WHSA Statewide Leadership Summit

Join us for the WHSA Statewide Leadership Summit in the Wisconsin Dells.

Two days. Real connections. Hike, paddle, and problem-solve with peers who get it.

Staff Affiliate Scholarship

Our people are our greatest strength. WHSA is proud to support Head Start staff members who are furthering their education and growing in their careers. Applications for the WHSA Staff Affiliate Scholarship are open now through June 15th.

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Parent Affiliate Scholarship

At WHSA, we believe strong communities start with strong families. We are proud to offer scholarship support to Head Start parents and guardians who are taking the next step in their education. Applications are open now through June 15.

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Wisconsin Head Start Association

We provide educational experiences that have been proven to help kids succeed, both while they are in school and throughout the rest of their lives.

WHSA Fact Sheet

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Wisconsin Head Start Facts

16,197

Head Start & Early Head Start

2,346

MIGRANT/SEASONAL HEAD START

1,090

Tribal Children

401

STATE HEAD START

Latest News From Wisconsin Head Start Association

Why Head Start Matters for Military and Veteran Families in Wisconsin

Head Start and Military and Veteran Families in Wisconsin When we think about who Head Start serves, military and veteran families aren't always the first to come to mind. But Head Start military and veteran families in Wisconsin tell a different story. Nearly 300 of...

How ICE Is Affecting Head Start Children, Families and Staff

A new survey examines the ICE enforcement impact on Head Start programs across the country. The Washington State Association of Head Start and ECEAP (WSA), alongside the Pennsylvania and Wisconsin Head Start Associations, surveyed 277 directors, leadership staff,...

Monday, May 18 marks the 61st birthday of Head Start

Monday, May 18 marks the 61st birthday of Head Start, one of the longest-running and most impactful early childhood programs in American history.It's Head Start's 61st birthday, and at WHSA, we're not just celebrating a milestone. We're taking a moment to reflect on...

Parent and Staff Affiliate Scholarship – Applications Open

At Wisconsin Head Start Association, we believe that investing in our people strengthens our entire community. That is why we are proud to announce that applications for the WHSA Parent Affiliate Scholarship and Staff Affiliate Scholarship are now open. If you are a...

Statewide Leadership Summit — Registration Now Open

The WHSA Statewide Leadership Summit Is Coming, And You Should Be There Registration is open for the 2026 WHSA Statewide Leadership Summit, and if you lead a Head Start or Early Head Start program in Wisconsin, this one is for you. 📅 June 16 & 17, 2026 |...

Spring Implementation: Communities of Practice

Perfect for New Employees + Continuing Professional Growth $90 | Spring Implementation Why This Works for Your Team Onboarding new staff? Communities of Practice offer the fastest way to: Connect new employees with Wisconsin's Head Start network Learn from...

WHSA 2026 Annual Training Conference

Join us for the Wisconsin Head Start Association's 24th Annual Training Conference Monday – Wednesday, February 23-25, 2026 This three-day event brings together the entire early childhood community—from Head Start and Early Head Start staff to parents, families, and...

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Nominate a colleague, team member, or yourself! Share why this person is a gift to Head Start and how they embody our mission every day.

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Latest News

Why Head Start Matters for Military and Veteran Families in Wisconsin May 22, 2026
How ICE Is Affecting Head Start Children, Families and Staff May 19, 2026
Monday, May 18 marks the 61st birthday of Head Start May 15, 2026

In 2021, Wisconsin Head Start Association served…

2,372

Children with Disabilities

1307

HOMELESS CHILDREN

640

Foster Children

333

Pregnant Women

“Head Start gave us (my husband and I) both the initial tools we needed to become good students and successful professionals.”

Stephanie Gaines-Bryant

“The Head Start initiative will forever be close to my heart because it is the very place where I began interacting with the world and it has made the difference in my life.”

Crystal Swinton

“I am privileged to be part of a Head Start organization as an adult — an agency that changes lives, improves our community, and is dedicated to helping people help themselves and each other.”

Rosalie Fernandez