Join your Head Start colleagues in Orlando from October 27-29, 2026 for an enriching conference experience filled with education, networking, and team building!
Registration Rates
| Member Type |
Early
(6/23-7/21) |
Regular
(7/22-9/7) |
On-Site |
| FHSA Member |
$450 |
$500 |
$525 |
| Non-Member |
$575 |
$625 |
$675 |
Opening Keynote Speaker
 Dr. El Brown is a storyteller, thinker, teacher, and mother who transforms moments into movements.
Through her signature Top Notch Village framework, she works with families, service providers, agencies, communities, and policymakers to create thriving ecosystems that support equitable education and life opportunities.
Dr. El’s solution-oriented nature led her to found KinderJam®, a play-based early education program that began as a way to share her observations about her son’s development with his service providers. This innovative approach quickly evolved into a military family support initiative, empowering families across 11 countries and 16 states. Its success earned Dr. El an invitation to the White House for Michelle Obama’s Joining Forces initiative and a feature on The Oprah Winfrey Show as the Army Spouse of the Year.
Her Top Notch Village philosophy is informed by her lived experience as the mother of a child on the autism spectrum. Her journey, from advocating for her son, who was nonverbal at nearly five years old, to celebrating him as a college-bound student, serves as a case study for her framework. She believes that a child’s village—the people, systems, and relationships that surround them—can transform lives.
With a PhD in Education with a research focus on Family and Community Engagement, Dr. El combines academic knowledge with real-world experience to inspire collaboration and resilience. Her mission is clear: to help build Top Notch Villages that foster connection and unlock potential for generations to come.
Conference Venue
 DoubleTree by Hilton at the Entrance to Universal Orlando
5780 Major Boulevard
Orlando, FL 32819
We're excited to welcome you to the DoubleTree by Hilton at the Entrance to Universal Orlando. As a Universal Orlando Partner Hotel, this venue places you steps away from some of Orlando’s most iconic attractions, dining, and entertainment. Whether you’re unwinding after a full day of sessions or exploring with colleagues, you’ll be surrounded by world‑class experiences. With everything you need within walking distance, this year’s conference offers the perfect blend of convenience, comfort, and Orlando excitement.
Room Rates: The sleeping room rate is $149 per night, plus applicable sales (currenlty 6.5%) and occupancy taxes, (currenlty 6%) for single or double occupancy. Self-parking is $15+ per night (discounted from $34+).
Cancellations must be received at least 72 hours (3 days) prior to the arrival date to avoid a possible one-night room and tax penalty charged to the credit card.
Guests are able to make reservations through Hilton Reservations at 1-800-222-TREE (8733) using the special rate code (AE2) or the Hilton Link provided.
The group rate is available until Monday, October 5, 2026, or until the block is full, whichever comes first.
No-Show Fees: Guests not arriving for a scheduled reservation will forfeit the one-night deposit and the reservation will be released.
Check-In/Check-Out Times: The hotel’s check-in time is 4:00 p.m. Room assignments prior to that time are on a space-availability basis. The hotel’s check-out time is 11:00 a.m. Guests occupying their room beyond check-out time, without the hotel’s authorization, will be charged for an additional night.
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