The multidisciplinary conferences attended by Head Start Knowledge and Information Management Services (HSKIMS) are gatherings of Head Start and Early Childhood experts. The conferences are an excellent means of sharing information, as well as keeping abreast of new developments in Head Start and Early Childhood, and thus gather ideas related to the Head Start community. HSKIMS exhibits under contract to the Office of Head Start and provides displays for the Administration for Children and Families as well.

2009

November

November 18-21, 2006
National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)
http://www.naeyc.org/conference/
Location: Walter Washington Convention Center, Washington, DC
Sponsor: National Association for the Education of Young Children

Join more than 20,000 colleagues in our nation’s capital this November for the world’s largest early childhood education conference. This year’s Conference features more than 900 sessions, with diverse topics and themes reflecting both traditional strategies and cutting-edge practice, as well as research and time-tested early childhood education strategies.

December

December 4-6, 2009
National Training Institute (NTI)
http://www.zttnticonference.org/the-institute.aspx
Location: Hyatt Regency, Dallas, Texas
Sponsor: ZERO TO THREE
Theme: Connecting Science, Policy and Practice

This year’s expanded agenda delivers high-level sessions, cutting-edge research, and best-practice strategies. New opportunities to meet and network with professionals in mental health, early intervention, early care and education, child welfare, family support, social services and healthcare are planned. The NTI is designed for experienced professionals whose roles span the infant/family field.

December 4-6, 2009
26th Annual Parent Training Conference
http://www.nhsa.org/?e=events.detail&event_id=39
Location: San Jose Convention Center, San Jose, California
Sponsor: National Head Start Association (NHSA)
Theme: Raising the Bar in a Time of Change

The Parent Training Conference is designed to help parents and those who work with or on behalf of parents and their children to advance their knowledge, skills, and abilities. This conference provides a valuable opportunity to gain a better understanding of developmentally appropriate practices, learn critical new skills, broaden awareness, and acquire resources that will enable participants to help Head Start children and their families reach new heights.

December 7-9, 2009
2009 OSEP National Early Childhood Conference http://www.nectac.org/~meetings/national2009/mtghomepage.asp
Location: Crystal Gateway Marriott Hotel, Arlington, Virginia
Sponsor: US Department of Education, Office of Special Programs
Theme: Strengthening Partnerships to Improve Early Learning and Development for Young Children

This conference is intended for a variety of audiences involved in planning and delivering services to young children with special needs and their families.
Conference goals include: 1) Gaining a better understanding of research findings and the use of successful evidence based practices related to U.S. Department of Education goals and initiatives. 2) Acquiring strategies to inform and support family members in leadership roles to enable them to strengthen and improve service systems and outcomes for infants, toddlers, and preschool aged children with special needs.