June 8-11, 2026
Accepting Proposals Through March 13, 2026
Head Start West invites you to submit a proposal to present at our First 1,000 Days Early Head Start Conference taking place June 8-11, 2026 at the Hyatt Regency Irvine.
Conference Overview
The 2026 First 1,000 Days Early Head Start Conference centers on the power of time, relationships, and intentional practice during the earliest and most formative years of life. The first 1,000 days are a period of profound growth, where development unfolds through consistent care, responsive relationships, and trust in each child.
2026 Conference Theme: Trusting in Time: How Head Start Shapes a Better Future for Children and Families
This theme invites presenters and participants to reflect on the importance of trusting the developmental journey, nurturing relationships, and sustaining practices that support healthy growth for children and adults alike.
We Are Seeking Workshop Proposals That Highlight:
For our First 1,000 Days! EHS Conference, we will be offering a variety of formats to support deep learning and connections among attendees:
We are also excited to welcome in-person exhibitors and sponsors. We will have space for table displays networking time and opportunities to connect with your resource providers. We will have a limited number of Education Sessions dedicated to our Sponsors.
You may request a double session. We prefer the sessions to be “part a and part b” so that attendees can gain greater content from the same source. Presenters may also submit multiple sessions. A maximum of three sessions will be scheduled. Individuals applying to offer a product or organization linked session are welcome to apply. A limited number of sponsored sessions are available. Those interested in a sponsored session must submit a workshop proposal first. If your sponsored session is approved, a $1,000 Sponsored Workshop fee will be applied. Sponsored workshops are in addition to a Conference Sponsorship. You can find more info on conference sponsorships here.
Ready to Submit?
Questions about your proposal? Please email our Event Manager Melissa Sahagun
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 Head Start WEST’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.
