Event Registration - Illinois Head Start Association

 2025-2026 Annual IHSA Quality Enrichment Circle
08/01/2025 - 06/30/2026

 
Join us for the 17th year of Quality Enrichment Circles—our signature event for professional learning and collaboration.

QECs are more than just meetings. They’re groups of people who care about the same work and want to get better at it. Some call them “communities of practice,” but at the core, they’re about coming together to solve real problems, share what’s working, and push our practice forward.

In a time when early childhood programs are facing more pressure than ever, connecting with peers isn’t optional—it’s essential. QECs give you the space to talk honestly with others in your role, learn new strategies, and find common ground.

Let’s use this time to build each other up, think differently, and get stronger in the work we do for kids and families.

The agenda for these conferences is built around what you need. That means we’ll focus on the real challenges you’re facing and the topics that matter most in your day-to-day work. When you join a QEC, you’re not just there to listen—you help shape the conversation. You’ll walk away with practical ideas, fresh insight, and a stronger network of peers who get what you’re dealing with.

What are Quality Enrichment Circles or QECs?
Quality Enrichment Circles (QECs), also known as “communities of practice,” are small professional groups made up of Head Start and Early Head Start staff who do similar work and want to grow in their roles. These circles are a space to connect with peers, share ideas, and build practical solutions together

What happens in QECs?
Each QEC meets weekly and is led by a Content Area Expert (CAE)—a peer who knows the work and understands the challenges. Sessions include sharing insights, solving real problems, and learning from each other. Guest speakers will join throughout the year to bring in fresh knowledge and perspective.

Where are QECs held?
All QECs are fully virtual for 2025–2026. No travel or substitute coverage is required. Each session includes breakout discussions by region to maintain local relevance. Dates vary based on the Content Area.  Please see IHSA Event Calendar for QEC Content Area specific dates.

When do QECs happen?
QEC sessions take place on Tuesdays from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Each content area meets on a rotating schedule. For specific dates, see the Content Area QEC Dates & Registration Information section or visit www.ilheadstart.org.

What are the different QECs or Content Areas for 2025-2026?
There are six (6) QECs this year, covering a wide range of roles and specialties:

1. Education, Disabilities, & Coaching
2. Early Head Start & Home Visiting
3. Family Services & ERSEA
4. Health, Safety, & Nutrition
5. Mental Health, Wellness, & SEL
6. Family Service Workers, Specialists, & Advocates

How does registration work?
This year, IHSA is offering a subscription-based model:

• One flat fee covers access to all QECs
• Attend each week or jump in when a content area or topic fits your needs
• You can stay with one circle or move between groups as needed—it's your call

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Each QEC supports professionals working in a specific content area. Whether you’re new to the role or experienced, these sessions provide space to connect with peers, share insights, and address real challenges in your daily work.

Early Head Start/Home Visiting
For professionals supporting Early Head Start and home-based programs, including center-based services. Focuses on relationship-based practices, family engagement, and strategies that support infants, toddlers, and pregnant people.

Education, Disabilities, & Coaching 
Designed for educators, coaches, and coordinators in HS/EHS. Covers classroom strategies, inclusive practices, and coaching techniques that support teacher growth and child outcomes.

Family Services & ERSEA 
For staff managing family services and ERSEA (Eligibility, Recruitment, Selection, Enrollment, and Attendance). Sessions focus on outreach strategies, recruitment challenges, and family engagement systems.

Family Service Workers, Specialists, & Advocates 
Frontline-focused group for those directly supporting families. Emphasizes relationship-building, goal setting, connecting families to resources, and navigating common service delivery barriers.

Health, Safety & Nutrition 
For those responsible for health services, safe environments, and child nutrition. Discussions include safety compliance, meal planning, health promotion, and real-world challenges.

Mental Health, Wellness & SEL 
For staff addressing mental health, wellness, and social-emotional development in HS/EHS programs. Offers practical tools, peer support, and systems thinking for child, family, and staff well-being.

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One flat fee gets you unlimited access to all QECs—no more registering session-by-session.

Registration Fee Includes: 

• Unlimited access to all six QEC groups
• Weekly virtual sessions from October through April 
• Regional breakout discussions within each session
• Peer-led facilitation by Content Area Experts (CAEs)
• Guest speakers and topic-specific presentations
• Access to session materials and shared resources
• Invitation to the end-of-year Vanessa Rich Experience Retreat (VRLE)
• Flexibility to attend sessions that fit your role, interest, or schedule

Member Subscription Pass:  $310.00 
Five or more registrations from the same Agency: $275.00
Non Member Fee: $429.00
 

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We’re delighted you’ll be joining IHSA’s Professional Development events. Your registration allows us to deliver the highest-quality speakers, materials, and logistics. Below are the key details:

• Registration Policy: Registrations are used for planning purposes, including materials, meals, and room setup. Therefore, once you submit your registration, your spot is guaranteed—there are no cancellations, refunds, or credits.. However, your agency may make name changes and/or substitute another attendee—simply send us the replacement’s name at least 72 hours before the event.
• Note for Virtual Events: Details for joining the virtual session will be emailed separately before the event.
• Note for In Person Events: Travel and accommodations are not included in registration. If we arrange room block, you’ll receive booking instructions and deadlines in your confirmation email. Otherwise, please select lodging that fits your needs, review any change or cancellation fees, and consider the many convenient hotel options near the venue.
• Contingency Plan: Should public health guidelines change, we will transition in person events to a virtual format and notify you immediately.

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 Beyond Enrollment: Reimagining Family Engagement: An ERSEA and Family Engagement Web Series
12/19/2025 - 02/06/2026

Join us for a web series on recruitment, enrollment, and authentic family engagement. Whether your job title is Family Engagement Coordinator, Family Advocate, or some variation thereof, THIS WEB SERIES IS DESIGNED ESPECIALLY FOR YOU WITH YOUR SPECIFIC NEEDS IN MIND!!!

Many who serve in these positions (or desire to serve in the future) must work to engage all site stakeholders (staff, children, parents, administrators, community members/partners) from various skill levels, backgrounds, and experiences. You must keep staff and families motivated all while ensuring you have the infrastructure (both physical and mental) in place to yield positive outcomes for children and families.

IHSA has recognized these challenges and has partnered with Yolanda Winfrey of Freystyle by Winfrey, LLC., a very experienced Trainer/Consultant to provide you with an engaging, skill & knowledge-building web series.

Here are 8 reasons to invest your valuable time and join us:

1. Gain a better understanding of agency culture and relationship building and how it impacts enrollment and family engagement.
2. Enhance skills in creating systems for effective and impactful family engagement through establishing partnerships and involving key stakeholders that nurture engagement and support.
3. Explore how values, norms, and internal dynamics of an organization shape family interaction.
4. Explore how personal and professional beliefs shape engagement efforts.
5. Turn insight into action
6. Receive tools and strategies to understand why trust should be the first step in recruitment, not the last.
7. Demonstrate that enrollment isn’t just paperwork—it's relationship-building.

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Don’t miss this opportunity to refresh your approach, build your skills, and reignite your passion for authentic family engagement.

Dates: (1) December 19, 2025, (2) January 9, 2026, (3) February 6, 2026, (4) April 10, 2026
Time: 10:00 am - 11:30 am
Location: Virtual (Zoom)
Registration Fee: $225 per person or 175 per person for teams of 5+ from same agency

Who Should Attend: Family Engagement Coordinators, Family Advocates, and anyone supporting Head Start and Early Head Start enrollment and family engagement efforts.

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Yolanda Winfrey - Freystyle by Winfrey, LLC
Owner and Lead Consultant

Yolanda is the Owner and Lead Consultant for Freystyle by Winfrey, LLC. She has worked in the ECE field for 30 years in various roles including Social Services and Mental Health Coordinator, Assistant Head Start Director, Early Childhood Director, Chief Talent and Organizational Development Officer and Federal Reviewer Consultant. Yolanda is also an Adjunct Instructor in the Social Work Department at Mount Mary University. She teaches an undergraduate level course, Race, Gender, and Class and has taught a graduate level course, Social Work with Families and Children.

Yolanda is an experienced educator, consultant and trainer well versed in systems development, staff and leadership development, organizational redesign, management systems, and implementation practices. Her interests include staff and leadership development, systems thinking, and empowering individuals and programs to support their growth and to attain their goals and objectives.

Yolanda earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Social Work from Southern University and A & M College, a Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, a Master’s Degree in Education (Early Childhood) from Concordia University Wisconsin, and an Advanced Practice Social Work Certification from the State of Wisconsin. She also holds a Certificate in Human Resource Management and Organizational Development from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee School of Continuing Education.
The skills, expertise, and perspective Yolanda provides has led to the opportunity to work with a variety of individuals and programs across the country and present to various audiences at state, regional, and national conferences.

During her “free time”, Yolanda enjoys creating customized quilts, creating custom crafts and apparel, and spending quality time with her family and friends.
Location: Virtual

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