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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
Venue: Ballroom clear filter
Tuesday, August 4
 

9:20am CDT

The Standards Matter: Understanding the Head Start Program Performance Standards. From Federal Law to Everyday Practice
Tuesday August 4, 2026 9:20am - 10:20am CDT
Ballroom
The Head Start Program Performance Standards are not just regulations in a binder. They are the blueprint that turns the promise of the Head Start Act into everyday experiences for children, families, and communities.
Speakers
avatar for Lauri Morrison-Frichtl

Lauri Morrison-Frichtl

IHSA Executive Director, IL Head Start Association
I am passionate about Head Start and Early Head Start services.  
LW

Linda Wang

Director of Member Engagement & Outreach, Illinois Head Start Association
IHSA Standards Matter Training 1 pdf
Tuesday August 4, 2026 9:20am - 10:20am CDT
Ballroom

11:10am CDT

The Standards Matter: Understanding the Head Start Program Performance Standards. From Federal Law to Everyday Practice
Tuesday August 4, 2026 11:10am - 12:10pm CDT
Ballroom
The Head Start Program Performance Standards are not just regulations in a binder. They are the blueprint that turns the promise of the Head Start Act into everyday experiences for children, families, and communities.
Speakers
avatar for Lauri Morrison-Frichtl

Lauri Morrison-Frichtl

IHSA Executive Director, IL Head Start Association
I am passionate about Head Start and Early Head Start services.  
LW

Linda Wang

Director of Member Engagement & Outreach, Illinois Head Start Association
IHSA Standards Matter Training 1 pdf
Tuesday August 4, 2026 11:10am - 12:10pm CDT
Ballroom

12:15pm CDT

LUNCH
Tuesday August 4, 2026 12:15pm - 1:15pm CDT
Ballroom

Tuesday August 4, 2026 12:15pm - 1:15pm CDT
Ballroom

1:20pm CDT

The Standards Matter: Understanding the Head Start Program Performance Standards. From Federal Law to Everyday Practice
Tuesday August 4, 2026 1:20pm - 2:20pm CDT
Ballroom
The Head Start Program Performance Standards are not just regulations in a binder. They are the blueprint that turns the promise of the Head Start Act into everyday experiences for children, families, and communities.
Speakers
avatar for Lauri Morrison-Frichtl

Lauri Morrison-Frichtl

IHSA Executive Director, IL Head Start Association
I am passionate about Head Start and Early Head Start services.  
LW

Linda Wang

Director of Member Engagement & Outreach, Illinois Head Start Association
IHSA Standards Matter Training 1 pdf
Tuesday August 4, 2026 1:20pm - 2:20pm CDT
Ballroom
 
Wednesday, August 5
 

12:10pm CDT

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

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

1:00pm CDT

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

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
Ballroom
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
Ballroom
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
 
Thursday, August 6
 

9:20am CDT

DFSS Accident/Incidents: Creating a System of Support
Thursday August 6, 2026 9:20am - 10:20am CDT
Ballroom


Speakers
avatar for Sharay Johnson

Sharay Johnson

Sr Director, DFSS
BC

Bria Carter

Project Coordinator, DFSS
Thursday August 6, 2026 9:20am - 10:20am CDT
Ballroom

11:10am CDT

Managing Stress
Thursday August 6, 2026 11:10am - 12:10pm CDT
Ballroom
This PDM training is designed to help participants understand the stress response system, reduce vulnerability to stressors, and gain skills to effectively cope with stress.
Speakers
RM
Thursday August 6, 2026 11:10am - 12:10pm CDT
Ballroom
  Claridigm

12:15pm CDT

LUNCH
Thursday August 6, 2026 12:15pm - 1:15pm CDT
Ballroom

Thursday August 6, 2026 12:15pm - 1:15pm CDT
Ballroom

2:30pm CDT

Supporting Interactions to Enhance Literacy Development
Thursday August 6, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm CDT
Ballroom
The process of learning words, sounds, and language is enhanced by the meaningful interactions children
have with the adults and children around them. This session focuses on how educators can develop early
literacy skills and ensure each child is a valued conversational partner through intentional daily interactions.
Moderators
AB

Alisha Bourque

Teachstone

BR

Bibi Rahim

Teachstone
Speakers
avatar for Melissa Wilhelm

Melissa Wilhelm

Teachstone
Thursday August 6, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm CDT
Ballroom
  Teachstone
 

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Tuesday, August 4
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