The National Head Start Association (NHSA) is the private, nonprofit membership organization that advocates for Head Start in Congress and supports all members of the Head Start community. Since 1973, NHSA has bolstered the quality of Head Start services, promoted the value of Head Start to the public, protected the rights of Head Start parents, improved the skills of Head Start professionals, and allowed Head Start advocates to speak with one unified voice.

NHSA has a Board of Directors, with two representatives elected from each Regional Head Start Association, including the Indian and Migrant Associations. The past President serves as ex-officio.

NHSA's office is located at 1651 Prince Street in Alexandria, VA 22314, and has a large staff led by its CEO, Sarah M. Greene. Various divisions carry out the work of NHSA, including Government Affairs, Partnerships, Publishing & Marketing, and the "Heads Up!" distance learning and reading projects.

NHSA sponsors an annual National Training Conference in the spring, a Parent Training Conference in the late fall/early winter, and various special track conferences throughout the year. The NHSA Academy credentials Head Start staff in Basic Family Services and Health, Mid Manager, New Manager and Advanced Administrative courses. NHSA publishes a quarterly professional periodical called "Children and Families."