As 2025 draws to a close, we pause to celebrate the progress we’ve made and the futures we continue to build together. This season reminds us of the strength found in community, the joy of shared milestones, and the promise of what lies ahead. 

At the Florida Head Start Association, every achievement this year has been fueled by your dedication, whether through advocacy, partnership, or the daily work of supporting children and families. Your commitment ensures that our mission remains vibrant and impactful. 

Together, We Build Futures. 

With this guiding vision, we look toward 2026 with renewed energy: expanding opportunities, strengthening programs, and amplifying the voices of those we serve. 

Thank you for being part of this journey. May your holiday season be filled with peace, gratitude, and anticipation for the bright year to come.

As the holiday season approaches, it’s easy to focus all of our energy on caring for others. But for family services professionals and home visitors, self-care is not a luxury—it’s essential. Think of it as charging your own batteries so you have the strength, energy, and capacity to continue supporting children and families. 

Self-care promotes and restores both psychological and physical health, creating a greater sense of well-being. Simple but effective practices—whether it’s taking a walk, setting aside quiet time, or connecting with supportive colleagues—can make a meaningful difference. When you invest in your own wellness, you benefit not only yourself, but also your program and the families you serve. 

And remember: you are not alone. Program leaders and supervisors play an important role in promoting self-care and wellness in the workplace. Together, we can build a culture that values balance, resilience, and well-being. 

This December, give yourself the gift of self-care. By nurturing your own health, you strengthen your ability to nurture others.

The Florida Head Start Association (FHSA) proudly celebrates its State Award winners who have advanced to receive regional recognition from the Region IV Head Start Association (RIVHSA). First honored during FHSA’s Annual Awards Luncheon in October, these outstanding leaders, staff, parents, and partners will now be recognized during the RIVHSA 2026 Awards Gala on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, 6:30–8:30 p.m. EST at the Omni Atlanta at Centennial Park – Grand Ballroom. 

Read the full list of honorees and details in our press release.

Are you ready to take your career to the next level? The Social Services Competency-Based Training (SSCBT) Credential from Tennessee State University serves as your gateway to greater impact and professional growth in family support and community services. 

This nationally recognized certification is the result of a strategic partnership between the Florida Head Start Association (FHSA) and the Florida Head Start Collaboration Office—explicitly designed for Head Start professionals who work directly with families. 

Why SSCBT?

• Meets Head Start Program Performance Standards 1302.91(e)(7)

• Tailored for staff and supervisors supporting families.

• Builds core competencies for success across diverse service settings.

Whether you're a seasoned family advocate or a rising leader in social services, SSCBT equips you with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to thrive.

Meeting location: Holden Heights Community Center, 1201 20th Street, Orlando, FL, 32805 

Registration closes January 17, 2026, or when capacity is reached—whichever comes first. Space is limited to 25 attendees. 

Don’t miss this opportunity to grow your skillset, deepen your impact, and join a network of professionals committed to excellence in family engagement. 

Cost details, training schedule, and certification requirements are available on the registration page.

Want to hear directly from the trainer and past participants before committing? Join our upcoming SSCBT Info Session hosted by FHSA and the Florida Head Start Collaboration Office! 

Trainer DiAnca Rogers will walk through the credential’s value, expectations, and impact—and answer your questions live.

The recent federal government shutdown underscored Head Start’s critical role — and the urgent need for stable, increased funding. While the shutdown has ended, Congress and the President have not yet finalized funding for the full fiscal year 2026. 

Head Start programs depend on a deeply committed, yet underpaid and overextended workforce. Without stronger investment, the future of these essential services remains uncertain.

 FHSA encourages you to urge Congress to strengthen and increase funding so every child and family can thrive.

As a Community Partner of Children’s Week, FHSA invites you to join us in creating hand artwork for next year’s Celebration of the Hands at the Capitol Rotunda. This inspiring display is a reminder that the future of our children rests in our hands. 

With the 2026 theme, Building Blocks for Every Child, we encourage families and Head Start/Early Head Start programs to design handprints that reflect our shared commitment to strong foundations for Florida’s children. 

Helpful reminders:

• Connect hands with string, yarn, or ribbon (no individual hands).
• Add a header at the top of your strand.
• Package carefully and ensure embellishments are dry.
• Mail completed artwork by February 6, 2026.

Together, let’s build a vibrant display that celebrates imagination, unity, and the power of community.

The Maternal Mental Health (MMH) Collaborative and First 1,000 Days Florida invite you to the 10th Annual Perinatal Mental Health Conference, January 8–10, 2026, at the FSU Alumni Center in Tallahassee. 

This premier event brings together healthcare professionals, educators, and advocates to strengthen outcomes in maternal and child health, early intervention, infant care, and ACEs prevention. It’s a chance to connect, collaborate, and advance innovations that support families during the critical first 1,000 days of life.

Join Head Start leaders, staff, parents, and advocates in D.C. this January to strengthen our collective voice and celebrate the power of Head Start. The Winter Leadership Institute offers advocacy training, policy sessions, and direct engagement with Congress—plus the beloved Breakfast for Head Start on Capitol Hill. 

Dates: January 26–29, 2026

Location: Washington, D.C.

The FHSA monthly newsletter aims to provide you with important information about the Association, upcoming events, and national industry updates. We encourage you to make sure your information is up-to-date so you don't miss out on important information.