ERSEA Summit I: Smooth Entry Masterclass

Smooth Entry Masterclass

Texas Head Start Association (TXHSA), H.G. Jones & Associates (HGJA), ESC Region 19 Head Start, state, local, and corporate partners are working together to promote and deliver one of a series of Head Start “Smooth Entry Texas” Masterclasses. These professional development and training sessions aim to assist programs in identifying and analyzing the root causes of under-enrollment. Participants will explore strategic action planning to achieve ERSEA goals and develop targeted strategies to reduce under-enrollment challenges throughout Texas and nationally.

Head Start provides essential comprehensive services, with annual costs ranging from $10,000 to $15,000 for Preschool Head Start and $15,000 to $22,000 for Early Head Start. Data from the Government Accountability Office (GAO) and other sources reveal that many programs struggle to achieve full enrollment, resulting in approximately 180,000 vacancies yearly. The TXHSA, in partnership with HGJA, has initiated the “Smooth Entry Texas” program to address this pressing issue. This initiative aims to unite a diverse range of experts to collaborate on developing effective enrollment strategies and solutions that guarantee that every enrollment vacancy in each community is full.

This two-day Masterclass analyzes current trends impacting local programming and critical data needed to improve Eligibility and Admission systems within Head Start and Early Head Start programs. It is designed to strengthen leaders’ and managers’ knowledge, and the skills required to understand and implement the Head Start Act, Final Rules, performance standards, other federal, state, and local mandates, and industry best practices. We are encouraging Head Start teams to join us in this exciting solution-centered event, which will create a culture focusing on performance and winning.

Agenda at a Glance

Date and Location

January 23-24, 2025
ESC19 Head Start Multi-Purpose Center Training Facility
11670 Chito Samaniego, El Paso, Texas 79936

Hotel Accommodations

Participants are responsible for arranging their travel and accommodations.

1. Holiday Inn Express & Suites El Paso I-10 East, an IHG Hotel | 11825 Gateway Blvd W, El Paso, TX 79936 Phone: +1 (915) 590-3200 | State government rate $110 includes free breakfast/parking
2. Hampton Inn & Suites El Paso/East | 12055 Gateway Blvd W, El Paso, TX 79936 Phone: +1 (915) 872-1215 | State government rate $110 includes free breakfast/parking
3. Courtyard El Paso East/I-10 | 12065 Gateway Blvd W, El Paso, TX 79936 Phone: +1 (915) 859-3336 | State government rate $154 includes free wifi/parking
4. TownePlace Suites El Paso East/I-10 | 11521 Gateway Blvd W, El Paso, TX 79936 Phone: +1 (915) 444-7500 | No government rate available, rate $229 + tax includes free breakfast/parking

A Curated Experience

TXHSA and HGJA are collaborating to create a one-of-a-kind learning experience for Head Start programs focused on achieving and maintaining full enrollment.

Learning Outcomes

After the ERSEA Summit, participants will have a better understanding of the following:

• Better understand the root causes of under-enrollment.
• Be equipped with new information, knowledge, and skills to reduce and eliminate under-enrollment.
• Better understand ERSEA systems and the importance of a team’s approach to meeting regulatory and programmatic requirements.
• Better understand leaders’ and managers’ roles and responsibilities in supporting direct service/center staff in carrying out ERSEA requirements.
• Develop new ideas, strategies, and solutions to meet and maintain full enrollment.
• Understand the resources available at the national, regional, state, and local levels to support Head Start programs to meet and maintain full enrollment.

Target Audience

Emerging and seasoned professionals of varying specialties will benefit from this unique learning experience. It is the ideal management retreat experience, and Head Start programs are encouraged to register as organizational teams, including Chief Executive Officers or Executive Directors, Board Members, Policy Council Members, Head Start Directors, Finance Directors, Human Resource Directors, Information Technology Directors, Operations and Program Coordinators, Content Area Managers, Supervisors, Intake staff, as well as others who hold a position of responsibility and accountability in ERSEA.

Presenters

• Texas Head Start Association Representatives
• H. G. Jones & Associates Staff
• Early Childhood and Head Start Consultants
• Corporate Partners

Learn More and Register

TXHSA members receive discounted registration. This is a limited-ticket event. Advance purchase is recommended; there is onsite registration. Tickets are non-refundable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it an In-Person or Hybrid Event?

TXHSA and HGJA are hosting an in-person conference in El Paso, Texas. All sessions and events will be live; there is no virtual option.

TXHSA and HGJA are committed to the health and safety of all participants — attendees, speakers, exhibitors, and staff. We plan to deliver the same world-class conference experience associated with our brand and the industry-leading hygiene practices of our event venue. We will continue to monitor developments, make protocol adjustments as required, and post updates accordingly.

Upcoming Smooth Entry Masterclasses & ERSEA Certification Courses

The Smooth Entry Masterclasses are a four-part series of professional development and training events focusing on Head Start agency leaders (board, policy council, executives, finance, human resources, and information technology) and program management (directors, coordinators, and intake staff) to strengthen ERSEA oversight, management, and accountability. Below are the series of events:

• ERSEA Summit II: Masterclass on Outreach, Recruitment, & Marketing – April 2025 – Savannah, GA
• ERSEA Summit III: Masterclass on Workforce Retention and Strategies to Meet and Maintain Full Enrollment – July 2025 – Chicago, IL
• ERSEA Summit IV: Masterclass on Innovation, Technology, and Finance Before Requesting Change in Scope – November 2025 – San Juan, PR