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2026 IHSA Annual Conference

ihsa 48th annual conference banner

Tuesday, March 17, 2026 - Thursday, March 19, 2026 

 Embassy Suites by Hilton East Peoria - Hotel & Riverfront Conference Center, East Peoria, Illinois

Conference T-Shirt Pre-Orders

Deadline: March 9, 2026

Order T-Shirts Here

INTRODUCING OUR KEYNOTE SPEAKERS

Jennifer S. Lester

Opening Keynote

Jennifer S. Lester is a nationally recognized psychotherapist, speaker, and author known for helping leaders reconnect to their purpose and power. With more than 20 years of experience in mental health and behavioral change, she brings practical tools grounded in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and real-world leadership.

As the founder of The Purpose Project, LLC, Jennifer has worked across federal programs and private practice to support children, families, and organizations in building resilience and lasting growth. At the 48th Annual IHSA Conference, Jennifer will challenge us to lead with intention, protect our wellness, and rediscover the “why” behind our work in Head Start. Come ready to be renewed, refocused, and reminded of the Power of Us.

Kory M. Shrum

Closing Keynote

Kory M. Shrum is a USA TODAY bestselling author of more than thirty books and founder of A Well Cared For Human.

After surviving a traumatic childhood and the loss of her mother, she transformed her own path—and now helps others do the same. Kory is known for translating lived experience into practical, sustainable frameworks that reduce burnout and support resilience for individuals and organizations across industries. Her message is simple: no matter how dark or difficult your past or present circumstances, it holds no bearing on how bright your future can be.

As we close the 48th Annual IHSA Conference, Kory will help us move from exhaustion to renewal — reminding us that caring for children begins with caring for ourselves.

Come ready to leave with tools, perspective, and a sustainable path forward.

Thank You to Our Sponsors
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Conference Information

(Please note: Event details, fees, and schedules may change as planning continues.)

48th Annual Illinois Head Start Association Conference
"Head Start – The Power of Us"
Connecting Hearts. Creating Change. Cultivating Futures.

The Illinois Head Start Association's 48th Annual Conference brings together Head Start and Early Head Start professionals, parents, and partners from across Illinois. This year's theme, "The Power of Us" celebrates what happens when our community comes together - to connect, create, and cultivate the future of Head Start.

Join us as we come together in extraordinary times to share knowledge, inspire one another, and deepen our collective impact for children, families, and communities.

Conference Details

  • Dates: Tuesday, March 17, 2026 - Thursday, March 19, 2026
  • Location: Embassy Suites by Hilton East Peoria - Hotel & Riverfront Conference Center, East Peoria, Illinois 
  • AnchorTheme: Head Start – The Power of Us

Full Conference Registration Pass Includes:

  • All concurrent breakout sessions
  • Access to the IHSA Conference Exhibit Hall
  • Opening Keynote
  • Welcome Reception (includes hors d'oeuvre & treats)
  • Awards & Scholarships Recognition Luncheon (lunch provided)
  • Closing Keynote (lunch provided )

We’re shaping a strong mix of sessions across roles and program areas.
Preview the current session lineup
(updated 2/25/2026)
Check back as new sessions are added.

Registration Options

Full Conference Pass - Includes access to all sessions, events, and meals across all three days.

  • Individual: $485.00 (Late Registration: $530.00)
  • Group (5 or more attendees): $440.00 per person (Late Registration: $485.00 per person)

One-Day Pass

Perfect if you can only join for one day. Includes sessions and meals for the selected day.

  • Tuesday (Opening Day) - Half day of session + Keynote + Welcome Reception: $165.00 (Late Registration $185.00)
  • Wednesday (Full Conference Day) - Full day of sessions, Awards & Scholarships Recognition Luncheon: $210.00 (Late Registration $230.00)
  • Thursday (Closing Day) - Half day of session + Closing Keynote + Lunch: $165.00 (Late Registration $185.00)

For more information, contact cwelsh@ilheadstart.org.

REGISTRATION OPEN!

    Conference Highlights

    In addition to the great programming planned at the conference, take this opportunity to:

    • Network with exhibitors offering the best products and services available to the Head Start/Early Head Start Community.
    • Connect and learn from those who do what you do and understand the challenges and issues you face.
    • Celebrate your colleagues during our annual Awards and Scholarship Recognition luncheon. 
    • Win basket raffle prices in support of our Dollar Per Child Campaign -  crowd favorite, we will have our Dollar Per Child Basket Raffle! We're hosting our annual basket raffle that adds an extra element of fun to your event. Here's your chance to not only attend insightful sessions but also win fantastic prizes by participating in our basket raffle. Purchase tickets, choose your favorite basket, and drop your tickets right there for a shot at winning! It's a fantastic way to add some excitement to your conference experience and potentially walk away with some amazing goodies. Don't miss out on the thrill – grab your tickets and join the anticipation! You can support our efforts in raising funds for our Dollar Per Child Campaign by donating a themed basket. Reach out to anyone of our IHSA team and members at 217-241-3511.
    • And more!

    Who should attend?

    This conference is designed for everyone connected to Head Start and Early Head Start, as well as those interested in the broader field of early childhood education.

    • Directors and program leaders
    • Teachers and classroom staff
    • Family service, health and mental health professionals
    • Home visitors and education coaches
    • Fiscal, HR, and operations staff
    • Policy Council members and parents
    • Community and state partners

    Why Attend?

    • Learn: hear from experts and peers on what's working in Head Start/Early Head Start today.
    • Connect: Build relationships with colleagues from across Illinois.
    • Recharge: Leave with new ideas, renewed energy, and tools to take back to your program.
    • Explore: Visit the exhibitor showcase for resources, products, and professional connections.
    • Celebrate: Recognize outstanding leaders and programs that make Head Start strong.

    Conference Travel Request Letter Template

    Need supervisor approval to travel to the conference? Use this sample letter to submit your request.

    Download the Travel Request Letter

    Tip: Update the date, conference details, estimated costs, and how your attendance supports your role.

    Support our  Dollar Per Child Campaign!

    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!

    COUNT ME IN!

    Conference Schedule at a Glance 
    **subject to change**
    Tuesday, March 17, 2026 - (Exhibit Hall o pens 1:00 pm)
    1:00 pm - 2:00 pmOpening; Keynote Speaker
    2:15 pm - 3:45pmBreakout Session
    4:00 pm - 5:00 pmComponent Meetings & Election
    5:00 pm - 7:00 pmWelcome Reception - networking; Dollar Per Child Campaign Basket Raffle; 50/50 raffle
    Wednesday, March18, 2026 - (Exhibit Hall open 8:00 am - 5:00 pm)
    8:00 am - 9:00 amNetworking; Basket Raffle; 50/50 raffle
    8:30 am - 9:00 amBusiness meeting
    9:00 am - 10:30 amBreakout Session
    10:45 am - 12:15 pmBreakout Session
    12:15 pm - 1:30 pm Luncheon; Annual Awards & Scholarship Recognition
    1:45 pm - 3:15 pmBreakout Session
    3:30 pm - 5:00 pmBreakout Session
    Thursday, March 19, 2026 - (Exhibit Hall open 8:00 am - 2:30 pm)
    8:00 am - 8:45 amNetworking; Basket Raffle; 50/50 raffle
    8:45 am - 10:15 amBreakout Session
    10:30 am - 12:00 pmBreakout Session
    12:15 pm - 1:30 pmClosing Luncheon; Keynote Speaker; Raffle Announcement

    Register and Be Part of The Power of Us!

    Late fees apply after February 24, 2026.

    For more information, contact cwelsh@ilheadstart.org.

    REGISTRATION OPEN!

    Showcase - Connect - Partner


    Sponsors, exhibitors, and vendors are all welcome to be part of this year’s conference.

    Join this year’s Illinois Head Start Conference as a sponsor, exhibitor, or vendor. It’s a great opportunity to connect with early childhood leaders and showcase your products or services that support Head Start and Early Head Start programs across Illinois.

    AnchorQuestions? Reach out to: info@ilheadstart.org  or call 217-241-3511

    Vendor spaces are sold out.
    If you would like to join the waitlist or learn about other ways to participate, please reach out to us

    Hotel Information

    The IHSA Annual Conference will take place in the Embassy Suites by Hilton East Peoria - Hotel & Riverfront Conference Center, 100 conference Center Drive, East Peoria, Illinois 61611

    Deadline to book your room to take advantage of the special conference pricing is on or before Monday, February 23, 2026. Guest room rate is $110.00 per night.  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  309-427-2408 for the front desk reservations.  

    CONFERENCE HOTEL GUEST BOOKING PAGE

    Or Call 1-800-EMBASSY

    Group Code: 961