Wisconsin Head Start Association
Statewide Leadership Summit
Bringing Wisconsin Head Start leaders together to learn from experts, share experiences, and connect with peers who truly understand the work.
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Who Should Attend
Executive directors and program leaders of Head Start and Early Head Start programs across Wisconsin.
What to Expect
Direct Access to State Leaders
Meaningful dialogue with leaders from the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families and other state agencies on priorities, policy, and the future of Head Start in Wisconsin.
Peer Problem-Solving
Base Camp sessions designed for collaborative workshopping — sharing what's actually working in your programs and digging into what's hard.
Nature-Based Networking
Choose your pace — a guided hike to Blackhawk Island, a morning paddle on the Wisconsin River, or Base Camp peer time. Real connection in a setting that actually lets you breathe.
Strategic Growth
Facilitated sessions focused on the unique challenges of executive leadership in the Head Start space — moving from understanding challenges to exploring real strategies and solutions.
Agenda (tentative — subject to change)
Tuesday, June 16 · Policy & Connection · 8:30am – 8:00pm
8:30 – 9:30am
Breakfast & Welcome
Come dressed and ready for your morning activity.
9:30 – 10:00am
Opening Remarks
10:00am – 12:00pm
State Leadership Panel
A conversation with state leaders on leadership needs and the future of Head Start in Wisconsin — driven by questions and priorities submitted by directors ahead of the summit.
12:00 – 1:00pm
Working Lunch with State Panel
One panelist per table — continue the conversation informally over lunch.
1:00 – 2:00pm
Connection & Debrief
2:00 – 4:00pm
Choose Your Afternoon
Outdoor Activity
🏃 Blackhawk Island Expedition
Paddle over to Blackhawk Island on the barge for a guided hike. ~2 hours. Closed-toe shoes required.
Base Camp
🔥 Peer Connection & Collaborative Work
A facilitated gathering for peer connection and collaborative problem-solving. Conversation prompts, shared resources, and time to dig into what's working — and what's hard.
6:00 – 8:00pm
Optional Dinner — Ravina Bay Grill
Wisconsin Dells. Self-paid — a great chance to keep the conversation going in a relaxed setting.
Wednesday, June 17 · Peer Collaboration · 8:30am – 4:00pm
8:30 – 9:00am
Wednesday Kickoff
Come dressed and ready for your morning activity. Canoeing/kayaking participants depart at 8:50am.
9:00 – 11:00am
Choose Your Morning
Outdoor Activity
🚣 Guided River Paddle
Canoeing & kayaking on the Wisconsin River with all equipment provided. Come dressed for the water. 1.5–2 hours.
Base Camp
🔥 Peer Workshopping Session
Peer workshopping, shared problem-solving, and additional time with topic-area resources.
11:30am – 1:00pm
Working Lunch
1:00 – 3:00pm
Full Group Facilitated Workshop
Small group discussions on priority topics identified before the summit — including training for supervisors, diversifying funding, HR challenges, budgeting strategies, and organizational wellness. Facilitated to move from understanding challenges to exploring real options and strategies.
3:00 – 4:00pm
Closing Remarks
* Schedule is tentative and subject to change. Registered attendees will receive updates as details are finalized.
Venue
Upham Woods Outdoor Learning Center
Along the sandstone bluffs of the Wisconsin River
📍 N194 County Rd N, Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965
📞 (608) 254-6461
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