October 13-17, 2025
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.
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.
R9HSA’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.
This event offers 2 day pre-conference, 3 day conference with general sessions, breakout sessions, special events, and exhibit hall.
We will be offering sessions in-person and virtual via pre-recorded.
Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa
October 13-17, 2025
I have been to management workshops, not leadership training. This has totally changed my perspective and encouraged me to propel forward in developing my skills.
I am honored and humbled to be a recipient of the Region 9 Head Start Association’s Legacy Scholarship. The scholarship helped me get one step closer to achieving my goal of becoming a Head Start Director.
I took part in The disproportionate impact of COVID 19, and how to provide “real” support for black/brown children and families and I just want to say this was an amazing webinar. I hope we can look forward to further conversation on this topic.
Thank you so much for making events like this! I really enjoyed and learned so much teaching strategies to implement STEM in the classroom.
The HR Network was an excellent opportunity to network and learn the best practices from other HR professionals within Head Start programs. You will be amazed by the level of talent and experience of the participants.
The Summer Camp training was powerful and inspiring! Each presenter was very engaging, it’s hard to even pick a favorite session!
The Leadership Challenge training was very relevant to my work as a Head Start leader! Great facilitation; stayed with the program yet allowed time for individual and small group reflections.
Regular price $12.00
Regular price $39.00
Questions? Contact us at headstartr9@region9hsa.org.
