-04-11 18:00 - 18:30 (America/New_York)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

5/8/24: Summer Storytime – Singing Activity

Our storytellers are gardeners, and in these LIVE storytime sessions they will read wonderful garden-themed books to the children, and “show and tell” about interesting plants. Both teachers and students will love this interactive learning session!
Presenters:
Noel Nicholas (she/her) is the Educational Content Manager for KidsGardening, where she co-develops original educational materials designed to help kids play, learn and grow through gardening. She holds a BA in Creative Writing from University of Southern California, where she developed a passion for informal education while teaching poetry at 32nd Street School/USC Magnet. Prior to joining KidsGardening, Noel worked as a Museum Educator at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, developing and delivering educational programs for diverse, multi-generational audiences, and managing the museum’s Storytime Live program. In her spare time she teaches in the school garden at Third Street Elementary in Los Angeles.

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

Sponsors:

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

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

Financial Wellness: 6 Stages of Change (Option 1)
2024-05-09 14:00 - 14:30 (America/New_York)
Financial Wellness Thursdays with The Beans: 6 Stages of Change Focusing on Spending
Behavior change is not always easy, and it takes a little time, but knowing the stages of behavior change will make the process more successful and more fun.
Learn about The Beans’ highly rated professional development programs for improving your staffs’ financial wellness + make real financial progress.
Sponsored by:

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

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

Sponsored by:

Financial Wellness: 6 Stages of Change (Option 2)
2024-05-09 18:00 - 18:30 (America/New_York)

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

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

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

NHSA and The Zoo in The Classroom: Head Start's Birthday Party at the Zoo
2024-05-16 14:00 - 14:30 (America/New_York)
This is will be a delightful lesson designed to support Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework (ELOF) standards! NHSA and Zoo in the Classroom is a high-energy, interactive experience that include music and movement. It is designed to keep children active, engaged, and thriving.
Join the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (SNZCBI) and NHSA for four LIVE learning opportunities about Zoo animals, created specifically for Head Start and Early Head Start programs across the country!

Program 1: November 16th—Pre-Math with Cheetahs (Math Concepts) – watch recording!
Program 2: January 18th—Me, You, and Elephants Too! (Identity, Culture and Community) – watch recording!
Program 3: March 21st—Do Sea Lions Wear Sunglasses? (Weather and Space) – watch recording!
Program 4: May 15th—Head Start’s Birthday Party at the Zoo (Our Bodies and the Five Senses)

Presenters for NHSA and Zoo in the Classroom:
Emily Porter – Manager of Early Childhood and Family Learning Experience, SNZCBI
Bethany Wells – Get a Head Start with the Smithsonian Education and Program Coordinator, SNZCBI
Rachel Hutchison – Senior Associate, Instructional Practice Professional Programs, NHSA
Nick Young – Preschool Musician, PlayMotion Music
Smithsonian’s National Zookeepers, , SNZCBI

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

Pre-service with a Punch!
2024-06-04 15:00 - 15:30 (America/New_York)
Do you struggle with how to ‘fit it all in’ when you are planning pre-service?
Interested in an easy, affordable, fun way to maximize your time so you can spend more time building relationships and less time meeting compliance?
Come listen to Dr. B and Rachel Hutchison as they show you the magic of self-paced professional development (PD) and how you can use and even create your own high quality Head Start specific online PD. In this Pre-Service with a Punch! webinar, we will unlock the magic of leveraging self-paced PD to create engaging training for all staff, so you can spend less time meeting compliance and more time where it matters – relationship building!
Presenters:
Dr. Deborah Bergeron served as director of the Office of Head Start from 2018-21. From 2019-21 she broadened her leadership as director of the Office of Early Childhood Development in the Administration for Children and Families. Known as “Dr. B” to former students and teachers, she spent three decades in pre-K–12 public education as a classroom teacher and school administrator and currently serves as deputy director for Community Engagement and Innovation at NHSA.

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

Best Practices and Effective Strategies for Connecting Head Start Programs with Refugee Communities
2024-06-05 13:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York)
Program: Best Practices and Effective Strategies for Connecting Head Start Programs with Refugee Communities
Representatives from Head Start programs and Refugee Resettlement Agencies will share lessons learned, best practices, and effective strategies when engaging and collaborating with refugees. The 1-hour panel discussion will also offer opportunities for Head Start programs across the country to ask questions and share their own experiences when engaging this community.
Presenters:

Jennifer Larson, a former Head Start parent, has seamlessly transitioned from beneficiary to advocate, dedicating 31 years to supporting others in the early childhood field. Starting as a parent in a Head Start program, she rose to become the Associate Head Start Director of Child Care Resource and Referral/Families First of Minnesota. Throughout her journey, Ms. Larson completed her Elementary Education degree, obtained her Minnesota Teaching Licensure, and became a trainer for the development program at Minnesota Department of Education. Her diverse experience includes teaching in a classroom, building relationships with parents as a home visitor, coaching staff, supervising, and training. Ms. Larson’s personal experience underscores her dedication to improving the lives of children, families, and communities served by the Head Start program.

Malath Alarnosi, originally from Iraq, serves as a dedicated Case Manager Supervisor at Canopy Northwest Arkansas (NWA), assisting refugee families during their resettlement in NWA. Central to her role is facilitating the enrollment of these families in the Head Start program, helping them to navigate both the triumphs and obstacles of the process to ensure ongoing cooperation and support.

Dr. Deborah Bergeron, known affectionately as “Dr. B” to former students and teachers, brings a wealth of experience to her role as Deputy Director of Community Engagement and Innovation at the National Head Start Association (NHSA). Prior to joining NHSA in January 2021, she served as the Director of the Office of Early Childhood Development and represented the Office of Head Start as its director. With three decades of experience in pre-K–12 public education as a classroom teacher and school administrator, Dr. Bergeron holds a bachelor’s degree from Texas State University and earned her master’s in education leadership and doctorate in education policy from George Mason University.

Dr. Thea Wilson is the Vice President for Children and Families at Step Forward. Dr. Wilson is responsible for managing the operations of Early Head Start, Head Start, and all service areas and Parental Involvement programs for 1750 children. Dr. Wilson has over 40 years of early childhood development experience in a public school system and spent 11 years in administration. She has 15 years of experience teaching college level courses as well as creating workshops and facilitating training for parents, teachers and other professionals. Dr. Wilson served as the Chair of Early Childhood at The Music Settlement — a five-star, arts-based, early childhood education program in Cleveland. Immediately prior, Dr. Wilson served as the Executive Director of the Office of Early Childhood – Pre-K to Third Grade – for the Cleveland Metropolitan School District.

Gilda Morales-Aleman, Administrative Director of eligibility, recruitment, selection, enrollment, and attendance (ERSEA),Family Services & Data Systems at Cardinal McCloskey Community Services Early Childhood Division, is a dedicated advocate for children and families. Born in Ecuador, Ms. Morales-Aleman’s parents migrated to New York when she was just 3 years old, instilling in her a deep appreciation for the immigrant experience. She is the proud mother of Natalia (16) and Victor Manuelle (9), and lives in New Jersey. With a passion for serving her community, Ms. Morales-Aleman’s journey in the education and social services field spans an impressive 23 years within the Department of Education (DOE) Bilingual Elementary
school 4th grade teacher, to presently working with the Head Start family. She has worked in the DOE and Head Start centers in the Bronx, Harlem, and Washington Heights. In her current role, she focuses on ERSEA, community partnerships, and family engagement, recognizing the importance of supporting and advocating for the most vulnerable populations.

Moderator:

Mark Weber provides 32 years of experience at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) challenging the status quo and creating meaningful change in Federal programs. Most recently he served as principal advisor and major policy-coordinating official on communications across public health, healthcare and in particular the human services portfolio of HHS agencies and offices. Examples of his work as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs include formulating and leading the first $300 million phase of the U.S. Government’s COVID-19 Public Education Media Campaign and leading communications work on the humanitarian response to the dramatic increase in unaccompanied children referred to HHS care by immigration officials. Prior to serving as HHS Deputy Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs from January 2012 to July 2021, Mark Weber was the HHS Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Director of Communications from September 1995 to January 2012 and a speechwriter in the HHS Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health from October 1989 to September 1995. Mark Weber achieved a bachelor’s degree in marketing management from Virginia Tech in 1987 and a master’s in business administration from George Washington University in 1995. He has documented and published much of his work in peer reviewed journals and received numerous awards throughout his career at HHS.

Financial Wellness: Joy (Option 1)
2024-06-13 14:00 - 14:30 (America/New_York)
Financial Wellness Thursdays with The Beans
Aligning your summer plans with your financial plan. Regardless of how you plan on spending your long summer days- fun and financial progress do coexist!
Answer these three questions:

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

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

Financial Wellness: Joy (Option 2)
2024-06-13 18:00 - 18:30 (America/New_York)

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