Head Start California (HSC) is looking forward to holding in-person meetings again and is committed to planning events designed to keep all participants healthy, safe, and comfortable.

Safety is a top priority for Head Start California, and every participant — attendees, speakers, exhibitors, and staff — plays a critical role in risk mitigation.

Head Start California has prepared the following protocols. It is the responsibility of every participant to familiarize themselves with these protocols and to comply. Participants include registrants, exhibitors/sponsors, presenters, volunteers, service providers (e.g., AV, exposition services, etc.), and all others directly involved with the onsite administration and management of the event. These health and safety protocols will be regularly reviewed and updated based on state and local requirements and mandates. We recommend checking this page regularly. As these protocols are updated, the date at the top of this page will reflect such.

All Head Start California in-person meeting and event attendees are expected to:

• Your badge must be worn at all times when attending the event as it is your proof of registration.
• You may not pick up a badge for another participant (registrant, exhibitor, presenter, volunteer, etc.).
• Personal Comfort Zones: Different participants have different comfort zones. Please keep this in mind as you are meeting and mingling throughout the conference.
• Mask-wearing is highly encouraged but optional. Wearing a mask is an important mitigation strategy to prevent the spread of COVID.

If an attendee develops any symptoms of COVID-19 prior to or during a meeting or event, they should refrain from attending. Symptoms associated with COVID-19 include fever, cough, and shortness of breath, among others.

While Head Start California has developed the meeting and event safety protocols in accordance with existing state and federal requirements and recommendations, any stricter guidelines at the location of the event (e.g., facility, city, or county) will apply in addition to Head Start California requirements. Likewise, any further restrictions made at the state or federal level could also initiate a revision of Head Start California protocols.

Our goal is to provide exceptional educational experiences and networking opportunities that make attendees and their agencies more successful and in an environment that is safe for all.

We expect all attendees to adhere to the meeting and event requirements to achieve this goal. Head Start California (HSC) is dedicated to doing our part as well and will:

• Work with hotel staff to ensure regular cleaning protocols are followed throughout the event.
• Ensure that the hotel has hand sanitizer stations strategically placed throughout the facility.
• Confirm Hyatt Regency Sonoma follows the GBAC STARTM cleanliness and training accreditation process through the Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC)
• Continue to evaluate these and additional protocols to have a safe, enjoyable conference experience.
• Continue to provide additional updates via emails before the conference, posting on dedicated web pages, or onsite announcements to participants.

These meeting and event requirements will be in place through the end of December 2023 and reassessed at that time.