Iowa Head Start Association

09/01/2026

Yesterday was a historic day for Head Start! Thank you to Lyndon B. Johnson and those who created and have supported Head Start for more than six decades. I am going to use a slogan from a few years ago that is still true today, Head Start is Heart Work! Thank you to the staff who have supported children, families and each other over the decades. Head Start is open and ready to support children and families!

On August 31, 1965, President Lyndon B. Johnson stood in the White House Rose Garden and announced the extension of Head Start.

What started as a summer pilot — one that enrolled more than 561,000 children in its first year — was expanded into year-round centers for children aged 3 and older, with continued summer programming and follow-through services like home visits and field trips for families.

Sixty-one years later, that commitment is still being honored by the hundreds of thousands of Head Start staff who show up every day for children and families across the country.

Check out stories from people across the Head Start community whose lives have been touched by the program, from 1965 to the present: https://viewer.mapme.com/661a3205-6e05-41e7-a6a9-5c505969c3be

08/26/2026

It was an honor to participate in this discussion with Senator Chuck Grassely's staffer, Garrett Arbuckle and others to talk about Head Start and Early Childhood Education in Iowa.

On Friday, August 21, leaders from Drake University Head Start, Iowa Head Start Association, Save the Children Action Network, Iowa Association for the Education of Young Children, and Conmigo Early Learning Center met with Senator Chuck Grassley’s staffer, Garrett Arbuckle, for a tour of Conmigo Early Learning Center.
The visit provided an opportunity to share perspectives and discuss several proposed rules that could have significant impacts on childcare, Head Start programs, and, most importantly, the young children, families, and communities serve across Iowa.
We appreciate the opportunity to share our experiences, highlight the importance of high-quality early childhood programs, and help ensure that the voices of Iowa’s children and families are part of these important conversations.

08/21/2026

IHSA has a great line up for the 2026 Fall Conference! The morning session is, Understanding Trauma and Trauma Informed Practice, with Lisa Cushatt, Executive Director of Iowa ACEs 360. In the afternoon we will hear from Lora Kracht, LLC and she will be sharing, Connections Matter. Registration is now open on our website. Early Bird Registration is $99 through September 30, 2026. On October 1, 2026 registration will by $125. Go to https://www.iowaheadstart.org/events/ to register. Looking forward to seeing you at the conference!

08/18/2026

Erin Ramsey talked with Iowa Head Starts at the IHSA Spring Conference in April. Recently, she was back in Iowa, talking at several Head Start Pre-Services. On Sunday she visited a botanical garden in Waterloo. In this short video she talks with us about having a meeting with yourself. Want to learn more about having a meeting with yourself, watch the video!

08/17/2026

NHSA is hosting an event tomorrow, specifically for parents and caregivers about the NPRM. They will provide the latest updates, answer questions and listen to parent and caregiver concerns. Your perspective and voice is important. Please consider registering.

Head Start parents and caregivers: Our special Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) webinar is tomorrow!

The federal government has proposed changes to the Head Start Program Performance Standards, the rules that help guide how Head Start programs serve children and families. Your perspective is important as the Head Start community learns more about what is being proposed and prepares to respond.

Join us on August 18, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. ET. NHSA’s Government Affairs team will share the latest updates, answer questions, listen to parents’ concerns, and talk about how the Head Start community can make its voice heard.

Register today and be part of the conversation about the future of Head Start: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_XdFO0r6fRWSHMtMeCaYZfA #/registration

08/14/2026

While Iowa Head Start Association is busy reviewing the NPRM and working with others who are also in the review process we want to share that Head Starts in Iowa are busy preparing for the upcoming school year. Some programs are already open while others will be opening soon. Head Start will continue to provide quality early childhood experiences like they always have. They will continue to provide families with access to needed resources. If you want to learn more about the NPRM, "Reducing Federal Burden on Head Start Programs," check out NHSA Summary.

As part of our review of the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) “Reducing Federal Burden on Head Start Programs,” NHSA has published a high-level summary of the proposed changes. This proposal is not final and has no immediate impact on current program operations.

Learn about key changes, removals, additions, and more: https://nhsa.box.com/s/7dgwks9pxh8ik9wbumsjglz7ywjcf4k6

08/07/2026

The Management Acceleration Program (MAP) is a training for those who are new to their Head Start Management Position. The training focuses on Head Start Principles and Management. The training kicks off as a pre-conference session to the Fall Leadership Caucus.

Designed specifically for Head Start staff new to their current position two years or less, the Management Acceleration Program is the Region 7 road map to a better understanding and navigation of the Head Start Program. Learn more and register today at r7hsa.com/map

07/13/2026

It is time to gear up for trainings that are being offered this fall. The 2026 Midwest Pyramid Model Summit is in Coralville Iowa in November. Registration is now open.

Registration Is Open: Midwest Pyramid Model

Registration is officially OPEN for the Midwest Pyramid Model Summit!

🚨 New this year: Attendees will pre-select sessions during registration, so reviewing the booklet ahead of time will help your registration process go quickly and smoothly. https://heyzine.com/flip-book/3e2a3c1036.html

🎟️ Early Bird registration is now available
👥 Group and team registration encouraged
🏨 Hotel room block information included
👉 Register today: https://cvent.me/dMGPGb

Join us November 18–19, 2026 in Coralville, IA, for two days of learning, collaboration, and practical Pyramid Model strategies you can use immediately in your work.

We're excited to bring together educators and leaders from across the Midwest — and we hope to see you there.

07/13/2026

Registration is now open for the Iowa AEYC Fall Learning Institute. Are you going? Iowa Head Start Association will be there!

🎉 Registration for the 2026 Early Learning Fall Institute is officially OPEN!

Get ready for two days of inspiring sessions, practical strategies, and meaningful connections with early childhood professionals from across Iowa.

📖 Explore the class booklet and secure your spot today to take advantage of early bird pricing.
https://iowaaeyc.org/events/fall-institute/

07/10/2026

Head Start is a part of many Iowa communities. Take a moment and ask Iowa's Federal Senators and Representatives to support the funding of Head Start. Click on the link below to connect with them.

Every day, Head Start helps children build the skills they need to succeed in school and in life. Across the country, children and families rely on Head Start for high-quality early learning, nutritious meals, developmental screenings, and caring educators who help children learn, grow, and thrive.

Take one minute to ask your senators and representative to support the funding children, families, and communities are counting on at https://hubs.la/Q04p4Hrv0