2026 IHSA Conference

The 2026 IHSA Conference invites Head Start leaders, staff, and parents from the thirteen Head Start programs across Idaho, as well as the broader early childhood care and education community, for professional development, a statehouse visit, an annual membership meeting, and an awards and scholarships banquet. This year, the conference focuses on providing high-quality professional development sessions facilitated by the Head Start Training and Technical Assistance team, national and community partners, and consultants. Continuing Education Units (CEUs) are offered through Northwest Nazarene University. Breakout session and general session content will be led by national and local experts, covering tracks such as Education; Health, Mental Health, Nutrition, & Safety; Family Services/Parent & Family Engagement; Leadership/Fiscal/Systems; and Parents. Keynote speakers include Stuart "Mister Stu" Perry, LCSW, ASDCS, a child therapist and professional speaker, and Yvette Sanchez Fuentes, Sr Vice President of National Policy at Start Early and former Director of the Office of Head Start.