Join us for the Wisconsin Head Start Association’s 24th Annual Training Conference
Monday – Wednesday, February 23-25, 2026
Mark your calendars! 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.
Keynote Speakers
Dr. Alonzo Kelly
Monday, February 23, 2026
Dr. El Brown
Tuesday, February 24, 2026
Don’t miss our exclusive Q&A session with Dr. Kelly and Dr. Brown, where you can engage directly with both speakers.
Call for Speakers: Speakers Application — Open Now (Deadline Monday, December 8, 2025)
Call for Exhibitors and Sponsors: Exhibitor Applications — Open Now (Deadline Monday, December 22, 2025)
Early Bird Registration begins soon!
Contact: For questions, comments or if you would like more information, email whsassist@whsaonline.org
