TXHSA Inaugural Albert Black Head Start Leadership Institute (Austin, TX)

Details Price Qty
Early Bird Registration - TXHSA Membershow details + $525.00 USD  
Early Bird Registration - Non-Membershow details + $625.00 USD  
Regular Registration - TXHSA Membershow details + $575.00 USD   Goes On Sale
October 18, 2026
Regular Registration - Non-Membershow details + $675.00 USD   Goes On Sale
October 18, 2026

  • Leadership Conference - Day 1
     November 17, 2026
     9:00 am - 4:00 pm
  • Leadership Conference - Day 2
     November 18, 2026
     9:00 am - 4:00 pm

Theme: Where Vision Rises, and Leaders Are Made — Igniting Leadership, Elevating Systems, Advancing Communities.

Leadership & Policy Institute Abstract

Step into a transformative experience at the inaugural Albert L. Black Head Start Leadership & Policy Institute! This is where visionary leaders from Head Start, human services agencies, organizations, and programs unite to inspire change and drive impact in early childhood education. You’ll gain invaluable insights, forge meaningful connections, and equip yourself with the tools needed to elevate our communities and ensure a brighter future for our children and families.
TXHSA represents a powerful network of 88 programs and 1,267 centers, with over 19,000 dedicated staff supporting more than 80,000 children and families through 65,000+ Head Start and Early Head Start slots. Join us as we ignite change and elevate communities together!

Overview of the Inaugural Albert L. Black Head Start Leadership & Policy Institute

The Inaugural Albert Black Head Start Leadership Institute is a premier leadership experience designed to ignite purpose, sharpen vision, and accelerate transformational impact across Head Start and early childhood systems. Inspired by the legacy of Albert L. Black, the institute convenes executives, directors, managers, specialists, and emerging leaders for an immersive experience that elevates leadership capacity and strengthens collective impact.
Participants engage in dynamic keynotes, high-impact panels, and authentic leadership dialogues that deepen strategic clarity, strengthen leadership, policy, and data-driven decision-making, and build the confidence and courage required to lead boldly in a rapidly evolving landscape.
Designed for professionals from Head Start, Early Head Start, and community-based organizations.  Participants will explore innovative strategies and collaborative solutions to strengthen programs and support families.

Five Leadership Pillars:

  1. Governance & Shared Leadership
  2. Policy, Data & Strategic Planning
  3. Financial Resilience & Sustainable Program Design
  4. Legislative Engagement, Partnerships & Stakeholder Mobilization
  5. Social Impact, Systems Change & Actionable Results

This is not simply an institute; it is a movement that honors legacy, elevates leadership, and advances the future of Head Start in Texas.

Learning Outcomes

  • Strengthen Governance & Shared Leadership
  • Use Policy, Data & Strategic Planning to Drive Innovation and Safeguards
  • Build Financially Resilient, Sustainable Programs
  • Mobilize Families, Staff & Community Partners
  • Lead Systems Change for Measurable Results

Participant Materials

  1. Data, CQI & Strategic Planning Sample Templates
  2. Fiscal Sustainability & Program Design Sample Kit
  3. Governance, Policy & Strategic Decision Sample Toolkit
  4. Leadership Action Plan & Institute Completion Packet
  5. Leadership Sample Workbook & Resource Guide
  6. Partnership & Community Engagement Sample Blueprint

Target Audience

CEOs, COOs, CFOs, Executive Directors, Program Directors, Governing Board Members, Policy Council Members, Content Area Leaders, Managers, Childcare Partners, and Community Partners across Texas are committed to strengthening Head Start, Early Head Start, early childhood education, and human services.

Invited Speakers and Presenters

  • Corporate Partners
  • Head Start Consultants
  • Head Start Staff
  • Industry Experts
  • National and Regional OHS Staff
  • Professional Policy Groups
  • State Collaboration Office
  • State Early Childhood and Care Groups

Agenda At-A-Glance

DAY ONE – November 17, 2026

Opening Day: Systems, Strategy & Organizational Strength

  • 8:00 AM – Registration; Morning Refreshments; Kickoff Leadership Networking
  • 8:30 AM – 9:00 AM – Opening Session & Welcome; Leadership & Policy Institute Overview; Acknowledgements & Announcements
  • 9:00 AM – 10:15 AM – Inaugural Tribute of the Albert L. Black Leadership and Policy Institute
  • 10:15 AM – 10:30 AM – Break
  • 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM – Morning Leadership and Policy Sessions
  • 12:00 PM – 1:15 PM – Lunch
  • 1:15 PM – 2:15 PM – Day One: Keynote—Leading with Purpose, Impact & Excellence
  • 2:15 PM – 2:30 PM – Break
  • 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM – Afternoon Leadership and Policy Sessions
  • 3:30 PM – 4:00 PM – Day One Reflection & Leadership Insights
  • 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM – Reception: Inaugural Albert L. Black Institute Social

DAY TWO – November 18, 2026

Well Being, Social Impact & The Future of Head Start

  • 8:00 AM – Registration; Morning Refreshments; Kickoff Leadership Networking
  • 9:00 AM – 10:15 AM – Day Two: Keynote—Advancing Policy for Impact
  • 10:15 AM – 10:30 AM – Break
  • 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM – Morning Panel: Leadership, Policy & Priority Insights
  • 12:00 PM – 1:15 PM – Lunch & Peer Networking
  • 1:15 PM – 2:15 PM – Afternoon Leadership and Policy Sessions
  • 2:15 PM – 2:30 PM – Break
  • 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM – Day Two Reflection & Leadership Insights; Closing General Session
  • 3:30 PM – 4:00 PM – Leadership and Policy Institute; Closing Ceremony & Certificate Presentation

Event Location

TCEA Conference Center
3100 Alvin Devane Blvd. Austin, TX 78741

Discover More and Secure Your Spot
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 Overview
Teams of five or more must register and submit payment by the Early Bird Deadline to secure discounted rates. TXHSA members receive additional discounts. Advance purchase is strongly recommended; onsite registration will be available as space permits. All tickets are non-refundable. TXHSA may adjust the schedule or cancel sessions if necessary.

Changes, Cancellations, and Substitutions
HGJA reserves the right to adjust the schedule or cancel activities if necessary. No refunds will be issued; however, substitutions are welcome with written notice.