Upcoming Events
Fall Conference for Leadership and Managers - Save the Date
All Head Start leaders and managers are invited to join us for our annual Fall Conference. Mark the date on your calendar and check back for more info. Join our newsletter mailing list to get the most up to date information on the first of each month.
Fall Conference for All Staff - Save the Date
All Head Start staff and parents are invited to join us for our annual Fall Conference. Mark the date on your calendar and check back for more info. Join our newsletter mailing list to get the most up to date information on the first of each month.
Professionalism and Communication
with Scott Noyes
Part one ~ Professionalism in Early Education
Part two ~ Communicating with Confidence & Clarity
REGISTRATION OPENS SOON
Autism Series - Session 1: Autism in Early Childhood: A Deep Dive
3-part virtual series with The Autism Project from Brown University Health
“Autism in Early Childhood: A Deep Dive” is designed to provide participants with up-to-date information on the neurodevelopmental characteristics of autism. This workshop is appropriate for those who are new to autism, as well as for those with decades of experience. Topics are broken down into the following categories: diagnostic criteria, coexisting medical conditions, social communication, sensory processing, and cognition. Participants will leave this workshop with a deeper understanding of the unique influence of neurodevelopment on each autistic individual. “Autism in Early Childhood: A Deep Dive” celebrates autistic people while discussing the unique characteristics that require a supportive and empathetic environment.
CHECK BACK FOR MORE DETAILS AND REGISTRATION
Autism Series - Session 2: Sensing Our World: How the 8 Sensory Systems Impact Regulation
3-part virtual series with The Autism Project from Brown University Health
Most autistic people experience the world in an atypical way. Some may be hypersensitive to input. Others are hyposensitive. Most are a combination of these two sensory responses. Participants will discuss the 8 sensory systems, the impact of atypical modulation on the experience of sensory input, and strategies to assist with regulation.
CHECK BACK FOR MORE DETAILS AND REGISTRATION
Head Start Advocacy Day
Join Head Start staff, parents, advocates, and legislators to show your support for Head Start in Massachusetts and advocate for your Head Start program! Deliver Valentines to your legislators and tell them about the impacts of Head Start in your community.
Registration opens later this year.
Autism Series - Session 3: Visual Supports and Proactive Behavior Strategies in Early Childhood
3-part virtual series with The Autism Project from Brown University Health
This training combines the power of visual supports with proactive behavior strategies to create inclusive, supportive environments where autistic children can thrive. Participants will explore how visual tools can be used to address executive functioning challenges, support communication, ease transitions, and build independence across daily activities. The session will also examine the relationship between regulation and behavior, helping professionals reframe "challenging behavior" as communication and respond with proactive, skill-building supports. Through practical examples and strategies, participants will learn how visual supports, social narratives, schedules, and other proactive interventions can be used to teach key skills, reduce barriers to participation, and foster positive interactions across home, school, and community settings.
CHECK BACK FOR MORE DETAILS AND REGISTRATION
MHSA's Annual Meeting
Save the date and join for our Annual Meeting. We will celebrate and reflect on the last year in Head Start and MHSA and present annual awards.
Spring Summit
Mark your calendar and join us for our annual Spring summit for all Head Start staff to refresh, energize, and learn.
MHSA Summit
Save the date for an in-person summit at the tranquil New England Botanic Garden
Monitoring Cohort Winter/Spring 2026
Monitoring Discussion Series with Mal Hughes, federal monitoring reviewer consultant (former Massachusetts Director and MHSA Chair, former review lead). Programs who have recently completed a review are encouraged to join us and share their experience. The cohort begins on February 9, 2026, with two additional monthly check-ins on March 9 and April 6.
Programs who have recently been reviewed or have participated in our Fall cohort are also welcome to join us for free.
Monitoring Cohort Winter/Spring 2026
Monitoring Discussion Series with Mal Hughes, federal monitoring reviewer consultant (former Massachusetts Director and MHSA Chair, former review lead). Programs who have recently completed a review are encouraged to join us and share their experience. The cohort begins on February 9, 2026, with two additional monthly check-ins on March 9 and April 6.
Programs who have recently been reviewed or have participated in our Fall cohort are also welcome to join us for free.
The Power OfThe Power of Attention: Evidence-Based Strategies for Behavior Change
with Rebecca Brigham and Liz Guerrant from The Baker Center for Children
Challenging behaviors are a common concern in early childhood and often lead to high levels of educator and parent stress. These behaviors can seem unpredictable and unmanageable, leading educators and parents to feel frustrated, overwhelmed, and ineffective. Research shows that behavior management tools can reduce challenging behaviors, improve children’s mental health, and support children in developing emotional regulation skills. This workshop will address the use of planned, positive interactions and differential attention as foundational strategies for behavior change. Join us to learn simple, effective strategies to improve your daily routine in the classroom or on home-visits.
New Leaders Institute - Part 4
Join Marina Winkler for a 4-part virtual New Leaders Institute diving into all elements of Head Start program management and operations.
Part 4 - Head Start Monitoring, Data, and Storytelling
New Leaders Institute - Part 3
Join Marina Winkler for a 4-part virtual New Leaders Institute diving into all elements of Head Start program management and operations.
Part 3 - Head Start Management and Leadership Responsibilities
New Leaders Institute - Part 2
Join Marina Winkler for a 4-part virtual New Leaders Institute diving into all elements of Head Start program management and operations.
Part 2 - Head Start Fiscal Operations
New Leaders Institute - Part 1
Join Marina Winkler for a 4-part virtual New Leaders Institute diving into all elements of Head Start program management and operations.
Part 1 - Head Start Landscape and Structure
Head Start Advocacy Day
MHSA’s Advocacy Day at our State House in Boston, MA. Save the date and stay tuned for more details.
Monitoring Cohort Winter/Spring 2026
Monitoring Discussion Series with Mal Hughes, federal monitoring reviewer consultant (former Massachusetts Director and MHSA Chair, former review lead). Programs who have recently completed a review are encouraged to join us and share their experience. The cohort begins on February 9, 2026, with two additional monthly check-ins on March 9 and April 6.
Programs who have recently been reviewed or have participated in our Fall cohort are also welcome to join us for free.
Professional Development Committee Meeting
The Professional Development Committee is tasked with planning and overseeing MHSA’s professional development opportunities, including conferences, trainings and events, communities of practice, and other learning opportunities. The Committee will be tasked with collecting and analyzing member survey data to understand and respond to member professional development needs. The Professional Development Committee may also be asked to evaluate external professional development opportunities and data to ensure that MHSA is filling an unmet need for Head Start programs.
New Years Day
Massachusetts Head Start Association is closed in observance of New Years Day.
Happy 2026!!!!
Christmas Day
Massachusetts Head Start Association is closed in observance of Christmas Day
MHSA Directors’ Meeting
MHSA Meetings are held on Fridays and are open to Head Start directors and senior leaders from MHSA member programs. Meetings take place 2 times per month, with the first meeting of each month being an extended format. These meetings are virtual unless specified as in-person.
MHSA Directors’ Meeting
MHSA Meetings are held on Fridays and are open to Head Start directors and senior leaders from MHSA member programs. Meetings take place 2 times per month, with the first meeting of each month being an extended format. These meetings are virtual unless specified as in-person.
Succession Planning Cohort Kickoff
Join your colleagues for Succession Planning Cohort series which kicks off in November, following our Annual Conference. Participants will be asked to complete a homework assignment prior to attending. In addition, a suggested list of documents to have available throughout this process will be provided in advance. Participants are strongly encouraged to set up an electronic folder to maintain the documents that will be used throughout the process. There is a $350 program participation fee; the majority of program costs are subsidized by MHSA.
Dates will be selected by participants.
MHSA's Annual Conference
Let’s gather in celebration of our shared commitment to Head Start. Together, we’ll connect, reflect, and energize for the road ahead—stronger as one community! Get more information and register
Monitoring Cohort Fall/Winter 2025
Monitoring Discussion Series with Mal Hughes, federal monitoring reviewer consultant (former Massachusetts Director and MHSA Chair, former review lead). Programs who have recently completed a review are encouraged to join us and share their experience.
The cohort begins on October 6, 2025, with two additional monthly check-ins to be scheduled collaboratively during the first meeting.
MHSA Directors’ Meeting
MHSA Meetings are held on Fridays and are open to Head Start directors and senior leaders from MHSA member programs. Meetings take place 2 times per month, with the first meeting of each month being an extended format. These meetings are virtual unless specified as in-person.
Board of Directors Retreat
MHSA Board members will gather to discuss important topics including MHSA's strategic plan.
MHSA Directors’ Meeting
MHSA Meetings are held on Fridays and are open to Head Start directors and senior leaders from MHSA member programs. Meetings take place 2 times per month, with the first meeting of each month being an extended format. These meetings are virtual unless specified as in-person.
Finance Committee Meeting
The MHSA Finance Committee leads MHSA’s fiscal work. This includes reviewing monthly fiscal reports, annual budgets and annual fiscal reports, annual audits and tax filings, and fiscal contracts. The Finance Committee is also tasked with identifying investment opportunities for review by the Board of Directors.
MHSA Directors’ Meeting
MHSA Meetings are held on Fridays and are open to Head Start directors and senior leaders from MHSA member programs. Meetings take place 2 times per month, with the first meeting of each month being an extended format. These meetings are virtual unless specified as in-person.
MHSA Directors’ Meeting
MHSA Meetings are held on Fridays and are open to Head Start directors and senior leaders from MHSA member programs. Meetings take place 2 times per month, with the first meeting of each month being an extended format. These meetings are virtual unless specified as in-person.
MHSA Directors’ Meeting
MHSA Meetings are held on Fridays and are open to Head Start directors and senior leaders from MHSA member programs. Meetings take place 2 times per month, with the first meeting of each month being an extended format. These meetings are virtual unless specified as in-person.
MHSA Directors’ Meeting
MHSA Meetings are held on Fridays and are open to Head Start directors and senior leaders from MHSA member programs. Meetings take place 2 times per month, with the first meeting of each month being an extended format. These meetings are virtual unless specified as in-person.
MHSA Directors’ Meeting
MHSA Meetings are held on Fridays and are open to Head Start directors and senior leaders from MHSA member programs. Meetings take place 2 times per month, with the first meeting of each month being an extended format. These meetings are virtual unless specified as in-person.
