News You Can Use Week of February 24, 2012
Advocacy Shout-Out
This week’s shout-out goes to the Fowler Head Start Program in Phoenix, Arizona for sending more than 190 Valentines to their Members of Congress! As the budget process moves forward for 2013, it never hurts to remind those making the decisions how much Head Start programs do for communities across the country and how critical it is to preserve services to the children and families who need them most. We’re excited to recognize Head Start Director Vincent Medina and his program for their awesome efforts!
What’s your story?
“I have a strong desire to help those who are in need and I think I acquired that trait from all of the amazing teachers who helped me and my sister.” That’s what Vanessa, currently a high school sophomore, had to say about her Head Start experience. More than a hundred Head Start alumni, parents and staff representing nearly 50 programs have already shared their stories as part of the 27 Million Windows campaign. Read them, watch them, and find out how to tell your story at go.nhsa.org/27millionwindows today!
39th Annual Conference Update
Family Development Credential Instructor Institute
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, visit http://www.familydevelopmentcredential.org/ or contact National Family Development Credential Program staff member Carol West at carolwest15@gmail.com or (315) 783-8664. To obtain a copy of the application, click here.
Affiliate Leadership Institute
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. Association leadership face many issues as that process unfolds. NHSA invites board members and staff of each national, regional and state Head Start Association to join us for a full day of network building on Tuesday, April 17 from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM at the Annual Conference.
Ready For K Success? Fill out the School Readiness Goals Survey!
Your opinions can help shape the future of early education and school readiness for all. The Source for Learning, Inc. is collaborating with the National Head Start Association to present a one-day School Readiness Summit to continue to expand and deepen the connection between national school readiness goals, Common Core and Head Start programs around the country. The Summit will take place during NHSA’s Annual Conference in Nashville, TN on Monday, April 16th from 9-4. Survey results will inspire discussions, so come to the Event! Take the survey now!
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Find Out More About the Conference and Get Registered!
Last Chance for Acelero Learning’s “Insights from the Replacement Grantee process” Webinar
Back by popular demand, Acelero Learning is hosting one final webinar on Insights into the Replacement Grantee Process. This popular session – attended by more than 250 participants over the past 2 months – will discuss the replacement grantee process, and provide an overview of each section of the application as well as share key tips and strategies for success in each criterion.
OHS Leadership confirmed that the replacement process is the “best model” for what the re-designation application and process will look like, so don’t miss this final opportunity to hear directly from Head Start leaders who have successfully won 10 replacement grant competitions in the past 10 years.
The webinar will be held Thursday, March 1st, at 3:00pm (EST). The cost is $199 for non-NHSA members, and $100 for NHSA members. When registering, NHSA members should use cs87 in the coupon field to receive an immediate $99 discount. Click here to register.
I need books now! Can First Book help?
Yes! First Book will be offering a special distribution just for Head Start programs the week of Monday, Feb. 27. Once you’ve signed up with First Book, they’ll send you an email letting you know what books and resources are available, and you can tell them which of the available titles and supplies you’d like for your program.
Can I use my restricted funds to get books?
Yes! The books and resources distributed by First Book (through its National Book Bank program) are free, but there is a shipping and handling charge of 35 cents per book. Your restricted federal funds can be used to cover these costs [Head Start Standards 1304.3 (5)].
Sign up online at firstbook.org: it’s free, it takes about five minutes, and you’ll need to provide basic information about your program. If this is your first time using First Book, you can contact them to ask for help with signing up or requesting books. Contact the First Book help team at 866-READ-NOW or help@firstbook.org.
Family Service & Parent Engagement Coordinators!
The March NHSA Family Connections newsletter is ready to print. This issue’s focus is “picky eaters”. At some point in the first five years, almost every child will refuse to eat something adults offer. Parents find out how to successfully navigate the “picky eater years”. Family Connections is produced by PreSchoolFirst and is an exclusive benefit for NHSA Program Members. To access, go to NHSA’s Family Service Resource Center.
SAVE THE DATE! NHSA Manager and Director Academy - June 4 - 7, 2012, Louisville, KY
NHSA's Manager and Director Academy offers an intensive four-day learning experience to Head Start directors, managers, and other professionals. The Academy's innovative curriculum comprises learning modules focused on critical skills and current knowledge in program administration and management, and includes daily presentations by experienced, knowledgeable faculty, as well as opportunities to share with colleagues. The event will be held at the Downtown Marriott in Louisville. Call 1-877-901-6632 for accomodations.
Don’t Miss Upcoming Legal Advisory Service Trainings
The Head Start Legal Advisory Service, a collaboration between Feldesman Tucker Leifer Fidell LLP and the National Head Start Association, has developed key offerings designed with programs like yours in mind. Join Ted Waters and Zoë Beckerman for the following webinars:
(3/07/12) Staff Qualifications and HR Policies and Procedures (3 pm eastern time) Personnel matters can be challenging for management. In addition, in Head Start, special rules apply to the employment relationship (that is, between a Head Start agency and an employee). In this webinar, we will discuss some of the unique aspects of Head Start agency employment. Join us to learn about:
- What needs to be in your Head Start personnel policies, including tips;
- The ins and outs of your employment Standards of Conduct, including useful checklists; and
- Issues surrounding staff qualifications and timelines.
Who Should Attend: Executive Directors, Head Start Directors, Human Resources Director and HR Personnel, but all are welcome.
(3/19/12) Unpacking Federal Employment Laws (3 pm eastern time; NOTE NEW DATE) Does your Head Start or Early Head Start program need to gain knowledge on federal employment laws? Are there federal, non-Head Start employment laws that you aren't sure about? In addition to Head Start-specific Human Resources laws and rules, agencies running Head Start programs need to ensure compliance with a handful of other federal employment laws. These include: the Americans with Disabilities Act and other laws involving discrimination, and the Family Medical Leave Act. This webinar will:
- Help you understand the key points of the Americans with Disabilities Act and other employment laws involving discrimination; and
- Assure you know the details of the Family Medical Leave Act.
This webinar has been developed to supplement our two other Human Resources in Head Start webinars. It will not cover Head Start-specific human resources issues stemming from the Head Start Act or Program Performance Standards. Please see our other HR in Head Start webinars for that information.
Who Should Attend: Executive Directors, Head Start Directors, Human Resources Directors and HR Personnel, but all are welcome. The Head Start Legal Advisory Service, a collaboration between Feldesman Tucker Leifer Fidell LLP and the National Head Start Association, has this topic, as well as other new offerings on topics designed with programs like yours in mind. To register or see the full list of this season’s trainings, please go to: http://headstart.peachnewmedia.com/store/provider/provider09.php.