WHSA 25th Annual Conference Learning Bundle
Two learning experiences. One connected journey.
To celebrate the 25th Annual Training Conference, WHSA is introducing a new Learning Bundle that brings together two of our most impactful professional development experiences: Communities of Practice and the Annual Training Conference.
Professional development doesn’t have to end after three days, or happen in isolation.
The Learning Bundle creates one connected learning experience that fosters collaboration before the conference, meaningful engagement during the event, and continued learning afterward. By combining Communities of Practice with the Annual Training Conference, participants build relationships before they arrive, deepen their learning during the conference, and continue the conversation afterward, turning conference inspiration into lasting professional growth.
Available through October 4, 2026
What’s Included in the Bundle?
Communities of Practice Membership:
Conference Registration:
Choose the registration package that best fits your needs:
- Communities of Practice + Monday Conference Registration
- Communities of Practice + Full 3-day Conference Registration
Whether you choose Monday-only or full conference registration, you’ll enjoy the benefits of Communities of Practice before, during, and after the conference.
NEW! In-Person Communities of Practice Experience
Included with Monday conference attendance. Participate in a facilitated, role-specific Communities of Practice session during Monday’s conference programming.
Connect Before
October • December • January
Participate in virtual Communities of Practice sessions, build connections, and exchange ideas with peers before the conference begins.
Engage During
February 22–24, 2027
Attend the WHSA Annual Training Conference and participate in a NEW in-person Communities of Practice session.
Grow After
March 2027
Reconnect after the conference during the Spring Communities of Practice Session, a special virtual keynote and facilitated discussion that brings participants together to reflect, share insights, and continue learning.
Why Choose the Learning Bundle?
One Registration. One Purchase. Multiple Opportunities to Learn, Connect, and Grow.
The Learning Bundle brings together Communities of Practice and the WHSA Annual Training Conference into one connected professional development experience. Participants build relationships before the conference, deepen their learning during the event, and continue growing through ongoing collaboration afterward.
With one registration and one purchase, programs can simplify professional development planning while maximizing opportunities for staff learning, connection, and growth throughout the year.
✓ Extend conference learning throughout the year
✓ Give staff access to ongoing peer collaboration
✓ Simplify professional development planning
✓ Save up to $115 compared to purchasing separately
New In-Person Communities of Practice Session
The in-person CoP session is part of Monday conference programming and is available to all WHSA Annual Training Conference attendees with either a Monday conference registration or full 3-day conference registration. Communities of Practice registration alone includes access to virtual CoP programming throughout the year.
Choose the registration option that best fits your professional development goals. Bundle options provide the greatest value while extending learning before, during, and after the conference.
Designed for Teams Across Head Start Programs
The Learning Bundle supports professionals across roles, including:
- Program directors and managers
- Education leaders
- Family engagement professionals
- Health and mental health staff
- HR professionals
- Fiscal and operations staff
- Specialists seeking role-specific collaboration
| Overview of Registration Options | Price |
|---|---|
| Full Price Communities of Practice Registration Only | $340 |
| Full Price Monday Conference Registration Only | $265 |
| Full Price 3-Day Conference Registration Only | $415 |
| Learning Bundle Option 1: CoP Registration + Full 3-Day Conference Registration | $650 |
| Learning Bundle Option 2: CoP Registration + Monday Conference Registration | $490 |
Learning Bundle Option 1
Communities of Practice Registration + Full 3-Day Conference Registration
$650 Best Value
Ideal for participants who want the complete conference experience while engaging in Communities of Practice before and after the conference.
- Communities of Practice Membership
- Full 3-Day Conference Registration
- In-Person CoP Session at the Conference
Save up to $105 vs full price
Learning Bundle Option 2
Communities of Practice Registrartion + Monday Conference Registration
$490
Ideal for participants who want to experience Communities of Practice and attend the conference’s first day, including the NEW in-person Communities of Practice session.
- Communities of Practice Membership
- Monday Conference Registration
- In-Person CoP Session at the Conference
Save up to $115 vs full price
Planning Ahead? We understand that some programs may not know which staff members will attend the conference several months in advance. Programs may purchase Learning Bundle registrations during the registration period and assign them to specific staff members at a later date. Additional details and assignment deadlines will be provided before the conference.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Learning Bundle
Have questions about registration, participation, or what’s included? Find answers to common Learning Bundle questions below.
Can programs purchase Learning Bundle registrations before assigning participants?
Yes. We understand that staffing needs and schedules can change. Programs may purchase Learning Bundle registrations during the registration period and assign participants at a later date. If staff changes occur or plans shift, registrations can be transferred to another staff member within your program at any time. Please note that Learning Bundle purchases are non-refundable.
Do participants need to attend every Communities of Practice session?
No. Participants may attend the sessions that best align with their role and interests.
What is included in the learning bundle?
The Learning Bundle offers two registration options designed to fit different professional development needs.
Learning Bundle Option One: Communities of Practice + Full 3-Day Conference Registration
This option includes:
- Access to all Communities of Practice programming throughout the year, including:
- Fall, Winter, and New Year Series: Six facilitated virtual sessions within each series
- Spring Series: A special virtual keynote and facilitated discussion
- Full 3-day registration to the WHSA Annual Training Conference
- A NEW in-person Communities of Practice session during Monday conference programming
Hotel accommodations for the conference are arranged separately.
Learning Bundle Option Two: Communities of Practice + Monday Conference Registration
This option includes:
- Access to all Communities of Practice programming throughout the year, including:
- Fall, Winter, and New Year Series: Six facilitated virtual sessions within each series
- Spring Series: A special virtual keynote and facilitated discussion
- Monday registration to the WHSA Annual Training Conference, including access to the NEW in-person Communities of Practice session during Monday conference programming
Hotel accommodations for the conference are arranged separately.
Does Communities of Practice registration include the in-person CoP session at the conference?
No. Communities of Practice registration includes access to the virtual Communities of Practice programming throughout the year. To participate in the new in-person Communities of Practice session during Monday conference programming, participants must also register for either the Learning Bundle, Monday conference experience or the full 3-day WHSA Annual Training Conference.
What is the difference between the Monday Conference Registration option and the full 3-day Conference Registration option?
The Monday Conference Registration option provides access to the first full day of the WHSA Annual Training Conference. Participants can attend Monday’s complete conference programming, including:
- General Assembly
- Keynote Speaker
- New in-person Communities of Practice session
- Communities of Practice working lunch
- Two rounds of breakout sessions
- Evening networking reception
The Full 3-Day Conference Registration option provides access to the entire WHSA Annual Training Conference from Monday through Wednesday. In addition to all Monday programming listed above, participants will also have access to:
Tuesday programming:
- General Assembly
- Keynote Speaker
- Lunch
- Two rounds of breakout sessions
Wednesday programming:
- Two rounds of breakout sessions
The best option depends on your professional development goals, schedule, and the amount of conference learning you’d like to experience.
Can my program purchase the Learning Bundle for multiple staff members?
Yes. Programs may purchase multiple Learning Bundle registrations for staff members. Registrations can be assigned to specific participants during the registration period or at a later date if staffing plans change.
Are hotel accommodations included with conference registration?
No. Hotel accommodations are arranged separately from conference registration. Additional information about conference lodging options will be provided to registered attendees.
Who is the Learning Bundle designed for?
The Learning Bundle is designed for Head Start and Early Head Start professionals across a variety of roles, including program leaders, education staff, family engagement professionals, health and mental health professionals, HR staff, fiscal and operations staff, and others looking to expand their professional learning opportunities.
Still have questions? We’re happy to help you determine which Learning Bundle option is the best fit for your program.
What are Communities of Practice?
Communities of Practice (CoPs) bring together professionals in similar roles to learn from one another, exchange ideas, and strengthen their work through ongoing collaboration.
Each CoP focuses on a specific content area and creates a space for participants to discuss challenges, share resources, explore emerging topics, and connect with peers across Wisconsin’s Head Start community. Through facilitated conversations and peer learning, participants gain practical strategies, new perspectives, and a supportive network that extends beyond a single training event.
WHSA’s Communities of Practice include four virtual series throughout the year:
- Fall Series
- Winter Series
- New Year Series
- Spring Series
Within each series, participants can access six content-specific Communities of Practice:
- Coaches & Education Managers/Specialists
- ERSEA & Family Services
- Health & Nutrition
- Mental Health & Inclusion/Disabilities
- Human Resources
- Data Management
Each of the six Communities of Practice meets virtually for a 90-minute facilitated session during the Fall, Winter, and New Year series, providing opportunities to learn, collaborate, and connect with peers facing similar opportunities and challenges.
Spring Series: The learning continues in spring with a special virtual keynote and facilitated discussion for Communities of Practice participants. This shared experience brings participants together to explore new ideas, reflect on learning, and continue building connections across Wisconsin’s Head Start community.
When you register for Communities of Practice, you have access to attend any and all of these 19 virtual sessions.
What is the WHSA Annual Training Conference?
The WHSA Annual Training Conference is Wisconsin’s premier professional development event for Head Start and Early Head Start professionals.
Held annually in the Wisconsin Dells, the conference brings together educators, family advocates, program leaders, community partners, and other early childhood professionals for three days of learning, connection, and inspiration.
Attendees participate in keynote presentations, breakout sessions, networking opportunities, and interactive learning experiences designed to strengthen programs and improve outcomes for children and families.
Celebrate 25 Years of Learning, Connection, and Community
Join colleagues from across Wisconsin for an extended professional development experience that begins before the conference, continues throughout the event, and grows beyond it through Communities of Practice.
One registration. One purchase. Multiple opportunities to learn, connect, and grow.