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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9:20am CDT

Reconnecting with your WHY

LIMITED

Tuesday August 4, 2026 9:20am - 11:00am CDT

Salon 12

Limited Capacity seats available

"Early childhood professionals do more than teach, guide, and care for young children. They help shape the foundation for how children feel seen, supported, and prepared to engage with the world. Yet the work can be emotionally demanding, physically exhausting, and deeply challenging, especially when staff are navigating burnout, stress, shifting expectations, and the everyday realities of serving children and families with complex needs.

This interactive workshop invites early childhood staff to pause, reflect, and reconnect with the passion and purpose that brought them to this work. Through guided reflection, meaningful discussion, and practical self-awareness activities, participants will explore their personal “why,” identify the values that continue to drive their commitment, and examine how purpose can serve as an anchor during difficult seasons."

Speakers

Dr. Carla Stewart

CEO, Counselor, and Assistant Professor, CLS Comprehensive Services & National Louis University

Dr. Carla L. Stewart, Ed.D, NCC, PEL, LCPC, is a renowned mental health educator, counselor, and advocate, celebrated for her dedication to supporting diverse communities. With an Ed.D in Counselor Education and Supervision from Argosy University, Dr. Stewart merges her comprehensive... Read More →

Tuesday August 4, 2026 9:20am - 11:00am CDT
Salon 12

CLS Comprehensive Services LLC

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

1:20pm CDT

DFSS CSD FY 26-27 Data Training

FILLING

Tuesday August 4, 2026 1:20pm - 3:00pm CDT

Salon 12

Limited Capacity filling up

Come see what's new on the attendance form that will roll out September 1st? What new requirements are on the ISBE rpt? Did you hear about PIR this year? Oh, snap let's talk about that data collection.

Speakers