Annual Training Conference & Expo

ABOUT THE EVENT

The 2021 Annual Training Conference & Expo Goes Virtual

Every year, we look forward to connecting with regional leadership – both seasoned and emerging - at our Annual Training Conference & Expo (ATCE) to provide cutting-edge professional development and expand our shared our vision for Head Start’s future. But as our nation and the world joins together to fight the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, it is imperative that each of us does what we can to support this global health movement. With this belief, RIVHSA announces the 2021 ATCE will be all virtual.  Our virtual experience will be just as rich and engaging as our traditional in-person conference while also allowing attendees to participate safely and conveniently from any workstation with internet access.

A Unique Conference Experience

Our Annual Training Conference & Expo (ATCE) attracts hundreds of early care and learning professionals, parents and partners throughout the region and around the country. The conference is an incredible opportunity to connect with colleagues and experts in your own field and across disciplines. It is this unique gathering of participants which gives our conference its energy and wide-reach. The conference experience is a unique blend of pre-conference events, speaker expertise, learning tracks, presentation formats and our virtual sponsor marketplace showcasing the latest materials and products by industry leaders to encourage breakthrough thinking and collaborative problem-solving.  Join us to learn new strategies, expand your network, discover new resources, as well as explore quality initiatives and best practices. In addition to inspiring general sessions and breakthrough educational sessions, the event also features Pre-Conference Seminars, Public Policy Luncheon, Town Hall Meeting, Awards Gala, and our lively exhibitor marketplace showcasing the latest materials and products by industry leaders.

Learn More and Register

Ready, set, register! From the real-time agenda to speaker and sponsor listings to an active registration button, our app event page provides users with access to important information.  You can also download the event app powered by Whova.  |   Event Page

Get details about event registration costs, deadlines, and requirements.  Registration fees for each experience are different.  Members receive a discount on Conference registration.  | 2.16.21  Payment Guidelines

An event overview is also available as a downloadable PDF.  | 2.16.21 Overview

Download Our Event App Powered by Whova

We are using an online platform called Whova. Participants will be able to download the Whova mobile app for Apple or Android and/or access it via a mobile device or web platform on a computer. You must download the app to access the event.  All registered participants will receive an e-mail from Whova to download the app prior to the event.  You may also download the app on our Event Page.  In Whova, participants will be able to:

• View our event agenda and plan their personal schedule
• Access handouts, pre-recorded sessions, and live webinar sessions directly within the agenda and utilize the session Q&A and chat to ask questions and interact with other participants
• Set up in-person/virtual meet-ups with other attendees to connect and network
• Create and converse through various discussion topics in the Community Board
• Receive updates such as last minute session changes
• And much more!

Target Audience & Learning Objectives

With more than 60 educational sessions, have been uniquely designed to meet the diverse interests and needs of the Head Start community.  Participants will not only will deepen their knowledge base but also expand their awareness of key frameworks, quality initiatives and best practices in the areas of early care and development as well as family engagement.

• Administrators & Managers: Organizations are experiencing great opportunities for reinvention or growth but many are also vulnerable to considerable risk. The health of the organization depends on its ability to effectively balance its mission, capital structure, and organizational capacity. Participants will expand their understanding and application of management principles, quality initiatives and best practices.
• Center-based & Home-based Teams: From social-emotional and cognitive skills to physical well-being and parent involvement, programs support and nurture all areas of a young child’s development and learning through coordinated and connected strategies. Participants will expand their understanding and application of prevention and intervention strategies, best practices and quality initiatives.
• Parents & Families: Parents are young children’s first and most important teachers, and their socialization is most influenced by their family. Programs engage parents and families as equal partners to support children's ongoing development and learning. Participants will explore strategies and resources to strengthen the connection between family engagement, healthy development, and school readiness.
• Board & Policy Members: Organizations recognize the importance of established and well- functioning governance bodies that share the responsibility for the delivery of high-quality services to children and families. Participants will expand their understanding of program governance as well as related elements of program design and management.
• Community Partners:  The collaboration between Head Start, families, and community agencies builds positive relationships and also  supports parent progress toward their goals for themselves and their children. Community partners provide culturally and linguistically responsive services and helpful resources.  Participants will be exposed to strategies to advance their work from parent educational advancement to economic mobility to other aspects of family well-being.