January 2022 | The Monthly Newsletter of the Florida Head Start Association

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CDC is recommending everyone ages 5 and older get a COVID-19 vaccine to help protect against COVID-19.

Click here for the most current update from the CDC.

Find a COVID-19 testing center near you.

Letter from the Executive Director

We are already into another year and still dealing with the pandemic. Personally, when all of this began, I thought it would be over within six months. How wrong was I? I remain in awe of you all for how your programs quickly adapted to the situation at hand and continued serving Florida's most at-risk children and families. Head Start is, in fact, Heart Work, and you all put your hearts out there every day.

FHSA can't wait to celebrate you all at this year's annual conference & expo on March 2-4, 2022. We hope you are making plans to join your colleagues for a few days of networking, learning, and getting inspired. It's been a rough couple of years. Unfortunately, it does not look like this pandemic is going away anytime soon. We better prepare ourselves for another year (or two) for the unexpected and get used to our new normal. So, join us at the DoubleTree by Hilton at the Entrance to Universal Orlando with your masks in tow, and let's make the best of it by doing what we do best. Supporting one another and remaining flexible. "Flexibility is the Key to Stability" quote by John Wooten. You all have proven resilient and responded to changes to your work and life that would have been unimaginable 25 years ago. Let's keep up the momentum and keep our hearts in our work.

We have an inspiring keynote speaker lined up. A former Head Start student and a variety of excellent educational sessions from your peers and certified trainers from around the state. Make sure you scroll down to read all about this year's conference. A massive shout out to all of our Corporate Partners and Sponsors who have committed to supporting Florida's Head Start community. I hope you will help me thank them.

Stay well,

Wanda Minick, Executive Director
FHSA

FHSA CONFERENCE REGISTRATION IS OPEN TO ALL!

FHSA is honored to have Jonathan Edison as this year's keynote speaker. He is a former Head Start student who overcame adversity and is now a "Success Strategist." As an expert in human development, he delivers strategies, methods, and tools filled with insight and humor that consistently move people and organizations to their highest potential. His motto is "Results DON'T LIE, people do!"

Jonathan will deliver a high-octane Head Start IS HEART WORK! Keynote that will ignite your passion for the work you do.

Securing a Corporate Partners package or Sponsorship is one of the best ways to brand your organization as an industry leader and highlight your commitment to the Head Start industry.

As a sponsor you can expect to:

Connect with industry decision-makers
Showcase your organization’s expertise
Demonstrate your leadership to Head Start

SPONSORSHIPS

The Florida Head Start Association Annual Conference & Expo will take place March 2-4, 2022, at the DoubleTree by Hilton at the Entrance to Universal Orlando in Orlando, FL. It will provide unmatched educational and networking opportunities to our audience of Head Start CEO/Executive Directors, Directors, Managers, Center Coordinators, Teachers, Front Line Staff, Policy Council Members, Parents, and Community Partners. Attendees represent a broad range of Head Start, Early Head Start, Child Care Partnerships, Migrant Head Start Programs, and Early Childhood educator organizations. We yield around 200-300 convention attendees with a funding level of around $409 M to support local program activities including training and technical assistance.

EXHIBITOR

Hotel Accommodations

DoubleTree by Hilton at the Entrance to Universal Orlando

5780 Major Boulevard | Orlando, FL 32819

FHSA room block is open and available on a first-come, first-serve basis. The room block cut-off is Thursday, February 11, 2022, or until it reaches capacity.

FHSA conference rate is being offered three (3) days pre and post-conference.

The Group Discounted Rate is from $152 /per night++. To book your room, you can call Hilton Reservations at 1-800-222-8733 using the unique rate code (HSA) or use the "Book your room" button below.

If booking multiple rooms under one reservation, please call Hilton Reservation at 1-800-222-8733 using the unique rate code (FE2).

Parking: Overnight and event day self-parking rate is discounted to $11+ tax a night. Valet services are $29.00+ tax a night.

DoubleTree by Hilton at the Entrance to Universal Orlando image

ONLINE RESERVATIONS

What's Happening Around the State

Children's Week 2022 January 30- February 1

Don't miss the opportunity to participate in Florida's largest children's event in the state. FHSA is a proud partner of the event. We look forward to collaborating with other state agencies whose mission is to support children and families by connecting them to programs, resources, providers, supports, and education.

Visit https://childrensweek.org to learn more about how you can participate or contact FHSA at (850) 694-6477 or email [email protected].

NHSA Healthcare Head Start Benchmark and Trends Report

NHSA's health report is focused on understanding access to and support of health services for children and families.

Click here to download their findings.

Join NHSA for their 2022 Winter Leadership Institute January 24-27, 2022. This event will explore meaningful policies, the role of Head Start in our country’s recovery, and meet with lawmakers to help provide a level of stability that will make all the difference. Let's take this opportunity to stand up for Head Start.

Click here to learn more

Federal Update

The Build Back Better Act Was Passed in the House and Is Now in the Senate

On November 19, 2021, the House passed historic legislation known as the Build Back Better Act, and it is now in the Senate for debate. We should not get too excited as the Senate could change the bill from its present form. NHSA is encouraged by the transformation this bill could make on America’s youngest learners, their families, and the workforce that make it all possible.

Click here to learn more about this legislation.