Frequently Asked Questions


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Early Childhood STEM Advisory Committee

(ECSTEMAC)

Individuals working in or adjacent to early childhood education who have a passion for STEM learning. We welcome educators, program leaders, family engagement professionals, researchers, STEM professionals, community partners, informal educators, and others who bring relevant experience or fresh perspectives. You do not need to be a scientist or engineer! We are looking for people who can help Head Start WEST strengthen professional learning, classroom and home-based practices, educator confidence, family engagement, and community connections around STEM.

Committee members will work with Head Start WEST staff to help shape learning experiences, conversations, resources, and partnerships that elevate STEM learning for children birth to five. Members will help inform EC STEM Week, March 1–5, 2027, and the Early Childhood STEM Institute in March 2027. This may include identifying promising practices, recommending presenters and partners, sharing resources, and helping us think creatively about where early childhood STEM should go next.

We anticipate four 60 minute virtual Committee meetings—in November, December, January, and February. Members may also be invited to provide feedback, recommend resources or presenters, or participate in activities between meetings.

Attendance is encouraged, but not mandatory. Committee members who attend will be recognized during the Institute and invited to a special ECSTEMAC luncheon.

No. While Head Start and Early Head Start perspectives are important, we want the Committee to include voices from across the early childhood and STEM communities. This could include higher education, museums and science centers, libraries, community organizations, philanthropy, businesses, researchers, and other partners.

We are looking for a mix of experiences—not just STEM expertise. We value classroom and home-based practice, family engagement, infant-toddler expertise, curriculum development, disabilities and inclusion, multilingual learning, workforce development, research, community partnerships, and creative approaches to helping young children explore their world.

Head Start WEST will seek a diverse group of members representing different roles, communities, geographic areas, experiences, and perspectives. Our goal is to create a committee that combines practice, expertise, curiosity, and new ideas.

We are expecting a group of 12-15 Advisory Committee Members

Committee service is voluntary and uncompensated—but we promise plenty of appreciation and opportunities to celebrate your STEM leadership! Committee members attending the EC STEM Institute will also be invited to a special luncheon recognizing their contribution.

Beyond helping shape Head Start WEST’s EC STEM efforts, Committee members will have opportunities to connect with other early childhood and STEM leaders, exchange promising practices, discover new resources, expand professional networks, and help influence how STEM learning is brought to life for young children, educators, and families.

Absolutely! We encourage you to share this opportunity with educators, leaders, community partners, and other people whose experience and ideas could strengthen this work. Please encourage them to complete the nomination/application form.

Click here to complete the ECSTEMAC nomination/application form. Applications are due October 30th

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Questions? Contact us at headstartr9@headstartwest.org.