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

On-Boarding Best Practices for CEL Programs

LIMITED

Thursday August 6, 2026 9:20am - 10:20am CDT

Salon 2

Limited Capacity seats available

This PDM training will be an interactive discussion regarding onboarding best practices and program expectations for new and promoted staff. Programs will be able to enhance and/or develop onboarding plans that meet the CELs 2.0 program regulations.

Speakers

Ken McGhee

Engagement Manager, Claridgigm Inc.

Thursday August 6, 2026 9:20am - 10:20am CDT
Salon 2

Claridigm

11:10am CDT

Strategies for Supporting Educators Well Being

LIMITED

Thursday August 6, 2026 11:10am - 12:10pm CDT

Salon 2

Limited Capacity seats available

Providing emotional support to educators is essential for promoting a healthy, responsive learning environment.
This session will offer CLASS-based strategies and proactive tips for supporting educators’ well-being.

Moderators

Alisha Bourque

Teachstone

Bibi Rahim

Teachstone

Speakers

Monica Barrera

Teachstone

Thursday August 6, 2026 11:10am - 12:10pm CDT
Salon 2

Teachstone

1:20pm CDT

Active Supervision

LIMITED

Thursday August 6, 2026 1:20pm - 2:20pm CDT

Salon 2

Limited Capacity seats available

This PDM training will This training provides Head Start staff with a comprehensive, practice based understanding of Active Supervision, the mandated approach for keeping children safe at all times across all program settings. Participants learn how to implement the six core strategiesâ€”Set Up the Environment, Position Staff, Scan and Count, Listen, Anticipate Childrenâ€™s Behavior, and Engage and Redirectâ€”to prevent injuries, reduce risk, and create a culture of safety.

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 →

Thursday August 6, 2026 1:20pm - 2:20pm CDT
Salon 2

Claridigm

3:10pm CDT

Family Engagement and Connection

FILLING

Thursday August 6, 2026 3:10pm - 4:10pm CDT

Salon 2

Limited Capacity filling up

This session focuses on meaningful ways to engage with
families. Attendees will learn about effective classroom
practices and concrete strategies for promoting connection
and communication with families

Moderators

Alisha Bourque

Teachstone

Bibi Rahim

Teachstone

Speakers

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 →

Thursday August 6, 2026 3:10pm - 4:10pm CDT
Salon 2

Teachstone

9:20am CDT

11:10am CDT

1:20pm CDT

3:10pm CDT

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