Training

Training

Organizations are only as good as the professionals who work for them. Even in highly committed learning organizations, keeping up with the pace of new information is a challenge. HGJA makes that job easier – and our clients more effective.

We specialize in hands-on training that produces results. From national, stand-alone events for individuals to turnkey, tailored programs for organizations, our priority is to deliver a unique experience that not only opens minds but puts them to work in new ways. Customized educational events can also be combined with consultation services for greater organizational impact.

Customer-designed solutions to suit unique needs can be delivered virtually to ensure the greatest number of staff, partners, and stakeholders can participate. Public seminars are also offered and designed to build skills and offer networking opportunities.

2026 In-Person, Partnership & Virtual Training Calendar

  • ERSEA Level One Course: Understanding the Fundamentals - (Hybrid) (In Person, Chicago IL and Virtual)
    • Day 1
       March 25, 2026
       9:30 am - 3:30 pm
    • Day 2
       March 26, 2026
       9:30 am - 3:30 pm

    This training is designed to strengthen participants' knowledge and skills for meeting the requirements outlined in Part 1302 of the federal regulations regarding eligibility, recruitment, selection, enrollment, and attendance (ERSEA) in Head Start. Participants will gain an in-depth understanding of the ERSEA regulations and the impact of the Head Start Act on eligibility and accessibility issues, such as in the cases of Homeless and Over-income families.

  • TXHSA Inaugural Albert Black Head Start Leadership Institute (Austin, TX)
    • Leadership Conference - Day 1
       April 15, 2026
       9:00 am - 4:00 pm
    • Leadership Conference - Day 2
       April 16, 2026
       9:00 am - 4:00 pm

    Created for executives, directors, coordinators, managers, leaders, and specialists, this immersive institute/conference invites participants to unleash their leadership potential, deepen strategic influence, and boldly shape the future of Head Start in the spirit of Albert Black’s enduring legacy.

  • ERSEA Level Two Course: Implementing the Requirements - (Hybrid) (In Person, Chicago, IL and Virtual)
    • Day 1
       April 21, 2026
       9:30 am - 3:30 pm
    • Day 2
       April 22, 2026
       9:30 am - 3:30 pm

    This training builds on the basics established in Level One. It develops a further understanding of the regulations, provides ideas for implementation, and places an emphasis on systems management. Level Two focuses on best practices in implementation and management that make ERSEA processes successful.

  • ERSEA Level Three Course: Managing the Process - (Hybrid) (In-Person, Chicago, IL and Virtual)
    • Day 1
       May 19, 2026
       9:30 am - 3:30 pm
    • Day 2
       May 20, 2026
       9:30 am - 3:30 pm

    This training builds on Levels One and Two and is designed to assist programs to better track, monitor, and evaluate the overall ERSEA process and the systems that support it.

  • Eligibility & Admissions Compliance Bootcamp: Building Skills of Practitioners (Hybrid) (In Person, Chicago and Virtual)
    • Eligibility & Admissions - Day 1
       May 27, 2026
       9:30 am - 3:30 pm
    • Eligibility & Admissions - Day 2
       May 28, 2026
       9:30 am - 3:30 pm

    This training Bootcamp is designed to assist staff in local Head Start and Early Head Start programs to strengthen their skills and knowledge related to Eligibility and Admissions Compliance. This important and beneficial training will include the most recent GAO Report findings related to Eligibility and Admissions Compliance. The regulations have identified findings related to significant fraud and improper payment risks directly effecting the success of Programs. HGJA will teach you how to avoid and overcome these obstacles by providing participants with the skills and proper insight to help effectively navigate these issues.

  • ERSEA Review and Exam: Successful Completion of Core Competencies - (Hybrid) (In-Person, Chicago, IL and Virtual)
    • Day 1
       June 16, 2026
       9:30 am - 3:30 pm
    • Day 2
       June 17, 2026
       9:30 am - 12:00 pm

    The ERSEA Certification Review and Exam is a day-and-a-half session to prepare each participant for the comprehensive ERSEA Certification Exam. The Exam includes 100 questions designed to test each participant's skills, knowledge, and understanding of the ERSEA process. Upon satisfactory completion of the Certification process, the ERSEA Certification will be good for one (1) year. After one year, it must be renewed by the completion of a ERSEA Re-Certification training and successful completion of the Re-Certification exam.

  • TXHSA 2026 Summer Conference
    • Summer Conference - Day 1
       June 23, 2026
       8:00 am - 4:00 pm
    • Summer Conference - Day 2
       June 24, 2026
       8:00 am - 4:00 pm
    • Summer Conference - Day 3
       June 25, 2026
       8:00 am - 4:00 pm

    The 2026 Head Start Summer Conference brings together leaders and advocates for a transformative experience. The theme “Whole Program. Whole Community. Whole Child: A 360° Path to Head Start Excellence” underscores the importance of system harmony in achieving Head Start excellence.

  • Family Engagement: Managing the Partnership Development Process (Hybrid) (In-Person - Chicago, IL and Virtual)

    ​HGJA’s Family Engagement Training Session provides early childhood and human/social services practitioners and professionals with the core fundamentals of how to enhance and/or build sustainable partnerships with families intentionally and reciprocally. The training session will demonstrate the key elements of Family Engagement and Development with specific activities, understand the mandates, organize families, and increase outcomes. The session provides CDC Planning Guides and Resources related to COVID-19 and the OHS PFCE framework and tools for encouraging, involving, and measuring families’ involvement at different levels.

  • ERSEA Level One Course: Understanding the Fundamentals - (Hybrid) (In Person, Chicago IL and Virtual)
    • Day 1
       September 29, 2026
       9:30 am - 3:30 pm
    • Day 2
       September 30, 2026
       9:30 am - 3:30 pm

    This training is designed to strengthen participants' knowledge and skills for meeting the requirements outlined in Part 1302 of the federal regulations regarding eligibility, recruitment, selection, enrollment, and attendance (ERSEA) in Head Start. Participants will gain an in-depth understanding of the ERSEA regulations and the impact of the Head Start Act on eligibility and accessibility issues, such as in the cases of Homeless and Over-income families.

  • Community Assessment Training: Setting a Foundation for Program Planning (Hybrid) (In Person, Chicago, IL and Virtual)
    • Community Assessment Training - Day 1
       October 13, 2026
       9:30 am - 3:00 pm
    • Community Assessment Training - Day 2
       October 14, 2026
       9:30 am - 3:00 pm

    The community assessment provides a foundation for all of a program’s planning. Key management team members must have knowledge and skills that encompass the specific regulatory requirements, process management, systemic techniques, and data-gathering strategies, plus the necessary skills to analyze and adequately utilize the assessment information for grant development and program planning. In this session, the HGJA team will outline the steps that will assist your program to produce a community assessment of value to your program and community.

  • TXHSA 2026 Fall Conference
    • TXHSA Fall Conference - Day 1
       October 20, 2026
       8:00 am - 4:00 pm
    • TXHSA Fall Conference - Day 2
       October 21, 2026
       8:00 am - 4:00 pm
    • TXHSA Fall Conference - Day 3
       October 22, 2026
       8:00 am - 4:00 pm

    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. It is an opportunity to leave feeling empowered and inspired. The agenda features keynote presentations, workshops, and networking opportunities designed to enhance early childhood education and family services.

  • ERSEA Level Two Course: Implementing the Requirements - (Hybrid) (In Person, Chicago, IL and Virtual)
    • Day 1
       October 27, 2026
       9:30 am - 3:30 pm
    • Day 2
       October 28, 2026
       9:30 am - 3:30 pm

    This training builds on the basics established in Level One. It develops a further understanding of the regulations, provides ideas for implementation, and places an emphasis on systems management. Level Two focuses on best practices in implementation and management that make ERSEA processes successful.

  • ERSEA Level Three Course: Managing the Process - (Hybrid) (In-Person, Chicago, IL and Virtual)
    • Day 1
       November 17, 2026
       9:30 am - 3:30 pm
    • Day 2
       November 18, 2026
       9:30 am - 3:30 pm

    This training builds on Levels One and Two and is designed to assist programs to better track, monitor, and evaluate the overall ERSEA process and the systems that support it.

  • ERSEA Re-Certification: Building on Established Foundations - (Hybrid) (In-Person, Chicago IL and Virtual)
    • Day 1
       November 19, 2026
       9:30 am - 3:30 pm
    • Day 2
       November 20, 2026
       9:30 am - 3:30 pm

    This session will strengthen participants' knowledge and skills for meeting the requirements outlined in Part 1302 of the federal regulations regarding Eligibility, Recruitment, Selection, Enrollment, and Attendance (ERSEA). Participants will explore new ideas, strategies, solutions, and best practices for successfully leading, managing, and implementing ERSEA processes. Ultimately, the session will assist programs to understand better that ERSEA means access to services, not service delivery.

  • ERSEA Review and Exam: Successful Completion of Core Competencies - (Hybrid) (In-Person, Chicago, IL and Virtual)
    • Day 1
       December 2, 2026
       9:30 am - 3:30 pm
    • Day 2
       December 3, 2026
       9:30 am - 12:00 pm

    The ERSEA Certification Review and Exam is a day-and-a-half session to prepare each participant for the comprehensive ERSEA Certification Exam. The Exam includes 100 questions designed to test each participant's skills, knowledge, and understanding of the ERSEA process. Upon satisfactory completion of the Certification process, the ERSEA Certification will be good for one (1) year. After one year, it must be renewed by the completion of a ERSEA Re-Certification training and successful completion of the Re-Certification exam.