Head Start WEST

Know Yourself Grow Your Wealth - Financial Wellness Badge
2026-04-21 14:00 - 15:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Virtual
Know yourself. Grow your wealth.
This four-part learning experience supports your financial journey from self-awareness to long-term security. Each session focuses on a distinct area of financial literacy—understanding your money habits, borrowing wisely, beginning to invest, and planning for the future—building practical knowledge and confidence at every stage. Together, these sessions create a clear, connected pathway toward informed decision-making and lasting financial well-being.
Financial Wellness Badge
Focus: Self-awareness with money.
Key Concepts:
Identify your financial goals and values.
Understand your money habits and motivations.
Learn to manage cash flow and apply financial ratios.
Outcome: Build a foundation for financial decision-making and future planning.

Practical Toolkit for Challenging Behaviors and Social Emotional Learning
2026-04-14 14:00 - 15:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Virtual
We are excited to welcome Dr. Neal Horen and Amy Hunter from Georgetown University’s Thrive Center for a special Community of Practice session on Monday, April 14 at 2:00 PM PST.
Neal and Amy bring decades of experience supporting Head Start programs through Georgetown’s Center of Excellence for IECMHC and the National Center on Health, Behavioral Health, and Safety. Together, they have worked with hundreds of grantees on exactly the challenges your programs face every day.
In this session, they will share a practical toolkit for:

Responding to challenging behaviors with strategies that teachers can use right away
Building social-emotional learning into daily routines without adding to teacher workload
Supporting staff well-being when classrooms feel overwhelming
Strengthening how programs use mental health consultation effectively

This session is grounded in what Georgetown has learned from working directly with Head Start grantees and Pyramid Model practitioners across the country. If you have ever wondered what to do after a child has been sent home again, or how to keep a teacher from walking out the door, this session is for you.
Directors, education coordinators, teachers, mental health consultants, and family advocates are all welcome.

Head Start Book Club 4.9
2026-04-09 15:00 - 16:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Online
Head Start Book ClubJoin program leaders, agency executives, and members of the Head Start WEST Board of Directors as we explore new ideas and share insights together. The Book Club is open to all who wish to read, reflect, and grow alongside peers from across the WEST region.Each gathering will focus on a key theme or chapter from our selected book. We’re not reading fast—we’re reading with purpose. Our goal is to go deep in reflection and consider how the book’s core lessons can be meaningfully applied in our work and leadership.First Book for 2026 – The 4 Disciplines of Execution, Chris McChesney, Sean Covey, Jim Huling – Available on Amazon and at most book sellers.We will be breaking the book into 3 conversations.

Part 1: Learning 4DX – Book Club Meeting, Thursday, January 22nd at 3 pm PT
Part 2: Applying 4DX as Leaders of Leaders, Thursday, April 9th at 3 pm PT
Part 3: Applying 4DX as Leaders of Frontline Team, Thursday, May 28th at 3 pm PT

Each session will be facilitated by a Head Start WEST board member or staff. We look forward to exploring with you.

2026 INNOVATE STEM Institute
2026-03-23 - 2026-03-26 | Virtual

Directors Exchange Network 3/18
2026-03-18 13:00 - 14:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Virtual
March 18th 1:00pm – Zoom Link Here
The Directors Exchange meetings are designed to create a space for executive directors, directors, and deputy directors to regularly connect, learn new skills, and strategize over effective practices to advance their programs. Directors Exchange meetings will consist of three meetings per year.
The goal of the Directors Exchange meetings is to nurture relationships among new and experienced directors, create a safe and collaborative environment for professional growth, and gain strategies to build high-impact organizations. In addition, these meetings will allow participants the opportunity to tour other agencies, meet with selected trainers and nurture professional friendship in an atmosphere of confidentiality and trust.
Facilitated by Cynthia Yao, these sessions take place every other month.

NHSA Winter Leadership Institute
2026-01-26 08:00 - 2026-01-29 17:00 (America/Phoenix) | Washington, DC

Head Start Book Club 1.22
2026-01-22 15:00 - 16:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
Head Start Book ClubJoin program leaders, agency executives, and members of the Head Start WEST Board of Directors as we explore new ideas and share insights together. The Book Club is open to all who wish to read, reflect, and grow alongside peers from across the WEST region.Each gathering will focus on a key theme or chapter from our selected book. We’re not reading fast—we’re reading with purpose. Our goal is to go deep in reflection and consider how the book’s core lessons can be meaningfully applied in our work and leadership.First Book for 2026 – The 4 Disciplines of Execution, Chris McChesney, Sean Covey, Jim Huling – Available on Amazon and at most book sellers.We will be breaking the book into 3 conversations.

Part 1: Learning 4DX – Book Club Meeting, Thursday, January 22nd at 3 pm PT
Part 2: Applying 4DX as Leaders of Leaders, Thursday, March 26th at 3 pm PT
Part 3: Applying 4DX as Leaders of Frontline Team, Thursday, May 28th at 3 pm PT

Each session will be facilitated by a Head Start WEST board member or staff. We look forward to exploring with you.

Governance Training 2/2
2026-01-22 14:00 - 16:00 (America/Phoenix) | Virtual
Why
Strong governance goes beyond compliance, it creates stability, ensures accountability, and drives decisions that sustain program viability and long-term success. Together, the Board and Policy Council play a critical role in shaping the future of Head Start services for children, families, and staff. A well-trained Governing Body is central to a governance system that fosters compliance, continuous improvement, and innovation. HSW is committed to supporting the knowledge, growth, and effectiveness of Governing Bodies and staff, recognizing that strong governance models directly contribute to high-quality experiences for children, families, and the workforce.
What
Head Start programs thrive when governance is strong, engaged, and aligned with the mission.
This two-part series is designed to strengthen leadership and accountability at every level—equipping Policy Council and Governing Board members, as well as community partners, with the knowledge and tools needed to lead with confidence.
A strong Governance System relies on clear processes, adherence to requirements, and positive, collaborative relationships between management and Governing Bodies. These elements are essential to maintaining compliance, driving continuous improvement, and fostering innovation.
Part 1: Policy Council Members (December 18, 2025)
Policy Council members are the voice of families and communities. This session highlights how parent and community representatives work with Governing Boards and program leadership to strengthen services, improve outcomes, and bring community needs forward. Participants will also explore how Policy Council participation connects to broader program priorities and services, showcasing and reinforcing a program’s commitment to its workforce.
Part 2: Governing Board Members (January 22, 2026)
Board members are entrusted with stewardship of the Head Start mission. This session goes beyond outlining roles and responsibilities—it emphasizes the impact of strong, sound, and effective governance on a program’s success, stability, and sustainability. Participants will gain tools to stay engaged, ensure accountability, and understand how their leadership directly influences the future of the program and the children and families it serves.
Where
Virtual & On-Demand via Zoom
When
Part 1 December 18, 2025 @ 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM PST
Part 2 January 22, 2026 @ 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM PST
Questions?
Please contact our Training and Events Manager Melissa Sahagun.gov

Directors Exchange Network 1/21
2026-01-21 13:00 - 14:00 (America/Phoenix) | Virtual
January 21st 1:00pm – Zoom Link Here
The Directors Exchange meetings are designed to create a space for executive directors, directors, and deputy directors to regularly connect, learn new skills, and strategize over effective practices to advance their programs. Directors Exchange meetings will consist of three meetings per year.
The goal of the Directors Exchange meetings is to nurture relationships among new and experienced directors, create a safe and collaborative environment for professional growth, and gain strategies to build high-impact organizations. In addition, these meetings will allow participants the opportunity to tour other agencies, meet with selected trainers and nurture professional friendship in an atmosphere of confidentiality and trust.
Facilitated by Cynthia Yao, these sessions take place every other month.
