Upcoming Events
Head Start Advocacy Day
MHSA’s Advocacy Day at our State House in Boston, MA. Save the date and stay tuned for more details.
New Leaders Institute - Part 1
Join former Region 1 Regional Program Director, 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
New Leaders Institute - Part 2
Join former Region 1 Regional Program Director, 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 3
Join former Region 1 Regional Program Director, 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 4
Join former Region 1 Regional Program Director, 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
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.
MHSA Summit
Save the date for an in-person summit at the tranquil New England Botanic Garden
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.
MHSA Members Meeting
MHSA Member Meetings are held on Fridays. These meetings are virtual unless specified as in-person.
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.
Workforce Summit
We invite you to a day filled with connection and learning at the tranquil New England Botanic Garden. Together, we'll explore up-to-date practices for supporting our HS workforce, and even what to avoid! Through a blend of structured learning and open discussions, participants will walk away with effective strategies, valuable resources, and a refreshed sense of optimism for our evolving workforce.
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.
Building Motivation & Competency in Head Start Educators
Join Dr. Smita Mathur, Professor of Early Elementary Education at James Madison University, for the final workshop in this three part webinar series on building skills and motivation
MHSA Members Meeting
MHSA Member Meetings are held on Fridays. These meetings are virtual unless specified as in-person.
MHSA Members Meeting
MHSA Member Meetings are held on Fridays. 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.
