Event Category: All Events

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.

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.

​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.

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.

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.