Head Start WEST

Webinar - Fighting False News: Digital Literacy in an Era of Disinformation
2026-07-22 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
As misinformation and algorithmic amplification reshape public discourse, the ability to separate fact from falsehood has become a core leadership skill. Advocacy and communications professionals must not only recognize unreliable content but help other navigate it with confidence. This webinar will examine how organizations can promote digital discernment, model responsible communication and protect their credibility in an era where trust is easily lost. You will learn how to spot, respond to and get ahead of misinformation, disinformation and malinformation before it damages your organization’s credibility.

Executive Leadership Council & Workforce Summit
2026-07-27 - 2026-07-29
Executive Leadership Council
Why
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.
Who
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.

Workforce Summit
Why
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.
Who
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.
