Together for Head Start: A Webinar Series for Champions and Changemakers

Title: Using Your Voice: Advocacy for Head Start Grantees

Date: Wednesday, June 18

Description: Advocacy is a powerful way to elevate the voices of Head Start programs and ensure their long-term sustainability. But what kinds of advocacy are Head Start staff actually allowed to engage in?

Hear from Samuel Bagenstos, former General Counsel for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, as well as expert panelists from Southwest Human Development, Eve Del Real, Head Start Director and David Roth-Gonzalez, Parent & Policy Council Treasurer. Together, they will discuss common questions and misconceptions about federal advocacy for Head Start professionals.

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Title: Understanding the Full Enrollment Initiative: What Head Start Grantees Need to Know

Date: Tuesday, July 1, 3-4 p.m. ET

Description: The Office of Head Start’s Full Enrollment Initiative (FEI) aims to ensure that every Head Start slot is filled — but navigating the process can be challenging, especially amid changes in OHS staffing.

This webinar will break down the FEI step by step, helping grant recipients better understand what to expect at each stage — from developing a technical assistance plan to managing waivers and the potential for slot recapture.

If your program is affected by the Full Enrollment Initiative, this session will provide valuable clarity and practical guidance. We encourage all impacted Head Start grant recipients to attend and get informed.

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Title: Unpacking the New HHS Notice on Public Benefits: What Programs Need to Know

Date: Tuesday, July 15, 2-3 p.m. ET

Description: The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has issued a new notice: Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (PRWORA); Interpretation of “Federal Public Benefit”, effective immediately. The notice redesignates Head Start as a “public benefit” and indicates changes to a child’s eligibility based on immigration status.

Join us for a webinar designed to help Head Start grant recipients understand the implications of this notice. We’ll break down its key components, provide practical guidance on implementation, and create space for participants to ask questions and share concerns.

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Title: Advocating for Head Start: How to Engage Congress During the August Recess

Date: Wednesday, July 23, 3-4 p.m. ET

Description: Congress is coming home this August—are you ready to speak up for Head Start? Join us for a timely webinar designed to equip Head Start supporters with the tools, strategies, and confidence to advocate effectively during the Congressional recess. You’ll learn:

• How and when to schedule meetings with your members of Congress
• How to host impactful in-district meetings or site visits to your program
• How to educate lawmakers about Head Start—no trip to D.C. required
• Whether you’re new to advocacy or ready to level up your efforts, this session will empower you to protect and strengthen Head Start when it matters most.

Register Now

Check back often to sign up for future webinars as registration becomes available over the coming months. We will be hosting a new webinar approximately 1x/month through the end of 2025. Throughout the series, the webinars will feature the following topics presented by early childhood experts and leaders throughout the field:

• Under enrollment
• Grant process
• Congressional advocacy
• Working with state leaders
• How to secure earned media
• Nutritional health
• Maternal health