Elevate

The Family Engagement Conference is designed to elevate the importance of building strong, supportive families that are equipped with tools and resources to secure a better future. This professional development event focuses on deepening the impact of Head Start programs on family economic stability, child development, and access to supportive services. Our conference theme this year is Healthy Families, Healthy Futures.

At the 2025 Family Engagement Conference, participants can look forward to a dynamic lineup of workshops that reflect this year’s theme.  Rooted in Head Start’s commitment to strengthening families, the conference will feature sessions that highlight innovative strategies and proven practices across five key focus areas: Family Engagement, Curriculum, Wellness and Health, Cross-Cutting Approaches, and Leadership. Attendees can expect a variety of engaging learning formats — including in-person and virtual 1.5-hour education sessions, pre-recorded one-hour offerings, and an intensive full-day pre-conference workshop. Each session is designed to foster practical skill-building, meaningful dialogue, and cross-role collaboration to help programs support the holistic well-being of children and families.

Successful Head Start and Early Head Start programs know the power enlisting families with shared values and goals for the development of their children and themselves. Deeply rooted in the Head Start approach is the goal of building a system that advocates for “self-determination” for parents. From participation in program governing to classroom volunteerism, from parenting education to emergency services, Head Start offers families a comprehensive system of support. The successful engagement of families is essential to establishing a love of learning and success.

Following the Parent, Family and Community Engagement Framework this training will showcase the elements of building partnerships with fathers (1302.82), utilization of data (1302.102), highlights from research (1302.92), policy council leadership and program governance (1301.3, 4, 5), nutrition and health strategies (1302.46), school readiness goal setting (1302.34),

Since the inception of Head Start more than 55 years ago, family engagement has always been a pillar of the program. Underlying the Head Start focus on the whole child is the understanding that parents are the primary educators and advocates of their children. Moreover, when parents engage with their children, they not only improve the child’s happiness and success — but theirs as well. Family Engagement is the pathway through which all our early education work is being achieved. Holding deep insights into the community is essential as we strive to enlist families in a manner that is respectful of their strengths and aspirations.

HSW’s Family Engagement Conference is designed to elevate this wide-ranging agenda through thought leaders, practitioners, and advocates for high-quality and responsive service. Please consult our schedule for training, events and activities taking place during our annual gathering in the beautiful state of Hawaii!

Interested in registering but don’t have a MyR9HSA account? Please email Melissa Sahagun.

What

This event offers 1 day pre-conference (October 14) 3 day conference (October 15-17)  with general sessions, breakout sessions, special events, and exhibit hall.

We will be offering sessions in-person and virtual via pre-recorded.

Where

Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa 

When

October 13-17, 2025