About Us
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about Head Start East — who we are, why we exist, and how to get involved.
What is Head Start East?
Head Start East is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting early learning professionals and programs across the country and beyond. Our focus is on delivering inclusive, high-quality professional development, fostering collaboration, and strengthening networks within the Head Start, Early Head Start, and early childhood education community. We serve programs that support children from birth to age five, including directors, teachers, family service workers, support staff, education managers, and other professionals working to advance child and family outcomes.
What is the mission of Head Start East?
Head Start East empowers the early childhood education community by fostering professional development, strengthening collaboration, and expanding networking opportunities. We connect Head Start and Early Head Start leaders, educators, and advocates through professional development events to share best practices, enhance program quality, and build a stronger future for children and families.
Why was Head Start East created?
With several traditional fall conferences not taking place, educators and program staff across the early childhood field reached out in large numbers asking for opportunities to come together, share ideas, and learn. Head Start East is answering that call — created to sustain meaningful in-person engagement for the community, deliver timely and practical professional development, and celebrate the incredible work being done across the country and beyond. Our mission is to provide an open, welcoming, and well-organized space to support children, families, and professionals.
Are you trying to replace any state or regional Head Start association?
Absolutely not. Head Start East is not a replacement for any existing state or regional Head Start association. We are an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit created to fill a clear gap in professional development and cross-state collaboration. We deeply respect the important work of regional associations and the Office of Head Start. Our intention is to partner, not compete. Head Start East is a standalone nonprofit, not affiliated with or governed by any federal agency, and is focused on collaboration, connection, and capacity-building.
Does Head Start East plan to replace or absorb any regional associations?
Not at all. Head Start East is a complementary effort, not a substitute. We do not seek to replace, absorb, or take over any existing association or network. If and when regional associations resume their conference planning or regular operations, we fully support and celebrate that. Our goal is to bridge the current gap, provide timely professional development, and offer a platform for connection and collaboration.
Are associations allowed to participate or support Head Start East?
Yes — and we enthusiastically welcome that support. Head Start East was created with collaboration in mind, not competition. We've extended open invitations to regional and state associations across the East to partner, participate, and promote. We offer co-branding opportunities, referral-based payments and incentives, visibility for regional and state leadership, and opportunities to meet, organize, and network during events. Our goal is mutual benefit.
What is the Head Start East Conference?
The Head Start East Conference is a professional development event designed to bring together the early childhood education community across the country and beyond. It features leadership development sessions, staff training and skill-building, family engagement and community partnership strategies, workforce development and equity-focused programming, and opportunities to connect across roles, agencies, and regions. Whether you're a director, teacher, family service worker, or administrator, the conference is designed to inspire, empower, and unite.
Will the content be relevant to what programs are facing right now?
Absolutely. Head Start East is committed to delivering timely, practical, and high-impact content that reflects the real challenges and opportunities facing Head Start and Early Head Start programs today. Session topics directly address ongoing OHS restructuring, updates in monitoring protocols, staffing shortages, mental health, workplace safety, compliance, and emerging federal guidance. Our goal is to ensure that every attendee walks away with actionable insights, peer connections, and tools to strengthen their work.
How can I get involved?
We are actively recruiting board members, welcoming speakers and presenters, collaborating with associations and programs, and inviting volunteers and regional ambassadors. If you're passionate about children, families, and early learning — and want to help shape the future — we'd love to hear from you.
Contact Us to Get Involved →Reach out — we're happy to help.