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Region VI Southwestern Fall Conference - Day One
October 21, 2025
8:00 am - 5:00 pm -
Region VI Southwestern Fall Conference - Day Two
October 22, 2025
8:00 am - 5:00 pm -
Region VI Southwestern Fall Conference - Day Three
October 23, 2025
8:00 am - 5:00 pm -
Region VI Southwestern Fall Conference - Day Four
October 24, 2025
8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Theme: “60 Years of Head Start: Honoring the Past, Empowering the Present, Inspiring the Future.”
A Curated Experience
The Region VI Head Start Association, in collaboration with the Texas Head Start Association and H.G. Jones & Associates, proudly presents the 2025 Southwestern Head Start Fall Conference, themed “60 Years of Head Start: Honoring the Past, Empowering the Present, Inspiring the Future.” This milestone event will take place from October 21 to 24, 2025, at the Hyatt Regency in Dallas, Texas.
As we celebrate six decades of transformative impacts, this conference serves as a heartfelt tribute to the many lives that the Head Start program has touched. It’s an opportunity to come together, reflect on our history, and envision a future where every child, community, and family can thrive. The agenda features keynote presentations, workshops, and networking opportunities designed to enhance early childhood education and family services.
Attendees will embark on a journey to explore innovative strategies that enhance program delivery, strengthen cross-sector collaboration, and influence policy at every level. This experience is designed to empower individuals with the knowledge, tools, and inspiration to drive meaningful change in their communities. This event is not merely a gathering; it is an opportunity to leave feeling empowered and inspired. Let us unite to celebrate our achievements, honor our history, and encourage one another as we envision a brighter future.
Who Should Attend
This year’s conference is designed for a varied audience of Head Start professionals and partners, representing over 120,000 children and nearly 20,000 staff from various states.
- Alabama
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Mississippi
- New Mexico
- Oklahoma
- Tennessee
- Texas
Programs are encouraged to register as teams to promote collaboration and maximize learning. Ideal participants include Executive Directors, CEOs, Board Members, Policy Council Representatives, Parents, Program Directors, and Key Staff Members.
Conference Focus Areas
Key issues and opportunities that will be addressed include:
- Strategic planning
- Community assessment
- AI & Technology
- Program design and management
- Workforce recruitment and retention
- Enrollment and funding challenges
- Health and wellness
- Immigration and family advocacy
- Policy development and compliance
- Integration of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence
Learning Outcomes
Participants will:
- Acquire actionable tools and strategies to implement within local programs
- Analyze root causes of poverty to design more effective interventions
- Assess the measurable impact of Head Start on children and families
- Collaborate across roles and regions to develop inclusive, community-focused solutions
- Discover evidence-based models that have transformed outcomes for children and families
- Expand professional networks and build lasting partnerships
- Gain a deeper understanding of Head Start’s evolution and foundational values
- Learn how Head Start addresses intergenerational poverty through education and community support
- Reflect on historical successes to guide future strategies
- Strengthen advocacy skills to influence policy in early childhood education and social welfare
Call to Action
Let’s unite to ignite innovation, share valuable insights, and forge a transformative path for the next generation of Head Start. This is not just a conference; it’s a powerful movement. Together, we celebrate our collective achievements, spark new ideas, and reaffirm our mission to uplift children and families. Let this be our moment to lead with passion and purpose.
Featured & Invited Speakers
- Office of Head Start – National & Regional
- National Head Start Association
- Regional Training & Technical Assistance Network
- State Collaboration Offices
- State Head Start Associations
- Shriver Center on Poverty Law
- Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP)
- Southern Poverty Law Center
- Texas Cares for Children
- Children at Risk
- Early Childhood & Care Coalitions
- H.G. Jones & Associates
- Leading Policy Experts & Thought Leaders
- Corporate Sponsors & Partners
Registration Information
We invite Head Start programs, community organizations, and industry experts to register early for this important event. We highly encourage team registrations to promote collaboration and shared learning. While early registration is recommended, on-site registration will also be available. Please note that all ticket sales are final and non-refundable.
Hotel & Room Rates
Hyatt Regency Dallas
300 Union Blvd
Dallas, TX 75207
$170 a night for Single or Double