From January 22 to 25, 2024, the National Head Start Association (NHSA) convened its annual Winter Leadership Institute in Crystal City, Virginia, uniting hundreds of educators, program directors, and policy advocates committed to advancing early childhood education. The event served as both a professional development forum and a strategic platform for engaging federal lawmakers on issues impacting Head Start and Early Head Start programs.
The Winter Leadership Institute offered participants an opportunity to share best practices, explore innovative teaching strategies, and advocate for policies that protect and expand access to critical services for low-income families. Held just weeks after the start of the 119th Congress, the timing of the conference amplified its urgency and relevance, as budget negotiations and education policy discussions were beginning to take shape in Washington.
Focus on Advocacy and Funding
A central focus of the four-day institute was advocacy for continued federal investment in Head Start programs. NHSA leaders emphasized that sustained and increased funding is essential to meet the growing needs of vulnerable children and families, particularly in underserved urban and rural communities.
Participants met with congressional staff and members of the House and Senate to reinforce the positive impact of Head Start, citing decades of research linking early education to improved long-term outcomes in health, academics, and economic self-sufficiency.
“We know that Head Start changes lives,” said NHSA Executive Director Yasmina Vinci during her opening remarks. “But without continued federal commitment, we risk failing the very children and families who depend on us most.”
Elevating Innovation and Equity
Beyond funding, the Winter Leadership Institute showcased innovative instructional approaches and program models that respond to the evolving needs of diverse communities. Workshops highlighted trauma-informed teaching, the integration of mental health supports, culturally responsive curricula, and data-driven decision-making.
Sessions also addressed systemic barriers that prevent equitable access to quality early childhood education. Discussions focused on workforce challenges—such as recruitment, retention, and fair compensation for early educators—as well as strategies for engaging families as partners in their children’s development.
Several speakers noted the increasing importance of equity and inclusion in shaping future policies, particularly as the country emerges from the educational disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Bridging Policy and Practice
One of the institute’s signature components was the Capitol Hill Day, during which attendees visited lawmakers to advocate for Head Start’s priorities. Delegations from all 50 states emphasized that the success of Head Start depends on bipartisan support for programs that offer a lifeline to nearly one million children annually.
This year’s advocacy efforts were especially important given the political shifts following the 2024 elections and ongoing debates over federal budget allocations. With both chambers of Congress narrowly controlled by Republicans, NHSA leaders aimed to demonstrate that early childhood education is a nonpartisan investment in America’s future.
Lawmakers from both parties echoed support for the program’s proven track record. “Head Start is about giving kids a fair shot from the beginning,” said one congressional aide during a session. “That’s a value we can all agree on.”
A Vision for Leadership
The Winter Leadership Institute underscored the role of collaborative leadership in addressing the complex challenges facing early education. Attendees were encouraged to take on active roles not only within their programs but also as advocates for change in their communities and beyond.
NHSA reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Head Start leaders through professional development, policy engagement, and a national network focused on excellence and equity.
As the event concluded, a clear message emerged: that investing in early childhood education is not only morally imperative but economically wise, and that Head Start remains a cornerstone in the pursuit of educational opportunity and social mobility.
