Discovery, curiosity, and play sit at the heart of early childhood development. Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) are not separate subjects for young children—they are the natural ways children explore, question, and make sense of their world. Jean Piaget, often called the father of developmental psychology, reminded us that “the goal of education is not to increase the amount of knowledge but to create the possibilities for a child to invent and discover.”
Region 9 Head Start Association—and now Head Start WEST—have long championed early childhood STEM. Since 2010, our annual Early Childhood STEM Institute has welcomed more than 4,000 early childhood educators, inspiring curiosity and creativity through keynote presentations, hands-on workshops, curriculum fairs, and meaningful learning experiences.
As we look to expand this impact, we are excited to launch Early Childhood STEM Week, March 23–27, 2026. This new effort is designed to spark joy, deepen learning, and promote purposeful engagement for children, their families, and communities across the WEST.
Throughout the week, we will celebrate the many places where STEM comes alive: All Around You, In the Garden, In the Classroom, In the Family, and In the Future. Each theme invites children, families, and educators to see STEM as an accessible, joyful part of everyday life.
“STEM begins the moment a child asks ‘why?’—and grows every time we pause long enough to wonder with them.”
Looking for ideas on how to bring STEM Learning to your classroom during EC STEM Week 2026? Check out the great examples below!
SETA Head Start Celebrates STEM Week with School & Home Activity Packets
STEM is all Around You. On this day, we encourage teachers and home visitors to help children and families identify how STEM learning is all around us.
On this day, we are excited to host the amazing Anna Reyner from Creative PlayLA for lunch and learn experience.
Explore Day 1 featured Activities – developed and shared with permission from Maria Teresa Ruiz, Child Development Specialist, STANCOE
Register Here for Lunch and Learn – March 23rd 12:00-12:45p (PST)
STEM in the Garden. On this day, we encourage Head Start and Early Head Start staff in classrooms, and family childcare homes to explore how the garden is a source adventure.
On this day, we are excited to host Stephanie Robinson from the Garden of Eatin’ for lunch and learn experience.
Explore Day 2 featured Activities – developed and shared with permission from Maria Teresa Ruiz, Child Development Specialist, STANCOE
Register Here for Lunch and Learn – March 24th 12:00-12:45p (PST)
STEM in the Classroom. On this day we are looking all around our classrooms for STEM learning opportunities. Before this day, take time to label your classroom with Science, Technology, Engineering, Math arrows.
On this day, we are excited to host The Discovery Source’s Dave Scahill for lunch and learn experience.
Explore Day 3 featured Activities – developed and shared with permission from Maria Teresa Ruiz, Child Development Specialist, STANCOE
Register Here for Lunch and Learn – March 25th 12:00-12:45p (PST)
STEM in the Family. Head Start and Early Head Start value parents in a unique manner. As partners in learning, it is essential we support in this space. It’s a great way to connect, learn and grow!
On this day, we are excited to host Joshua Alverez, from the Kaplan Early Learning Company for a fun lunch and learn experience.
Explore Day 4 featured Activities – developed and shared with permission from Maria Teresa Ruiz, Child Development Specialist, STANCOE
Register Here for Lunch and Learn – March 26th 12:00-12:45p (PST)
STEM in the Future – How will we shape the future through STEM learning? In the early years, we set the stage, creating curious minds and playful learners. Learning continues, the future is coming soon. How will you shape the future?
On this day, we are excited to host Judy Cashell, from Pacific Clinics for a fun lunch and learn experience.
Explore Day 5 featured Activities – developed and shared with permission from Maria Teresa Ruiz, Child Development Specialist, STANCOE
Register Here for Lunch and Learn – March 27th 12:00-12:45p (PST)
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@headstartwest.org.
