The Florida Head Start Association (FHSA) began the month of May with a powerful show of support for child safety and advocacy by participating in the Lauren’s Kids “Walk in My Shoes” event in Tallahassee. The walk marked the culmination of Senator Lauren Book’s 1,500‑mile journey across Florida, raising awareness for child sexual abuse prevention and honoring survivors and families.

FHSA Executive Director Wanda Minick and Operations Coordinator Victoria Tharpe joined the final 8‑mile stretch of the walk in Tallahassee, standing alongside survivors, advocates, community partners, and supporters from across the state. Their participation served as a meaningful close to April’s National Child Abuse Prevention Month, reinforcing FHSA’s commitment to protecting children and strengthening families.

Lauren’s Kids has long been a statewide leader in prevention education, healing support, and advocacy. The annual Walk in My Shoes trek brings communities together to shine a light on child abuse, promote safety, and ensure survivors know they are not alone. This year’s walk once again united thousands of Floridians in a shared mission of awareness and action. 

FHSA is proud to stand with Lauren’s Kids and all partners working to keep children safe. As we move into May, we remain committed to elevating prevention efforts, supporting families, and ensuring every child in Florida has the opportunity to grow, learn, and thrive.

Vision is the ability to see what is possible before it is fully visible.

A visionary can look at what others may overlook and see potential.

A visionary can look at an acorn and see a mighty, mighty oak tree.

That is what Head Start did 61 years ago.

Head Start looked at young children and saw more than their present circumstances. It saw future teachers, nurses, engineers, military members, artists, caregivers, business owners, policymakers, and community leaders.

Head Start looked at families and saw more than need. It saw caregivers with the capacity to nurture acorns into oak trees when given partnership, support, and opportunity.

Head Start looked at communities and understood that strong futures are not built later. They are cultivated early.

That was vision.

And 61 years later, we can see the evidence of that vision all around us.

For 61 years, Head Start has invested in children, families, and communities with the understanding that acorns do not become mighty oak trees by accident.

They need care.
They need protection.
They need nourishment.
They need opportunity.
They need well-prepared soil.

In Head Start, that soil is created through early learning, developmental screenings, nutritious meals, mental health supports, disability services, family partnerships, and strong connections to community resources.

It is created when teachers greet children by name.

It is created when family advocates build trust with parents and caregivers.

It is created when bus drivers, cooks, health staff, administrators, and community partners understand that every role contributes to the growth of the child.

Head Start has always understood that children do not grow alone.

Strong acorns need strong villages.

When families are supported, children are strengthened. When children are strengthened, communities are strengthened. And when communities are strengthened, society becomes stronger.

One parent recently shared that Head Start helped her daughter develop socially and emotionally, build friendships, gain confidence, and enter kindergarten already exceeding expectations academically. She also shared that Head Start allowed her to work with peace of mind, knowing her daughter was safe, supported, learning, and thriving.

That is what Head Start’s vision looks like in real life.

It looks like children growing in confidence. It looks like parents going to work with peace of mind. It looks like families gaining stability. It looks like communities becoming stronger because someone invested early.

And when that kind of vision is practiced for 61 years, individual trees become forests.

Those forests are not confined to one classroom, one center, one county, or one state. Across this nation, Head Start teams are tending to acorns every day.

They are preparing children for school. They are supporting families through transition. They are helping caregivers access resources. They are building confidence, connection, and possibility.

This is the work that builds the future.

The children in Head Start programs today become the adults our communities depend on tomorrow.

Goo goo ga ga today. Policy makers tomorrow. Graham crackers today.

Global leaders tomorrow.

That is why this work matters.

Head Start does not simply help children become mighty, mighty oak trees. Since 1965, Head Start has served more than 40 million children and families throughout the United States, and each year, more than 700,000 children and pregnant women are served through Head Start and Early

Head Start programs full of potential, possibility, and promise. For 61 years, Head Start has worked to give acorns the opportunity to grow into mighty oak trees.

And those oak trees become forests that sustain our communities.

I know this because I am one of those acorns.

This article was written by an acorn that Head Start had the vision to recognize, nurture, and give the opportunity to grow into a mighty, mighty oak tree.

That acorn grew, became a mother, raised her own acorn into an oak tree, and now travels this country witnessing forests being built wherever Head Start teams show up with vision, care, and purpose.

That is the power of Head Start.

That is the power of early investment.

That is the power of 61 years of vision.

Here’s to 61 years—and beyond—of ensuring that acorns have the opportunity to grow into mighty, mighty oak trees.

The Florida Head Start Association (FHSA) is inviting mission‑aligned organizations to join us as sponsors and exhibitors for the 2026 Annual Conference & Expo, taking place October 27–29, 2026, in Orlando. This statewide gathering brings together Head Start and Early Head Start leaders, educators, family engagement professionals, and community partners for three days of learning, networking, and innovation.

Organizations looking to connect directly with decision‑makers across Florida’s Head Start/Early Head Start community will find high‑impact opportunities to showcase products, services, and solutions that support program operation and provide solutions to children and families.

Opportunities include:

• Premier sponsorship packages
• High‑visibility exhibit booths
• Branding and engagement add‑ons
• Direct access to program leaders statewide

Space fills quickly, and early commitments receive maximum exposure across FHSA’s marketing channels. Join us in shaping the future of early learning in Florida.

After you secure your sponsorship and booth, 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 Administration for Children and Families (ACF) has released two proposed rules to reduce regulatory requirements for Head Start and the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF). These proposals aim to lower administrative burdens, increase state and local flexibility, and reevaluate costly mandates in early learning programs.

Restoring Flexibility to Support Head Start Program Access

The proposed rule, set for publication on May 12, 2026, would revise Head Start Program Performance Standards to reduce costs and ease requirements for grantees, including changes to staff wages, benefits, and qualifications.

This deregulatory action under Executive Order 14192 is intended to support Head Start access and quality by easing operational pressures. ACF is considering changes to:

• Compensation and benefits requirements
• Family child care personnel qualifications
• Other standards that programs have identified as cost‑intensive or administratively burdensome

A public comment period will follow publication, allowing feedback before changes are finalized.

Restoring Flexibility in the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF)

ACF also proposed revising CCDF regulations to reduce costs and administrative burden for states and territories by rescinding several requirements from the March 2024 final rule, such as:

• The requirement to cap family co‑payments at 7% of household income
• The requirement to provide some direct services through grants or contracts
• The requirement to pay providers based on enrollment rather than attendance
• The requirement to pay providers prospectively

While these provisions were intended to improve affordability and stability, ACF now believes removing them will restore state flexibility and reduce costs.

The proposal also emphasizes CCDF's purpose, supporting over 1.4 million children monthly and requiring states to spend at least 12% of funds on quality improvement.

What These Proposals Mean for Florida Programs

Though not final, these rules signal more state and local discretion. For Florida’s Head Start and Early Head Start programs, key considerations include:

• Operational Impact: Potential changes to compensation, benefits, and qualification requirements could affect workforce planning, budgeting, and recruitment strategies.
• Alignment Across Systems: Because many Florida programs operate in mixed‑delivery environments, changes to CCDF rules—particularly around payment practices and co‑payment caps may influence program stability and family affordability.
• Advocacy & Engagement: Both NPRMs will undergo public comment. Florida programs may wish to assess how the proposed changes would affect access, quality, and administrative burden at the local level.

These are proposed rules, not final regulations, and no changes take effect until after the public comment process. Public comments will be accepted for 30 days following publication in the Federal Register, which is scheduled for May 12, 2026.

FHSA will review the full text upon publication and provide updates as more information becomes available

L to R: Tanya Stone and Terri Barlow

Florida is celebrating two outstanding statewide awardees who advanced through the Region IV Head Start Association (RIVHSA) and earned top national recognition from the National Head Start Association (NHSA).

Brevard Public Schools Head Start, in partnership with the Brevard Zoo, received NHSA’s Edward Zigler Innovation Award for its creative, hands‑on environmental education initiative. After winning at the state level, the project rose to the top regionally and nationally highlighting Florida’s leadership in innovative early learning partnerships.

Tanya Stone was also honored nationally as the recipient of NHSA’s Vanessa Rich Emerging Leader Award. First recognized by FHSA, then RIVHSA, Tanya’s nomination stood out for her commitment to empowering families, supporting staff, and strengthening program quality.

These national achievements reflect the strength, dedication, and excellence of Florida’s Head Start community. FHSA congratulates both honorees for representing our state with distinction.

Florida was proudly represented in Washington, D.C. last month as part of the National Head Start Association’s Parents Unite fly‑in, where families from across the country met with federal leaders to share how Head Start changes lives.

Florida’s delegation included Terri Barlow, Director of Brevard Public Schools Head Start/Early Head Start; Kacee Meener, a Brevard parent; and Eliakim Reese, FHSA’s 2025 Beating the Odds Award winner and parent leader with You Thrive Florida. Together, they met with four congressional offices to highlight Head Start's impact on children, families, and the workforce.

FHSA Executive Director Wanda Minick shared:

“Having Florida parents in D.C. is powerful. Their voices bring our mission to life in a way data alone never can. We are incredibly proud of the parents who represented our state and grateful for their leadership.”

Florida’s representatives returned home energized and committed to strengthening parent advocacy across the state.

FHSA extends a heartfelt appreciation to Terri, Kacee, and Eliakim for representing the state with pride and purpose. Their leadership helps ensure that the voices of Florida families remain at the center of Head Start’s mission.

Important Upcoming Events
FHSA EVENTS

FHSA Advocacy Committee Call
May 14, 2026
Virtual
Click here for info

FHSA Professional Development Committee Meeting
May 20, 2026
Virtual
Click here for info

FHSA Directors Affiliate Group Monthly Check-In
June 2, 2026
Virtual
Click here for info

FHSA Professional Development Committee Meeting
June 17, 2026
Virtual
Click here for info

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

STATE TRAININGS or EVENTS

The Division of Early Learning Council for Early Grade Success Meeting
May 12, 2026
Virtual
Click here for info

DCF Jacksonville Area Refugee Task Force Meeting
May 20, 2026
Virtual
Click here for info

DCF Broward Area Refugee Task Force Meeting
May 21, 2026
Virtual
Click here for info

Health, Nutrition and Education: A Collaborative Conversation around Supporting Children, Families, and Staff
May 21, 2026
Virtual
Click here for info

DCF Palm Beach Area Refugee Task Force Meeting
May 22, 2026
Virtual
Click here for info

FFCCHA Annual Conference
June 24 - 28, 2026
Kissimmee, FL
Click here for info

REGIONAL TRAININGS or EVENTS

RIVHSA Leadership Summit
June 2 - 5, 2026
Atlanta, GA
Click here for info

NATIONAL TRAININGS or EVENTS

NHSA Parent K12 Transition Listening Session - Parent Session
May 13, 2026
Virtual
Click here for info

Provider Day: Celebrating the Providers Who Make a Difference
May 16, 2026
Virtual
Click here for info

NHSA Head Start Program Staff Session
May 21, 2026
Virtual
Click here for info

ACF's National Research Conference on Early Childhood (NRCEC)
June 22 - 24, 2026
Arlington, VA
Click here for info

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

There’s still time to shine a spotlight on the incredible people who power your Head Start and Early Head Start community. From dedicated staff and parents to volunteers, partners, and alumni, we know there are countless heroes — but only 12 regional and 6 national awards** are up for contention. 

Who in your program has gone above and beyond for children and families? Now is the moment to lift them up. 

Nominations are due by June 5, 2026.

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.

Early Education and Care, Inc. — a trusted Head Start and Early Head Start grantee serving children and families across Bay County — welcomed hundreds of families to its 29th Annual KidFest at the Central Panhandle Fairgrounds in Panama City. The beloved community event, offered free to all families, featured a full day of indoor and outdoor activities designed to spark learning, exploration, and joy for children from birth to age five. 

As one of the region’s leading early childhood organizations, Early Education and Care used KidFest to connect families with the many resources available to support children’s development. Community partners including Bay District Schools, PanCare, the Florida Highway Patrol, and other child‑ and family‑serving agencies joined the celebration, offering hands‑on activities, safety demonstrations, and information about local services. 

Board member Kristian Chapman emphasized the event’s purpose, noting that KidFest helps ensure families know “all the resources that are available to them to help them and their children’s education, their health, the betterment of the children.” 

For decades, Early Education and Care has played a vital role in the Panhandle’s early learning landscape. Through its Head Start and Early Head Start programs, the organization provides comprehensive services that strengthen school readiness, support family well‑being, and build community connections — and KidFest remains one of its most visible celebrations of that mission.

Community Coordinated Care for Children, Inc. (4C) has received a $65,000 investment from Heart of Florida United Way (HFUW) to support its Head Start and Early Head Start programs serving children and families in Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties.

This funding is part of HFUW’s 2026 community investment cycle, which prioritizes early childhood education as a foundation for long‑term community well‑being. Through a rigorous volunteer-led review process, HFUW directs donor dollars to programs demonstrating measurable, lasting impact.

For 4C, the investment will directly support comprehensive services for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and expectant mothers—including education, health and mental health, nutrition, and family support. These services play a critical role in preparing children for kindergarten and strengthening family stability across Central Florida.

4C President & CEO Patricia Frank, MBA, CPA, expressed deep appreciation for the partnership, noting that HFUW’s support “goes directly to work for our youngest and most vulnerable children who deserve a strong start in life.” She emphasized that the investment reflects what is possible when a community unites around early learning and family well‑being.

For more than 50 years, 4C has been a cornerstone early learning provider in Central Florida, offering high‑quality programs that help children thrive and families succeed.

Orange County Head Start proudly launched its annual Guest Readers Month with a vibrant and heartfelt kickoff event at Taft Head Start, celebrating literacy, community partnership, and the joy of reading.

This year’s opening celebration was made possible through a strong collaboration with the Orlando Delta Xi Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and the Hankins Johnson Foundation. Members of both organizations spent the morning reading to children and generously donated books for classroom libraries, helping to expand access to high‑quality, culturally rich literature for young learners.

The event also welcomed two distinguished guest readers: State Representative Rashon Young (District 39) and Congressman Darren Soto (Florida’s 9th Congressional District). Both leaders spent time reading with students and engaging with families and staff. Representative Young also surprised children with special gifts, adding to the excitement and making the day even more memorable.

Their participation underscores the importance of early learning programs like Head Start and highlights the value of elected officials seeing firsthand the impact these services have on children, families, and communities. Their presence strengthens advocacy efforts and reinforces the essential role Head Start plays in Florida’s early learning ecosystem.

A standout element of the celebration was the extraordinary environment created by Jacqueline Lopez, Preschool Director, whose leadership brought the event to life. With the support of her talented team, the center was transformed into a reading wonderland—complete with oversized storybooks, a whimsical “book tree,” colorful backdrops, and beautifully decorated classrooms and doors. The creativity and attention to detail made the experience magical for children and guests alike.

Orange County Head Start extends its sincere appreciation to all partners, volunteers, and staff who contributed to the success of this year’s kickoff. Guest Readers Month will continue across all sites throughout the month, bringing families, community leaders, and partners together to celebrate literacy and the power of shared reading.

As the excitement continues, Orange County Head Start remains committed to fostering a love of reading and strengthening the community connections that help children thrive.

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