2026 DFSS PreService: Full Schedule

Welcome to the 2026 3-Day DFSS PreService

📍Palmer House Chicago
17 E Monroe St, Chicago, IL 60603

Breakfast and Registration open at 8:00am
Conference programming from 9:00am -4:10pm

You will be able to validate your attendance (Check-In to sessions) using your personal schedule.

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11:10am CDT

Classroom Data and Continuous Improvement

LIMITED

Tuesday August 4, 2026 11:10am - 12:10pm CDT

Salon 12

Limited Capacity seats available

This PDM training will This training helps Head Start educators build the skills and confidence needed to use classroom level data as a powerful tool for reflection, planning, and continuous improvement. Participants learn how to collect, interpret, and apply data from multiple sourcesâ€”child assessments, CLASS observations, attendance patterns, accident and incident data, child health data and daily routinesâ€”to make informed decisions that elevate instructional quality and support each childâ€™s growth.

Speakers

Artiya Nash

Consultant, Claridigm

With over twenty-five years of experience as an Early Childhood Administrator, Artiya has a wealth of experience in designing and managing Head Start/Early Head Start and State Pre- K Programs. She has served as a District Director of Child Lab Centers for City Colleges of Chicago... Read More →

Tuesday August 4, 2026 11:10am - 12:10pm CDT
Salon 12

Claridigm

11:10am CDT

From Data to Insights: Building Performance Dashboards for ECE Management using Execl

LIMITED

Tuesday August 4, 2026 11:10am - 12:10pm CDT

Salon 1

Limited Capacity seats available

This PDM training is designed to help those who struggle with "data overload," spending hours manually compiling monthly reports on student attendance and developmental milestones. By learning to use Excelâ€™s PivotTables, Slicers, and Charts, staff can automate the transformation of raw data into a visual dashboard. This enables the agency to instantly visualize performance trends across different age groups or classrooms. The result is a significant reduction in administrative hours and a clearer understanding of where additional resources or interventions are needed to improve child outcomes.

Speakers

Rich Kerr

Tuesday August 4, 2026 11:10am - 12:10pm CDT
Salon 1

Claridigm

3:10pm CDT

Data Integrity 101

LIMITED

Tuesday August 4, 2026 3:10pm - 4:10pm CDT

Salon 8

Limited Capacity seats available

This is a practical, nonprofitâ€‘friendly training that teaches staff how to recognize and avoid the most common cyber threatsâ€”especially emailâ€‘based attacks like phishing, spoofing, and malware. Participants learn simple, repeatable habits to protect sensitive child and family data, strengthen organizational security, and reduce risk without needing technical expertise.

Speakers

Phil Maclin

Sr. Client Delivery Manager, https://www.claridigm.com/

Tuesday August 4, 2026 3:10pm - 4:10pm CDT
Salon 8

Claridigm

3:10pm CDT

Enhancing the Election Process for Policy Committee Members

LIMITED

Tuesday August 4, 2026 3:10pm - 4:10pm CDT

Salon 1

Limited Capacity seats available

"This PDM training will will focus on board and policy committee approval responsibilities, documenting board and PC approvals; and structures and
This workshop will equip agency with supports to help them set the stage for policy committee elections from orientation to nomination to elections. Helping parents to campaign to serve on policy committee and policy council."

Speakers

Ken McGhee

Engagement Manager, Claridgigm Inc.

Tuesday August 4, 2026 3:10pm - 4:10pm CDT
Salon 1

Claridigm

3:10pm CDT

Mental Health Awareness

FILLING

Tuesday August 4, 2026 3:10pm - 4:10pm CDT

Salon 2

Limited Capacity filling up

This PDM training will equip participants with a basic understanding of mental health challenges and offer information on how to provide support. Depression, Anxiety and suicide will be discussed in greater detail.

Speakers

Rochelle McGhee

Tuesday August 4, 2026 3:10pm - 4:10pm CDT
Salon 2

Claridigm

2026 DFSS PreService

11:10am CDT

Artiya Nash

11:10am CDT

Rich Kerr

3:10pm CDT

Phil Maclin

3:10pm CDT

Ken McGhee

3:10pm CDT

Rochelle McGhee

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