WHSA Communities of Practice
Learn from the people who understand your role best.
What are Communities of Practice?
Communities of Practice (CoPs) bring together professionals in similar roles from Head Start and Early Head Start programs across Wisconsin 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.
Who are Communities of Practice for?
Communities of Practice are designed for Head Start and Early Head Start professionals across a variety of roles, including:
- Coaches and Education Managers/Specialists
- ERSEA and Family Services staff
- Health and mental health professionals
- Inclusion and disabilities specialists
- HR professionals
- Data management staff
How Wisconsin Head Start Communities of Practice Work
WHSA’s Communities of Practice run across four virtual series throughout the year. Within each series, you can attend any of six content-specific sessions — or, in Spring, a special virtual keynote.
When you register, you have access to all 19 virtual sessions across the year — attendance at every session isn’t required. Come to the ones that fit your role, your interests, and your schedule.
Fall Series
October
6 facilitated 90-minute virtual sessions
Winter Series
December
6 facilitated 90-minute virtual sessions
New Year Series
January
6 facilitated 90-minute virtual sessions
Spring Keynote
March
A virtual keynote and facilitated discussion — bringing all CoP participants together to reflect on the year and connect.
Each Fall, Winter, and New Year session offers the same six content areas to choose from:
Coaches & Education Managers/Specialists · ERSEA & Family Services · Health & Nutrition · Mental Health & Inclusion/Disabilities · Human Resources · Data Management
Registration Options and Pricing
| Registration Options & Pricing | Price |
|---|---|
| Early Registration (All 4 Series) available through Sept 15 | $325 |
| Regular Registration (All 4 Series) available through Oct 5 | $340 |
| Individual Series (Fall only, Winter only, or New Year only) | $95 |
| Spring Virtual Keynote Only | $100 |
Full Series registration gives your program the best value and access to every session across the year. Single-session registration is available if you only need one series.
New This Year: An In-Person CoP Experience
We’ve heard you – you’ve asked for the chance to meet in person, and this year, we’re making that happen. A new in-person Communities of Practice session is available during the WHSA Annual Training Conference in February, as part of Monday’s programming.
Because it’s tied to Conference attendance, it is not included in standard CoP registration — CoP registration still includes full access to all virtual programming throughout the year. To join the in-person session, you’ll need a Conference Monday Day Pass, full Conference registration, or the 25th Anniversary Learning Bundle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions about registration, participation, or what’s included? Find answers to common Communities of Practice questions below.
Do I need to attend every session?
No. Participants may attend the sessions that best align with their role and interests.
What's the difference between Early and Regular registration?
Both give you full access to all four series (Fall, Winter, New Year, Spring). Early Registration ($325) is available Aug 1–Sept 15; Regular Registration ($340) is available Sept 16–Oct 5. The only difference is price and timing — register early for the better rate.
Can I register for just one series instead of the full year?
Yes. Single-session tickets are available for Fall, Winter, New Year, or Spring individually. Keep in mind single-session tickets only grant access to that specific series, not the full year.
Does CoP registration include the in-person session at the Conference?
No. CoP registration includes access to virtual programming throughout the year. To join the new in-person Communities of Practice session during Monday’s conference programming, you’ll also need a Monday Day Pass, full Conference registration, or the 25th Anniversary Learning Bundle.
Can my program register multiple staff members?
Yes. If you’re purchasing more than one ticket, you’ll assign each ticket to an attendee by providing their first name, last name, and email address, so session links and information go directly to the right person.
What if staffing changes and I need to reassign a ticket to someone else?
Contact us and we’re happy to help update who a ticket is assigned to. Reassignments need to go through our team rather than being changed independently.
Will I get the specific dates and times when I register?
Session times, and virtual meeting links will be provided on our event platform, sched, here.
Fall Series: 6 sessions between October 5 – October 16
Winter Series: 6 sessions between November 30 – December 11
New Year Series: 6 sessions between January 11 – January 22
Spring Virtual Keynote & Discussion: March 11