39th Annual Conference - Special Events Descriptions
Major Sessions
Opening Session, April 17, 2012 - 5:00 p.m.
A fun-filled and high-spirited annual gathering of Head Start and Early Head Start teachers, staff, administrators and community partners. Hear from the Office of Head Start, special guests and much more!
Opening Session Reception – Exhibit Hall, April 17, 2012 - 7:00 p.m.
Join us for a celebration of Nashville and some good shopping. Meet exhibitors, shop for conference deals and enjoy the local sights, sounds, and flavors. Who knows, you might even run in to some of Nashville’s stars!
Research to Practice Symposium – Wednesday, April 18, 2012 – 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., Research Luncheon - 12:00 p.m.
This Symposium and Luncheon (additional ticket) brings together leading researchers from a wide range of human development perspectives. The Symposium comprises a unique blend of presentations from both research and program operations. Panelists will outline how lessons learned from emerging research affects program operations and child and family outcomes.
Alumni Reception – 27 Million Celebration, April 18, 2012 - 7:00 p.m.
Are YOU one of 27 million? Join with Alumni from across the United States as we celebrate the legacy of Head Start and the millions of Americans who have benefited from the Window of Opportunity.
Scholarships and Awards Dinner and Ceremony, April 19, 2012 - 7:00 p.m.
You will not want to miss the opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments of our National Award Winners. This very special evening is both a celebration of individual achievements, and a reminder of the amazing work that goes on daily in every community in America. For more information on our National Scholarships Award Winner, click here.
Public Policy Breakfast, April 20, 2012 - 8:30 a.m.
Head Start – a New Era! Hear from leading voices on the challenges and opportunities facing Head Start and Early Head Start in Washington D.C. and in your State. NHSA’s Public Policy Breakfast is one of the most popular events year after year, so get your ticket soon!
Closing General Session, April 20, 2012 - 11:30 a.m.
Wrap up your time in Nashville and renew your commitment to be the very best you can everyday in your classroom, program, family, and community. We are the voice of change and inspiration for the thousands in our centers and the millions waiting for the Head Start window of opportunity.
Special Events/Trainings/Conference Highlights
Ready For Success: A School Readiness Goals Summit, April 16, 2012 – 9:00 am to 4:30 pm
Interested in shaping the future of early education for all? In collaboration with the Source for Learning, NHSA presents this one-day summit to continue to expand and deepen the connection between national school readiness goals, Common Core and Head Start programs around the country. Hear form stakeholders, experts, and policy leaders as we explore build state and federal standards ensuring all children are ready for success.
Abriendo Puertas/Opening Doors – Sunday, April 15 through Tuesday, April 17, - Full Day
Abriendo Puertas is a peer-to-peer training program that seeks to improve the outcomes of our nation's Latino children. Its focus is on building the capacity and confidence of parents as strong and powerful advocates in the lives of their children. Through a unique "train-the-trainer" program, Abriendo Puertas fully prepares local community leaders to become facilitators in delivering the program to parents in their neighborhood. NHSA will offer a three-dayFacilitators Training for 20 individuals, Sunday April 15, Monday, April 16, and Tuesday, April 17. For more information - click here. (To attend AP, you must complete an application and be reviewed for consideration)
UCLA Health Institute – Monday, April 16 through April 17 – Full Day
The Health Care Institute is designed to better prepare parents to address the health care needs of their children. The training also strives to provide Head Start agencies tools and the resources to lead an effective health care training program through empowerment and dissemination of knowledge. Admission to the Institute is by application. Contact UCLA for application and additional information.
Family Development Credential – Monday, April 16 through April 17 – Full Day
National Family Development (FDC) Credential Program will lead a special two-part FDC Instructor Institute April 16 and 17, plus 2 ½ additional days June 3, 4, and the morning of June 5, held in conjunction with NHSA’s Manager & Director Academy in Louisville, KY. This two-part Trainer’s Institute is for Head Start staff who would like to become certified FDC Instructors to offer the program for workers in their local communities as well as for state teams who are interested in becoming State Coordinators. The total cost of the training is$500 per person plus books and personal travel and lodging To attend the Family Development Instructor Institute, you must complete the National Family Development (FDC) Credential Program application. To learn more, or obtain a copy of the application, contact the National Family Development Credential Program staff Carol West at carolwest15@gmail.com or visit http://www.familydevelopmentcredential.org/.
Wipfli Training: Head Start Management Issues – Monday, April 16 through April 17 – Full Day
NHSA is pleased to host Wipfli’s 2-day Head Start Management Issues pre-conference session. A detailed training seminar outline, daily schedule, and registration is available on the Wipfli site. Click here for more information. To register for the NHSA conference, exhibits hall and special events please follow the links and register for NHSA’s 39th Annual Conference.
Affiliate Leadership Institute – Tuesday, April 17 – 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
In 2012, State and Regional Head Start Associations will be key partners in the successful expansion of Head Start’s impact at both the state and national level. Many issues face association leadership. NHSA invites the board members and staff of each national, regional and state Head Start Association to join us for a full day of network building. Keynote for the session will be Office of Head Start Director Yvette Sanchez-Fuentes, she will be speaking on the role of associations. We will proceed to a critical examination of state early education system development, hearing from leading voices on Race to the Top/Early Learning Challenge Fund. In the second half of the day experts on board development, succession planning will present strategies to ensure your association is vibrant. The day will close with an update from NHSA senior staff on 2012 goals.
National Home Visiting Forum: Advancing Families/Impacting Communities – Thursday, April 19, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
A hallmark of high quality Head Start and Early Head Start programs is their extensive commitment to Home Visitation. In this full day forum, NHSA and its partner, Pew Center on the States, home of the Pew Home Visiting Campaign, will offer a variety of speakers, panels, and examples of successful practices in a variety of program types and collaborative agreements.
Head Start Networking Reception & Briefing for Directors – Wednesday, April 18, 8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
In this session, exclusively for Head Start and Early Head Start Directors, he opportunity will be provided to join with leaders from the National Head Start Association and the Office of Head Start to discuss emerging issues. Bring your recommendations on monitoring, Designation Renewal System and the T/TA System. This session will provide Head Start and Early Head Start Directors a unique opportunity to dialogue with OHS in a frank and constructive manner.
Family Services Track– Wednesday, April 18, through Thursday, April 19 -
This engaging two-day institute will offer practical, evidence-based strategies, techniques, and information for family service workers, home visitors and other family service providers. Hands-on skill building opportunities to help build relationships and strengthen partnerships with families will be presented.
Health Services Institutes – Wednesday, April 18 &Thursday, April 19 - 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Join your Head Start health services colleagues to learn new strategies that support the physical health, nutrition, oral health, and ongoing care of children. Learn more about how to enhance effective partnerships with parents and community partner as the key to fully implementing the Head Start Program Performance Standards and health care regulations.
Technology and Resource Pavilion (Exhibit Hall), – Wednesday, April 18 &Thursday, April 19 - 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Located in the Exhibit Hall, the Technology and Resource Pavilion will present vendors the opportunity to demonstrate new products as well as updated features of resources that support Head Start agencies to better serve children and families. Each demonstration will last 30 minutes.
Nature-Based Learning and Development – Tuesday, April 17 through Friday, April 20 - Workshops are scheduled throughout the day.
There is a growing national movement to reconnect children with nature. Head Start has always been a national laboratory for research-based best practices for young children. How can we continue to provide that innovation and high quality programming with nature-based learning and development outdoors? Join us for a number of sessions featuring exciting, new, and innovative ideas on maximizing child outcomes in all developmental domains using nature and outdoor play spaces. Connecting with nature has been shown to improve cognitive and social-emotional development, as well as health and physical development.
Round Table: Building A Community School Vision for All – Thursday, April 19 - 8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
The focus of this forum is to feature the policies and program strategies identified by education leaders. Leading the discussion will be Dr. Joan Lombardi, a national and international expert on early childhood. She has made significant contributions in the area of early childhood over the past 30 years as an innovative leader and policy advisor to national and international organizations, a public servant, and an active member of numerous boards and institutions.
Family Child Care Special Sessions, Thursday, April 19 – Workshops are scheduled throughout the day.
Want to know more about Family Child Care options for your Head Start program? This full-day series of sessions is designed to introduce you to the basics of the Family Child Care Options, host provider to provider dialogue and experts in the provision of services. Bring your ideas and examples of how best to use this option in your community. Sessions are planned in conjunction with the National Association of Family Child Care (nafcc.org).
NHSA General Business Meeting – Thursday, April 19, 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Join NHSA Board of Directors and executive leadership to hear about NHSA’s strategic plan for 2012. In this session , you will be given a chance to hear about NHSA’s accomplishments and learn about ways you can be supportive in your state and local community.
Opening Session, April 17, 2012 - 5:00 p.m.
A fun-filled and high-spirited annual gathering of Head Start and Early Head Start teachers, staff, administrators and community partners. Hear from the Office of Head Start, special guests and much more!
Opening Session Reception – Exhibit Hall, April 17, 2012 - 7:00 p.m.
Join us for a celebration of Nashville and some good shopping. Meet exhibitors, shop for conference deals and enjoy the local sights, sounds, and flavors. Who knows, you might even run in to some of Nashville’s stars!
Research to Practice Symposium – Wednesday, April 18, 2012 – 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., Research Luncheon - 12:00 p.m.
This Symposium and Luncheon (additional ticket) brings together leading researchers from a wide range of human development perspectives. The Symposium comprises a unique blend of presentations from both research and program operations. Panelists will outline how lessons learned from emerging research affects program operations and child and family outcomes.
Alumni Reception – 27 Million Celebration, April 18, 2012 - 7:00 p.m.
Are YOU one of 27 million? Join with Alumni from across the United States as we celebrate the legacy of Head Start and the millions of Americans who have benefited from the Window of Opportunity.
Scholarships and Awards Dinner and Ceremony, April 19, 2012 - 7:00 p.m.
You will not want to miss the opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments of our National Award Winners. This very special evening is both a celebration of individual achievements, and a reminder of the amazing work that goes on daily in every community in America. For more information on our National Scholarships Award Winner, click here.
Public Policy Breakfast, April 20, 2012 - 8:30 a.m.
Head Start – a New Era! Hear from leading voices on the challenges and opportunities facing Head Start and Early Head Start in Washington D.C. and in your State. NHSA’s Public Policy Breakfast is one of the most popular events year after year, so get your ticket soon!
Closing General Session, April 20, 2012 - 11:30 a.m.
Wrap up your time in Nashville and renew your commitment to be the very best you can everyday in your classroom, program, family, and community. We are the voice of change and inspiration for the thousands in our centers and the millions waiting for the Head Start window of opportunity.
Special Events/Trainings/Conference Highlights
Ready For Success: A School Readiness Goals Summit, April 16, 2012 – 9:00 am to 4:30 pm
Interested in shaping the future of early education for all? In collaboration with the Source for Learning, NHSA presents this one-day summit to continue to expand and deepen the connection between national school readiness goals, Common Core and Head Start programs around the country. Hear form stakeholders, experts, and policy leaders as we explore build state and federal standards ensuring all children are ready for success.
Abriendo Puertas/Opening Doors – Sunday, April 15 through Tuesday, April 17, - Full Day
Abriendo Puertas is a peer-to-peer training program that seeks to improve the outcomes of our nation's Latino children. Its focus is on building the capacity and confidence of parents as strong and powerful advocates in the lives of their children. Through a unique "train-the-trainer" program, Abriendo Puertas fully prepares local community leaders to become facilitators in delivering the program to parents in their neighborhood. NHSA will offer a three-dayFacilitators Training for 20 individuals, Sunday April 15, Monday, April 16, and Tuesday, April 17. For more information - click here. (To attend AP, you must complete an application and be reviewed for consideration)
UCLA Health Institute – Monday, April 16 through April 17 – Full Day
The Health Care Institute is designed to better prepare parents to address the health care needs of their children. The training also strives to provide Head Start agencies tools and the resources to lead an effective health care training program through empowerment and dissemination of knowledge. Admission to the Institute is by application. Contact UCLA for application and additional information.
Family Development Credential – Monday, April 16 through April 17 – Full Day
National Family Development (FDC) Credential Program will lead a special two-part FDC Instructor Institute April 16 and 17, plus 2 ½ additional days June 3, 4, and the morning of June 5, held in conjunction with NHSA’s Manager & Director Academy in Louisville, KY. This two-part Trainer’s Institute is for Head Start staff who would like to become certified FDC Instructors to offer the program for workers in their local communities as well as for state teams who are interested in becoming State Coordinators. The total cost of the training is$500 per person plus books and personal travel and lodging To attend the Family Development Instructor Institute, you must complete the National Family Development (FDC) Credential Program application. To learn more, or obtain a copy of the application, contact the National Family Development Credential Program staff Carol West at carolwest15@gmail.com or visit http://www.familydevelopmentcredential.org/.
Wipfli Training: Head Start Management Issues – Monday, April 16 through April 17 – Full Day
NHSA is pleased to host Wipfli’s 2-day Head Start Management Issues pre-conference session. A detailed training seminar outline, daily schedule, and registration is available on the Wipfli site. Click here for more information. To register for the NHSA conference, exhibits hall and special events please follow the links and register for NHSA’s 39th Annual Conference.
Affiliate Leadership Institute – Tuesday, April 17 – 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
In 2012, State and Regional Head Start Associations will be key partners in the successful expansion of Head Start’s impact at both the state and national level. Many issues face association leadership. NHSA invites the board members and staff of each national, regional and state Head Start Association to join us for a full day of network building. Keynote for the session will be Office of Head Start Director Yvette Sanchez-Fuentes, she will be speaking on the role of associations. We will proceed to a critical examination of state early education system development, hearing from leading voices on Race to the Top/Early Learning Challenge Fund. In the second half of the day experts on board development, succession planning will present strategies to ensure your association is vibrant. The day will close with an update from NHSA senior staff on 2012 goals.
National Home Visiting Forum: Advancing Families/Impacting Communities – Thursday, April 19, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
A hallmark of high quality Head Start and Early Head Start programs is their extensive commitment to Home Visitation. In this full day forum, NHSA and its partner, Pew Center on the States, home of the Pew Home Visiting Campaign, will offer a variety of speakers, panels, and examples of successful practices in a variety of program types and collaborative agreements.
Head Start Networking Reception & Briefing for Directors – Wednesday, April 18, 8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
In this session, exclusively for Head Start and Early Head Start Directors, he opportunity will be provided to join with leaders from the National Head Start Association and the Office of Head Start to discuss emerging issues. Bring your recommendations on monitoring, Designation Renewal System and the T/TA System. This session will provide Head Start and Early Head Start Directors a unique opportunity to dialogue with OHS in a frank and constructive manner.
Family Services Track– Wednesday, April 18, through Thursday, April 19 -
This engaging two-day institute will offer practical, evidence-based strategies, techniques, and information for family service workers, home visitors and other family service providers. Hands-on skill building opportunities to help build relationships and strengthen partnerships with families will be presented.
Health Services Institutes – Wednesday, April 18 &Thursday, April 19 - 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Join your Head Start health services colleagues to learn new strategies that support the physical health, nutrition, oral health, and ongoing care of children. Learn more about how to enhance effective partnerships with parents and community partner as the key to fully implementing the Head Start Program Performance Standards and health care regulations.
Technology and Resource Pavilion (Exhibit Hall), – Wednesday, April 18 &Thursday, April 19 - 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Located in the Exhibit Hall, the Technology and Resource Pavilion will present vendors the opportunity to demonstrate new products as well as updated features of resources that support Head Start agencies to better serve children and families. Each demonstration will last 30 minutes.
Nature-Based Learning and Development – Tuesday, April 17 through Friday, April 20 - Workshops are scheduled throughout the day.
There is a growing national movement to reconnect children with nature. Head Start has always been a national laboratory for research-based best practices for young children. How can we continue to provide that innovation and high quality programming with nature-based learning and development outdoors? Join us for a number of sessions featuring exciting, new, and innovative ideas on maximizing child outcomes in all developmental domains using nature and outdoor play spaces. Connecting with nature has been shown to improve cognitive and social-emotional development, as well as health and physical development.
Round Table: Building A Community School Vision for All – Thursday, April 19 - 8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
The focus of this forum is to feature the policies and program strategies identified by education leaders. Leading the discussion will be Dr. Joan Lombardi, a national and international expert on early childhood. She has made significant contributions in the area of early childhood over the past 30 years as an innovative leader and policy advisor to national and international organizations, a public servant, and an active member of numerous boards and institutions.
Family Child Care Special Sessions, Thursday, April 19 – Workshops are scheduled throughout the day.
Want to know more about Family Child Care options for your Head Start program? This full-day series of sessions is designed to introduce you to the basics of the Family Child Care Options, host provider to provider dialogue and experts in the provision of services. Bring your ideas and examples of how best to use this option in your community. Sessions are planned in conjunction with the National Association of Family Child Care (nafcc.org).
NHSA General Business Meeting – Thursday, April 19, 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Join NHSA Board of Directors and executive leadership to hear about NHSA’s strategic plan for 2012. In this session , you will be given a chance to hear about NHSA’s accomplishments and learn about ways you can be supportive in your state and local community.