July 27-29, 2026
Leading an agency focused on early education, human services, or community action has never been more complex. Regardless of the type of organization—whether it’s a community non-profit, school system, public agency, or national non-profit—Chief Executive Officers (CEOs), Executive Directors, and those responsible for the long-term sustainability of their organizations face significant regulatory and financial uncertainties. The Executive Leadership Council serves as a crucial network during these challenging times.
This network is designed to facilitate the sharing and discussion of information from credible sources, stakeholder insights, and effective practices. Each agency in Head Start WEST has its own unique systems. In this collaborative space, we welcome Chief Executive Officers, Executive Directors, Chief Financial Officers, Chief Operating Officers, Superintendents, and similar agency leaders. Head Start directors are also encouraged to attend along with their agency’s executive leadership.
Early childhood programs, including Head Start and Early Head Start, are navigating a period of significant complexity. Workforce shortages, leadership turnover, increased compliance expectations, and ongoing recovery from community and environmental disruptions are placing unprecedented strain on systems and staff.
At the same time, expectations for high-quality services and accountability continue to grow.
Head Start WEST’s Workforce Summit creates a critical space to respond to these challenges together. It helps align efforts across states, elevate proven strategies, and strengthen systems that support both staff wellbeing and program effectiveness.
By bringing the region together, this summit moves beyond isolated solutions and builds a shared path forward rooted in resilience, collaboration, and long-term sustainability.
The summit is designed for professionals and partners directly shaping and supporting the early childhood workforce. This includes Head Start and Early Head Start executive leaders and directors, human resources and workforce specialists, fiscal leaders, program administrators, education and family services leaders, as well as managers, supervisors, and emerging leaders. State Collaboration Office staff, state associations, regional partners, and workforce development, higher education, and policy partners will also benefit. Anyone responsible for leading systems, managing teams, or building partnerships will find relevant insights, practical strategies, and valuable connections to strengthen their work.
This in-person gathering will take place July 27–29 and will feature both the Executive Leadership Council (July 27–28) and the Workforce Summit (July 28–29), with an overlapping day designed to foster connection across both events.
Embassy Suites by Hilton Denver Downtown Convention Center
Address: 1420 Stout St, Denver, CO 80202
Phone: (303) 592-1000
Executive Leadership Council AND Workforce Summit (July 27-29, 2026)
Member: $899
Non-member: $989
Executive Leadership Council ONLY (July 27-28, 2026)
Member: $699
Non-member: $769
Workforce Summit ONLY (July 28-29, 2026)
Member: $699
Non-member: $769
Questions or concerns? Email Melissa Sahagun at msahagun@headstartwest.org
I have been to management workshops, not leadership training. This has totally changed my perspective and encouraged me to propel forward in developing my skills.
I am honored and humbled to be a recipient of the Head Start WEST’s Legacy Scholarship. The scholarship helped me get one step closer to achieving my goal of becoming a Head Start Director.
I took part in The disproportionate impact of COVID 19, and how to provide “real” support for black/brown children and families and I just want to say this was an amazing webinar. I hope we can look forward to further conversation on this topic.
Thank you so much for making events like this! I really enjoyed and learned so much teaching strategies to implement STEM in the classroom.
The HR Network was an excellent opportunity to network and learn the best practices from other HR professionals within Head Start programs. You will be amazed by the level of talent and experience of the participants.
The Summer Camp training was powerful and inspiring! Each presenter was very engaging, it’s hard to even pick a favorite session!
The Leadership Challenge training was very relevant to my work as a Head Start leader! Great facilitation; stayed with the program yet allowed time for individual and small group reflections.
Regular price $12.00
Regular price $39.00
Questions? Contact us at headstartr9@region9hsa.org.
