2025 Region VII Annual Conference June 9-12, 2025 • Sheraton Overland Park, KS

Join your colleagues as we celebrate Head Start’s 60th Birthday ~ the Diamond Jubilee!

Draft Conference Brochure can be downloaded here!

• Monday, June 9th Pre Track Sessions under development
• Fiscal session presented by the Office of Grant’s Management & the Region 7 Office of Head Start (tentative)
  • Grants –cost allocation, admin/indirect costs, changes to Uniform Guidance, reporting
  • OHS – Change in scope
  • Joint OHS/Grants – what should be included in partnership agreements
• Management Acceleration Program Face-to-Face Session
• 2025 Head Start 60th Anniversary Diamond Jubilee Celebration
• First Day Learning Teachers Series stand-alone session (more to come)
• Conference General Session Kick-Off (June 10th at 10am)
• Award/Alumni Recognition & Celebration Brunch (June 10th – time to be announced)
• Poster Contest celebrating 60 years of Head Start
• More than 30 professional development breakout sessions presented by Region VII program staff, private consultants and content area experts from across the nation
• State Breakout Meetings
• Peer Colleague/Exhibitor Meet-up Reception
• Sponsor/Exhibit Gallery
• Region VII Head Start Association Annual Meeting (day and time to be announced) Hosted by your R7HSA Board of Directors
• Dollar Per Child Fundraiser Raffle
• Exciting Send Off Session
• Federal Dignitaries invited and will be announced as they are confirmed closer to the event
• Yasmina Vinci, Executive Director, National Head Start Association (invited guest)
• Region VII Training & Technical Assistance Team
• Renowned Keynote Speaker, Paul Behrman, Walnut Grove Leadership (confirmed)
  • Presentation: The Hero’s Journey. This is a special keynote presentation designed to inspire, uplift and validate the people and organizations affiliated with the magnificent Head Start program! This engaging and interactive keynote presentation celebrates as heroes the people and organizations affiliated with Head Start, and highlight’s themes around compassion, self-care and personal wellness, teamwork, and the service we bring to the children and families we serve. The presentation highlights the mindset for our work (our mission of service to children, families, staff and communities), the heartset needed for this mission (compassion, engagement, and an abundance of kindness), and the anchoring practices necessary to maintain compassion and mission-focus (specific practices around self-care, personal wellness and self-regulation). This special keynote is structured to provide outstanding content, as well as a considerable “fun factor” with activities to make it interactive, engaging and memorable.
• Surprise cameo visits by most requested keynote speakers!

More details coming soon! Download the Conference Highlights Flyer and share it with your Head Start community today!

The Sheraton guest room block is NOW OPEN!

Grab your rooms now as the block is expected to sell out quick! 

CLICK HERE to book your room now!

Preliminary Agenda ~ Subject to Change ~ Check back often for updates!