As autumn settles in and the season of gratitude approaches, we find ourselves reflecting on the resilience of our Head Start community. The recent government shutdown tested our collective strength, pausing vital operations and casting uncertainty across the programs that serve our most vulnerable children and families. Yet, in true Head Start spirit, we stood firm, advocating, adapting, and supporting one another through the storm. 

The government has now reopened, and we can breathe a cautious sigh of relief. Services resume, classrooms reopen, and the heartbeat of Head Start continues. This moment reminds us not only of the fragility of systems but of the unwavering commitment of educators, staff, and families who make Head Start more than a program — it’s a promise. 

As we gather around tables this Thanksgiving, we give thanks for the power of community, the courage of our advocates, and the enduring belief that every child deserves a strong start. Let this season renew our purpose and fuel our momentum as we move forward, together.

Following the passage of a continuing resolution on November 12, 2025, the federal government is funded through January 30, 2026. With operations resuming, the Office of Head Start (OHS) is working to expedite grant awards for October and November start-date grantees—but delays persist. 

OHS is operating with roughly half capacity in regional offices, and while staff are working diligently, the Head Start community must urge HHS to act swiftly. We’re calling on HHS to waive the Congressional hold and provide written timelines to help programs plan and avoid closures. 

Action Steps:

• Respond promptly to any HSES Correspondence regarding your grant application.
• Use HSES Correspondence to contact your regional office with questions.
• If your program is at risk of closing before Thanksgiving due to a delayed Notice of Award (NOA), contact FHSA immediately so we can elevate your concerns.
• Advocate now: Use this language to contact Congress and HHS.

Let’s keep the pressure on and ensure every program has the resources it needs to stay open and serve families.

From inspiring keynotes to hands-on learning and heartfelt connections, the FHSA 2025 Annual Conference & Expo was a powerful celebration of our shared legacy and bold vision for what’s ahead. Held in the heart of Orlando, this year’s gathering brought together Head Start leaders, advocates, and changemakers from across Florida to reflect, recharge, and recommit to the mission that unites us. 

As we honored decades of impact and innovation, we also looked forward—exploring new strategies, elevating voices, and shaping the future of early childhood education with purpose and passion. Whether you joined us in person or cheered from afar, your presence and support helped make this event unforgettable.  

Let’s carry the energy forward—because the future of Head Start begins with us.

CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS

• Opening Keynote: Dr. Robert Lemon captivated the audience with a dynamic keynote on the power of place, storytelling, and cultural identity in shaping resilient communities. His message challenged us to “see the extraordinary in the everyday” and to lead with both heart and history.

• Professional Development: Attendees engaged in more than 24 educational sessionsspanning topics from challenging behaviors and instructional coaching to leadership development and community alignment.

• Policy Panel: Ann Linehan, Consultant with NHSA; Yvette Sanchez-Fuentes, Senior Vice President, National Policy, Start Early; and Molly Grant, Executive Director of the Association of Early Learning Coalitions, joined the Conference to explore the future of early childhood funding and emphasize the power of unified advocacy. The panelists discussed opportunities to strengthen alignment between Head Start and Florida’s state systems — VPK, School Readiness, and emerging workforce initiatives — underscoring the need for collaborative policy solutions that honor Head Start’s legacy while advancing shared goals for Florida’s children and families.

• Exhibitor Showcase: With a sold-out expo hall, vendors shared tools, curricula, and resources to strengthen program operations and classroom experiences, and engaged in a scavenger hunt game where attendees walked away with some fantastic prizes.

• Celebration of Excellence: FHSA honored outstanding educators, family advocates, and programs during the annual awards luncheon, spotlighting the heart and soul of our Head Start community.

• Wellness & Connection: Attendees found a space to recharge and reconnectwith their Head Start Colleagues from around the State.

• Attendees helped kick off the PBS KIDS Preschool Book Drive, presented by WUCF and VyStar Credit Union, by donating more than 100 books—a powerful start to this literacy-focused initiative. The event was made even more memorable with a special visit from Clifford the Big Red Dog, delighting conference attendees.

As we reflect on the momentum built in Orlando, FHSA remains committed to elevating the voices of children, families, and staff across Florida. Thank you to our sponsors, presenters, volunteers, and every attendee who made this gathering unforgettable. 

We’re already looking ahead to 2026—because when we rise together, there’s no limit to what we can achieve.

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.

When is SSCBT?

• Modules I - II, January 26 - 30, 2026
• Module III, April 8 - 10, 2026
• Both sessions held at Holden Heights Community Center in Orlando, Florida

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.  

Registration closes January 12, 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.

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!

Agency Members

• Agricultural and Labor Program, Inc. Head Start/Early Head Start
• Capital Area Community Action Agency, Inc.
• Children First Inc. Head Start/Early Head Start
• Children's Home Society of Florida - Brevard
• Children's Home Society of Florida - Orlando
• Community Coordinated Care for Children, Inc. (4C)
• Early Education and Care, Inc. Head Start/Early Head Start
• Early Learning Coalition Miami-Dade/Monroe County
• Early Learning Coalition of Palm Beach County, Inc.
• ECS4Kids
• FSU Early Head Start Program
• Gadsden County School District Head Start
• Hillsborough County Public Schools Head Start Program
• Jackson County Early Childhood Program
• Kids Incorporated of the Big Bend
• Lee County Public School Board Head Start/Early Head Start
• Lutheran Services Florida
• Lutheran Services Florida Early Head Start- Child Care Partnership
• Lutheran Services Florida Head Start - Duval County
• Lutheran Services Florida Palm Beach Children and Head Start Services
• Lutheran Services of Florida Head Start/Early Head Start
• Miami-Dade Community Action and Human Services Department
• Monroe County Public Schools Head Start
• North Florida Child Development, Inc.
• Orange County Head Start
• Pasco County Head Start
• Redlands Christian Migrant Association
• Santa Rosa School Board Head Start/Early Head Start
• School Board of Brevard County Head Start
• St. Johns County School District Head Start
• Tri-County Community Council, Inc. Head Start/Early Head Start
• You Thrive Florida 

Corporate Friends

• Be Well Care Well, LLC
• Brain Connections
• CELEBRATE Successful Early Learning
• Dairy Council of Florida
• Dicabi Solutions, LLC
• Discount School Supply
• Ello Puppet
• Florida Association for Infant Mental Health
• Frogstreet
• Hatch Early Learning
• James Moore & Co.
• Lakeshore Learning Materials
• Learning Genie
• mano-Y-ola
• Nemours
• Simply Healthcare
• The Discovery Source
• Vystar Credit Union 

Individual Friends

• Bob Bialas
• El Brown
• Nacole Guyton
• Cindy Kaier
• Autumn Tomas
• Maritza Vasquez, CNP

If you have any questions about how to renew or join FHSA, please contact Wanda Minick at (850) 694- 6477 or email [email protected].

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.

From December 8–11, 2025, Head Start leaders, family advocates, and engagement professionals will gather in Orlando, Florida, for the National Head Start Association’s Family Engagement Conference—the only national event solely dedicated to strengthening the partnership between Head Start families and staff. 

This annual gathering provides a dynamic platform for learning, collaboration, and inspiration. Through hands-on sessions and tailored resources, attendees will explore strategies to deepen family engagement, build trust, and support children’s development both at home and in school.

Important Upcoming Events

FHSA EVENTS

FHSA Directors Affiliate Group Monthly Check-in
November 2, 2025
Virtual
Click here for info

SSCBT Informational Webinar for Head Start Staff
December 15, 2025
Virtual
Click here for info

SSCBT Modules I - II
January 26 - 30, 2026
Orlando, FL
Click here for info

STATE TRAININGS or EVENTS

Head Start Mental Health Workgroup
December 8, 2025
Virtual
Click here for info

DCF: Tallahassee Area Refugee Task Force Meeting
December 9, 2025
Virtual
Click here for info

DCF: Orlando Area Refugee Task Force Meeting
December 10, 2025
Virtual
Click here for info

DCF: Southwest FL Area Refugee Task Force Meeting
December 17, 2025
Virtual
Click here for info

Perinatal Mental Health Conference
January 8 - 10, 2026
Tallahassee, FL
Click here for info

Children's Week
February 22 - 27, 2026
Tallahassee, FL
Click here for info

NATIONAL TRAININGS or EVENTS

NHSA Parent & Family Engagement Conference
December 8 - 11, 2025
Orlando, FL
Click here for info

Refilling the Cup: Mindfulness for Those Who Care for Others
December 10, 2025
Virtual
Click here for info

NHSA Winter Leadership Institute
January 26 - 29, 2026
Washington, D.C.
Click here for info

Each year, Children’s Week Florida honors exceptional individuals who are helping to #BuildtheFuture for Florida’s children and families. Nominations are now open for the 2026 Chiles Advocate, Impact Advocate, and Youth Advocate Awards. 

These awards recognize those who believe every child deserves to be healthy, ready to learn, and empowered to reach their full potential. If you know someone making a difference through advocacy, leadership, or youth engagement, we encourage you to submit a nomination. 

Deadline: Nominations must be submitted by November 21, 2025.

The Florida Head Start Association dashboard is a practical tool for advocacy, created to help inform policymakers and other state leaders about the critical role Head Start programs play in Florida—and the unmet need for additional funding.  

We encourage all programs to take a moment to review their data on the dashboard to ensure its accuracy. Up-to-date and accurate information strengthens our collective voice and ensures your program is represented correctly in statewide advocacy efforts.

FHSA is proud to support the Celebration of the Hands—a powerful statewide art initiative taking place at the Florida State Capitol during Children’s Week 2026. 

Children, youth, families, educators, and advocates are invited to contribute custom hand artwork that will be displayed throughout the Capitol Rotunda. This colorful installation serves as a visual reminder that the hands of its youngest citizens shape Florida’s future.