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Pre-Institute Intensive Leadership Training
November 16, 2026
9:00 am - 3:30 pm -
Leadership Institute - Day 1
November 17, 2026
9:00 am - 4:00 pm -
Leadership Institute - Day 2
November 18, 2026
9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Theme: Where Vision Rises, and Leaders Are Made — “Igniting Leadership, Elevating Systems, and Advancing Communities”
A Three-Day Leadership Experience
The Texas Head Start Association (TXHSA) Inaugural Albert Black Head Start Leadership Institute is a premier three-day leadership experience designed to strengthen the vision, capacity, courage, and strategic leadership of Head Start and Early Head Start leaders across Texas.
Named in honor of Albert L. Black and his legacy of leadership and service, the Institute brings together Head Start executives, directors, managers, emerging leaders, governing bodies, Policy Councils, community partners, and other stakeholders committed to strengthening organizations and advancing outcomes for children, families, and communities.
Head Start leaders are navigating an increasingly complex environment characterized by changing federal priorities, workforce challenges, enrollment pressures, economic uncertainty, evolving policy and regulatory expectations, and growing community needs. These challenges demand leaders who can think strategically, make informed decisions, build strong partnerships, navigate change, and create a clear vision for the future.
The Albert Black Head Start Leadership Institute provides a dedicated forum to step beyond day-to-day operations and focus on leadership, strategy, policy, systems, partnerships, and the future of Head Start.
Pre-Institute Intensive Leadership Training
Day One – Monday, November 16, 2026 | 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM | Austin, Texas
ERSEA: Action Planning to Address Enrollment Shortfalls
The three-day experience begins on Monday, November 16, 2026, with an intensive leadership development session focused on Eligibility, Recruitment, Selection, Enrollment, and Attendance (ERSEA).
Pre‑Institute Session
8:30 AM–12:00 PM – Welcome, Pre-Institute / Early Registration
9:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Intensive Leadership Training- ERSEA-focused executive development for agency leaders and emerging directors (Core Themes: Legislative/Policy, Leadership Development)
12:00 PM–1:15 PM – Break
1:15 PM – 3:30 PM
Intensive Leadership Training – ERSEA (Continued). Focused executive development for agency leaders and emerging directors (Core Themes: AI/Technology, Legislative/Policy, Leadership Development)
5:30 PM–7:30 PM
TXHSA Board Meeting – Quarterly governance session, strategic updates, and institute alignment.
Institute Core | Detailed Core Areas Executive Version
- AI Technology | Leveraging Emerging Technologies & AI Driven Innovation
- Governance and Finance Management | Elevating Governance and Finance Management Excellence & Strategic Oversight
- Health and Mental Health | Promoting Holistic Health, Wellness & Mental Well Being
- Leadership Development | Advancing Leadership Growth, Vision & Professional Mastery
- Legislative/Policy | Navigating Policy Landscapes & Legislative Priorities
- Literacy | Advancing Foundational Literacy & Lifelong Learning
- Partnership Collaborations | Cultivating Strategic Partnerships & Community Collaboration
- Workforce Staffing | Strengthening Workforce Capacity, Talent Pipelines & Staff Well Being
This executive-focused experience moves beyond compliance to examine ERSEA as a strategic leadership responsibility. Participants will use data, realistic scenarios, leadership exercises, and collaborative problem-solving to identify enrollment barriers, strengthen organizational systems, align resources, and develop actionable strategies to achieve and sustain full enrollment.
Participants will strengthen their ability to lead ERSEA, not simply administer it, while connecting enrollment strategies to organizational performance, workforce capacity, community engagement, and measurable outcomes.
Pre-Institute Registration
Members: $250
Non-Members: $350
The Pre-Institute Intensive is a separate registration from the two-day Leadership Institute.
November 17–18, 2026
Albert Black Head Start Leadership Institute
Day Two — Tuesday, November 17, 2026 | 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM | Austin, Texas
The official Leadership Institute begins with keynote presentations, executive-level panels, policy and legislative updates, data insights, leadership development, and candid “Real Talk” conversations addressing the critical issues facing Head Start.
8:00 AM – 4:00 PM – Opening Day: Registration & Networking Breakfast
9:00 AM – 9:15 AM – Opening Ceremony & Welcome Remarks
9:15 AM – 10:30 AM – Keynote One: A Legacy Rising: A Keynote Tribute to Albert L. Black; Charting the Horizon: Policy, Leadership, and the Future of Head Start (Core Topic Area: Legislative/Policy / Leadership Development)
10:30 AM – 10:45 AM – Break
10:45 AM – 12:00 PM – Speaker Series I: The Visionary Leader’s Blueprint: Systems That Transform Early Childhood Futures (Core Topic Area: AI Technology / Literacy Development / Partnership Collaborations)
12:00 PM–1:00 PM – Networking Lunch: Community of Leaders Luncheon: Conversations That Move Us Forward
Core Topic Area: Partnership Collaborations / Leadership Development
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM – Speaker Series I: Fearless Leadership: Cultivating Teams That Inspire Change (Core Topic Area: Workforce Staffing / Health and Mental Health / Leadership Development)
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM – Speaker Series I: Transforming Communities Through Connected Human Services Leadership
Core Topic Area: Partnership Collaborations / Health and Mental Health
3:00 PM – 3:15 PM – Break
3:15 PM–4:00 PM – Leadership Roundtable of Impact: Conversations That Shape Tomorrow (Core Topic Area: AI Technology / Governance and Finance Management / Legislative/Policy)
4:00 PM – 4:30 PM – Closing Reflections: Anchoring Vision, Strengthening Resolve (Core Topic Area: Leadership Development / Health and Mental Health)
6:00 PM–8:00 PM – GALA: Celebrating Legacy: Honoring Albert L. Black’s Leadership Journey (semi-formal attire)
The Inaugural Albert Black Legacy and Leadership Gala honors a visionary whose commitment to service inspires many. This event unites leaders to celebrate transformative leadership and the enduring spirit of service Albert Black championed, motivating future generations to carry on his legacy.
Day Three — Wednesday, November 18, 2026 | 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM | Austin, Texas
The Institute concludes with collaborative problem-solving, partnership development, strategic planning, and actionable leadership strategies designed to help participants translate ideas and insights into measurable organizational and community results.
8:00 AM – 4:00 PM – Registration & Networking Breakfast
9:00 AM – 9:15 AM – Opening the Day with Purpose: Welcome & Key Updates
9:15 AM – 10:30 AM – Keynote: The Power of Bold Leadership: Elevating Communities, Inspiring Change (Core Topic Area: Leadership Development / Legislative/Policy / Governance and Finance Management)
10:30 AM – 10:45 AM – Plenary Panel: Texas Rising — Statewide Innovation & Impact Across Head Start (Core Topic Area: Legislative/Policy / Partnership Collaborations)
10:45 AM – 11:00 AM – Break
11:00 AM – 11:15 AM – Speaker Series II: The Transformational Leader — Reimagining Early Care and Education and Human Services for Tomorrow (Core Topic Area: Leadership Development / Partnership Collaborations)
11:15 AM – 12:00 PM – Speaker Series II: AI-Empowered Insight to Action — Transforming Leadership Through Data, Technology, and Impact‑Driven Decisions (Core Topic Area: AI Technology / Workforce Staffing / Literacy / Health and Mental Health / Partnership Collaborations / Governance and Finance Management)
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM – Leadership Luncheon (Pre‑Paid): Advancing Policy Through Vision and Action
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM – Speaker Series II: United for Impact — High‑Value Community Alliances That Transform Outcomes (Core Themes: Partnership Collaborations / Literacy
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM – Speaker Series II: Innovating for Impact — Funding Strategies That Fuel the Future (Core Themes: Governance and Finance Management / Workforce Staffing)
3:00 PM – 3:15 PM – Break
3:15 PM – 4:00 PM – Institute Lab: Building Your Vision‑Driven Leadership Action Plan (Core Themes: Leadership Development / AI Technology)
4:00 PM – 4:30 PM – Leadership Institute Closeout: Where Vision Rises, and Leaders Are Made — Igniting Leadership, Elevating Systems, and Advancing Communities Forward (Core Themes: Leadership Development / Governance Management)
4:30 PM – Adjournment
What Participants Will Gain
Participants will have the opportunity to:
- Accountability & ERSEA: Address enrollment, full enrollment, Smooth Entry Texas, and disenrollment challenges
- Advocacy & Engagement: Strengthen community engagement, advocacy, partnerships, and resource development
- Children, Families & Communities: Explore issues affecting children, families, and communities
- Collaboration & Partnerships: Build relationships with leaders and partners advancing Head Start across Texas
- Data & Trends: Examine national, state, and community trends shaping early childhood and human services
- Data & Workforce: Examine workforce recruitment, retention, development, and career advancement strategies
- Governance & Partnerships: Explore strategies to strengthen state, regional, and national partnerships
- Leadership & Decision Making: Strengthen data-informed leadership and organizational decision-making
- Policy & Compliance: Receive timely legislative, policy, regulatory, and federal updates impacting Head Start
- Strategy & Priorities: Understand TXHSA’s organizational priorities and strategic initiatives
Leadership Imperatives
The Institute will challenge participants to strengthen their ability to:
- Build High-Performing Teams
- Cultivate Community Partnerships
- Lead with Vision
- Lead with Vision
- Make Courageous Decisions
- Navigate Change
- Strengthen Accountability
- Translate Strategy into Measurable Results
- Use Data Intelligently
Participant Materials
- Data, CQI & Strategic Planning Sample Templates
- Fiscal Sustainability & Program Design Sample Kit
- Governance, Policy & Strategic Decision Sample Toolkit
- Leadership Action Plan & Institute Completion Packet
- Leadership Sample Workbook & Resource Guide
- Partnership & Community Engagement Sample Blueprint
Who Should Attend?
The Institute is designed for:
Head Start & Early Head Start Executives and Directors
Managers, Coordinators & Specialists
Emerging & Aspiring Leaders
Governing Bodies & Boards
Policy Council Members
Community & Strategic Partners
Early Childhood & Human Services Leaders
Why This Institute Matters
The future of Head Start will require leaders who can see beyond today’s challenges, anticipate tomorrow’s opportunities, and mobilize people and resources around a shared vision. The Albert Black Head Start Leadership Institute creates the space for leaders to come together, confront difficult issues, exchange ideas, strengthen partnerships, and develop strategies that move Head Start forward.
This is more than a conference. It is a three-day leadership experience designed to prepare today’s leaders and the next generation of leaders for what comes next.
THREE DAYS. TWO LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCES. ONE SHARED VISION.
One Institute.
A Legacy of Leadership.
A New Generation of Impact.
Monday, November 16, 2026
ERSEA: Action Planning to Address Enrollment Shortfalls
$250 Members | $350 Non-Members
Tuesday, November 17, 2026 and Wednesday, 18, 2026
Early Bird: $525 Members | $625 Non-Members
Regular: $575 Members | $675 Non-Members