The FHSA 2024 Annual Conference and Expo, themed “For the Record, Head Start Rocks!”, was a tremendous success thanks to our expert presenters, Corporate Partners, and Sponsors who made this event both educational and fun. 

Celebrating Excellence

We proudly recognized nine 2024/2025 state award winners and three state finalists. Several honorees will be recognized at the Region IV Head Start Association's Annual Conference next month, including:

• Teacher of the Year: Janice Smith, Brevard County
• Staff of the Year: Michelle Dale, Brevard County
• Achievement Award: Nadeige Laleau, Miami-Dade County
• Corporate Award: Orlando Science Center, Orange County

Our national finalists, the Hankins Johnson Education Foundation/Orlando Alphas (Edward Zigler Innovation Award) and VyStar Credit Union (Sargent Shriver Excellence in Community Service Award), are advancing to the National Head Start Association for consideration. 

Inspiring Keynote

Attendees were deeply moved by Freddie Stevenson, a Head Start alumnus, and his mother, Sylvia, who shared their powerful story of resilience. Their journey highlighted how Head Start creates lasting opportunities for families and communities. 

Heartfelt Testimonials

We captured moving stories from members and parents about how Head Start has changed their lives. These testimonials showcase the program’s transformative power. Stay tuned for a video release soon! 

Empowering Learning Opportunities

This year’s conference featured 39 educational sessions, including a Reflective Supervision track from the Florida Infant and Mental Health Association. Attendees earned 7.5 certification hours toward endorsement as Reflective Supervisors, furthering their professional growth. 

Thank you to everyone who contributed to making this year’s conference a success! #HeadStartRocks

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.

Our Friends at the Pennsylvania Head Start Association have invited our FHSA members to this fantastic training opportunity to support fathers in early childhood programs. 

This four-part webinar series is designed to deepen your understanding of father engagement and provide actionable strategies for helping fathers. This series is focused on empowering staff with the tools to effectively engage fathers and create a supportive environment for their involvement. 

Each session will provide practical, research-based insights, giving you the skills to enhance your work with families and improve child outcomes. Each session will challenge participants to take their learned content and apply it to their daily personal and professional lives.  

The deadline to register is February 4, 2025.

As a proud sponsor of Children's Week, FHSA is thrilled to encourage our Head Start programs to join in the 2025 Celebration of Hands. This remarkable event will feature hand artwork displayed in the Capitol Rotunda, symbolizing unity and support for children. 

Mark your calendars for April 14-18, 2025, in Tallahassee, FL, and help showcase the creativity of our young artists. To participate and get started, download the Celebration of Hands Toolkit today!

Are you ready to go on a four-month learning journey with other Head Start and Early Head Start directors? This is your chance to save BIG on The Academy at NHSA’s Director Credential Spring cohort!

For a limited time only through January 26, 2025, FHSA members can take $1,000 off this credential! 

Why join?

• It’s tailored for directors with up to five years of experience.
• It offers you the space to identify and analyze specific challenges and develop practical solutions.
• You'll work through new modules and online coursework every month and engage in conversations with your peers.
• The cohort model provides peer-to-peer support, mentorship, and coaching on your journey.

Hurry–spots are limited. Register by January 26, 2025, and save $1,000 with discount code ACADCSP251K.

For years, the Head Start community has relied on the Early Childhood Learning and Knowledge Center (ECLKC) for key information on supporting children and families. We’re thrilled to announce that our new web address is now HeadStart.gov. This change aligns with the familiar name everyone knows, while also being shorter, easier to remember, and more relevant to our services and offerings.

During the transition period, all existing ECLKC links will automatically redirect you to the appropriate pages on HeadStart.gov. Eventually, these redirects will be discontinued, and any outdated ECLKC links will result in error messages. If you encounter any issues, simply use the feedback button on any webpage or the Contact Us form—we're here to help!

Remember to update your bookmarks to HeadStart.gov and explore the resources below to learn more about this exciting transition.

Issued on January 17, 2025, this Information Memorandum (IM) provides an overview of the Office of Head Start (OHS) monitoring process for fiscal year 2025 (FY25). The IM details the various types of monitoring reviews that recipients might face, including:

• Focus Area 1 (FA1)
• Focus Area 2 (FA2)
• Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS®)
• Risk Assessment Notification (RAN)
• Unannounced Reviews

Additionally, it includes specific information on monitoring for Tribal grant recipients who have integrated their Head Start programs into an approved P.L. 102-477 Plan.

This IM supersedes ACF-OHS-IM-24-07, containing updates to the FY25 monitoring implementation format.

For six remarkable decades, Head Start has positively impacted the lives of over 40 million children and families, creating lasting change in homes, communities, and our nation.

As we proudly celebrate Head Start’s 60th birthday, we're dedicated to spreading the word about its monumental contributions.

Join us in commemorating this milestone by learning about Head Start’s rich history, discovering upcoming events, and signing the 60th-anniversary birthday card. Click here to be a part of the celebration and witness the incredible journey of Head Start! 

Get ready for NHSA 52nd Annual Conference and Expo, happening in Columbus, Ohio, from May 19-22, 2025. Registration is now open for this premier event, boasting over 130 educational sessions filled with invaluable insights, cutting-edge strategies, and ample networking opportunities. Don't miss your chance to connect with fellow Head Start professionals, exchange ideas, and elevate your knowledge while partaking in a vibrant community dedicated to early childhood education. 

Important Upcoming Events

FHSA EVENTS

FHSA Professional Development Opportunities
Virtual
Click here for info 

FHSA SSCBT Training Class
January 27 - 31, 2025
Jacksonville, FL
Click here for info

 STATE TRAININGS or EVENTS

Tampa Bay Dental Access Town Hall Meeting
January 28, 2025
Tampa, FL
Click here for info

DCF Tampa Bay Area Refugee Task Force Meeting
February 4, 2025
Virtual
Click here for info

Growth Circles: Unlocking the Power of Fatherhood
February 5, 2025
Virtual
Click here for info

Florida Legislative Session Begins
March 4, 2025
Tallahassee, FL
Click here for info

REGIONAL TRAININGS or EVENTS

RIV Health Manager/Health Equity Series: Strengthening Your Health Services Advisory Committee to Empower Families and Community Partners 

February 3-4, 2025
Virtual
Click here for info

RIVHSA Annual Conference & Expo
February 11-14, 2025
Atlanta, GA
Click here for info

NATIONAL TRAININGS or EVENTS

NHSA Winter Leadership Institute
January 27 - 30, 2025
Washington, DC
Click here for info

Mindfulness Practices to Cultivate Calm in Head Start Programs
January 27, 2025
Virtual
Click here for info

Education Manager Series: Investing in the Success of New Early Head Start Educators
January 28, 2025
Virtual
Click here for info

Paid Family and Medical Leave 101
January 28, 2025
Virtual
Click here for info

Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, representing Florida's 20th Congressional District,
at the 119th Congress Swearing-In Open House

As we usher in the new year, we're also welcoming the 119th Congress! Whether there are new lawmakers learning about early care and education and Head Start for the first time or returning lawmakers needing a refresher, now is our moment to highlight the importance of this program. 

Next week, members of congress will be home in their districts, and this is an excellent opportunity to reach out to your lawmakers and share why Head Start matters.  Together, we can make a difference.

The Florida Head Start Association 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.

The Administration for Children and Families (ACF) at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has awarded approximately $130 million in grants to Head Start programs in Florida and Puerto Rico impacted by Hurricanes Fiona and Ian in 2022. 

“These grants reaffirm our commitment to supporting communities devastated by natural disasters,” said Katie Hamm, ACF Deputy Assistant Secretary for Early Childhood Development. “By addressing the diverse needs of affected areas, we ensure federal funds are used effectively.”

The Skanner News recently published an article featuring Head Start parent, Policy Council member, and alumna Olivia Harvey who shared her story:   

A few years ago, my daughter Maliya graduated from the Children First Head Start program in Sarasota County, Florida, and began kindergarten at age six. Reaching this milestone was bittersweet, but thanks to the love, care, and guidance of her amazing teachers, I’m confident she will continue to thrive. Children First and Head Start have always held a special place in my family’s heart.

Head Start California is deeply saddened to share that some of California's Head Start programs have been forced to temporarily close, and that families and staff have had to evacuate their homes. For some families, the impact of these closures extends beyond displacement—many are also facing the heartbreaking reality of losing their jobs or experiencing financial instability as a result of the crisis amidst statewide power outages and toxic air quality. 

What You Can Do

If you would like to donate to support Head Start specifically, please consider donating to:

• Region 9 Association
  Select Disaster Relief Fund
• NHSA Disaster Fund
  Funds Available for Fire Victims

If you would like to donate to general relief efforts, please consider donating to:American Red Cross

• Choose California Wildfires 2025 as Support Choice
• World Central Kitchen
• Pasadena Humane Society

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