Every year the Illinois Head Start Association gathers professionals and parents from across the state of Illinois to attend our Annual Conference. The conference provides innovative training, wonderful professional development opportunities and an excellent forum for exploring best practices. These training opportunities allow Directors, Staff and Parents to get the most current approaches to materials in their respective areas at an affordable cost. Join us in East Peoria on February 21st-23rd for our 2018 Annual Training Conference that houses our Component Meetings, IHSA Business Meeting, Directors Forum, Awards Luncheon, Exhibitors, and our BRAND NEW $2.00 Per Child Golden Sparkling Dinner. Additional special events such as outstanding Keynote Speakers, pre-conference session on Challenging Behaviors with keynote speaker, Nefertiti Bruce-Poyer and don't miss Nerfertiti's breakout session after her opening keyote "Strategies of Resilience for Organizations. The 2018 IHSA Annual Conference will begin on Wednesday, February 21st and conclude on Friday, February 23rd at Noon. This is the conference NOT TO MISS! 

Early Bird Registration Rate (must receive between December 1, 2017 and January 12, 2018) - $345.00 member / $495.00 non-member

Registration Rate (must receive between January 13, 2018 and February 12, 2018)  — $395.00 member / $545.00 non member

Late Registrations (all registrations received February 13, 2018 & after) —$445.00 member / $595.00 non-member

Embassy Suites by Hilton East Peoria Riverfront Hotel

100 Conference Center Drive, East Peoria, Illinois, 61611 

*THE BLOCK OF SLEEPING ROOMS AT THE EMBASSY SUITES IS SOLD OUT*

We are working on securing an overflow block. More information coming soon - please check back periodically for updated information. In the meantime, if you would like to book a sleeping room - here are two choices near the Embassy Suites:

Holiday Inn Express & Suites East Peoria - Riverfront (5 min drive to Embassy Suites)

1100 Bass Pro Drive, East Peoria, IL 61611 

309-694-9800

Hamtpon Inn East Peoria at the River Boat Crossing (6 minute drive to Embassy Suites)

11 Winners Way,  East Peoria, IL 61611 

309-694-0711

Opening Keynote: Nefertiti Bruce Poyner 

"Your Journey Together: Promoting Resilience in Young Children, Families and Communities"

Don't Miss Nefertiti's Pre-Conference Session on Challenging

Behaviors MORE INFO HERE

NEFERTITI'S BIO HERE

Closing Keynote Speaker: Stacey Bess

"Let's Reach the Finish Line: Making a Difference When No One Else Will"

STACEY'S BIO HERE

MUST RESERVE YOR SPOT BEFORE FEBRUARY 15th!

This is no ordinary dinner! Join us on Thursday night for knee-slapping entertainment, superb food, and you got it....flowing bubbly drinks!  You will be treated to a fabulous dinner, while your Head Start Star Waiter serves drinks and take turns being called to the stage to perform. Things can get a little crazy, but with a show-stopping whistle from our Master of Ceremonies, we will keep the event moving at a brisk pace. Performances only last a few seconds and a new Head Start Star Waiter is called to the stage.

Bring lots of single dollar bills because guests can also participate in the 50/50 raffle or buy raffle tickets to go home with some great auction items or one of the fabulous centerpieces that are created and donated by each Agency.

Ensure your group sits together by buying a whole table reserved just for your agency (no more than 8 seats per table) for only $500 or purchase a single seat at a table for $75.00.  

This dinner is a very silly event but also a very important one as all proceeds will support the $2.00 per child mission. Millions of children are in desperate need of the window of opportunity for success in life that Head Start provides. Through $2.00 Dollar per Child, the Illinois Head Start Association and National Head Start Association ensures that the voices of these at-risk children and their families are heard. 

MORE INFORMATION & TO REGISTER FOR THE  $2.00 Per Child Golden Sparkling Dinner