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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11:00am CDT

An Overview and Refresher of DFSS Recruitment Plan Template

LIMITED

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

Salon 6

Limited Capacity seats available

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

Ken McGhee

Engagement Manager, Claridgigm Inc.

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

Claridigm

11:00am CDT

SharePoint 101: Building a Collaborative Workspace

LIMITED

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

Salon 8

Limited Capacity seats available

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 timeâ€”helping Early Childhood and Head Start teams reduce paper, streamline workflows, and stay aligned across classrooms and departments.

Speakers

Phil Maclin

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

Wednesday August 5, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT
Salon 8

Claridigm

3:20pm CDT

Facilities and Safe Environments

FULL

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

Salon 8

Limited Capacity full
Adding this to your schedule will put you on the waitlist.

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

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

Claridigm