Annual Training Conference & Expo

ABOUT THE EVENT

One Mission, One Voice

Head Start (HS) and Early Head Start (EHS) share a mission to promote the school readiness of children from low-income families, prenatal to age five, by enhancing their cognitive, social and emotional development. Across the southeast region, grantees, staff, parents and community partners form a community committed to giving every enrolled child an opportunity to succeed in school and in life. RIVHSA is the unified voice for the regional network. We are committed to telling our collective story in a compelling manner to ensure that every enrolled child has an opportunity to succeed in school and in life.  Our event theme - One Mission, One Voice - exemplifies the shared journey and mutual commitment between RIVHSA and the regional HS/EHS community.

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. It is this unique gathering of participants which gives our conference its energy and wide reach. The conference experience is a curated blend of intensive pre-conference events, featured speakers on our main-stage, presenter expertise in learning track sessions, an Awards Gala celebrating regional heroes, and a lively exhibitor marketplace.  Join us to learn best practices, explore breakthrough strategies, discover new resources as well as expand your network.

Diamond Jubilee | Head Start Turns 60

At ATCE, we will launch our yearlong Diamond Jubilee celebration of Head Start's 60 years of opportunity. This celebration is not just a reflection of our past achievements, but a joyful invitation to all stakeholders to come together to honor the invaluable contributions of educators, families, partners and sponsors. See how you can get involved in the celebration!

6o Year as Grantee Recognizing grantees that have provided Head Start services since its launch in 1965!

60 Years as Staff     Recognizing staff who have been employed by Head Start since its launch in 1965!

Thank You Head Start Video  Capturing videos from Head Start alumni, currently enrolled children and/or families as well as staff at all levels.

Theme Days (Wed) Denim & Bling (Thurs) Head Start Pride - Logo (Gala) A Night in White (Fri) Red Takeover

Activate Membership We will recognize RIVHSA Agency Members as of Jan 31 at the annual conference in a few ways! Reactivate now to be included.

Purchase Ad in Souvenir Program Celebrate this Head Start milestone year with an ad from your program spotlighting local impact in the souvenir ATCE program.

Sign the national Birthday card! Not only will this activity build excitement in our community but will also be used as part of the national advocacy strategy.

Tell Your Head Start Story Your stories are not just memories; they are part of the rich legacy that makes Head Start what it is today. Add to the national collection!

Share Local Celebration Plan Share how your program will be celebrating Head Start's 60th birthday with the National Head Start Association.

Learn More and Register

Use our tentative schedule at-a-glance as a planning reference | Tentative Schedule [ Updated 11.15.24]

The app event page provides users with access to real-time information such as an active registration button, agenda, workshops as well as speaker, sponsor and exhibitor listings.  Stay on the cutting edge with training sessions designed to promote best practice, innovation, and collaboration.  Sessions are confirmed and released in rounds.  Visit regularly to check for new releases! | Event Page [Opens 11.13.24]

Get details about event registration fees, deadlines, payment options and policies.  Members receive a discount on conference registration.  | Consult the Event Registration section to download our Payment Guidelines.

Ready, set, register!  This is a limited ticket event. | Register Today

Download Our Event App Powered by Whova

We are using an online platform called Whova.  Once you have purchased event tickets, you will gain complete app access. You will receive an e-mail from Whova with a download link and instructions prior to the event. You must use the email address entered when registered for the event as your user login. then create/input password.  The app is compatible for download on Apple or Android devices and can be accessed via a mobile device or web platform on a desktop computer.  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 meetups 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!

Download App (Reminder: App access granted with ticket purchase only)

Frequently Asked Questions

(1) Is the event in-person or hybrid? RIVHSA is hosting our Annual Training Conference & Expo (ATCE) as an in-person conference in Atlanta, Georgia.  All sessions and events will be live; there is not a virtual option.

(2) Are CEUs available for purchase at this event?  Currently, RIVHSA does not offer CEUs.  However, a certificate of attendance is available at no-cost and is available in the app post-event.

(3) App Troubleshooting

< The app does not accept my login > Make sure you are using the correct email address.  Participants must use the email address entered when registered for the event as your user login.

< I cannot remember my password > If the participant has forgotten their password, they must reset by clicking “forgot password”.   RIVHSA does not have access to the password.

< The current event does not show in the app > If the app was downloaded for a previous event but does not show the current event, the best fix is to: (1) uninstall the app; (2) reinstall the app; (3) login using the correct email address.

(4) How can I access footage from the most recent ATCE?  View or download now

(5) Will there be health and safety measures?  RIVHSA prioritizes the health and safety of all participants - attendees, speakers, exhibitors, and staff.  We are committed to delivering the world-class conference experience associated with our brand while observing industry-leading health and safety practices in collaboration with our partners and contractors. In keeping with our duty of care and responsibility as an event host, RIVHSA is guided by recommendations from the event venue as well as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and will abide by the legal mandates of the State of Georgia at the time of the event.   RIVHSA will continue to monitor CDC guidance, make protocol adjustments as required, and post updates accordingly because we are committed to delivering this year’s conference content in a format that makes you feel comfortable while still allowing you to receive the industry’s best training.