Head Start California

Support for Head Start is strong — and bipartisan.

Polling shows that Head Start is a cornerstone of America’s early childhood education system. Since 1965, Head Start has changed the lives of over 40 million children and their families by preparing young children for school, supporting parents (especially mothers) with access to child care, and improving health, education, and economic outcomes.

Show your support by joining the coalition of Head Start advocates working to sustain this essential program.

📣 Call for Presenters is Now Open!

Head Start California is seeking presenters for Health Institute 2026, happening November 4–6 in Costa Mesa, CA.

This year’s theme, Health in Every Connection, highlights integrated approaches to supporting children, families, and staff across Head Start and Early Head Start programs.

We’re looking for engaging, practical sessions across topics including physical health, mental health, disabilities, nutrition, safety, maternal health, and integrated systems.

Proposal deadline: Sept. 14, 2026 at 11:59 PM PT

Learn more and submit your proposal today—we can’t wait to learn from you!

https://bit.ly/HI-CFP26

Fathers, father figures, and leaders — this one’s for you. Join Neighborhood House Association's Fathers for Families Leadership Summit for connection, leadership development, and powerful conversations centered on fatherhood, wellness, and community impact. 💙

August 24-27, 2026 in San Diego

https://bit.ly/Fathers-NHA26

Great news for California families! 🌞 SUN Bucks are back this summer, helping millions of children access nutritious food when school is out.
Most eligible families are automatically enrolled — check your mailbox starting in late May! 🍎🥪

☀️🍉Great news, California! The SUN Bucks food program is renewed for Summer 2026! 😋

More than 3.5 million eligible California children will automatically receive SUN Bucks EBT cards that can be used to purchase groceries starting in June, and each eligible child will receive $120. Eligible children who are not automatically enrolled will need to apply through their school to get benefits.

Learn more via the California Department of Social Services: https://www.cdss.ca.gov/sun-bucks

Get your team ready for the program year with Trauma-Equipped Training!

Designed for early childhood professionals, this training aligns with the PFCE Framework and Head Start Program Performance Standards while helping staff build confidence, strengthen relationships, and support the well-being of children and families.

🎉 Pre-Service Special: Save an additional 15% when you purchase 10+ courses for your team through Sept. 30 — no promo code needed.

Learn more and invest in a stronger start to the year!
https://bit.ly/Trauma-equipped

🌟 Free Webinar for Head Start Teams! 🌟

Discover practical ways to strengthen family engagement and support children’s social-emotional growth—both at home and in the classroom. 💙

Join us:
📅 Tuesday, June 2, 2026
⏰ 3:00–4:00 PM PT

Learn simple, everyday strategies that help families connect, communicate, and support school readiness.

https://bit.ly/NUwebinar-26

🌟 Sign up now, join us tomorrow!🌟

Join us for Showing Up with Care: Supporting Immigrant Families presented by the Hanna Center

Learn practical, trauma-informed strategies to support immigrant children and families, build trust, and recognize signs of stress in both families and staff.

📅 Wednesday, May 27, 2026
⏰ 3:00–4:00 p.m. PT

Register now: https://bit.ly/Hanna-5-27