Wednesday, February 19, 2025 - Friday, February 21, 2025 / President Abraham Lincoln Hotel - Springfield, Illinois
The Illinois Head Start Association (IHSA) invites proposals for its Annual Conference from February 19-21, 2025, in Springfield, Illinois.
Presentations should cater to Head Start and Early Head Start professionals, covering tracks like child development, family engagement, health, governance, and workforce innovation. Sessions are 90 minutes and can be workshops, panels, or interactive. Submissions must include a title, a 250-word abstract, objectives, presenter details, and contact information by end of business, December 20, 2024.
Presenters will be notified by January 20, 2025. More details are available in the conference proposal page located HERE.
If you prefer to complete a word document format, you can download it HERE. Send the completed proposal by email to Cathy Welsh, cwelsh@ilheadstart.org.
Have questions? Contact Cathy Welsh, cwelsh@ilheadstart.org.
The IHSA is excited to announce that the annual Awards and Scholarship application window is now open! These awards celebrate the outstanding achievements of HS/EHS staff, parents, and programs, while scholarships provide valuable support to further education and professional growth. Don’t miss this opportunity to recognize excellence and uplift our Head Start community!
Make a big impact with just a raffle basket contribution! Your contribution—whether a themed basket, gift card, or unique item—will add excitement and fun for attendees while supporting our efforts.
Every donation counts! To contribute, please contact IHSA. Thank you for your generosity!
Celebrating 60 Years of Love, Learning, and Lifting Up Families
This year marks Head Start’s 60th anniversary, celebrating its legacy of commitment to supporting children and families through Head Start and Early Head Start programs. The theme, "Celebrating 60 Years of Love, Learning, and Lifting Up Families," highlights the mission and lasting impact of Head Start.
For six decades, Head Start has nurtured children and families with love, supported lifelong learning, and uplifted communities for a brighter future. Since its beginning in 1965 as part of President Lyndon B. Johnson’s War on Poverty, Head Start has grown into a powerful movement, supporting the holistic development of young children and promoting equity for families. Beyond preparing children for school, Head Start has built a legacy of compassion, resilience, and transformative support. This celebration honors the fulfillment of Head Start’s mission over the past 60 years, recognizes the dedication of those who have made it possible, and looks forward to continuing the legacy that has been built for future generations.
Join us as we celebrate 60 years of making a difference—honoring the love, learning, and commitment that have lifted up families and strengthened communities.
Full Conference Registration Fee Includes:
In addition to the great programming planned at the conference, take this opportunity to:
Exhibitor/Sponsor/Vendor details and sign-up form - coming soon.
Have questions about the vendor tables or trade show space? Need to forward your logo to Mitch?
Reach out to: mwood@ilheadstart.org or call 217-241-3511
The IHSA Annual Conference will take place in the President Abraham Lincoln Hotel - DoubleTree by Hilton, Springfield Hotels, Illinois, 701 E Adams St, Springfield, IL, 62701, Springfield, Illinois.
Deadline to book your room to take advantage of the special conference pricing is on or before January 27, 2025. Price is subject to change once the room block is sold out.
Individual needing reservations, call or reach out to the hotel Front Desk directly at 217-544-8800 for the front desk reservations.
CONFERENCE HOTEL GUEST BOOKING PAGE