Wisconsin Head Start Association’s 25th Annual Training Conference
Celebrating 25 Years of Growing Wisconsin’s Head Start Community
Honoring Our Past. Amplifying Our Future.
February 22–24, 2027 | Kalahari Resort & Convention Center | Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin
2027 Keynote Speakers
Join keynote speakers T.R. Williams and Carla Williams as they bring fresh perspectives on advocacy, communication, and wellness to the Head Start community, helping us honor our past and amplify our future.
T.R. Williams, J.D.
Uniquely Situated: Why YOU are the best advocate
This keynote presentation defines policy as a proposed solution to a perceived problem and advocacy as bridging the gap between a current reality and an aspired reality. T.R. Williams will lead the audience through a brief history of policymaking that has shaped the current landscape and ask you to consider that based on this context, the profession and the work- YOU are uniquely situated as the BEST advocate.
Carla Williams
Breaking Free from Burnout
Unpack the causes of burnout and learn practical tools to restore balance. This session provides actionable strategies to prioritize self-care, set boundaries, and cultivate resilience in your daily life.
Registration
Registration opens soon for the 25th Annual Training Conference. Explore registration options, pricing, and important deadlines.
Sponsorship
Show your support for Wisconsin’s Head Start community while increasing your organization’s visibility. View sponsorship opportunities and benefits.
Exhibitors
Showcase your products, services, and resources to conference attendees. Review exhibitor opportunities and participation details.
Speakers
Inspire and inform fellow professionals by presenting at the conference. Learn more about proposal topics and submission requirements.
About the conference
Where Wisconsin’s Head Start Community Grows
The WHSA Annual Training Conference is Wisconsin’s premier professional development event for the early childhood education community. Now in its 25th year, it is one of the largest statewide professional development gatherings dedicated to strengthening Head Start and Early Head Start programs, and one of the most meaningful opportunities for Wisconsin’s early childhood community to come together around a shared purpose.
Over three days, attendees representing the full spectrum of the field connect, collaborate, and leave better equipped to serve Wisconsin’s youngest children and families.
Who Attends
A Diverse and Engaged Audience
- Head Start and Early Head Start directors, managers, and front-line staff
- Parents and family advocates
- Higher education partners and researchers
- Representatives from Tribal, Migrant, and Seasonal Head Start programs
- Birth-to-Three, child care, and home visiting professionals
- Social services and health care professionals
- Community organizations and cross-sector partners
Celebrating 25 years of the WHSA Training Conference
For 25 years, the WHSA Annual Training Conference has brought together the people who strengthen Head Start and Early Head Start programs across Wisconsin. This milestone conference is an opportunity to celebrate our shared history, recognize our accomplishments, and look ahead to the future of Head Start.
The 25th Annual WHSA Training Conference includes three days of learning, connection and inspiration:
NEW! In-Person Communities of Practice
Experience Communities of Practice in person. Choose from six content areas and join peers in similar roles for facilitated conversations, idea sharing, problem-solving, and professional growth.
Keynote Speakers
Nationally recognized leaders in early childhood education, equity, and leadership open and anchor each conference day with inspiring and practical insights.
Breakout Sessions
Dozens of concurrent sessions led by practitioners, researchers, and subject-matter experts covering best practices, emerging trends, and hands-on skill building.
Exhibitor Hall
A dedicated space where organizations can showcase products, programs, and services to an engaged audience of early childhood professionals.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
We’re grateful to the sponsors helping make our 25th Annual Training Conference possible.
WHSA 25th Annual Training Conference
February 22-24, 2027 Kalahari Resort & Convention Center Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin
