Every child’s life begins like an acorn.

Small. Full of potential. Carrying within them everything needed to become a mighty, mighty oak tree.

One of the most beautiful truths about an acorn is that no one expects it to become a mighty oak overnight. We understand that growth is a process. We understand that acorns need time, care, protection, and the right conditions to reach their fullest potential. Children are no different.

For years, people have said, “It takes a village to raise a child.” I believe that is true. But over time, I found myself thinking more deeply about the village itself.

Not every child begins in the same circumstances. Not every family has access to the same resources. Not every community faces the same opportunities or challenges. Yet every child deserves the opportunity to grow into the fullest expression of who they were created to become.

That realization became the foundation of my work. I began asking myself what conditions help villages become well positioned to support the children and families in their care. That question led me to the concept of the Top-Notch Village™.

A Top-Notch Village™ is an intentional community of mission-aligned people who work together to help the acorns in their care grow into mighty, mighty oak trees.

Within that village, every role matters. Teachers. Family advocates. Center directors. Bus drivers. Cooks. Health professionals. Mental health consultants. Parents. Grandparents. Community partners.

Each person brings different gifts. Each person has different responsibilities. But everyone shares the same mission. Helping children grow.

Over the years, I also realized something else. Acorns need villagers who are prepared to care for them. Villagers need the tools, support, and conditions that position them to provide that care well.

That is why I talk about Well-Prepared Soil™.

Well-Prepared Soil™ represents the organizational conditions that allow village members to do their best work. It includes supportive leadership, professional learning, healthy relationships, clear communication, shared purpose, access to resources, and a culture grounded in the mission.

The soil does not care for the acorn. The village does. The soil supports the village so its members can care for the acorns entrusted to them with intention, skill, consistency, and compassion.

When the soil is well prepared, village members are better positioned to work together. When village members are well positioned, they can more effectively support children and families. And when children are surrounded by a Top-Notch Village™ working within Well-Prepared Soil™, they have a greater probability of growing into mighty, mighty oak trees.

That is why the work of Head Start has always mattered. For 61 years, Head Start teams across Florida have been caring for the acorns in their communities.

They prepare learning environments. They build trusting relationships with families. They connect children to health services. They provide nutritious meals. They encourage learning through play. They support development. They celebrate growth. They show up.

Every one of those actions contributes to helping an acorn grow into a mighty, mighty oak tree.

That is extraordinary work. And the people carrying out that work deserve the tools, support, and conditions that allow them to do it well.

This October, I look forward to spending time with the Florida Head Start family as we explore what it means to cultivate a Top-Notch Village™, create Well-Prepared Soil™, and position village members to help the acorns in their care grow into mighty, mighty oak trees.

Children do not grow alone. They grow through the care of villages. And when Top-Notch Villages™ are supported by Well-Prepared Soil™, acorns have a greater opportunity to become mighty, mighty oak trees.

That is the power of a Top-Notch Village™.

And every child deserves a Top-Notch Village™.

Registration is underway for the 2026 FHSA Annual Conference & Expo, happening October 27–29 in Orlando — and early registration closes July 21. This year’s theme, Stronger Together: Building Brighter Futures for Florida’s Families, underscores the collective strength of Florida’s early childhood community and the vital role Head Start plays in expanding opportunity statewide.

Early Registration is open through July 21, 2026:

• Member Rate: $450
• Non-Member Rate: $575

With 30+ high‑impact sessions spanning leadership, challenging behaviors, disabilities, mental health, fiscal management, and federal monitoring, this year’s conference delivers one of FHSA’s strongest professional development lineups yet. Sessions like Let’s Take It Outside: An Overview of Learning Through Nature and Outdoor Play and Thinking Like a Reviewer: Preparing Your Program for Federal Focus Area Reviews offer practical, immediately applicable insights for every role.

Take action now — reserve your seat, lock in early rates, and invest in the future of your program and the families you serve.

The 2026 conference features a rich lineup of sessions designed to meet the evolving needs of Florida’s Head Start and Early Head Start programs. Attendees will find practical, actionable learning across all major content areas, including:

• Challenging Behaviors – such as Prevent Teach Reinforce for Young Children (PTR‑YC) and Turning Conflict Into Connection
• Leadership & Team Development – including Strong Teams Change Everything and Reflective Leadership in Head Start
• Monitoring & Federal Reviews – with sessions like Thinking Like a Reviewer and SAUCE Up Your Systems™
• Disabilities & Inclusion – including Rethinking Inclusion and Inclusion in Action
• Mental Health & Wellness – from staff wellness strategies to supporting families and young children
• Fiscal & Systems Management – strengthening financial foundations and grant success

Whether you are a director, teacher, family advocate, coach, or community partner, this year’s conference offers the tools, inspiration, and connections to elevate your work and strengthen outcomes for children and families.

We invite you to be part of this statewide gathering of early childhood leaders and changemakers. Register early, secure your spot, and get ready for three days of learning, connection, and celebration.

Early Registration ends July 21, 2026.

Together, we are building brighter futures for Florida’s families.

After you secure your spot, don't forget to book your hotel accommodation!

FHSA has a special room rate of $149/per night++. Use the "Book Now" button below to reserve your room or call 1-800-222-TREE (8733) using the special rate code (AE2). 

• Check-in 4:00 p.m.
• Check-out 11:00 a.m.

Parking: The overnight and event-day self-parking rate is discounted to $15+ tax a night. 

The 2026 FHSA Annual Conference & Expo is coming together quickly, and we’re calling on the partners who power Head Start operations to secure their sponsorship or exhibit space before remaining spots fill. Taking place October 27–29, 2026, in Orlando, this statewide gathering brings together Head Start and Early Head Start leaders, educators, family services professionals, and community partners for three days of learning, innovation, and connection.

This year’s event offers high‑impact visibility for organizations ready to engage directly with the professionals who influence program operations and purchasing decisions across Florida.

Why You Should Be There

As a sponsor or exhibitor, your organization gains:

• Direct access to decision‑makers from Head Start and Early Head Start programs statewide
• Exclusive 1:1 appointments with attendees — dedicated time to showcase solutions and build meaningful relationships
• High‑visibility branding before, during, and after the conference
• Opportunities to highlight products, services, and solutions that support children, families, and staff
• Engagement activities and sponsored opportunities that amplify your presence
• Year‑round visibility for higher‑tier sponsors

With promotions ramping up and attendee interest growing, now is the moment to secure your placement and maximize your exposure.

If your organization serves early childhood programs, this is your chance to connect directly with Florida’s Head Start leaders.

Members of Congress are back home for August recess, and this is our most important window to keep Head Start front and center as lawmakers prepare for September’s funding decisions.

Florida’s Head Start programs serve more than 40,000 children and families, providing high‑quality early learning, nutrition, health services, and family support that strengthen local economies. When federal funding falls short, families lose stability, employers lose workers, and communities lose critical early childhood infrastructure.

We need Congress to prioritize Head Start — and your voice makes the difference.

Email your Member of Congress 

Share how Head Start supports children, working parents, and Florida’s workforce. Urge them to protect and expand federal funding.

Invite your legislators to visit your program  

A recess visit is one of the most effective advocacy tools. Seeing Head Start in action makes its impact real and memorable.

Submit a Letter to the Editor  

Elevate Head Start’s value in your local newspaper. Highlight how your program drives school readiness, supports employment, and strengthens your community.

Use FHSA’s Advocacy Resources  

Access talking points, templates, and tools to help you connect with lawmakers and amplify your message.

Let’s keep Head Start on Congress’s agenda — and protect the essential services that uplift families, strengthen communities, and secure Florida’s future: our children.

FHSA proudly joined NHSA and 36 other state, regional, and national Head Start associations in submitting a public comment to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) opposing proposed changes to the Uniform Guidance that could introduce new administrative burdens and uncertainty for Head Start programs. We appreciate the strong collaboration across the Head Start community in shaping this response. NHSA will continue to provide updates and opportunities for programs to learn more about the proposed changes and their potential impact as the process moves forward.

NHSA will convene its Fall Leadership Institute September 28–October 1, 2026, in Washington, D.C., bringing a Head Start lens to the critical conversations unfolding on Capitol Hill around policy, funding, and the upcoming election cycle.

The future of Head Start is being shaped right now, and program leaders belong at the table. Every day, Head Start champions show up for children and families — often with limited resources and extraordinary challenges. Those victories and struggles deserve to be seen, heard, and elevated in the halls of Congress.

As lawmakers weigh federal funding priorities and reconsider how our nation invests in young children, this Institute offers one of the most important stages for Head Start voices. The decisions made this year will influence the trajectory of Head Start for years to come, and your leadership matters.

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. 

To login to your account make sure you've got your username and password handy!  

Important Upcoming Events

FHSA EVENTS

FHSA Annual Conference & Expo - Early Registration Deadline
July 21, 2026
Orlando, FL
Click here for info

FHSA Directors Affiliate Group Monthly Check-In
August 4, 2026
Virtual
Click here for info

FHSA Lunch & Learn: Understanding & Using the FHSA Dashboard
August 6, 2026
Virtual
Click here for info

FHSA Professional Development Committee Meeting
August 19, 2026
Virtual
Click here for info

FHSA Annual Conference
October 27 - 29, 2026
Orlando, FL
Click here for info

 STATE TRAININGS or EVENTS

The Children's Movement Future Call
July 28, 2026
Virtual
Click here for info

FACA Annual Training Conference
August 24-27, 2026
Orlando, FL
Click here for info

NATIONAL TRAININGS or EVENTS

IECMHC in Action 2026: An ECHO Learning Series for Enhancing Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation
July 23 - September 24, 2026
Virtual
Click here for info

NHSA: Onboarding New Leaders
August 6, 2026
Virtual
Click here for info

NHSA: Tackling Back to School Behaviors
August 11, 2026
Virtual
Click here for info

The Curious Classroom: Free Resources that Spark Wonder at Home & School
August 19, 2026
Virtual
Click here for info

Join the Florida Head Start Association and Transform Consulting Group for FHSA Lunch & Learn: Understanding and Using the FHSA Dashboard. 

During this webinar, participants will learn how to navigate and use the FHSA Dashboard to support data-informed decision-making, program planning, reporting, and continuous improvement. We will also unveil FHSA NEW Community Page!

Each year, the Florida Head Start Association proudly serves as both a sponsor and a member of the planning committee for the One Goal Summer Conference. This long‑standing partnership brings together Florida’s early care and education community — Early Learning Coalitions, Family Child Care Homes, private providers, and Head Start/Early Head Start — under one roof with a shared purpose: supporting Florida’s children and families.

FHSA has worked steadily to elevate the visibility and impact of Head Start/Early Head Start programs across the state, highlighting the essential role they play in serving Florida’s most in‑need children and families. During this year’s conference, FHSA exhibited during the educational day to share information about FHSA membership, promote our upcoming Annual Conference (October 27–29 in Orlando), and provide resources on the Head Start Dashboard, which illustrates both Head Start’s statewide reach and the unmet need that underscores the case for increased federal investment. A special thank‑you to Hillsborough County Head Start/Early Head Start Program for providing volunteers at this year’s event — their support helped ensure a smooth and engaging experience for attendees.

FHSA also participated in the legislative panel, offering insight into the unprecedented pressures facing Head Start programs in Florida and nationwide. Recent federal policy decisions — including budget reconciliation, appropriations, and unfunded mandates — have reduced access to food assistance, destabilized health coverage, and strained the early childhood workforce. These choices directly affect the children and families we serve and reinforce the need for Congress and the Administration to align expectations with the federal investment required to sustain high‑quality early learning.

FHSA remains committed to ensuring Head Start’s perspective is represented in statewide conversations that influence early childhood policy, funding, and workforce stability. Our continued engagement at One Goal reflects the association’s dedication to elevating Head Start/Early Head Start programs and advocating for the resources needed to support Florida’s children, families, and staff.

Florida’s Head Start community is full of stories- stories of resilience, opportunity, and life-changing impact. FHSA is collecting stories year-round to celebrate Head Start and elevate the voices of families, staff, and alumni who make our programs extraordinary.

Whether you’re a parent, teacher, leader, or graduate, your story can:

• Show policymakers why comprehensive services matter
• Highlight the dedication of Florida’s early childhood workforce
• Demonstrate Head Start’s long-term impact on families and children

FHSA is proud to recognize Belkis Torres, Vice President of the Early Learning Coalition Miami-Dade/Monroe County, for earning the Infant Mental Health Endorsement^®, a nationally respected credential demonstrating advanced expertise in supporting the social and emotional development of infants, young children, and their families. 

This achievement reflects Belkis’s strong commitment to relationship‑based, reflective practice—key components in strengthening early mental health and fostering healthy family connections. Her dedication continues to make a meaningful impact across the Miami‑Dade community and exemplifies the high-quality work happening across our FHSA membership. 

FHSA congratulates Belkis on this significant professional milestone and celebrates her ongoing contributions to Florida’s early childhood system.

^{2026 - 2027 FECAF Fellowship Cohort}

Congratulations to Sonya Hill, Division Manager and Head Start Director, on her selection to join the Children’s Forum Florida Early Childhood Advocacy Fellowship (FECAF). The cohort convened at the One Goal Summer Conference to begin exploring Florida’s legislative process, building advocacy skills, and connecting with early learning leaders statewide.

This fellowship strengthens the leadership pipeline within Florida’s early childhood community and reinforces the shared mission of advancing strong policy for children and families. FHSA is proud to see Head Start represented in this year’s cohort — continuing a tradition of strong Head Start advocacy within FECAF.

Lutheran Services Florida, Pinellas Head Start and Early Head Start used their Nutrition Grant funding this year to help families build healthier habits at home. Through hands-on workshops, parents gained practical skills in nutrition, meal planning, home gardening, and preparing healthy, affordable meals.

The grant also supported new nutrition curriculum and classroom resources across their centers, giving children more opportunities to explore healthy foods through engaging, hands-on learning. As families enjoy summer break, we hope these experiences inspire continued planting, cooking, and healthy choices throughout the season.

During Children’s First 2026 Staff Appreciation Celebration, they honored seven outstanding team members, recognizing a decade of dedicated service to children, families, and the broader community.

Over the past ten years, each of these individuals has helped children learn, supported families in strengthening their foundations, and advanced the organization’s mission through unwavering commitment and compassion. Their influence extends well beyond the classroom, shaping brighter futures across the community.

 Congratulations 
Andrea Amaya

Seraiah Bailey

Maria Bauer

Dorothy Bays

Celeste Beaton

Gina Bracken

Ida Slusher

Ashley Windmuller

FHSA celebrates this meaningful milestone and applauds their continued excellence.

Information Updates 

Change of address, email or any information? You will need to log in to your profile here.