Registration Details:
Register for the pre-conference separately and/or in addition to the regular conference. Attendees can only register for one (1) pre-conference session. This helps us ensure everyone gets the most out of their chosen session without schedule conflicts.
Pre-conference Package Pass: $350.00 (**Large groups of 20 or more attendees from the same agency/program receive 20% discount per registration when registering at the same time. Code: #R5PreCon)
***Don't forget to book your lodging through our conference hotel booking site - information about lodging here.
This workshop will provide Head Start Personnel with the tools to recruit, enroll, and retain families through proven marketing techniques and strict adherence to the performance standards. In addition, Performance Standards require that Policy Councils and Parent Committees must work in partnership with key management staff and the governing body to develop, review and approve or disapprove the criteria for defining ERSEA in accordance with the requirements of 45 CFR 1305. The focus will be on ERSEA regulations, proven marketing techniques, retention, and customer service strategies.
This session emphasizes DEI in recruiting, enrolling, and retaining families in Head Start. Participants learn how DEI principles enhance outreach, ensuring equitable access. Proven marketing techniques are explored through a DEI lens, emphasizing culturally competent approaches for effective engagement with diverse communities.
ABOUT MEL J. GRAVELY
Mel J. Gravely is the President and CEO of The Gravely Group, an organization specializing in Head Start and Early Head Start program governance. With over three decades of experience, he holds a BA in Business Administration and an MA in Organizational Leadership.
Mel provides essential governance training and technical assistance to Head Start programs across the nation, earning recognition for his contributions to the field. Known for his engaging presentation style, he simplifies complex topics, making them accessible and actionable for diverse audiences. His dedication to improving early childhood education through effective governance and leadership has inspired numerous individuals and organizations, positively impacting the lives of children and families.
The pandemic has led to an increase in reportable child incidents, which necessitates a closer examination of potential contributing factors. This in-depth training aims to equip programs with the knowledge, skills, and resources to create and maintain safe quality environments. By prioritizing safety and continuous improvement, programs can better protect the well-being of children and staff while meeting the Office of Head Start's standards.
The session will explore innovative safety protocols post-pandemic, including enhanced health monitoring systems, virtual safety inspections, and trauma-informed approaches to support children and staff. These practices aim to mitigate risks and promote a safe environment while adapting to evolving challenges and guidelines from the Office of Head Start.
Tasha McMullan is a distinguished Early Childhood Education Consultant and Head Start Program Manager with a rich background spanning sixteen years in various capacities within early childhood education. Ms. McMullan has a bachelor’s degree in psychology from North Park University in Chicago, Illinois, and a master’s degree in early childhood education from Concordia University in Chicago.
Currently pursuing a Doctor of Education with a focus on curriculum and instruction at Capella University, she is committed to furthering her expertise and making a profound impact in the field.
Ms. McMullan's dedication to enhancing student outcomes in language, literacy, math, and science through social-emotional development initiatives underscores her commitment to fostering holistic growth and success within early childhood education settings.
Tyshica York is a Quality Assurance Coordinator for Family Service and an Early Childhood Education Consultant with over 12 years of experience in human services, the non-profit sector, and early childhood education. She focuses on fostering inclusivity for unique learning abilities and emphasizes mental wellness in creating culturally inclusive learning environments.
Ms. York's expertise includes direct services, fiscal management, talent acquisition, and implementing quality services in early education. She began her career as a trainer in 2016, specializing in staff development, relationship building, retention, and diversity/equity.
She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from Prairie View A&M University and a Master's Degree in Clinical Mental Health from the University of Texas at San Antonio.
In her personal time, Ms. York enjoys mindful activities, creating skincare and hair products, and practicing Pilates.
About the Gravely Group
PART 1 OF 2: Mitigating the impact of trauma on HS/EHS children, families and staff
In part 1 of this interactive workshop, we explore how experiencing traumatic events can impact the brain, body, and behavior of Head Start (HS) and Early Head Start (EHS) children, families and staff. We highlight how many current practices of workplaces unintentionally re-traumatize individuals they are meant to help – especially those pushed to the margins of our society – and create vicarious trauma for the staff who work tirelessly to support them. We provide ample time and space for discussions around how trauma-informed principles can be practiced in your workplace to overcome the impact of experiencing trauma, protect against re-traumatization, and promote healing and recovery in your communities.
By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:
PART 2 of 2: Trauma-informed resiliency and de-escalation strategies for HS/EHS staff
Part 2 of this interactive workshop begins with a short refresher on trauma-informed concepts discussed in part 1. Next, attendees will have the opportunity to reflect inwardly, building self-knowledge skills that can enhance their individual self-regulation and resiliency practices, enabling them to better-support HS/EHS families. We will end by exploring de-escalation strategies that can help reduce and address challenging or unusual behavior in HS/EHS children, families and staff. These trauma-informed practices promote felt safety and trust to safeguard our workplaces against the impacts of toxic stress and trauma, ultimately protecting and empowering our HS/EHS communities. By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:
As a longtime marketing strategist and leader in the sustainability space, Marissa is passionate about building systems that are strong enough to thrive through change . Marissa is co-founder of the Butcher’s Guild, a national trade organization, author of three cookbooks, and the former president of a processing plant.
Dr. Jila Malek-Salehi brings over 15 years of experience in teaching and curriculum design to Hanna Institute. She began her career teaching K-8 and coaching volleyball across middle school, high school, and college. Holding a doctorate in Educational Leadership and Management, she currently teaches Child and Adolescent Development at De Anza College and SJSU. Jila focuses on evidence-based teaching methods, using Universal Design for Learning and active learning strategies. She is also passionate about experiential learning, equity, diversity, and social justice.About the Hanna Institute
