Join a peer-led learning group for professionals leading mental health, wellness, and social-emotional learning (SEL) efforts in Head Start and Early Head Start. This Quality Enrichment Circle (QEC) is a virtual space for real talk, skill-building, and practical problem-solving with others supporting emotional well-being across programs.
You’ll connect with peers working on behavior supports, staff wellness plans, trauma-informed practices, and SEL integration. Whether you're a consultant or managing a team, you’ll get grounded support and fresh ideas to strengthen your mental health systems.
Sessions are led by experienced practitioners and include guest speakers, breakout discussions by region, and plenty of time to learn from each other. You’ll walk away with new tools, fresh insights, and a stronger network of colleagues.
All QECs are fully virtual, with flexible attendance. No travel. No fluff. Just useful time spent with people who get it.
The Vanessa Rich Leadership Experience is a two-and-a-half-day working retreat for Head Start and Early Head Start leadership across Illinois. If you hold a management or leadership role at an Illinois HS/EHS program, this event is built for you.
You will spend time with peers who are doing the same work, tackling the same challenges, and managing the same pressures. The format is designed around real problems and practical takeaways, not lectures.
Named in honor of Vanessa Rich, who dedicated 40 years to Head Start and served as Deputy Commissioner of Children Services for the City of Chicago
SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE
Times: Monday: 12PM—5PM / Tuesday: 8:30AM—5:00PM / Wednesday: 8:30AM—12:00PM
Registration Fee: $460.00 member / $610.00 non-member; Three or more from the same agency: $410.00 per person
Meals Included: Monday Lunch and Dinner / Tuesday: Hot Breakfast & Lunch (Dinner on your own) / Wednesday: Hot Breakfast
UNIQUE EMAIL ADDRESSES REQUIRED: When completing a registration please enter the unique email address of the person attending the training, not the email of the person completing the registration. A unique email address is required for each attendee in order to access the training event AND materials.
ð Calling all Head Start and Early Head Start Leaders in Illinois! ð
If you're a Head Start or Early Head Start director in Illinois, this event is for you.
The 2026 Directors Institute is your chance to step away from the day-to-day and connect with people who get what you're navigating—because they’re in it too. Executive directors, program directors, and leadership teams from across the state come together to learn, share, and grow as a community.
We know the landscape is shifting. With evolving guidance from the Administration for Children and Families and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, directors are being asked to do more, respond faster, and lead with greater clarity. This Institute is designed to help you do just that.
Why attend?
You’ll get updates that matter, straight from experts who understand the latest from ACF and HHS—and how it affects your work.
You’ll leave with real tools and strategies, not just big ideas. Everything is tailored for the realities of running a Head Start or Early Head Start program in Illinois.
You’ll connect with your people. Whether you’re a seasoned leader or stepping into the role, this is a place to swap ideas, solve problems, and build relationships that last.
Come ready to talk honestly, think creatively, and walk away with ideas you can actually use. The 2026 Directors Institute is more than a training—it’s a leadership recharge.
SPACE LIMITED - REGISTER FOR YOU SPOT EARLY!
Schedule
Wednesday, June 3: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM (Lunch provided)
Thursday, June 4: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Breakfast and Lunch provided)
Friday, June 5: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM (Breakfast provided)
Registration Rates
Registration Type Rate Availability
Individual IHSA Member $399 All registration
Team (3+ from same agency) $349 Through May 1
Non-Member $575 All registration
Team Registration Details
• Team rates are available for groups of three (3) or more attendees from the same member agency or program.
• All team members must register together in one transaction.
• Team pricing is available through May 1, 2026. After that date, all registrations default to the individual member rate of $399.
• If only one person registers at the team rate, IHSA will contact that individual for the $50 balance. Venue & Hotelâ
Herrington Inn and Spa Guest Room Rate for IHSA Directors Institute: [Individuals must reserve on their own}
The Herrington Inn & Spa, 15 South River Lane, Geneva, IL 60134
Occupancy tax: 11% added to room rate
To book: Call the front desk at 630.208.7433 and ask for the Illinois Head Start / Directors Institute block.
Hotel cutoff: May 4, 2026. Rooms after this date are subject to availability and may not be at the group rate.
Check-in: 4:00 PM | Check-out: 12:00 PM (noon)
Room options:
Courtyard Double or King: 209.00/night
One Bedroom Suite: 259.00/night
River Premier: 259.00/night
Townview Room: 209.00/night
Please reserve your lodging early: Accommodations are subject to availability. Any additions in excess of the Guaranteed Block after the Cut-off Date (May 4, 2026) will increase the Guaranteed Block by an equal amount.
Make your reservation by calling the front desk directly at 630.208.7433 and use your company and group name [IHSA Directors Institute].
