2026 TXHSA Summer Conference

A Curated Experience: “Whole Program. Whole Community. Whole Child: A 360° Path to Head Start Excellence,”

The 2026 Texas Head Start Association (TXHSA) Summer Conference, taking place June 23–25, 2026 in San Antonio, is a powerful, all-tier professional development experience intentionally designed for the entire Head Start community. From classroom teachers and family service staff to center directors, program administrators, executive leaders, governing boards, Policy Council members, and community partners, this conference brings every role to the table to strengthen the full ecosystem that supports children and families.

Participants will engage in dynamic plenary sessions and workshops focusing on child development, family engagement, program management, and community partnerships. The conference will address emerging trends, policy shifts, and workforce challenges, and highlight the importance of community involvement and compassionate service.

Across three dynamic days, participants will engage in high-energy plenaries, interactive workshops, and collaborative learning experiences tailored to their unique contributions within Head Start. Whether shaping classroom environments, driving program operations, partnering with families, or guiding organizational strategy, every attendee will gain practical tools, research informed insights, and shared approaches that strengthen outcomes across the entire program.

The conference also convenes a diverse network of stakeholders to address emerging trends, policy shifts, workforce realities, and the evolving needs of Texas communities. Targeted breakout sessions will support key functional areas, including early childhood education, family and community engagement, health and wellness, governance, and program management. Attendees will also participate in association governance through board elections, reinforcing statewide leadership, advocacy, and innovation.

This year marks the statewide launch of the 2026 Smooth Entry Texas Journey, equipping staff at all levels with strategies to support full enrollment, seamless transitions, and sustained program success. A dedicated Pre Conference ERSEA Masterclass on June 22, 2026, provides additional depth for teams seeking to strengthen compliance, eligibility, and enrollment practices.

Amid ongoing social, economic, and systemic challenges, the 2026 TXHSA Summer Conference stands as a unifying moment for Texas — empowering every tier of staff with the knowledge, skills, and collaborative strategies needed to advance program excellence. More than a gathering, it is a statewide movement toward alignment, innovation, and the collective success of every child, every family, and every community we serve.

Target Audience

This diverse target audience reflects the conference’s commitment to strengthening the entire Head Start ecosystem. When agency leaders, educators, family service teams, governing bodies, and community partners learn and collaborate, programs are better positioned to deliver coordinated, high-quality services that advance the “Whole Program. Whole Community. Whole Child” vision.

• The 2026 TXHSA Summer Conference is for all Head Start and Early Head Start stakeholders.
• Educators, Teachers, and Classroom Support Staff
• Family Service Professionals and Home Visitors
• Health, Mental Health, Disabilities, and Wellness Staff
• Parents, Caregivers, and Emerging Leaders
• Center Directors, Managers, and Coordinators
• Governing Boards and Policy Council Members
• Agency Executives and Program Directors
• Administrative Personnel (Fiscal, HR, IT)
• Community Partners and Cross Sector Collaborators
• Consultants, Trainers, and Technical Assistance Providers
• Vendors, Suppliers, and Industry Experts
• National and Regional Office of Head Start (OHS) Staff
• State Collaboration Office Representatives
• State Early Childhood and Care Organizations

Learning Outcomes

By participating in the 2026 TXHSA Summer Conference, attendees will be able to:

1. Strengthen alignment across all Head Start roles to advance the Whole Program. Whole Community. Whole Child. vision
2. Gain clarity on key policy updates, research insights, and emerging issues shaping program excellence
3. Apply practical strategies to enhance education, family engagement, health, wellness, and program operations
4. Improve enrollment and ERSEA practices through Smooth Entry Texas Journey tools and approaches
5. Build stronger statewide relationships through collaboration, networking, and shared learning

At-A-Glance Agenda

Day 1 — Tuesday, June 23, 2026

Opening Day — Setting the 360° Vision
8:00 AM – 12:00 PM – Registration & Continental Breakfast
1:00 PM – 1:30 PM – Welcome & Opening Remarks
1:30 PM – 2:00 PM – Opening Keynote
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM – Plenary Session
3:00 PM – 4:30 PM – Networking & Community Connections Mixer

Day 2 — Wednesday, June 24, 2026

Deep Dive Day: Strengthening Systems & Community
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM – Morning Coffee & Networking
9:00 AM – 10:15 AM – Plenary Session: Trends, Policy & Workforce
10:15 AM – 10:30 AM – Morning Break
10:30 AM – 12:00 PM – Breakout Sessions (Conference Tracks) (4)
12:00 PM – 1:15 PM – Lunch Break
1:15 PM – 2:15 PM – Breakout Sessions (Conference Tracks) (4)
2:15 PM – 2:30 PM – Afternoon Break
2:30 PM – 3:30 PM – “Real Talk” Interactive Session
3:30 PM – 4:30 PM – Leadership Reflection & Peer Exchange

Day 3 — Thursday, June 25, 2026

Action Day: ERSEA, Impact & the Smooth Entry Journey and Road Ahead
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM – Breakfast Roundtables
9:00 AM – 10:15 AM – Plenary Session
10:15 AM – 10:30 AM – Morning Break
10:30 AM – 12:00 PM – Breakout Sessions (Conference Tracks) (4)
12:00 PM – 1:15 PM – Lunch Break
1:15 PM – 2:30 PM – Breakout Sessions (Conference Tracks) (4)
2:30 PM – 2:45 PM – Afternoon Break
2:45 PM – 3:45 PM – Closing Plenary: Launching the 2026 Smooth Entry Texas Journey
3:45 PM – Certificates & Acknowledgments / Conference Adjourns

Summer Conference Tracks at a Glance

Child Health & Development
Health, nutrition, mental health, and developmental supports.
Sub Area: Whole Child & Family

Early Childhood Care & Education
Curriculum, instruction, CLASS, and high-quality teaching practices.

Parent, Family & Community Engagement (PFCE)
Family partnerships, community resources, and responsive engagement.
Sub Area: Community & Partnerships
– Visibility and collective impact

Program Design & Management
Governance, planning, data systems, and continuous improvement.
Sub Area: ERSEA Excellence
– Data-driven, community-responsive strategies to reclaim every seat.
Sub Area: Leadership & System Alignment
– Purpose-driven leadership, team culture, and strategic alignment.
Sub Area: Program Operations
– Compliance, monitoring, fiscal systems, and sustainable operations.

Hotel and Training Location

Holiday Inn San Antonio

217 N. St. Mary’s Street

San Antonio, TX 78205

Learn More & Register

We warmly encourage Head Start programs to register as organizational teams, recognizing that shared learning strengthens collaboration, deepens engagement, and enhances the overall conference experience.

*Team Registration

Teams of five or more must register and submit payment by the Early Bird Deadline to secure discounted rates. Regular rates will apply after this date. TXHSA members receive additional discounted registration. Advance purchase is strongly recommended; onsite registration will be available as space permits. Please note that all tickets are non-refundable.

Changes, Cancellations and Substitutions

HGJA reserves the right to adjust the training schedule or cancel an activity if enrollment criteria are not met or if unforeseen circumstances arise. If a cancellation occurs, registrants will be notified, and HGJA’s liability will be limited to a refund of the training registration fee.

Cancellations submitted at least 10 business days before the scheduled training are eligible for a refund, minus a $50 administrative fee. No refunds will be issued for cancellations made fewer than 10 business days before the event; however, substitutions are welcome. All cancellation and substitution requests must be submitted in writing.