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GHSA 2026 FALL LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE
October 28-29, 2026
FORT VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY
FORT VALLEY, GA
C.W. Pettigrew Conference Center
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Join us for this
special 2-day event.
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Institute Theme:
"Beyond the Classroom: Advocacy in an Era of Change."
Early Registration: $350.00| August 30, 2026-October 10, 2026
Regular Registration: $ 375.00| October 11-October 16, 2026
*Cancellation deadline for non-payments| October 17, 2026.
*Note: Registration fees are non-refundable but may be transferred to a new participant. Pay using a credit card or by check.
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*This Institute aims to provide State Training Credits awarded by the Georgia Professional Development System through the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning.
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About the Institute
The 2026 Fall Leadership Institute is a professional development and networking event that brings together Head Start and Early Head Start leaders and other early childhood professionals.
The Fall Institute theme is- Beyond the Classroom: Advocacy in an Era of Change.
The Georgia Head Start Association 2026 Fall Leadership Institute addresses topics that support Head Start and Early Head high quality comprehensive services and management systems.
Target Audience:
Directors, Managers & Coordinators, Center Managers| Directors and support staff.
2026 FLI Event Page
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Call for Presentations
The Georgia Head Start Association is seeking proposals for the 2026 Fall Leadership Institute. Proposals should address topics that support Head Start (Pre-K) and Early Head (Infants & Toddlers) high quality comprehensive services and management systems that support the core areas of, early care and education and children's disabilities, physical and mental health, nutrition, and family and community engagement as well as topics in fiscal management, facilities, transportation services and administration. Topics may focus on leadership development, child health and safety, classroom management, challenging behaviors, staff wellness, family support, and other related training and support, etc.
Format: Sessions may include short keynote topics, moderated Panel discussions followed by concurrent breakout sessions on keynote focused topics. *Click below to submit a presentation by September 21, 2026.
Call for Presentations
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Schedule At A Glance
Click below to view and download the 2026 Fall Leadership Institute Schedule. (Stay tuned for more information as sessions are scheduled.)
Schedule at a Glance
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Institute Opening Session
Wednesday: October 28, 2026 at 8:30 a.m.
C.W. Pettigrew Conference Center Auditorium.
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Lodging Accommodations
*Upon confirmation of the GHSA 2026 FLI registration, organizations will receive lodging instructions via email.
| | | As the Institute plans progress, reserve your spot and take advantage of the Early Bird Rate of $350.00 until September 19, 2026. To Pay By Credit Card: For your convenience and ease of registration, you may register using a credit card on the event website. *Please note: credit card fees via stripe and the PheedLoop platform fee at checkout will apply. Applicable fees should appear on the registration page next to the registration fee total. *Registration fees are non-refundable but are transferrable. Mail checks to GHSA, PO Box 870024 Stone Mountain, GA 30087 | |
Visiting our website? You can Register directly on the GHSA website by clicking here: Website or by visiting www.georgiaheadstart.org.
Instructions: Wait for the 2026 Fall Leadership Institute slider to appear on the home page or hit the up/down arrows to navigate to the slide. Select the "bright orange" Click to Register button to begin the registration process.
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2026 Fall Leadership Institute Site Location:
FORT VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY
1005 STATE UNIVERSITY DRIVE
FORT VALLEY, GA, 31030, US
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Sponsorships Are Available starting at $250.00
Sponsor an event during the Institute to network and engage with attendees and participants and share ideas and resources.
Click here to sponsor:
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Steve White
GHSA Membership Committee Chair
| Click on the video above to hear Steve's compelling message on GHSA memberhsip. | |
Corporate Members
Because space is limited, GHSA Corporate Members (only) are encourage to set up resource tables during the event. Contact the Conference organizer, Juanita Yancey to get your private access code.
Table Registration Fee- $100.00. *Organizations interested in becoming Corporate Members, please click below.
GHSA Corporate Membership Fee- $300.00.
Become a Corporate Member
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"Every child deserves a strong start, and you can help make that happen.
By becoming a member of the Georgia Head Start Association (GHSA), you play a direct role in improving the lives of thousands of children and families across Georgia. Whether by attending conferences and trainings, accepting recognition and awards, or supporting government relations and advocacy efforts, your membership helps strengthen Head Start and early childhood education statewide. Become a partner in changing lives—one child, one family, and one community at a time." Steve White
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Institute Closing Session
Thursday: October 29, 2026 at 4:00 p.m.
C.W. Pettigrew Conference Center Auditorium
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Dolly Parton Imagination Library
For Over 31 Years, The Dolly Parton Imagination Library has gifted over 300,000,000 books. The free book program is dedicated to inspiring children birth to five to love reading and over 3,000,000 books have been gifted to registered children each month. What inspired Dolly's imagination to launch the Library in 1995 in her home town in East Tennessee, was her own father's inability to read and write. To start a Program, click here: How it Works!
Source: Imaginationlibrary.com
Check Availability
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SUPPORT GHSA
🍩 Doughnuts for a cause!! 🍩 Georgia Head Start Association is giving you the best reason to indulge in a dozen (or two) Krispy Kreme doughnuts.
It’s showtime! Georgia Head Start Association is launching a Regal fundraising campaign AND peak cinema attendance!
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Thank you for Registering! | The mission of the Georgia Head Start Association is to provide education, leadership, and advocacy that support Head Start program's efforts in delivering high quality comprehensive services to Georgia's children, families, and communities. | | |
Tajuannya Tripp McBride, M.ED.
GHSA President
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Juanita Yancey, MBA
GHSA Executive Officer
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Yolanda Daniels,
GHSA Training and Technical Assistance Chair
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Sherree Dean
GHSA Training and Technical Assistance
Co-Chair
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