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2026 DFSS PreService has ended
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
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Wednesday, August 5
 

9:20am CDT

Lets Talk about the 1st 45 Days and Health Services
Wednesday August 5, 2026 9:20am - 10:20am CDT
Participants will learn about health compliance  indicators within the 1st 45 days of a child's enrollment.

Speakers
avatar for Beatrice Nichols

Beatrice Nichols

Director, Children's Services, CSD
Wednesday August 5, 2026 9:20am - 10:20am CDT
Salon 3

9:20am CDT

How Does it Flow... Why Chicago became a water powerhouse.
Wednesday August 5, 2026 9:20am - 10:20am CDT
From moving the State boundary line to reversing the Chicago River to being home to the largest water purification plant in the world. Get the back story on your water system and jump ahead to the future of the department's biggest role in becoming the largest construction 'company' in the Midwest.
Speakers
Wednesday August 5, 2026 9:20am - 10:20am CDT
Salon 8

9:20am CDT

New Head Start Disabilities Coordinators Training
Wednesday August 5, 2026 9:20am - 10:20am CDT
Participants will learn about the key components of the role of the Head Start Disabilities Services Coordinator including the recruitment, enrollment, screening, referral, service delivery, advocacy and transition of students with suspected and identified disabilities ages 3-5 years.
Speakers
GP

Gina Pacella

CPS-DFSS Disabilities Subject Matter Expert (SME) & Liaison, CPS-DFSS Disabilities Team
Wednesday August 5, 2026 9:20am - 10:20am CDT
Salon 4

9:20am CDT

Planning with Purpose: The Importance of Effective Lesson Planning and Timely Documentation
Wednesday August 5, 2026 9:20am - 10:20am CDT
Creating intentional lesson plans and completing documentation in a timely manner are essential components of high-quality early childhood education. This presentation will highlight how effective planning supports individualized instruction, promotes meaningful learning experiences, and ensures alignment with curriculum goals and child outcomes. Participants will also explore the importance of accurate and consistent documentation in tracking children’s progress, supporting assessments, maintaining compliance, and strengthening communication with families and stakeholders. Through practical strategies and real-world examples, educators will gain tools to improve organization, accountability, and overall classroom success.
Speakers
avatar for Natasha Belt

Natasha Belt

Quality Education Service Coordinator, City of Chicago Department of Family Support Services
Natasha Belt was born on April 28, 1982, in Chicago’s Altgeld Gardens community, where she discovered her passion for service, education, and the arts at an early age. From singing in the choir to mastering martial arts, she embraced every opportunity while attending Grissom Elementary... Read More →
Wednesday August 5, 2026 9:20am - 10:20am CDT
Salon 2

9:20am CDT

GOLD, 0-3, Part 2
Wednesday August 5, 2026 9:20am - 10:20am CDT
Speakers
AS

Angela S Johnson

Trainer, Teaching Strategies
Wednesday August 5, 2026 9:20am - 10:20am CDT
Salon 1

9:20am CDT

GOLD, 3-5, Part 2
Wednesday August 5, 2026 9:20am - 10:20am CDT
Speakers
Wednesday August 5, 2026 9:20am - 10:20am CDT
Salon 5

9:20am CDT

Interactions that Support Students with Learning Differences
Wednesday August 5, 2026 9:20am - 10:20am CDT
A warm, supportive learning environment is of the utmost importance
for every child. This session takes special care to share strategies for
acknowledging learning differences and responding to meet the needs
of every child.
Moderators
AB

Alisha Bourque

Teachstone

BR

Bibi Rahim

Teachstone
Speakers
avatar for Melissa Wilhelm

Melissa Wilhelm

Teachstone
Wednesday August 5, 2026 9:20am - 10:20am CDT
Salon 10

9:20am CDT

Making the Most of Transitions
Wednesday August 5, 2026 9:20am - 10:20am CDT
This session builds on what educators already know to make transitions
as comfortable and as smooth as possible while also finding and
nurturing learning opportunities.
Moderators
AB

Alisha Bourque

Teachstone

BR

Bibi Rahim

Teachstone
Speakers
avatar for Liana Ondra

Liana Ondra

CLASS Specialist, Teachstone
Liana has over 10 years of experience working in Early Childhood. She earned a Master's degree in Early Childhood Education from Liberty University and has worked in classrooms in both private and public ECE programs. She has also worked as an Instructional Coach with Head Start and... Read More →
Wednesday August 5, 2026 9:20am - 10:20am CDT
Salon 7

9:20am CDT

Budget Ready
Wednesday August 5, 2026 9:20am - 11:00am CDT
Do you want to know how not to have you budget help up in the city process? Do you know all the right documentation to send in along with your budget? Come let's talk about the documentation and allow us to explain the reasoning why?
Speakers
ET

Eleni Tianis

Supervisor of Children Services, DFSS CSD
JP

Jacinta Passamentt

Assistant Director Program Admin/Fiscal, DFSS CSD
AJ

Angel Jones-Dotson

Simple Servant, DFSS
Dr. Jones-Dotson has worked in the field of H/R, Grants Management, & Auditing for over 30+ years.  She is found of learning new things and helping others bridge the gap to what they thought numbers were to what the possibilities of what they could be.
Wednesday August 5, 2026 9:20am - 11:00am CDT
Salon 6

10:30am CDT

EXHIBIT HALL
Wednesday August 5, 2026 10:30am - 11:00am CDT
Take time to explore the Exhibit Hall, where you'll find a variety of resource tables featuring organizations, community partners, and exhibitors. Discover innovative tools, educational resources, services, and opportunities designed to support early childhood professionals and families. Stop by, make connections, collect resources, and be inspired by the work happening across our community.
Wednesday August 5, 2026 10:30am - 11:00am CDT
Exhibit Hall

11:00am CDT

Juvenile Diabetes
Wednesday August 5, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT
Discuss with teachers about the sign and symptoms of diabetes. How calculated the dosage of insulin using carbs numbers. Give vital information when glucose level is high or low.
Speakers
avatar for stephanie Waites

stephanie Waites

Director, Little Genius Community DCC inc
Wednesday August 5, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT
Salon 12

11:00am CDT

Individualization through an Observation Lens
Wednesday August 5, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT
This workshop will focus on planning for all childrens learning skills using observation.
Participants will learn how to write observations, reflections, and plans. Will also learn how to
develop learning activities for each individualized child based on their skill development to
support learning in the classroom environment.
Speakers
avatar for Vincent Rodriguez

Vincent Rodriguez

Christopher House Inclusion Coordinator, Christopher House
Vincent has over 30 years of experience working in the field of early childhood and with Diverse learners’ students. He is currently the Diverse Learners Coordinator for Christopher House Early Childhood school and Trainer/Consultant at Simple Solutions Educational services .He... Read More →
Wednesday August 5, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT
Salon 4

11:00am CDT

An Overview and Refresher of DFSS Recruitment Plan Template
Wednesday August 5, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT
This PDM training is designed to assist agencies in the development of marketing strategies for your program(s). As our work today involves more families with young children, there is an obvious need to reach out and network within Chicago’s communities to accommodate such needs. Providing services for a greater number of families who need Early Childhood Education programs and supportive services is an important goal. This includes meeting or exceeding enrollment targets for your program(s)
Speakers
avatar for Ken McGhee

Ken McGhee

Engagement Manager, Claridgigm Inc.

Wednesday August 5, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT
Salon 6

11:00am CDT

SharePoint 101: Building a Collaborative Workspace
Wednesday August 5, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT
An accessible introduction to using SharePoint as a central hub for program documents, communication, and teamwork. Staff learn how to navigate a SharePoint site, upload and organize files, manage permissions, and collaborate in real time—helping Early Childhood and Head Start teams reduce paper, streamline workflows, and stay aligned across classrooms and departments.
Speakers
PM

Phil Maclin

Sr. Client Delivery Manager, https://www.claridigm.com/
Wednesday August 5, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT
Salon 8

11:00am CDT

Quality Support Service Coordinator
Wednesday August 5, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT
Creating intentional lesson plans and completing documentation in a timely manner are essential components of high-quality early childhood education. This presentation will highlight how effective planning supports individualized instruction, promotes meaningful learning experiences, and ensures alignment with curriculum goals and child outcomes. Participants will also explore the importance of accurate and consistent documentation in tracking children’s progress, supporting assessments, maintaining compliance, and strengthening communication with families and stakeholders. Through practical strategies and real-world examples, educators will gain tools to improve organization, accountability, and overall classroom success.
Speakers
avatar for Natasha Belt

Natasha Belt

Quality Education Service Coordinator, City of Chicago Department of Family Support Services
Natasha Belt was born on April 28, 1982, in Chicago’s Altgeld Gardens community, where she discovered her passion for service, education, and the arts at an early age. From singing in the choir to mastering martial arts, she embraced every opportunity while attending Grissom Elementary... Read More →
Wednesday August 5, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT
Salon 2

11:00am CDT

Gateways Credentials Overview
Wednesday August 5, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT
This presentation will provide a general overview of Gateways Credentials and the application process. We'll go over the three Credential components, the Gateways career lattice, how to apply, and what happens after an application is received. A brief walk through the website and the Registry Professional Development Record will be shared. General questions can be addressed but please, no applicant specific questions during the presentation.
Speakers
SH

Stephanie Hellmer - INCCRRA

Program Manager, INCCRRA
Wednesday August 5, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT
Salon 3

11:00am CDT

Everyday Healing: Trauma-Informed Practices in Early Childhood Environments
Wednesday August 5, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT

Speakers
avatar for Melissa Moore

Melissa Moore

Director of Behavioral Health, SGA Youth & Family Services
Wednesday August 5, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT
Salon 9

11:00am CDT

Begining of Year, 0-3,Part 2
Wednesday August 5, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT
Speakers
AS

Angela S Johnson

Trainer, Teaching Strategies
Wednesday August 5, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT
Salon 1

11:00am CDT

Begining of Year, 3-5,Part 2
Wednesday August 5, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT

Speakers
Wednesday August 5, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT
Salon 5

11:00am CDT

Focusing on the Purpose During Center Time
Wednesday August 5, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT
Educators offer robust learning experiences when they invite active engagement. This session
focuses on ways to offer clear objectives and facilitate purposeful and engaged learning
during center time.
Moderators
AB

Alisha Bourque

Teachstone

BR

Bibi Rahim

Teachstone
Speakers
avatar for Melissa Wilhelm

Melissa Wilhelm

Teachstone
Wednesday August 5, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT
Salon 10

11:00am CDT

Using Data to Inform Professional Development
Wednesday August 5, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT
Data can identify which educators or age levels are seeing success in specific skills and where extra support
may be needed. This session will explore ways to collect and analyze data to ensure professional development
goals are grounded in current teaching practice and clearly identify a strengths-based approach to growth.
Moderators
AB

Alisha Bourque

Teachstone

BR

Bibi Rahim

Teachstone
Speakers
avatar for Monica Barrera

Monica Barrera

Teachstone
Wednesday August 5, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT
Salon 7

12:10pm CDT

Keynote Speaker
Wednesday August 5, 2026 12:10pm - 1:00pm CDT

Wednesday August 5, 2026 12:10pm - 1:00pm CDT
Ballroom

1:00pm CDT

LUNCH
Wednesday August 5, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT

Wednesday August 5, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
Ballroom

2:10pm CDT

Focus Group - Running the Business Behind the Program
Wednesday August 5, 2026 2:10pm - 2:25pm CDT
For provider community fiscal staff

Strong early childhood programs are built on strong operations. This collaborative session brings together finance directors and fiscal staff to explore the realities of sustaining and growing high-quality programs. Together, participants will share strategies, discuss evolving funding and operational landscapes, and identify opportunities to strengthen areas such as cash flow, staffing, benefits, and organizational capacity. 
Wednesday August 5, 2026 2:10pm - 2:25pm CDT
Ballroom

2:10pm CDT

Focus Group: From the Classroom Out: What Support Makes the Greatest Difference
Wednesday August 5, 2026 2:10pm - 3:10pm CDT
For provider community education staff 

Every classroom is unique, and the people closest to the work have valuable insights into what helps students and educators thrive. This collaborative conversation invites teachers, coaches, and site leaders to reflect on the supports that have strengthened their practice, identify opportunities for improvement, and share ideas for resources that could make an even greater impact. 
Speakers
avatar for Cristina Vera

Cristina Vera

CEO, Vera Creative
Cristina Vera Bridges is an award-winning communications strategist and founder of Vera Creative, a purpose-driven agency specializing in marketing and strategic communications. With 25 years of experience, she advances equity in education, the arts, and community wellness through... Read More →
Wednesday August 5, 2026 2:10pm - 3:10pm CDT
Ballroom

2:10pm CDT

Classroom Management: Create a learning environment that supports student behavior and social-emotional development.
Wednesday August 5, 2026 2:10pm - 3:10pm CDT
This workshop will focus on supporting classroom
management for early childhood environments, such as team building for teacher
teams, setting up the classroom, social emotional learning, and supervision of the
environment. Lastly, focusing on strategies that will support teachers with students’
behavior and social-emotional development in an early childhood classroom
environment.
Speakers
avatar for Vincent Rodriguez

Vincent Rodriguez

Christopher House Inclusion Coordinator, Christopher House
Vincent has over 30 years of experience working in the field of early childhood and with Diverse learners’ students. He is currently the Diverse Learners Coordinator for Christopher House Early Childhood school and Trainer/Consultant at Simple Solutions Educational services .He... Read More →
Wednesday August 5, 2026 2:10pm - 3:10pm CDT
Salon 8

2:10pm CDT

New Head Start Disabilities Coordinators Training
Wednesday August 5, 2026 2:10pm - 3:10pm CDT
Participants will learn about the key components of the role of the Head Start Disabilities Services Coordinator including the recruitment, enrollment, screening, referral, service delivery, advocacy and transition of students with suspected and identified disabilities ages 3-5 years.
Speakers
GP

Gina Pacella

CPS-DFSS Disabilities Subject Matter Expert (SME) & Liaison, CPS-DFSS Disabilities Team
Wednesday August 5, 2026 2:10pm - 3:10pm CDT
Salon 4

2:10pm CDT

Federal Review, Part 1
Wednesday August 5, 2026 2:10pm - 3:10pm CDT
Speakers
AS

Angela S Johnson

Trainer, Teaching Strategies
Wednesday August 5, 2026 2:10pm - 3:10pm CDT
Salon 3

2:10pm CDT

ReadyRosie, Part 1
Wednesday August 5, 2026 2:10pm - 3:10pm CDT
Speakers
Wednesday August 5, 2026 2:10pm - 3:10pm CDT
Salon 7

2:10pm CDT

Redirecting and Reframing Misbehavior
Wednesday August 5, 2026 2:10pm - 3:10pm CDT
We’ve all had students who push limits, struggle to manage their feelings,
or constantly demand attention. This session provides a variety of tools
and strategies for proactive responses, misbehavior prevention, and
modeling desired behaviors.
Moderators
AB

Alisha Bourque

Teachstone

BR

Bibi Rahim

Teachstone
Speakers
avatar for Melissa Wilhelm

Melissa Wilhelm

Teachstone
Wednesday August 5, 2026 2:10pm - 3:10pm CDT
Salon 12

2:10pm CDT

Why Interactions Matter (Eng)
Wednesday August 5, 2026 2:10pm - 3:10pm CDT
In this session, participants will further their understanding of
Early Childhood Education and Developmentally Appropriate
Practice. Educators, principals, and instructional leaders will
learn to identify and communicate the impact of effective
educator-child interactions.
Moderators
AB

Alisha Bourque

Teachstone

BR

Bibi Rahim

Teachstone
Speakers
avatar for Liana Ondra

Liana Ondra

CLASS Specialist, Teachstone
Liana has over 10 years of experience working in Early Childhood. She earned a Master's degree in Early Childhood Education from Liberty University and has worked in classrooms in both private and public ECE programs. She has also worked as an Instructional Coach with Head Start and... Read More →
Wednesday August 5, 2026 2:10pm - 3:10pm CDT
Salon 2

2:10pm CDT

DFSS CSD FY 26-27 Data Training
Wednesday August 5, 2026 2:10pm - 3:45pm CDT
Did you know about our new enrollment application process through Banyan?  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
JB

JOCELYN Buchanan

Supervisor of Children Services Division, Department of Family and Support Services

Wednesday August 5, 2026 2:10pm - 3:45pm CDT
Salon 1

2:10pm CDT

Estrategias para apoyar el desarrollo socioemocional en niños de 0 a 3 años (Strategies to Support Social Emotional Development 0-3 years)
Wednesday August 5, 2026 2:10pm - 3:45pm CDT
"Este entrenamiento se centrará en el desarrollo socioemocional en niños de 0 a 3 años, incluyendo comportamientos típicos y preocupantes, el apego y la ansiedad por separación. Los participantes aprenderán estrategias positivas para apoyar el desarrollo en el entorno familiar.
Training will focus on social emotional development in children 0-3 years old including typical and concerning behaviors, attachment and separation anxiety. Participants will learn positive strategies to support growth in their classroom and for families."
Speakers
PR

Paulina Razo

Infant/Toddler Consultant, Erikson Insititute
avatar for Pamela Stutzman

Pamela Stutzman

Infant Toddler Inclusion Project Consultant, Erikson Institute
I'm a former school social worker and administrator. I have 20 years of experience working in public schools with a focus on early childhood and early childhood special education. I am excited to be a part of the Infant Toddler Inclusion Project (ITIP) as a Consultant at Erikson Institute... Read More →
Wednesday August 5, 2026 2:10pm - 3:45pm CDT
Salon 9

2:10pm CDT

Differentiating Language for Infants, Toddlers, and Preschoolers: Tiny tweaks to create meaningful interactions
Wednesday August 5, 2026 2:10pm - 3:45pm CDT
We all know that language is important for children at all stages of life, but how do we know what’s most meaningful for the youngest children? It doesn’t have to be big, sweeping changes. Using the theories of language development and research-based tools, come discover how small changes in your interactions can maximize language opportunities for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers.
Speakers
avatar for Kara Smith

Kara Smith

Assessor and Training Specialist, McCormick Institute Center for Early Childhood Leadership

avatar for Sharmeen Reyes

Sharmeen Reyes

Assessor and Training Specialist Center for Early Childhood Leadership., NLU
Wednesday August 5, 2026 2:10pm - 3:45pm CDT
Salon 10

2:10pm CDT

Observation-Ready: Preparing Programs for High-Quality On-Site Assessments Aligning Staff, Practices and Environments for Success
Wednesday August 5, 2026 2:10pm - 3:45pm CDT
"This workshop is designed to strengthen teacher leaders and administrator capacity to effectively prepare staff, learning environments, and organizational systems for successful on-site observations. Participants will explore strategies for creating a culture of readiness, aligning practices with observation expectations, and utilizing standardized tools to ensure consistency and efficiency throughout the preparation process.

Through guided discussions, practical examples, and collaborative planning, administrators will learn how to support staff, and establish systems that promote confidence and success during on-site visits. By the end of the workshop, participants will leave with actionable tools and a clear framework for preparing their teams and environments for high-quality observations and continuous quality improvement."
Speakers
avatar for Santa Villarreal

Santa Villarreal

Assessor & Training Specialist, McCormick Center at National Louis University
avatar for Katie Gaul

Katie Gaul

Assessor and Training Specialist, McCormick Institute for Early Childhood
Wednesday August 5, 2026 2:10pm - 3:45pm CDT
Salon 6

2:10pm CDT

Educator Power: Empowering ECE staff to Lead and Advocate for Change
Wednesday August 5, 2026 2:10pm - 3:45pm CDT
This will be a workshop on advocacy and leadership, helping workers understand how to effectively use their voices to help improve early childhood policy and increase public investment in early childhood at the city, state, and federal level. After a successful session last year, we would like to return with added urgency, given unstable funding for many ECE programs. Empowering educators with the skills to lead and advocate for their profession is not only appropriate but essential for sustaining and strengthening the early childhood workforce.
Speakers
Wednesday August 5, 2026 2:10pm - 3:45pm CDT
Salon 5

3:20pm CDT

Facilities and Safe Environments
Wednesday August 5, 2026 3:20pm - 4:20pm CDT
This PDM training will This training equips Head Start staff with the knowledge and practical skills needed to maintain safe, healthy, and developmentally appropriate environments across all program facilities. Participants explore the environmental health and safety requirements outlined in the Head Start Program Performance Standards (HSPPS), including building safety, sanitation, hazard prevention, emergency preparedness, and ongoing monitoring systems.
Speakers
avatar for Artiya Nash

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 →
Wednesday August 5, 2026 3:20pm - 4:20pm CDT
Salon 8

3:20pm CDT

Non-Federal Match- What Counts
Wednesday August 5, 2026 3:20pm - 4:20pm CDT
This PDM training will provide Key takeaway about what counts as non-federal match for DFSS ECE programs, and how to document/ value match
Speakers
avatar for Ken McGhee

Ken McGhee

Engagement Manager, Claridgigm Inc.

Wednesday August 5, 2026 3:20pm - 4:20pm CDT
Salon 12

3:20pm CDT

Federal Review, Part 2
Wednesday August 5, 2026 3:20pm - 4:20pm CDT
Speakers
AS

Angela S Johnson

Trainer, Teaching Strategies
Wednesday August 5, 2026 3:20pm - 4:20pm CDT
Salon 3

3:20pm CDT

ReadyRosie, Part 2
Wednesday August 5, 2026 3:20pm - 4:20pm CDT
Speakers
Wednesday August 5, 2026 3:20pm - 4:20pm CDT
Salon 7

3:20pm CDT

Strategies to Support Dual Language Learners (Eng)
Wednesday August 5, 2026 3:20pm - 4:20pm CDT
Global perspectives provide an invaluable opportunity to encourage
children’s linguistic and intellectual development. This session stresses
the power of using rich, high-quality language with children and provides
concrete strategies for promoting bilingualism in classrooms.
Moderators
AB

Alisha Bourque

Teachstone

BR

Bibi Rahim

Teachstone
Speakers
avatar for Liana Ondra

Liana Ondra

CLASS Specialist, Teachstone
Liana has over 10 years of experience working in Early Childhood. She earned a Master's degree in Early Childhood Education from Liberty University and has worked in classrooms in both private and public ECE programs. She has also worked as an Instructional Coach with Head Start and... Read More →
Wednesday August 5, 2026 3:20pm - 4:20pm CDT
Salon 2

3:20pm CDT

Strategies to Support Dual Language Learners (Sp)
Wednesday August 5, 2026 3:20pm - 4:20pm CDT
Global perspectives provide an invaluable opportunity to encourage
children’s linguistic and intellectual development. This session stresses
the power of using rich, high-quality language with children and provides
concrete strategies for promoting bilingualism in classrooms.
Moderators
AB

Alisha Bourque

Teachstone

BR

Bibi Rahim

Teachstone
Speakers
avatar for Monica Barrera

Monica Barrera

Teachstone
Wednesday August 5, 2026 3:20pm - 4:20pm CDT
Salon 4
 
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