At midnight on October 1, 2025, the federal government entered a shutdown after Congress and President Trump were unable to reach an agreement on funding for fiscal year 2026.  While Head Start programs have not yet experienced direct disruptions, FHSA is monitoring the situation and its potential implications for grantees and operations.

Most federal staff and contractors within the Office of Head Start are now furloughed. Staff funded through annual discretionary appropriations are generally prohibited from working unless their duties involve protecting life or property. While Payment Management Services remain accessible, many core functions are paused. 

Six Head Start grantees—four of them in Florida—were scheduled to receive funding on October 1 but did not receive their Notice of Award due to the shutdown. If the impasse continues, additional grantees may face similar delays. 

Despite furloughs affecting grant and fiscal specialists, monitoring activities are expected to continue. FHSA encourages programs to maintain communication through the Head Start Enterprise System (HSES) and continue reporting updates, concerns, and incidents as usual. 

FHSA will continue to monitor developments closely and provide timely updates. We remain committed to supporting our members through this period of uncertainty and advocating for the uninterrupted delivery of services to Florida’s children and families.

As the energy of a new school year settles in, we find ourselves at a pivotal moment—not just on the calendar, but in our shared journey. September brought renewal and reflection. October calls us to action. 

In just a few short weeks, the Florida Head Start community will gather in Orlando for our 2025 Annual Conference & Expo. This year’s theme, "Honoring the Past. Shaping the Future," invites us to celebrate our legacy while boldly envisioning what’s next. 

Whether you’re a seasoned advocate or just beginning your Head Start journey, this event is your space to reconnect, reimagine, and recommit to the work that matters most. 

Register by October 23 to secure your spot and be part of this transformative experience!

What's waiting for you in Orlando:

• Motivational speaker, author, and proud Head Start alumnus, Dr. Lemon will inspire us with a message of resilience, progress, and enduring power of early childhood education.
• Curated breakout sessions offering practical insights and strategies tailored to your work.
• Networking opportunities with peers and partners across Florida.
• Tools and strategies to elevate your program's impact.
• The 2025 Annual Awards that honor individuals whose dedication, leadership, and impact embody the spirit of Head Start. If you’d like to attend the luncheon only, you can purchase tickets at this link.

Let's step into this season with purpose, unity, and a renewed commitment to the children and families we serve. We can't wait to see you in Orlando!

After registering for the conference, don't forget to book your hotel room!  

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel at the Entrance to Universal Orlando,

5780 Major Blvd., Orlando, FL 32819.

FHSA has secured a room block that is open and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

• Group Rate: Starting at $159 per night++
• Booking Window Extended: Available now through Friday, October 17, 2025, or until capacity is reached
• Extended Stay Perks: Enjoy the FHSA rate three days before and after the conference dates
• Parking: Overnight and event day self-parking rate is discounted to $15+ tax a night.

Reserve your room today to lock in the discounted rate:

• Call Hilton Reservations: 1-800-222-TREE (8733)
• Use the Group Rate Code: (HT2)
• Or click the “Book Now” button below
• Check-in: 4:00 p.m.; Check-out: 11:00 a.m.

The Florida Head Start Association (FHSA) is proud to announce the election of four exceptional leaders to its Board of Directors: LaShonda Watson-Clark, Steve Martin, Alisa Thorton, and Mary Muniz-Pellicer. Each brings a wealth of experience, passion, and dedication to FHSA’s mission—empowering members to advocate, lead, and enhance the education, health, and social services that Head Start provides to Florida’s families. 

These newly elected board members will serve a two-year term, with the opportunity to renew for an additional two years. 

Our board members will be formally inducted during the FHSA Annual Awards Luncheon—held in conjunction with the FHSA 2025 Annual Conference & Expo on October 29 at the DoubleTree by Hilton at the Entrance to Universal Orlando. 

Please join us in celebrating their commitment to Florida’s children, families, and Head Start programs statewide. Their leadership strengthens our collective voice and vision for a brighter future.

FY26 Monitoring:
What's Changing and How to Prepare 

The Office of Head Start released a new Head Start monitoring cycle, which brings meaningful changes. While the purpose and timing of reviews remain familiar, the FY2026 protocols have been refined to reduce burden, sharpen focus, and better support programs.  OHS hosted a webinar on the FY26 Monitoring Kickoff on September 30, which you can view here. You can also download the slides here. 

What's New This Year 

The Office of Head Start (OHS) has streamlined its approach:

• Review questions have been reduced from 449 to 203—a 54.8% decrease.
• On-site review days are now 3 to 3.5 days, down from 5.
• Reviews will include both virtual and on-site components.

Key Dates to Know

• Focus Area 1 (FA1) and Focus Area 2 (FA2) reviews begin October 13.
• CLASS reviews begin October 20.
• Other reviews (RAN, Follow-Up, AIAN Re-evaluations) will occur as needed.

What Is Different

• FA1 reviews now focus on program management, safe learning environments, and fiscal/ERSEA integrity. These include on-site visits and child eligibility file reviews, conducted by a team rather than a single reviewer.
• FA2 reviews will still cover all content areas but emphasize service quality and fiscal/ERSEA integrity. These are shorter and include virtual components.

Tools to Help You Prepare

• FY2026 Monitoring Protocols and Review Guides are available in the Aligned Monitoring System 2.0 Virtual Expo.
• 4 guides for FA1 and 6 for FA2 outline review topics and activities.
• Webinars originally scheduled for October 1 and 2 were postponed due to the federal shutdown. We’ll share new dates once announced.

Addressing Vacant Slots Due to Chronic Absenteeism in Head Start Programs: AFC-OHS-IM-25-26 

The Office of Head Start (OHS) has released updated guidance clarifying when a Head Start slot should be considered vacant—particularly in cases of chronic absenteeism. This IM reinforces the importance of regular attendance and outlines strategies to enhance access and participation for children and families. 

Key Points: 

A slot is considered vacant if a child hasn’t attended for 30 consecutive calendar days and the program has made three documented attempts to reengage the family.

• If a family confirms the child is not returning, the slot must be reported as vacant immediately.
• Reserved slots (e.g., for children experiencing homelessness or in foster care) may be held for up to 30 days.
• Programs may allow limited exceptions for extended illness, family emergencies, or other extenuating circumstances—with documentation.
• Temporary suspensions due to safety concerns do not count toward the 30-day vacancy threshold.
• Programs are encouraged to re-enroll children if a slot becomes available after absenteeism-related unenrollment.

Attendance Matters:

• Chronic absenteeism = missing 10% or more of program days per year.
• Programs must track attendance, analyze patterns, and implement strategies to promote regular attendance.
• Strategies include building strong family relationships, addressing transportation barriers, and coordinating with health and mental health services.

Enrollment Reporting:

• Slots vacant for less than 30 days can be counted as enrolled.
• All programs must report monthly enrollment in HSES.

This guidance reinforces that every slot—and every day—counts. FHSA encourages programs to stay proactive in supporting attendance and access for all eligible children. 

Head Start's Footprint: Advancing
Children's Learning & Educational Equity 

This new report highlights Head Start’s powerful role in shaping educational outcomes for children and strengthening communities. It examines key policy pillars that guide Head Start’s educational mission and synthesizes research on its impact—from early learning gains to long-term academic success.

The report also underscores the broader community benefits of ensuring all income-eligible children have access to Head Start, and explores international research showing the harm caused when children are excluded from early education due to immigration documentation status.

Additionally, it sheds light on how administrative barriers—especially for families experiencing homelessness, children with disabilities, and those involved in the child welfare system—can limit access to critical early learning opportunities.

Join the National Head Start Association (NHSA) this December 8-11 in Orlando for their Parent and Family Engagement Conference—a dynamic gathering of professionals dedicated to strengthening family partnerships in Head Start and Early Head Start. 

This year’s event offers interactive sessions, timely insights, and tailored resources designed to deepen connections with families, foster trust, and build stronger pathways to success at home and in school. As we celebrate Head Start’s 60th anniversary, this conference arrives at a pivotal moment—when families need to feel seen, supported, and empowered more than ever.

Important Upcoming Events

FHSA EVENTS

2025 FHSA Annual Conference
& Expo
October 28 - 30, 2025
Orlando, Florida
lick here for info

FHSA Directors Affiliate Group Monthly Check-in
November 4, 2025
Virtual
Click here for info

 STATE TRAININGS or EVENTS

Head Start Mental Health Workgroup: Kickoff Meeting
October 16, 2025
Virtual
Click here for info

 NATIONAL TRAININGS or EVENTS

Five Practices to Prevent Concerning Behaviors
October 15, 2025
Virtual 
Click here for info

Five Learning Environment Strategies for Teaching Social & Emotional Skills

October 16, 2025
Virtual 
Click here for info

Exploring a Coaching Approach for Family Services Professionals
September 18, 2025
Virtual
Click here for info

NHSA Parent & Family Engagement Conference
December 8 - 11, 2025
Orlando, FL
Click here for info

October marks a powerful moment in our shared journey: it’s Head Start Awareness Month, and this year, we celebrate 60 years of Head Start’s legacy—a milestone that honors generations of progress, resilience, and community impact. Join us at the FHSA 2025 Annual Conference & Expo, taking place from October 28 to 30 in Orlando. With the theme “Honoring the Past. Shaping the Future,” the conference is a powerful way to recognize Head Start’s legacy while charting bold new paths forward. From inspiring keynotes to the Annual Awards Luncheon and the induction of new board members, this gathering is a living tribute to the movement we’ve built—and the future we’re shaping together.

Celebrate Head Start Awareness Month in style and solidarity! Stop by the FHSA Store before the conference to purchase your official FHSA-branded shirt and help raise awareness for Head Start across Florida. 

Wearing your shirt during Head Start Awareness Month is a powerful way to show your support, spark conversations, and stand united with families, educators, and advocates.

We offer two styles to choose from, available in various sizes and colors.

Let’s make Head Start visible—one shirt at a time!

The Florida Head Start Association dashboard is a practical tool for advocacy, created to help inform policymakers and other state leaders about the critical role Head Start programs play in Florida—and the unmet need for additional funding. 

We encourage all programs to take a moment to review their data on the dashboard to ensure its accuracy. Up-to-date and accurate information strengthens our collective voice and ensures your program is represented correctly in statewide advocacy efforts.

Agency Members

• Agricultural and Labor Program, Inc. Head Start/Early Head Start
• Capital Area Community Action Agency, Inc.
• Children's Home Society of Florida - Brevard
• Children's Home Society of Florida - Orlando
• Community Coordinated Care for Children, Inc. (4C)
• Early Education and Care, Inc. Head Start/Early Head Start
• Early Learning Coalition Miami-Dade/Monroe County
• Early Learning Coalition of Palm Beach County, Inc.
• ECS4Kids
• FSU Early Head Start Program
• Gadsden County School District Head Start
• Hillsborough County Public Schools Head Start Program
• Jackson County Early Childhood Program
• Miami-Dade Community Action and Human Services Department
• Monroe County Public Schools Head Start
• Orange County Head Start
• Pasco County Head Start
• Redlands Christian Migrant Association
• Santa Rosa School Board Head Start/Early Head Start
• School Board of Brevard County Head Start
• St. Johns County School District Head Start
• Tri-County Community Council, Inc. Head Start/Early Head Start
• You Thrive Florida

 Corporate Friends

• Brain Connections
• CELEBRATE Successful Early Learning
• Dairy Council of Florida
• Discount School Supply
• Hatch Early Learning
• James Moore & Co.
• Learning Genie
• mano-Y-ola
• Nemours
• The Discovery Source
• Vystar Credit Union

 Individual Friends

• El Brown
• Nacole Guyton
• Cindy Kaier
• Autumn Tomas 

If you have any questions about how to renew or join FHSA, please contact Wanda Minick at (850) 694- 6477 or email [email protected].

Florida Head Start Programs Receive Nearly $1.9M to Advance Childhood Nutrition

We’re proud to share that four Florida Head Start programs have been awarded a combined $1,890,389 in federal funding to expand nutrition-focused initiatives for young children and families. This investment is part of a $61.9 million national effort by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), to promote healthy eating and combat chronic disease through early childhood education.

Congratulations to the following programs for leading the way in building healthier futures:

• LeJardin Community Center Inc.
• Lutheran Services Florida, Inc.
• Redlands Christian Migrant Association, Inc.
• Suwannee Valley Community Coordinated Child Care Inc.

This funding reflects the power of Head Start to drive systemic change through local innovation, and we celebrate these programs for their leadership and impact.

ECS4Kids, a leading provider of early childhood education in the Southeast, is expanding its reach into Georgia, the first time the organization will be providing services outside of Florida. A new federal grant will allow ECS4Kids to provide Head Start services to students across 10 Georgia counties including Bulloch, Burke, Columbia, Emanuel, Jefferson, Jenkins, Lincoln, McDuffie, Screven, and Warren.

The FHSA monthly newsletter aims to provide you with important information about the Association, upcoming events, and national industry updates. We encourage you to make sure your information is up-to-date so you don't miss out on important information.

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Information Updates 

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