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

October 2023

October is Head Start Awareness Month!

It is with great excitement that I announce Governor Reynolds has proclaimed October 2023 as Head Start Awareness Month in the state of Iowa! Join in this celebration as we honor our program leaders and their dedicated staff who empower Iowa's most vulnerable children and families to thrive through the delivery of vital early childhood education, health and family support services. Congratulations to all of you!

Check out this short video clip above to learn more about Iowa Head Start Programs in this video link!

Take a closer look!

Hurry and get staff and parents signed up for the

Nov. 3rd Annual Meeting!

REGISTRATION DEADLINE October 23rd at 5pm.


This is going to be a fun-filled day with networking in all areas, afternoon training, parent focused training, awards celebration, IHSA Annual reporting and so much more!

Learn More and Register TODAY!

There will be parent focused sessions all day, too! It is important to send your parents to enjoy the day!


Iowa Meet Up!


If your Head Start/EHS team is coming to the R7HSA Head Start Caucus October 24-26 make sure you join IHSA and all Iowa Head Start program staff for a meetup Thursday, October 26th, from 8:00am to 8:45am!

New Mentor Program

Do you have a new Head Start specialist or manager in your program? Promote staff retention and satisfaction by connecting them with a mentor in their specialty area to provide support. For more information email [email protected]

Mentor Request

Take a look at our upcoming Professional Development and Networking Calendar!

Sign Up Today!

Check out our

updated website


www.IowaHeadStart.org

Visit our Website

Job Openings!


Iowa Head Start Programs need you!

 Be sure to also check with your local EHS/Head Start programs!
Check out Head Start Job Openings!

Save the date!

Join us on March 7th for the

Iowa Head Start Day on the Hill!

More details to come!


Diversity, Equity

and Inclusion Training Presented by Tom Rendon

REGISTRATION DEADLINE October 9th at 5pm!

Location: Holiday Inn & Suites

4800 Merle Hay Rd, Urbandale

Lunch: Included

Register Today!

This training will consist of structured activities and discussions that address the five cultural competencies adopted by Early Childhood Iowa:


Individual:

1.     Awareness and acceptance of differences

2.     Awareness of own cultural values

3.     Understanding dynamics of differences

4.     Development of cultural knowledge

5.     Ability to adapt practice to the cultural context of children and families



Organizational:

1.     Valuing diversity

2.     Cultural self-assessment

3.     Managing the dynamics of differences

4.     Institutionalization of cultural knowledge

5.     Adaptation to diversity in policies, values, structure, and service

Meet our dedicated IHSA Board Members!

Did you know that the IHSA has 12 devoted board members from across the state of Iowa?

Meet Our Board Members
Find a Head Start Program!

Iowa Head Start Association

needs YOU!

IHSA is looking for program directors

and staff who are interested in

joining a committee!

  • Education/Professional Development Committee (Seeking all specialty area staff)
  • Capacity Building (Exploring grants and funding plans)
  • Spring Conference Planning Committee (Have some fun!)
Want to learn more?Information Request HERE

Donate to the IHSA!!

The Iowa Head Start Association's professional development support, leadership and advocacy work on behalf of Head Start children and families is funded in part by donations from individuals like you. IHSA is a non-profit 501(C)(3) organization.
Donate Today

Thank you to our generous partnering SPONSORS!