As summer fades and a new school year begins, we find ourselves at a pivotal moment—not just on the calendar, but in our collective journey. September marks a time of renewal, reflection, and recommitment to the values that define Head Start in Florida. 

And with our 2025 Annual Conference & Expo just 8 weeks away, the momentum is building. This year’s theme, “Honoring the Past. Shaping the Future,” invites us to reflect on how far we’ve come—and to envision what’s possible when we lead together. 

Whether you're a seasoned leader or new to Head Start, this conference offers a space to reconnect, reimagine, and recommit to the work that matters most. Together, we’re building a future where every Florida child has the opportunity to thrive.

Here's what Conference attendees can expect:

• An inspiring keynote speaker who will share a powerful message of resilience, progress, and the enduring impact of early childhood education.
• Hands-on workshops tailored to your role.
• Networking with peers and partners across the state.
• Tools and strategies to elevate your program’s impact.

We invite you to explore more with the buttons below.

After registering for the conference, don't forget to book your hotel room!  

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel at the Entrance to Universal Orlando,

5780 Major Blvd., Orlando, FL 32819.

FHSA has secured a room block that is open and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

• Group Rate: Starting at $159 per night++
• Booking Window: Available now through Tuesday, October 7, 2025, or until capacity is reached
• Extended Stay Perks: Enjoy the FHSA rate three days before and after the conference dates
• Parking: Overnight and event day self-parking rate is discounted to $15+ tax a night.

Reserve your room today to lock in the discounted rate:

• Call Hilton Reservations: 1-800-222-TREE (8733)
• Use the Group Rate Code: (HT2)
• Or click the “Book Now” button below
• Check-in: 4:00 p.m.
• Check-out: 11:00 a.m.

The FHSA Annual Conference & Expo is only affordable because of the generous sponsors who make this event an amazing experience for all attendees. Without their generous support, the conference would be nearly three times as expensive. Please show these Sponsors some love by thanking them and contacting them when you need any of their services.

As we approach the close of FHSA’s fiscal year, it’s time to renew your membership and continue your journey with us. 

Watch your inboxes: Renewal emails were sent starting August 1st, complete with personalized invoices and easy payment instructions. 

The deadline to renew is September 30, 2025. 

Renewing ensures uninterrupted access to:

• Timely advocacy alerts
• Exclusive professional development opportunities
• Member-only resources and updates
• A statewide network of passionate Head Start professionals

If you have any membership questions, contact [email protected] or call FHSA (850) 695-6477.

Advocacy doesn’t have to be complicated. That’s why FHSA created the Advocacy Toolkit. This toolkit is a simple, powerful, and accessible resource to help you make your voice heard, no matter how much time you have. 

Inside the toolkit, you’ll find three easy ways to get started: 

Quick Actions (5 minutes or less)

• Share a pre-drafted social media post.

• Send a ready-to-use email to your legislator.

• Share FHSA’s advocacy page with your network.

Personal Storytelling (10–20 minutes)

• Customize a social caption with your own Head Start story.

• Add your experience to one of the email templates.

• Share a one-pager with colleagues, neighbors, or your faith community.

Community Impact (30–60 minutes)

• Submit an op-ed to your local newspaper.

• Invite a policymaker to visit your program.

• Present a one-pager at a community meeting or chamber event.

No matter how much time you can give, there’s an entry point for advocacy. The most important step is to start, and to keep speaking up for Head Start. 

Explore the toolkit today and take your first action!

Upcoming Webinar: Connecting Head Start and Public Health to Improve Young Children Nutrition

When: Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. ET

Join the Office of Head Start and the CDC’s Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity for a dynamic webinar focused on advancing public health through Head Start programs. Discover how farm to early childhood education (ECE) initiatives can be elevated through strategic partnerships and practical tools. 

What You’ll Learn:

• How to collaborate with public health partners to support nutrition and farm to ECE
• Access to toolkits, curricula, and outdoor learning resources
  Strategies for sustaining nutrition programming with national technical assistance
• Introduction of the Farm to ECE Compendium—a new CDC resource tailored for Head Start staff

Hear directly from panelists in Missouri, North Carolina, and Nebraska as they share real-world successes and lessons learned in implementing farm to ECE strategies. 

Explore More:

• Nourishing Futures with Healthy Eating and Nutrition
• High-quality Nutrition Programming in the Field
• Spotlighting Programs: A Panel Discussion on Exceptional Nutrition Service Delivery
  
  Let’s grow healthier futures together—one garden, one meal, one child at a time.

Sign Up for Email Updates 

Want to stay up-to-date from the latest information from the Office of Head Start? Be sure to subscribe to their email updates.

The National Head Start Association (NHSA) issued the following statement in response to the House Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee recommending level funding for Head Start in FY26: 

“We appreciate the longstanding and continued bipartisan recognition of Head Start’s essential role in supporting our nation’s eligible children and families. The House Labor/HHS Subcommittee’s recommendation to maintain level funding in FY26 reflects a shared understanding of Head Start’s impact in every congressional district across the country. At the same time, maintaining this level of service requires adapting to economic realities. With inflation projected to exceed 3%, level funding amounts to a real cut. From rising expenses such as transportation and health care costs to ongoing facility needs and the critical importance of offering competitive wages to qualified staff, Head Start programs are facing growing financial pressure."

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.