The Head Start California Annual Conference holds two events in one! Join your colleagues at our Annual Conference on Feb. 6-8, 2023, for information, inspiration and connection. We’ve assembled over 40 sessions, and 3 strong keynote speakers to inform your practice, expand your thinking, and inspire your heart. And just to make it even cooler, you will have access to all of that content for 60 DAYS after the conference ends! We know how hectic the day can get, so don't feel pressured if you can't get through all of it in three days. We've got your back. 

Let’s make Feb. 6-8 our biggest conference ever! We can do this because you are a part of the largest state Head Start community in the country — over 25,000 strong. You serve tens of thousands of children every day. Don’t miss out on the largest state conference in the county.

Can I view the available session titles and descriptions in advance?

Yes! View the conference agenda page and scroll to the bottom to browse the on-demand sessions. We are confident you'll find sessions of interest to fill up three full days of on-demand learning to expand your knowledge on the latest early childcare and education topics.

Is there a schedule, or do I watch the sessions in the order I choose?

The 40+ on-demand sessions will be available to view in any order, 24 hours a day, beginning on Feb. 6. We recommend you begin watching the sessions you would like to attend LIVE Q&A sessions for on Feb. 6-8. The Q&A times are listed on the agenda for each day. The three LIVE keynotes will take place each morning at 9:00 a.m. View the event schedule here.  All sessions will be available to view for 60 days after the conference.

Does a virtual conference still provide the full conference experience?

Yes! The virtual conference platform will allow for full interaction in a virtual space. You can connect with colleagues and network among attendees. You can also interact LIVE with some speakers during a Q&A session. LIVE virtual sessions with National Centers, stretch breaks, and an Afterparty are also included with your registration.

Are there separate conferences for parents and educators this year?

The HSC 2023 Annual Conference is TWO conferences in ONE: The Parent & Family Engagement Conference AND the Education Conference. Both events will run concurrently as one conference from February 6-8, 2023! There is one registration type for all attendees, Head Start Parents & Caregivers and Education staff alike. You will be able to sort through workshops that are tagged to your role. No matter your role, you will have access to ALL the content.

I'm interested, but I need approval from my supervisor first. Do you have something I can send them?

We have drafted a Justification Letter template just for this reason! Download the letter, customize and edit as you wish, and be sure to select a list of sessions you will benefit from the most! 

What are the benefits of attending a conference virtually?

• Safety is #1: Participate from the comfort of your home or office.
• Lower overall cost: Zero travel expenses
• Watch at your own pace: We know you're multi-tasking!
• More time to learn: The event is three days, but on-demand sessions will be available for a full 60 days!

Education Conference

HSC's Education conference advances the knowledge and skills of those involved in educating children aged zero – to five. This event imparts developmentally appropriate practices, teaches critical new skills, and broadens awareness among Head Start educators.  

Who Should Attend?

Teachers, Site Managers, Home Based Supervisors, Child Development & Education Managers, Family & Community Partnership Managers, & Program Directors for both Head Start & Early Head Start.

Parent & Family Engagement Conference 

HSC’s Parent & Family Engagement conference provides training for Head Start parents and the staff who work with and support of parents & families. The conference will include the latest content and updates from the Office of Head Start.

Who Should Attend?

Head Start Parents/Guardians, Parent Involvement Coordinator, Policy Council Members, Family Service Outreach Workers & Advocates.  

Monday, Feb. 6, 2023

9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Opening Keynote 

10:45 a.m.– 11:00 a.m. – Exhibitor Showcases

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM National Centers Live Session

11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Live sessions

2:45 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.– Exhibitor Showcases

4:00 p.m - 4:30 p.m Live Q&A

4:00 p.m- 4:30 p.m Live Q&A - Using frameworks to select and develop language tests for multilingual preschoolers 

5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. Virtual Afterparty!

Tuesday, February 7, 2023

9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. - Keynote Session (TBD)

010:45 a.m.– 11:00 a.m.– Exhibitor Showcases

11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. National Centers LIVE Session 

1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. National Centers LIVE Session 

2:45 p.m.– 3:00 p.m.– Exhibitor Showcases

3:00 p.m- 3:30 p.m - Live Q&A - Diagnosing and Confronting Chronic Absence to Achieve School Readiness

3:00 p.m- 3:30 p.m - Live Q&A - Steps to Conflict Resolution
3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. – Live sessions

3:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. - Live Q&A

3:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. - Live Q&A

4:00 p.m. -  4:45 p.m. - Live Q&A

4:00 p.m. - 4:45 p.m. - Live Q&A - Considerations for Advancing Equity in Early Childhood Education

Wednesday, February 8, 2023

9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. - Closing Keynote: Own your Shift: Turn your Season of Change into your Season of Possibility

10:45 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. – Exhibitor Showcases

11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. - Live sessions

1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. - Live sessions

2:45 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.– Exhibitor Showcases

3:00 p.m.- 3:30 p.m. - Live Q&A - Considerations for Advancing Equity in Early Childhood Education

3:00 p.m.- 3:30 p.m. - Live Q&A - Inequalities in Children's Oral Care and Breaking those Barriers 

3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. – Live sessions

3:30 p.m.- 4:00 p.m. - Live Q&A - Creating a Culture of Social-Emotional Well-Being through Trauma-Responsive Care

3:30 p.m.- 4:00 p.m. - Live Q&A - The Power of childhood messages 

Do I need special computer equipment or software to participate?

No special equipment or software is needed. The platform is available on computers with an internet connection, and a webcam is suggested (for networking sessions) but not required. However, attendees must use the Google Chrome browser. Technical assistance will be available throughout the event should you need it.

What if I need technical help during the event?

For assistance during the event, you may contact the Help Desk using either of the following methods (wait times may vary based on demand): 

• Support:  Click on the "Help" icon located to the far right at the bottom of your window and send us a message. 
• Email: helpdesk@headstartca.org. Please be as specific as possible, including as much information as you can, describing the problem you are having. This is closely monitored during the live hours of your event. All other requests are generally responded to from 8am-5pm PT Monday – Friday within 2 hours for problems with accessing recorded content.

Quick Tip: Make sure you are using Google Chrome to access the event. Please also double check that you are allowing third party cookies. 

How many devices can I use to log in to the virtual platform?

Only one device per login can be on the virtual site simultaneously. If your registered email address accesses from another device, the previous login will be kicked off.

Can I view sessions from a mobile device?

Smartphones and tablets will have issues with the platform. If you want to view content on your mobile device, please download the app here.

You will be prompted to enter a TICKET NUMBER. Your ticket number is an 8-digit number that can be found as a PDF attachment to an email you will receive right after registering. The email confirmation is from "HSC Annual Conference 2023," and the subject line reads "Your Access Link for the HSC 2023 Annual Conference."