Be the Gift: Rooted in Purpose, Growing the Future in Head Start

Join us for the Wisconsin Head Start Association’s 24th Annual Training Conference
Monday – Wednesday, February 23-25, 2026

This three-day educational experience will bring together Head Start and Early Childhood Education professionals, parents, and community partners for learning that matters.

Who Should Attend:

• Head Start & Early Head Start staff
• Parents and families
• Child care providers
• Birth-to-Three professionals
• Home visitors
• ECE students and educators
• Tribal and Migrant program staff
• Healthcare and social service partners
• State agencies and CCR&R

Come ready to learn, connect, and return to your important work feeling inspired and equipped with new tools to serve Wisconsin’s children and families. This conference offers professional development designed specifically for those who believe every child deserves the best possible start in life.

When: Monday – Wednesday, February 23 – 25, 2026

Where: Kalahari Resort & Convention Center, 1305 Kalahari Dr., Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965

Workshops: Priority topics will address key challenges facing Head Start professionals today, including behavioral management through reflective practice, facilitating meaningful staff reflection conversations, and providing mental health support for both staff and children. Sessions will focus on navigating difficult conversations with staff and families, healthy screen time practices and classroom technology integration, and supporting families through divorce/separation and the IEP process. Other priority areas include establishing safety protocols for managing challenging situations during pickup/dropoff and strengthening community-based parent education programs.

Workshops will also cover our core framework areas: Child Development, Family Systems and Dynamics, Diversity, Special Needs and Inclusive Practices, Learning Experiences and Curriculum, Health Safety and Nutrition, Guidance and Nurturing, Observation and Assessment, Family and Community Relationships, Professionalism, Planning and Reflection, and Administration and Management.

Room Block Information: To be announced.

Monday, February 23, 2026

Dr. Alonzo Kelly

Tuesday, February 24, 2026

Dr. El Brown

When: February 23-25, 2026

Where: Kalahari Resort & Convention Center, 1305 Kalahari Dr., Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965

Pricing:

$360 Super Early Bird before 12/31/2026

$375 before 1/31/26

$390 General Registration before 2/26/26

Workshops: Topics including but not limited to curriculum design, the power of play, fatherhood, dual language, inclusion, parenting, mentoring, data, community partnerships, teaching, administration, staff wellness, mental well-being, program management.

W HSA Call for Presenters: Click Here!

W HSA Call for Exhibitors: Click Here!

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