Join WestEd at the Head Start California’s 2026 Annual Conference, February 9–13, 2026, in Ontario, California.
The theme of the conference is Step Right Up: Empowering Families, Inspiring Children.
In alignment with this conference theme, WestEd will lead sessions that focus on key topics such as the following:
- Use of the PITC Four-Step Process in effective home visitor–family relationships
- Leveraging of artificial intelligence to understand licensing and regulatory requirements
- The Program for Infant/Toddler Care Program Assessment and Reflection System (PITC PARS)
- Observation-based assessment data
Add WestEd’s presentations (see below) to your calendar and visit our exhibit booth (#36) on February 11 and 12 to meet our team and learn about our resources, professional development opportunities, and research.
WestEd Sessions
February 9
PITC: Caring From Our Points of View: Harmonizing for Diverse Perspectives
Time: 3:30–4:30 p.m.
Speakers: Edilma Serna (WestEd) and Elizabeth Crocker (WestEd)
This session explores the home visitor–family relationship as a powerful opportunity to build trust, mutual understanding, and effective partnerships that affirm each child’s identity and connection to their family. Every family brings unique beliefs, traditions, and values that shape their approach to caregiving and child development. In home-based programs, these differences may occasionally lead to strong emotions or differing views about what is best for a child.
Together, we will explore how self-awareness and respectful dialogue can help home visitors navigate these moments with curiosity and care. Participants will engage in the PITC Four-Step Process to practice collaborative problem-solving when emotions run high or when differing perspectives arise. By approaching these conversations with openness and intentionality, home visitors can strengthen partnerships, support families in advocating for their child, and enhance their own professional growth.
HSPPS Tie-In: This session supports § 1302.35, which emphasizes individualized, relationship-based services in home-based settings, and § 1302.52, which calls for collaborative family partnerships that respect each family’s background, goals, and strengths. By honoring family input and jointly developing strategies, programs can better meet each child’s developmental needs and foster long-term engagement.
February 12
Stop Hunting Through HSPPS and Title 22: Digital Tool for Instant Regulatory Lookups
Time: 9–10 a.m.
Speaker: Noelle Cook (WestEd)
California Head Start programs navigate complex, frequently updated licensing requirements across multiple regulatory bodies, including Community Care Licensing, Head Start Performance Standards, and local health departments. Staff often spend hours researching answers to compliance questions, and misinterpretation can lead to citations or program disruptions. This session demonstrates an innovative AI-powered tool specifically designed for California Head Start programs that provides instant, accurate responses to licensing and compliance questions. Participants will see live demonstrations of the system, learn how it was developed and validated, and explore practical applications for their daily operations. The tool addresses the critical gap between complex regulatory language and practical implementation needs, helping programs maintain compliance while focusing resources on serving children and families rather than regulatory research.
This session aligns with HSPPS § 1302.101 and § 1302.102, which require programs to implement effective management systems and ongoing monitoring processes that ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and performance standards while supporting continuous program improvement.
From Likes to Learning: Aligning DRDP 2025 With Family Engagement Strategies
Time: 10:30 a.m.–12 p.m.
Speakers: Adriana Estrada (WestEd) and Tamarra Osborne (WestEd)
Explore the collaborative intersection of DRDP 2025 and family engagement in this engaging workshop. From Likes to Learning focuses on building meaningful educational partnerships with families. We’ll share easy strategies to connect DRDP 2025 goals with family involvement, helping every child grow and learn. Whether you’re connecting with families online or offline, this workshop offers tools to bridge home and school for the benefit of every child.
This session aligns with HSPPS § 1302.33 and § 1302.50, which emphasize using ongoing child assessment to inform instruction and engaging families as active partners in their child’s development and learning.
PITC PARS: A Tool for Learning, Observing, and Reflecting on Quality Practices in Infant/Toddler Group Care
Time: 10:30 a.m.–12 p.m.
Speakers: Bianca Reyes (WestEd), Cherry Hanna (WestEd), and Kerry Kriener-Althen (WestEd)
This session will introduce the Program for Infant/Toddler Care Program Assessment and Reflection System (PITC PARS) and describe how to use the quality measures as resources for learning about, exploring, and understanding program quality indicators. The PITC PARS, developed by WestEd, supports quality improvement for both family child care and center-based programs across the whole infant/toddler age range. The PITC PARS includes essential quality indicators emphasizing relationships with families, inclusion, and culturally responsive care. It is presented in a way that is both approachable and doable. During this session, participants will be guided to explore specific indicators and walk away with strategies they can implement as they continue to refine their practice. This engaging session is appropriate for all audiences and levels of experience who are interested in providing high-quality infant/toddler care.
This session aligns with HSPPS § 1302.31 and § 1302.35, which emphasize developmentally appropriate, relationship-based care and continuous quality improvement in infant and toddler settings, including family child care and center-based programs.
Hashtags in Head Start: Utilizing #DRDP2025 Data to Enhance Progress and Practice
Time: 1:30–3 p.m.
Speakers: Adriana Estrada (WestEd) and Tamarra Osborne (WestEd)
Join us in elevating early childhood education through the effective use of the #DRDP2025. In this practice-based session, participants will discuss ways to analyze and interpret DRDP data to enhance educational practices and positively impact the developmental progress of every child. Whether you’re working directly in a classroom, coordinating programs, or engaging with families, this workshop offers something for every Head Start educator.
This session aligns with HSPPS § 1302.33(b), which requires programs to use ongoing, observation-based assessment data—like the DRDP—to individualize teaching practices and track children’s developmental progress.