Membership FAQ
How do I join NHSA?
There are two ways to join NHSA:
1. Submitting an application and payment by mail:
Membership
National Head Start Association (NHSA)
P.O. Box 759400
Baltimore, MD 21275-9400
2. Complete an application and payment online: NHSA Membership Application
How long will my membership last?
The NHSA membership is an annual membership that runs each year from July 1st-June 30th. If an applicant signs up for membership in the middle of the membership term they will only receive the months that remain in the term.
What is the cost of membership?
There are a variety of membership types; the membership type chosen dictates the cost of the NHSA membership.
Visit our Membership Fees page for more details.
Refunds
Annual NHSA memberships are non-refundable or cancel-able during the membership year.
What membership type do I qualify for?
Please visit our Membership Page to review the various Membership Types available.
What benefits do program staff, parents and board members receive?
All staff, parents and board members of member Head Start programs automatically receive access to member only resources and discounts to NHSA conferences and other events. The discount is given by simply choosing the organization name during registration and if the organization is a member, the member rate will be applied. Membership also includes access to My NHSA member only website with access to newsletters, resources, forums and printing your membership card. Click here to view more details on Membership Benefits.
How long will it take to activate my membership?
When your membership is processed, you will receive an email with a welcome letter and My NHSA login information. You can log into My NHSA to print your membership card.
Memberships that are purchased by mail take 10 business days to process, an email must be provided in order to receive membership materials.
Memberships purchased online take 48 hours to process, an email must be provided in order to receive membership materials.
How do we receive membership cards for our staff?
Agency staff, parents and board members receive benefit of the agency’s membership. Agencies may input a roster of individuals they wish to receive ID cards. To update the roster, please go to http://my.nhsa.org. A unique name and email address is needed to receive access to the NHSA member website and a membership ID card.
With your unique email address and password for My NHSA, you can follow these instructions to print your membership card:
- Log in to My NHSA.
- Click Profile.
- Click View Membership Card.
- When the page with the card loads, right click and choose Print.
Who should I submit for my employee/parent roster?
Staff, parents and board members wishing to receive a unique membership card and/or access to My NHSA, the member only area of the NHSA website, can receive these member benefits if their name and a unique email address are entered into the organization roster. An administrative staff person can manage the individuals who are on the organization roster.
A priority for NHSA is to have direct contact with all senior level staff and key spokespersons (ie. Executive Directors, Director, Education Coordinator, Policy Council/Governing Body Chair) from an agency. We strongly encourage you to provide those names, titles and email to us annually to keep you up-to-date.
How do I submit my employee/parent roster?
To submit or modify your employee roster, please visit My NHSA and log in with a primary contact or program administration contact email and password. Click here for more information on online roster management. If you need to assign a staff member program administration access to manage your roster, please contact NHSAmembership@nhsa.org.
Who is an Administrative Contact?
An Administrative Contact is a designated Staff member(s) - usually a Administrative Assistant, Secretary, Human Resources Specialist - to handle your program's clerical NHSA affairs.
How do I designate an Administrative Contact?
Send your request to NHSAmembership@nhsa.org and include your program’s name, the name and email address for the specified staff member.
Who receives discounts to institutes, conferences & events?
Member program staff, parents and board members.
Discounts for Professional Development
Discounts to all professional development opportunities flow down as a benefit from your organizations membership with NHSA.
Grantee, Delegates, Partners
NHSA membership benefits extends to individuals who are employed or enrolled with the agency named in the membership application. Grantees' membership does not extend to delegate or partner organizations. Delegate or partners organizations can secure membership benefits by paying dues directly to NHSA.
Grantees wishing to pay for delegate or partners should contact NHSA for support.
What is Record Source?
Tell us how you heard about NHSA and becoming a member. This code can be found on your application (if applicable) above the Payment Information section. Enter the code while you are creating your profile.
Other Resources
NHSA Membership NHSA Membership Benefits NHSA Membership Fees My NHSA