The mission of the Iowa Head Start Association is to enhance the capacity of its members to promote and advocate for a wide variety of quality services for all of Iowa’s children and families.

Iowa Head Start Association

Summer 2025

Hello my Head Start friends! I am sure you are all asking, "Where did the summer go?"

It's time to kick off the school year, not just for you, but for our Head Start and EHS students! Special memories are going to be made that will last a lifetime. You have the chance to truly impact these children. Remember...what they will recall years later is how they felt on their first day of school, not necessarily what they did. It is up to you to go that extra mile to comfort, reassure and engage with them. You CAN make a difference!


Did you know IHSA has a Board of Directors that consists of 12 members. Elections are right around the corner. It's time to nominate yourself or a team member. Just request a nomination form, fill it out, and return it to Lori Ferris by September 15th. Email lori.ferris@iowaheadstart.org to request a form.


Assistant Teacher Bootcamp!


This fun-filled morning will include the following topics:

  • What makes Head Start unique
  • HSPPS and your program’s policies and procedures
  • Teamwork and a positive work culture
  • Promoting a culture of safety
  • Active supervision
  • Building relationships
  • Classroom transitions, schedules, and routines
  • Providing feedback
  • Engaging interactions
  • Behavior guidance
  • Supporting lead teachers and the classroom


Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of this course participants will be able to:

  1. Understand what makes Head Start unique
  2. Understand how to contribute to a positive team culture
  3. Support a safe environment
  4. Effectively engage with students and families
  5. Utilize skills to improve effectiveness in the classroom


Have you heard? Exciting changes are coming to your networking sessions!


You spoke and we listened!

  • Most networking sessions will now be 2 hours long
  • Most sessions will start with a guest speaker or training
  • NEW TEACHER NETWORKING SESSIONS!! These sessions will only be ONE hour long and rotate times to support teachers attending! Teaching Strategies will start many sessions with mini trainings!
  • Teacher sessions - after the first four registrations all other teachers can attend at no cost. Invoices will be adjusted.
  • BRING YOUR QUESTIONS to each session!

Email lori.ferris@iowaheadstart.org with any questions.



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Thank you to our generous partnering SPONSORS!