Tuesday, March 17, 2026 - Thursday, March 19, 2026
Embassy Suites by Hilton East Peoria - Hotel & Riverfront Conference Center, East Peoria, Illinois
(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"
Reconnecting, Rebuilding, and Reimagining Head Start
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 reconnect, rebuild, and reimagine the future of Head Start.
Come together in East Peoria to share ideas, strengthen connections, and celebrate our shared commitment to children, families, and the future of Head Start.
Conference Details
Full Conference Registration Pass Includes:
Registration Options
Full Conference Pass - Includes access to all sessions, events, and meals across all three days.
One-Day Pass
Perfect if you can only join for one day. Includes sessions and meals for the selected day.
Meals Included
All registration options include meals for the selected days:
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.
Why Attend?
In addition to the great programming planned at the conference, take this opportunity to:
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!
| Tuesday, March 17, 2026 - (Exhibit Hall o pens 1:00 pm) | |
| 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm | Opening; Keynote Speaker |
| 2:15 pm - 3:45pm | Breakout Session |
| 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm | Component Meetings & Election |
| 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm | Welcome 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 am | Networking; Basket Raffle; 50/50 raffle |
| 8:30 am - 9:00 am | Business meeting |
| 9:00 am - 10:30 am | Breakout Session |
| 10:45 am - 12:15 pm | Breakout Session |
| 12:15 pm - 1:30 pm | Luncheon; Annual Awards & Scholarship Recognition |
| 1:45 pm - 3:15 pm | Breakout Session |
| 3:30 pm - 5:00 pm | Breakout Session |
| Thursday, March 19, 2026 - (Exhibit Hall open 8:00 am - 2:30 pm) | |
| 8:00 am - 8:45 am | Networking; Basket Raffle; 50/50 raffle |
| 8:45 am - 10:15 am | Breakout Session |
| 10:30 am - 12:00 pm | Breakout Session |
| 12:15 pm - 1:30 pm | Closing 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.
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.
Complete the form below to get started or reach out to: info@ilheadstart.org or call 217-241-3511
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 217-544-8800 for the front desk reservations.
CONFERENCE HOTEL GUEST BOOKING PAGE
Or Call 1-800-EMBASSY
Group Code: 961