The Florida Head Start community is coming October 1 - 4, 2024, to the DoubleTree by Hilton and the Entrance to Universal for the FHSA 25th Anniversary Celebration, For the Record, Head Start Rocks! 

This year's theme, "For the Record, Head Start Rocks!" shines a spotlight on the hard-working, dedicated staff that make Florida's Head Start/Early Head Start programs the high-quality care and education that families from at-risk backgrounds can access. It sets the record straight that Head Start works and significantly impacts the children and families being served, preparing them for school and life and leading to self-sufficiency. Your work is making a real difference, and this conference is an opportunity to celebrate and further this impact.  

Deadline to register is September 17, 2024. Trust us, you don't want to miss out!

We are less than a month away from the FHSA Annual Conference & Expo, and we hope you're just as excited as we are to hear from dynamic speakers to gain actionable steps to implement in your programs! The FHSA Professional Development Committee has meticulously crafted a comprehensive program that is inclusive and caters to everyone, regardless of their level in their Head Start career. Below are a few highlights of can't miss sessions! 

Tuesday, October 1

• Passing the School Readiness Baton by LaTanya Wynn-Hall
  Preschool is where children learn to read, and K-3 is where children read to learn! In this session, participants will grasp the Four(4) Relay Legs of Passing a Baton to the Finish Line to End the Race and Transition to Kindergarten concept.
  
  
• Innovative Approaches for Fostering Social Equity: Empowering Latino Families in Kindergarten Readiness and Educational Success by Marisel Schweitzer
  This session seeks to challenge and expand your understanding of equity in early childhood education, particularly by capitalizing on the cultural wealth of Latino parents to foster kindergarten readiness and academic success for their children. Participants will learn about innovative approaches and strategies for engaging Latino families in their children's education, potentially impacting student success significantly. 

Wednesday, October 2

• FAIMH Reflective Supervision Track by FAIMH Trainer
  If you are a Head Start/Early Head Start professional in a supervisory role that aims to strengthen your skill in reflective supervision, you are invited to join FAIMH in a specialized training series that can provide half of the required training hours needed to become an Endorsed Reflective Supervisor in the state of Florida. 
  
  
• Internal Monitoring a Definite Means to Continuous Quality Improvement by LaShawn Capes Huff and Tonica Mathis Williams
  Internal and external monitoring play pivotal roles in the ongoing monitoring and continuous improvement process, ensuring the effective implementation of the Head Start Program Performance Standards (HSPPS) and achieving program goals and objectives. In this session, participants will learn the importance of these monitoring methods and the effective use of data, which are essential for ensuring program compliance and success. 

Thursday, October 3

• Child Care and Development Fund Plan by Carrie Russie and Courtnie Wheeless
  The Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) is the primary funding source allocated to the School Readiness (SR) program. The SR program helps low income families who work or participate in education access high-quality care. This session will provide an overview of the plan and how the Division of Early Learning engages partners, demonstrating their commitment to transparency and collaboration. 
  
  
• Community Assessment Analysis, Efficiencies, and Going Beyond Collecting Data by Maya McElrath
  Effective data analysis and strategic application of findings are part of the reason Head Start rocks! This training is designed to give participants the best tools and strategies to comply with standards and make strategic decisions to support parents and children. In this session, attendees will explore methods of collecting reliable data and how to make connections between data indicators that yield actionable conclusions.

We invite you to take a look at our full session line-up!  

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

On August 21, 2024, the Office of Head Start (OHS) published its final rule, "Supporting the Head Start Workforce and Consistent Quality Programming," in the Federal Register. OHS has implemented significant changes to the Head Start Program Performance Standards in response to concerns about the sustainability of Head Start programs. Additionally, OHS has initiated the "Nurturing the Promise" campaign to support Head Start staff in addressing these changes to the Performance Standards. 

If you haven't been able to view the two webinars about the changes to the final rule, they're available anytime at the Early Childhood Learning and Knowledge Center (ECLKC). 

• Updates to the Performance Standards: Nurturing the Promise (aired August 28, 24)
  
  
• Supporting the Head Start Workforce and Consistent Quality Programming (aired August 29, 24)

Additional Resources!

• NEW! Head Start Program Performance Standards, ECKLC
  
  
• Track changes of the Head Start Program Performance Standards, ECKLC
  
  
• Preamble, Federal Register 

ICYMI: The National Head Start Association (NHSA) policy team hosted a webinar on August 22 to review the final Head Start Program Performance Standards rule.  

Their team worked diligently to help us understand the changes in the final rule, explaining their impact on Head Start and providing thorough resources for implementation. NHSA also published a detailed summary of the rule and its changes. You can find it here.

Important Upcoming Events

FHSA EVENTS 

Head Start Transportation Standards & Compliance
September 12, 2024
Virtual

Click here for info

FHSA Dashboard Overview
September 17, 2024
Virtual

Click here for info

Rule Workshop: Rule 6M-8.604
September 23, 2024
Virtual

Click here for info

FHSA Membership Renewal Deadline
September 30, 2024

Click here for info

FHSA Annual Conference
October 1 - 4, 2024
Orlando, FL

Click here for info

STATE TRAININGS or EVENTS

DCF: Palm Beach Area Refugee Task Force
September 19, 2024
Virtual

Click here for info

DCF: Tampa Bay Area Refugee Task Force
September 24, 2024
Virtual

Click here for info

NATIONAL TRAININGS or EVENTS 

NHSA Fall Leadership Institute
September 23 - 26, 2024
Washington, D.C.

Click here for info

Join FHSA and Transform Consulting Group (TCG) for a webinar that will inform members about the best uses of the Florida Head Start Association dashboard. 

This dashboard, a practical tool for advocacy, was created to help inform policymakers and other state leaders about the critical role that Head Start programs play in the state and the unmet need for additional funding. 

By the end of this webinar, attendees will leave with a better understanding of the dashboard, equipped to apply this information in making a compelling case for supporting Head Start locally. 

It's time to renew your 2024-2025 FHSA membership! 

Being a member of FHSA provides many benefits, including special member rates to our training and conferences, participation in our Annual Awards Program, the ability to serve on committees, representation on the FHSA board of directors and at the regional level, unlimited access to our network meetings, access to information, resources and much more! 

The deadline to renew is September 30, 2024, and if you have any questions about how to renew please contact FHSA at (850) 694-6477 or email [email protected].

To help you, the Children's Movement of Florida has created the 2024 Voter Guide— with printables in English and Spanish. It includes easy-to-follow steps, resources, and links to help you plan your vote. The guide also features critical questions to ask candidates if they have the opportunity. Your involvement can make a significant difference.

The FSU Center for Prevention & Early Intervention Policy is now offering a limited number of scholarships in Fall 2024 to professionals serving families and children. 

For more information, please contact Sarah Mullane at [email protected].

FHSA wants to congratulate You Thrive Florida on earning accreditation as a Program of Excellence from NHSA Head Start Program. This achievement not only recognizes a program's outstanding performance but also underscores the positive impact it has on children, pregnant people, families, and communities. It's a testament to its commitment and high standards. 

Kudos to Lynette Gonzalez, district supervisor, Miami-Dade County Public Schools, Department of Early Childhood, Miami, FL, for being selected as one of the five remarkable individuals for the 2024–2025 National Head Start Fellowship Program (NHSFP).

FHSA member, Children First, has been named as a national 2024 Top Workplaces USA award recipient! This special honor comes after achieving local recognition through the Top Workplaces Sarasota-Manatee competition hosted by Energage and the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.

Out of over 42,000 organizations invited to participate in the Top Workplaces USA survey, Children First stood out as one of the elite four from Sarasota County and one of 78 across Florida. This is a testament to our exceptional work culture and commitment to our mission. 

This is a monumental achievement, a testament to the unwavering dedication of each team member. Their commitment and hard work made this possible. Congratulations to the entire Children First family! 

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