Region VII Head Start Association

10/12/2026

Today is the last day to register for the 2026 Fall Conference hosted by IHSA. Join us for a day of networking and learning.

10/09/2026

10/09/2026

Join Iowa Head Start Association at our Fall Conference on Friday, October 30. In the morning we will focus on Understanding Trauma and Trauma Informed Practice and in the afternoon we will learn more about relationships by exploring Connections Matter. To register, https://www.iowaheadstart.org/events/2026-ihsa-fall-conference/

10/06/2026

⏰ LAST CHANCE TO MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD! ⏰

Today, October 6, 2026, is the absolute final day to submit public comments on the Head Start Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM), "Reducing Federal Burden for Head Start Programs."

The Office of Head Start is proposing major changes that will reshape program performance standards, impacting health, safety, staffing, and local governance across the country. Federal decision-makers must read and consider every single formal comment before finalizing these rules—which means your perspective matters!

Who needs to speak up today?
• 👥 Parents & Caregivers: Share how Head Start has uniquely supported your family.
• 🍎 Staff & Educators: Explain how proposed rule shifts (like changes to ratios or instructional mandates) will look in a real classroom.
• 🏛️ Program Leaders & Partners: Give feedback on operational changes and administrative burdens.

⚠️ Deadline: Comments must be submitted by 11:59 PM ET TONIGHT.

📝 Need help? Don't know where to start? Our friends at Together for Head Start have a comment template and guide to submitting your comment here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1BnKPdYNg78QTRDSVHZaQOvrJa-huaFT8/edit

👉 Don't wait until the last minute! Speak up! Speak out! Protect Head Start! Submit your comment in the Federal Register here: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/08/07/2026-16134/reducing-federal-burden-for-head-start-programs

10/05/2026

We are thrilled to feature an incredible lineup of exhibitors and vendors who support our mission and help empower our Head Start community at our upcoming Fall Leadership Caucus. Explore cutting-edge educational products, network with industry partners, and find practical solutions to bring back to your programs.

If you haven't registered yet, secure your spot today at R7HSA.com/Caucus

10/02/2026

October is Head Start Awareness Month, a time to recognize what Head Start means right here in the Kansas City region. At MARC Head Start, we serve 2,400 children and families each year in Clay, Jackson and Platte counties in Missouri. We are helping children build a strong foundation for school and life while partnering with parents and caregivers every step of the way.
💙 This is Head Start in the Kansas City region. https://marcheadstart.org/

09/30/2026

This op-ed by Nebraskan and R7HSA parent representative Mark Haba ran in the September 29 Lincoln Journal Star. Thank you Mark for speaking up and speaking out to protect Head Start! https://firstfivenebraska.org/blog/head-start-proposed-rules-put-essential-services-at-risk/

R7HSA encourages parents, educators, community members, and all Head Start champions to make your voices heard and to protect Head Start. The public comment period closes October 6. Link to Federal Register in the first comment below.

This op-ed by Nebraskan Mark Haba ran in the September 29 Lincoln Journal Star: bit.ly/47pWIOD I'm a past Policy Council member and current board member at Head Start Child & Family Development Program, Inc. I am also a parent board member at Region VII Head Start Association, a parent board member....

09/29/2026

We are absolutely thrilled to have Constructive Playthings as our official Platinum Sponsor! 🌟

Their incredible support helps make this year's caucus—happening October 20–22—possible. We are so grateful for their dedication to early childhood education and leadership development across Region VII. Be sure to give them a follow to see how they inspire learning through play, and get ready to connect with them next month!

Haven't registered yet? Secure your spot for the Fall Leadership Caucus today: www.r7hsa.com/caucus