Professional Development

Upcoming Trainings

May – September 2026

Teachstone Trainings

Date/TimeSessions
May 13Toddler: Supporting Positive Behavior at Centers
June 10Family Engagement and Connection
August 26Strategies to Support Dual Language Learners
Sept 16Pre-K: Analysis and Reasoning at Centers

Format: 45-minute live, virtual sessions

New Jersey Head Start Association Conference

Save the Date!

Mark your calendars for the 2027 New Jersey Head Start Association Conference, happening May 17–20, 2027, at the Tropicana Hotel and Casino!

Join us for four days of learning, connection, and collaboration with Head Start professionals from across New Jersey and beyond. More details, including registration and conference programming, will be coming soon.

May 17–20, 2027
Tropicana Hotel and Casino

We can’t wait to see you there!

Region II Head Start Annual Conference

October 26 – 29, 2026
San Juan, Puerto Rico

Registration is now open for the 2026 Region II Head Start Association Annual Conference!

Join us October 26–29 in San Juan, Puerto Rico at the Sheraton Puerto Rico Resort & Casino, for professional learning, networking, and inspiration.

Register today, become an exhibitor, or submit a proposal to present.

On-Demand Training

Available On-Demand Trainings:

Carolyn Robinson – Parent Committee Training (English)
This training introduces Parent Committee and Policy Council members to the fundamentals of Head Start program governance and shared decision-making. Participants will learn about the mission of Head Start, the purpose and responsibilities of the Parent Committee and Policy Council, and how parents collaborate with the Governing Board and administrative team. Topics include policy development, budget review, program oversight, election processes, ongoing monitoring, teamwork, and meeting procedures using basic Robert’s Rules of Order. The training emphasizes parent leadership, community voice, accountability, and empowering families to actively influence program direction and quality.

Michael Cupeles – Parent Committee Training (Spanish)
Esta capacitación introductoria está dirigida a padres que participan en los Comités de Padres y el Consejo de Políticas de Head Start. El curso explica el propósito y la estructura de la gobernanza del programa, el papel de los padres en la toma de decisiones compartida y cómo su participación impacta directamente la calidad de los servicios. Los participantes aprenderán sobre responsabilidades clave, procesos de elección, mandatos, reembolsos, monitoreo continuo y trabajo en equipo dentro del modelo de gobernanza compartida. La capacitación también incluye fundamentos de colaboración, liderazgo y procedimientos básicos de reunión para apoyar una participación activa y efectiva.

Michael Cupeles – Governance Board Training (English)
This training provides Governing Board members with a comprehensive overview of their role within the Head Start shared governance structure. Participants will explore legal and fiscal responsibilities, fiduciary duties, ethical governance, and compliance requirements under the Head Start Act. The course covers how boards function in partnership with the Policy Council and management, effective meeting practices (including quorum, voting, and Robert’s Rules of Order), required reports and key documents, and real-life governance scenarios. Emphasis is placed on informed decision-making, accountability, and strengthening board effectiveness to support high-quality Head Start programming.

Michael Cupeles – Governance Board Training (Spanish)
Esta capacitación está diseñada para miembros de la Junta Directiva de Head Start y ofrece una visión integral de su función dentro del modelo de gobernanza compartida. Los participantes aprenderán sobre las responsabilidades legales y fiscales de la Junta, los deberes fiduciarios y éticos, el cumplimiento de las leyes federales y la colaboración con el Consejo de Políticas y la administración. El curso también aborda el funcionamiento eficaz de las reuniones, los informes requeridos, la aplicación básica del Reglamento de Robert y escenarios prácticos de gobernanza. El enfoque principal es fortalecer la toma de decisiones informadas y la responsabilidad para apoyar programas Head Start sólidos y eficaces.