Click on the link above to open a new window to see the sessions scheduled for the conference.
Conference Overview
Every year the Illinois Head Start Association gathers professionals and parents from across the state of Illinois to attend our Annual Conference. The conference will provide deep, innovative training and professional development opportunities and an excellent forum for exploring best practices and connecting with your colleagues.
These professional development opportunities allow Directors, Staff, Parents and Head Start Friends to get the most current approaches to materials in their respective areas. Join us for our Annual Training Conference that houses the IHSA Component Meetings & Elections, IHSA Business Meeting, Directors Forum, Awards Luncheon, Trade Show and Exhibit Hall and Powerful Inspiring Keynote Presentations.
Don’t miss this time to come together to reflect, network, learn, and discuss solutions for the success of young children and families during this critical and challenging time in early learning education.
| Monday, March 27, 2023 | ||
|---|---|---|
| 12:30 pm - 1:00 pm | Pre-conference Session Check In | |
| 1:00 am - 5:00 pm | Pre-conference Sessions | |
| **PM Refreshment Break offered | ||
| Tuesday, March 28, 2023 | ||
| 8:00 am - 5:00 pm | Pre-conference Session All Day | |
| **AM & PM Refreshment Break offered; Lunch included | ||
| Wednesday, March 29, 2023 | ||
| 8:00 am - 12:00 pm | Pre-conference Session | |
| **AM Refreshment offered | ||
| 10:00 am - 5:00 pm | Conference Service Desk Open | |
| 1:00 pm - 2:15 pm | Opening Remarks & Opening Keynote | |
| 2:30 pm - 4:30 pm | Concurrent Sessions | |
| 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm | Welcome Reception | |
| **PM Refreshment offered | ||
| Thursday, March 30, 2023 | ||
| 8:00 am - 5:00 pm | Conference Service Desk Open | |
| 8:30 am - 5:00 pm | Exhibit Hall Open | |
| 8:30 am - 11:45 am | Concurrent Sessions | |
| 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm | Remarks/Annual Award/Luncheon | |
| 1:45 pm - 3:15 pm | Concurrent Sessions | |
| **AM & PM & Lunch Refreshment offered | ||
| 3:30 pm - 5:00 pm | Annual Component Meetings & | |
| Annual Business Meeting | ||
| Friday, March 31, 2023 | ||
| 8:00 am - 10:00 am | Conference Service Desk Open | |
| 8:00 am - 8: 20 am | Special Event - A morning of light stretching, breathing, and laughing w/Ron Shuali | |
| 8:30 am - 10:30 am | Concurrent Sessions | |
| 10:45 pm - 12:00 pm | Closing Remarks & Keynote Speakers | |
| **AM Refreshment offered | ||
***Tentative Schedule - Times and activities subject to change***
This year's conference will provide high-quality educational sessions for Illinois Head Start/Early Head Start Directors, Managers, staff, and parents! Attendees will have opportunities to engage in a variety of in-depth educational sessions that focus on various subjects of interest to the Head Start and Early Head Start community.
Full Conference Registration Fee Includes:
Pricing
There are many options to attend and pay for the conference. Discover the rate that best fits your or your groups needs. Registration rates are as follows:
| Registration Fees w/Daily Rates | ||||
| Wed | Thurs | Fri | ||
| Late Registration Passes | ||||
| ALL registrations received ON & AFTER March 12th | ||||
| Member | $550.00 | $200.00 | $240.00 | $200.00 |
| Group** | $500.00 | $175.00 | $215.00 | $175.00 |
| Non Member | $600.00 | $225.00 | $265.00 | $225.00 |
*Note - Pre-conference and the regular Conference cost separately.
**Group Rates - Applies to member agencies registering 5+ individual at the same time from the same program.
The IHSA Annual Conference will take place in the Embassy Suites by Hilton East Peoria Riverfront Hotel & Conference Center at East Peoria, Illinois.
Individuals and/or teams can book their hotel reservation by going to the link provided to us by the hotel.
Deadline to book your room to take advantage of the special conference pricing is Friday, March 10, 2023.
2023 Exhibitor-Sponsor Sign-up form
Any questions about the vendor tables or trade show space?
Need to forward your logo to Mitch? Send your specific inquiries to mwood@ilheadstart.org
2023 Annual Conference Tee-Shirts.. "There's no place like Head Start!" ..limited quantities
Select your design and size (use this pre-order form) & then pick-up at the conference!