June Leadership & Professional Development Conference
6/2/2026 - 6/4/20267:30 AM - 2:00 PM EST
Location: Great Wolf Lodge, 2501 Great Wolf Drive, Mason, OH 45040
Registration ends on 5/22/2026
Event Description
We are so excited to be gathering together in person again at the Great Wolf Lodge for the June Leadership and Professional Development Conference!
The June Leadership and Professional Development Conference is planned to help build leadership skills at every level of the Head Start organization.
This event will provide intensive, practical and advanced level learning to enhance the professional development levels of all participants.
Tuesday, June 2, 2026 Keynote Speaker
Yvette Sanchez Fuentes
Senior Vice President, Government Relations & Research;Start Early
"Why We Do This Work? Reflecting on the past, present and future of Head Start"
Wednesday, June 3, 2026 Keynote Speaker
Stephanie Werren
"Stronger Together: Understanding Ourselves to Better Connect with Others"
Thursday, June 4, 2026 Keynote Speaker
Dr. Arianna Howard
"Before You Go Back: What You Carry, What You Need, and What You Choose Next"
Designing Healthy Classrooms that Work: IMIL for a New Generation
*Registering for this session requires attendance for all sessions
Equally important, this series builds in what programs say they need most: time to reflect, tools to support implementation, and strategies to sustain change beyond the training.Through guided reflection, peer discussion, and implementation supports, participants will leave with clear, adaptable strategies they can carry back to their teams, and the structure to ensure those strategies stick.
Grounded in real program experience, this learning series emphasizes practical application, intentional scheduling, and responsive approaches that recognize one size does not fit all.
Participants will examine how to balance active and passive learning, use movement and transitions as instructional opportunities, and apply approaches like IMIL and conscious discipline to support self-regulation and reduce challenging behaviors.
Participants will explore strategies that promote the health, development, and engagement of the whole child, while strengthening teacher-child interactions and classroom management.
*Registering for this session requires attendance for all sessions
Equally important, this series builds in what programs say they need most: time to reflect, tools to support implementation, and strategies to sustain change beyond the training.Through guided reflection, peer discussion, and implementation supports, participants will leave with clear, adaptable strategies they can carry back to their teams, and the structure to ensure those strategies stick.
Grounded in real program experience, this learning series emphasizes practical application, intentional scheduling, and responsive approaches that recognize one size does not fit all.
Participants will examine how to balance active and passive learning, use movement and transitions as instructional opportunities, and apply approaches like IMIL and conscious discipline to support self-regulation and reduce challenging behaviors.
Participants will explore strategies that promote the health, development, and engagement of the whole child, while strengthening teacher-child interactions and classroom management.
*Pre-registration is required through June Conference registration
*Space is limited
*Space is limited
JUNE CONFERENCE SCHEDULE
Monday, June 1
Registration Open from 3:30 PM-6:00 PM
Tuesday, June 2
Registration Opens at 7:30 AM
COL Sessions from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Luncheon & Keynote Address from 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM
COL & Breakout Sessions from 1:30 PM to 4:30 PM
Vendor Reception* open from 4:15 PM to 6:00 PM
*Conference attendees only!
Heavy appetizers served
Cashless bar will be provided for a charge; all other drinks are complimentary
Wednesday, June 3
Breakout Sessions from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Luncheon & Keynote Address from 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM
Breakout Sessions from 1:30 PM to 4:30 PM
Thursday, June 4
Breakout Sessions from 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM
Luncheon & Keynote Address from 11:30 AM to 2:00 PM
This content is designed to improve service quality for children and families through Head Start–specific training, peer learning, and regulatory updates.
Great Wolf Lodge & OHSAI want to be sure that your reservation and check-in process is simple!
CLICK HERE FOR Reservation & Payment Procedures/Details *Rates available through 4/29/26
Great Wolf Lodge is a CASHLESS facility and also does not accept check payment upon arrival.
Room Rate is $165.00 per night plus tax.
MULTIPLE RESERVATIONS (agencies):
- It is strongly recommended for agencies wishing to make multiple reservations, and pay with ACH, check or credit card, to contact hotel sales office directly to provide a rooming list for best possible service and billing. **E-mail Lillian Erickson, Director of Sales, at lerickson@greatwolf.com or call directly at 513-229-5814.
- Hotel will handle rooming list, credit card authorization, tax exemption and sending receipts.
**Please do not make multiple reservations via the toll-free number under one name. Your group will not be able to check in without individual names on reservations or the credit card authorization.
- Individual reservations can be made by visiting: CLICK HERE (Event block code is: 2605OHSA) or Scan the QR code
- NOTE: If you need to book outside of the 6/1-6/4 dates this link will not work. You will need to reach out to the Group Sales Team at
513-229-5817 for additional assistance. - **Reservations will require a 1-night stay deposit. All reservations must have a valid credit card or method of payment on file for final payment, prior to arrival.
1- Credit Card Payment:
- Upon check-in, you will need to provide proof of identification and present the same credit card used to make the reservation. If you are not able to provide the physical Credit Card at check-in, a Credit Card Authorization form must be on file prior to arrival. An electronic form can be sent upon request.
**If you organization is State Tax Exempt, a form must be provided for all guests staying and paid for by exempt organization.
- In lieu of paper check, we now offer an ACH Payment option. All payments must be received 30 days prior to arrival. A unique payment link will be sent for this payment type upon re quest.
**If you organization is State Tax Exempt, a form must be provided for all guests staying and paid for by exempt organization.
As a Conference guest, you DO NOT have to pay for parking, it’s complimentary.
- All Great Wolf Lodge guests will receive a QR code at check in to be used when exiting the parking lot. Additional QR codes will be available at Event Registration as well.
- Attendees not staying at the hotel should use the parking lot right in front of the conference center and as a conference guest there is no charge for parking. QR codes will be given when you check in at Event Registration.