Elevate

The Family Engagement Conference is designed to elevate the importance of building strong, supportive families equipped with the tools and resources to secure a better future. This professional development event focuses on deepening the impact of Head Start programs on family economic stability, child development, and access to comprehensive support services.

At the 2026 Family Engagement Conference, participants can expect a dynamic lineup of workshops aligned with this year’s theme, Holding the Family Story. Rooted in Head Start’s commitment to strengthening families, sessions will highlight innovative strategies and proven practices across five key focus areas: Family Engagement, Curriculum, Wellness and Health, Cross-Cutting Approaches, and Leadership.

Attendees will experience a variety of engaging learning formats, including 40+ in-person 1.5-hour sessions, 45 minute virtual sessions, pre-recorded one-hour offerings, and an intensive full-day pre-conference workshop. Each session is intentionally designed to foster practical skill-building, meaningful dialogue, and cross-role collaboration to support the holistic well-being of children and families.

Successful Head Start and Early Head Start programs recognize the power of partnering with families through shared values and goals that support both child development and family growth. Central to the Head Start approach is a commitment to self-determination, ensuring that families are empowered as leaders in their children’s lives and in their communities. From program governance and policy council participation to classroom engagement, parenting education, and access to essential services, Head Start offers a comprehensive system of support.

Aligned with the Parent, Family, and Community Engagement Framework, this conference will highlight key areas including father engagement (1302.82), data-informed decision-making (1302.102), research-based practices (1302.92), policy council leadership and governance (1301.3–1301.5), health and nutrition strategies (1302.46), and school readiness goal setting (1302.34).

Since its inception more than 55 years ago, family engagement has remained a cornerstone of Head Start. Grounded in the belief that parents are children’s first and most important teachers, the program recognizes that meaningful family engagement strengthens both child outcomes and family well-being. Honoring each family’s story and lived experience is essential as we build respectful, responsive partnerships that reflect their strengths and aspirations.

HSW’s Family Engagement Conference brings together thought leaders, practitioners, and advocates committed to advancing high-quality, responsive services for children and families. We invite you to explore our full schedule of trainings, events, and activities taking place during our annual gathering in beautiful Hawaii.

Interested in registering but don’t have a MyR9HSA account? Please email Melissa Sahagun.

What

This event offers, a board meeting (October 12)  1 day pre-conference (October 13),  3 day conference (October 14-16)  with general sessions, breakout sessions, special events, and exhibit hall.

We will be offering sessions in-person and virtual.

Where

Hilton Waikoloa Village

When

October 12-16, 2026

Questions or concerns? Email Melissa Sahagun at msahagun@headstartwest.org