2024 Conference Program
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To the New Mexico Conference Planning Team:

We extend our deepest gratitude to the New Mexico conference planning committee for their incredible dedication and hard work in organizing a successful event for Region VI Head Start professionals. Your contributions to creating an exceptional program with outstanding presenters and a welcoming environment have made this conference a memorable experience.

Thank you to each of you for your commitment, expertise, and collaboration. Your efforts have ensured a meaningful and impactful experience for all participants!

A Special Thank You to:

Dr. Jeannie Baca, Debra Baca, Ernestine Padilla, Michelle Quintana, Simesha McEachern, Crystal Pena, Gloria Lopez, Luis Quinones, Road Runner Strategies, Brandon Padilla, Tami Bryant, Britton Hansen, Angela Ferguson, Dr. Dawnita Blackmon-Mosely, Molly Sanchez

Youth Development Incorporated- Early Childhood Education - Keynote Speakers, Breakout Session Presenters, Entertainment, Centerpieces, Technology Support, Site Logistics, Menu, Posters, City Magazines & Maps, Opening Prayer, Staff Support
Road Runner Strategies - Program Design, Social Media, Website Development, Photography, Videography
HELP New Mexico - Registration, Photo Booth, Conference Bags, Staff Support
Presbyterian Medical Services Head Start - Exhibitors, Advertisements, Staff Support
Lakeshore-Luis Quinones - Opening Reception Master of Ceremonies
Mid-West NMCAP - Gift Basket Coordination
City of Albuquerque - Staff Support

Schedule at a Glance

Tuesday October 22nd

8:00am - 4:30pm -Registration & Check In
9:00am - 11:00am - Opening Session
11:15am - 12:15pm - Break Out Session
12:15pm - 1:30pm - Lunch On Your Own
1:30pm - 2:30pm - Break Out Session
2:45pm - 3:45pm - Break Out Session
4:00pm - 6:00pm - Exhibit Ribbon Cutting & Reception

Wednesday October 23rd

Thursday October 24th

8:00am - 4:00pm - Registration & Exhibits
9:00am - 9:45am - General Session
10:00am - 11:00am - Break Out Session
11:15am - 12:15pm - Break Out Session
12:30pm – 2:30pm - Lunch Provided
2:45pm - 3:45pm - Break Out Session
4:00pm - 5:00pm - Break Out Session
5:00pm - Dinner on Your Own

9:00am - Closing Session
Region VI General Business Meeting
Regional Office Updates
Scholarship Presentation
Invitation to Next Conference -Texas
10:30am - Adjourn

8:00am - 4:00pm - Exhibits Hours
9:00am - 9:45am - General Session
10:00am - 11:00:am - Break Out Session
11:15am - 12:15pm - Break Out Session
12:15pm - 1:30pm - Lunch On Your Own
2:45:pm - 3:45pm - Break Out Session
4:00pm - 5:00pm - Affiliate Meetings
5:00pm - Dinner on Your Own

Monday October 21st

1:00pm - 3:00pm Conference Committee Planning Meeting

3:00pm - 5:00pm Region VI Board Meeting

Friday October 25th

The Region VI Head Start Association’s
member organizations serve more than 120,000 infants, toddlers and preschoolers and their families and nearly 20,000 staff members in:

Arkansas

Texas

New Mexico

Louisiana

Oklahoma

About Region VI Head Start Association

Our Association

The Region VI Head Start Association is dedicated to supporting and enhancing the development of young children and their families within its jurisdiction, which includes Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas.

We focus on promoting school readiness for children from low-income families through comprehensive early childhood education, health, nutrition, and parent involvement services. By providing training, advocacy, and resources, the Region VI Head Start Association aims to ensure that children receive high-quality care and education, setting a strong foundation for their future success.

Our History

Project Head Start began in earnest in 1965, an eight-week summer program for preschoolers. These 55-plus years later, head start has grown into the premier provider of early childhood education and social services for children in poverty. In that time, millions of children who lived in poverty have gone on to achieve greater and greater success, opening doors for future generations to experience the same triumph over adversity.

The Director of the Head Start Bureau, Mr. Jim Robinson, had made it known that the five states – Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas, Louisiana and New Mexico – were in need of an association to give unified direction and advocacy for families in poverty. Directors, parents, staff members and friends of head start would be involved.

Meet our Region VI President

Ms. Crystal Peña is the New Mexico Head Start Association President and President for the Region VI Head Start Board. She has worked with HELP New Mexico, Inc. Office of Learning & Academic Opportunity for over 15 years and over 21 years in the Early Childhood Field. HELP New Mexico focuses on early childhood education and provides Head Start, state-funded pre-K, and private childcare services. She oversees the administration side of their program, ERSEA, facility specialists, and technology; however, she comes with extensive background experience and a wide variety of positions, from working in a private preschool program in Las Vegas, Nevada, as a teacher and Center Director and now in the non-profit sector beginning in a teacher role and worked her way up to the Associate Vice President. Most importantly, Ms. Peña is a Head Start Alumni overseeing the same Head Start center she attended.

Ms. Peña graduated with an Associate’s and bachelor’s in early childhood education and recently obtained her master’s in educational leadership from Grand Canyon University. Crystal has been actively involved in the NMHSA for over the past ten years, holding various positions on the Executive Board. She continues to advocate for Early Childhood Education and has multiple memberships in civic organizations and groups.

Overall Ms. Pena is a true advocate for our children of New Mexico and is passionate about earlychildhood education.

Crystal Peña