2026 Head Start

Review requirements for conducting a monitoring review and get guidance specifically for sponsors. Bring your questions and we’ll find solutions for areas you struggle with when completing a review of sites.

The Head Start Performance Standards require gathering parent input on menus and nutrition programs. Explore creative ways to involve families in taste testing and to providing feedback on future menus. Brainstorm strategies to incorporate family input into menu planning, discuss approaches to overcome common challenges and review practical methods for making menus more engaging, nutritious and family-friendly.

Family style dining in Head Start promotes healthy habits as children serve themselves, make food choices and practice portion control. It fosters independence, social skills and language development while creating nurturing mealtime experiences. Discover how to implement family style dining positively and effectively in your classrooms.

Supporting healthy eating habits early sets the foundation for lifelong wellness. Empower yourself with the knowledge and tools to support healthy eating habits in young children. Identify vital connection between nutrition and early development, learn practical strategies for the classroom and discover how your own habits can positively influence the children you serve.

Discover how a Head Start program and dietitian teamed up to create a fun, effective parent engagement series combining cooking and nutrition education. In the Out of the Box cooking series, families receive a box with ingredients and tools to cook at home. This hands-on experience helps families try new foods, build skills and connect. Learn to adapt this popular program to those you serve!

Nourishing futures starts at birth! Explore hands-on strategies that equip early childhood staff to train teams, engage families and design meaningful food introductions for children. Learn how to spark lifelong wellness through early nutrition education and parent partnerships.

Discover the who, what, when, why and how of family style dining in early childhood settings and at home. Understand how this approach fosters independence, creativity, kindness and lifelong learning skills. Plus, get practical tips for engaging picky eaters and creating a calm, enjoyable mealtime experience for everyone.

Discover how Head Start performance standards align with CACFP to support healthy, nutritious meals for young children. Explore what’s new in the Head Start performance standards concerning child nutrition. Perfect for those looking to stay current and strengthen their child nutrition practices!

Family engagement is the cornerstone of successful child development and healthy habits. Review the Head Start framework to support families in building positive nutrition practices. Identify how to engage parents/guardians in meaningful nutrition activities, respect cultural traditions and provide tools that build confidence – ultimately fostering lifelong wellness for children and their families.