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48TH ANNUAL ILLINOIS HEAD START ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE
March 17–19, 2026 | East Peoria, Illino
Theme: Head Start – The Power of Us
Connecting Hearts. Creating Change. Cultivating Futures.

CALL FOR CONFERENCE PROPOSALS
The Illinois Head Start Association invites presenters who are helping programs connect, create, and cultivate what’s possible in Head Start and Early Head Start

As programs navigate workforce challenges, shifting federal guidance, and evolving community needs, this year’s conference—The Power of Us—celebrates the collaboration, resilience, and shared purpose that define our work.

We’re seeking proposals for sessions that helps teams strengthen practice, improve outcomes, or renew purpose—this is your moment to share it.  

We’re looking for sessions that: ABOUT THE CONFERENCE
The conference will be held at: Embassy Suites by Hilton East Peoria – Hotel & Riverfront Conference Center 100 Conference Center Drive, East Peoria, Illinois 61611

We anticipate approximately 300 attendees representing every role in the Head Start and Early Head Start community—administrators, teachers, home visitors, family service staff, health and nutrition professionals, education managers, and parents.

This annual event brings together Illinois programs for three days of networking, learning, and celebrating the impact of Head Start across our state.  

TENTATIVE CONFERENCE SESSION SCHEDULE OVERVIEW  

Tuesday, March 17, 2026:
2:15 – 3:45 p.m. | Breakout Session 1

Wednesday, March 18, 2026:
9:00 – 10:30 a.m. | Breakout Session 2
10:45 – 12:15 p.m. | Breakout Session 3
1:45 pm – 3:15 | Breakout Session 4
3:30 – 5:00 p.m. | Breakout Session 5

Thursday, March 19, 2026:
8:45 am – 10:15 a.m. | Breakout Session 6
10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | Breakout Session 7

SESSION FORMAT & EXPECTATIONS TOPICS OF INTEREST
Proposals should address today’s realities in Head Start and Early Head Start while offering strategies that build capacity, resilience, and impact. Examples of topics include but not limited to the following:  
  1. Program Leadership & Workforce Recruitment and retention, coaching and supervision, ERSEA and data driven decisions, staff wellness, succession planning, continuous improvement, advocacy, and governance partnerships
  2. Family & Community Partnerships OHS Family Engagement Framework, cultural and linguistic responsiveness, family literacy, self-care and family wellness, parents as leaders, and strengthening community collaborations.
  3. Teaching & Learning (Birth–5) Curriculum implementation, assessment and outcomes, social-emotional learning, dual-language learners, inclusion, and developmental domains across content areas.
  4. Health, Mental Health & Safety Mental health and trauma-responsive care, family and staff wellness, nutrition and food access, safety, and crisis management.
  5. Emerging Issues & Innovation Adapting to federal guidance, political or community shifts, advancing equity and belonging, digital engagement, data storytelling, local innovation, fiscal, continuation grants, and change of scope.  
WHO SHOULD APPLY
We welcome proposals from: WHAT ATTENDEES VALUE MOST Proposal Evaluation Criteria
  1. Relevance and timeliness of topic
  2. Clarity of objectives and expected outcomes
  3. Use of adult learning methods
  4. Applicability to various program settings
  5. Evidence of creativity or innovation
  6. Presenter qualifications
  7. Completeness and clarity of submission  
Presenter Information and Guidelines Key Dates How to Submit
Submit your proposal electronically through the IHSA Conference Proposal Form.

Questions or assistance: Catherine Welsh, Director of Learning Email: cwelsh@ilheadstart.org  

Head Start’s strength has always been its people. Together, we learn, adapt, and lead. Join us in East Peoria to celebrate The Power of Us—and share what’s working in your program, your classroom, and your community.

Presenters representing vendors or consulting firms are asked not to sell or market items within the training session. They may provide more of their product/service information by renting an exhibit booth in our exhibit hall.

IHSA provides conference exhibit space and offers advertising space in the conference app. Interested presenters and others may contact IHSA at info@ilheadstart.org to secure exhibit or ad space. A screen and AV cart will be provided in each breakout session room by the IHSA.

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