Wisconsin Head Start Association (WHSA)

Wisconsin Head Start Association (WHSA) Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from Wisconsin Head Start Association (WHSA), 2096 Red Arrow Trail, Fitchburg, WI.

Our purpose is to gather and disseminate information about Head Start, provide assistance to state, regional, and national Head Start agencies and organizations, to advocate and carry out activities that support educational goals for children.

Today we celebrate Juneteenth, marking June 19, 1865, when the news of freedom finally reached the last enslaved people ...
06/19/2026

Today we celebrate Juneteenth, marking June 19, 1865, when the news of freedom finally reached the last enslaved people in Galveston, Texas. It is a powerful day of joy, culture, reflection, and connection for families across our country and here in Wisconsin.

Resource Spotlight: Looking for ways to talk with young children about the history and meaning of Juneteenth? We've put together a quick guide featuring a fantastic PBS KIDS list of 14 books perfect for all ages, plus tips for early learners and local Wisconsin context.

Check out our latest blog post to grab the resource link and keep the conversation going at home: https://whsaonline.org/2026/06/celebrating-juneteenth-wisconsin-family-resources/

From all of us at WHSA, wishing a meaningful and joyful Juneteenth to all who celebrate!

Head Start supports the whole family, not just the child. Programs connect parents to job training, educational opportun...
06/17/2026

Head Start supports the whole family, not just the child. Programs connect parents to job training, educational opportunities, housing resources, and financial support. But it goes beyond connecting families to services. Head Start walks alongside parents as they work toward goals they set for themselves, whether that's finishing a degree, finding stable employment, or building a stronger foundation for their family's future.

When parents grow, children thrive. That two generation approach is one of the things that makes Head Start truly unique.

"There is a bigger cost."When fear keeps families away from Head Start, the impact stretches far beyond the classroom wa...
06/16/2026

"There is a bigger cost."

When fear keeps families away from Head Start, the impact stretches far beyond the classroom walls. Head Start does two critical things simultaneously: we serve some of our community's most vulnerable children, while providing the essential childcare framework that keeps a huge portion of Wisconsin's workforce moving.

As WHSA Executive Director Jennie Mauer recently highlighted on WUWM 89.7 FM - Milwaukee's NPR, for families whose budgets are incredibly stressed, Head Start is often their only resort.

When parents are afraid to drop their children off, they aren't just missing out on early education, they are losing the safe, nurturing environment that allows them to go to work and support their families.

When Head Start families are forced to pull back, our entire local economy and community feel the strain.

Listen to the full segment on WUWM to hear more about the broader community impacts of our recent multi-state survey: https://www.wuwm.com/survey-finds-kids-are-staying-home-from-childcare-due-to-ice-enforcement-fears

Today is the day! Applications for the WHSA Staff and Parent Affiliate Scholarships close tonight, June 15.If you are a ...
06/15/2026

Today is the day! Applications for the WHSA Staff and Parent Affiliate Scholarships close tonight, June 15.

If you are a Wisconsin Head Start parent or staff member pursuing higher education or job training, this is your last chance to submit your application for this cycle.

Take the last steps to get your materials submitted across the finish line. You’ve put in the hard work, now let us help you fund it!

Apply right before the window closes:
https://whsaonline.org/parent-affiliate-scholarship/
https://whsaonline.org/staff-affiliate-scholarship/

We get it, the workweek is busy! If you’ve been meaning to apply for the WHSA Staff or Parent Affiliate Scholarships but...
06/13/2026

We get it, the workweek is busy! If you’ve been meaning to apply for the WHSA Staff or Parent Affiliate Scholarships but haven’t found the time, this weekend is the perfect opportunity to hit submit.

Applications close this Monday, June 15. Don't leave free funding for your education on the table!

Weekend Checklist:
• Double-check that you've attached your proof of enrollment.
• Make sure your two letters of recommendation are ready to upload.

Click the link below to apply!

https://whsaonline.org/parent-affiliate-scholarship/

https://whsaonline.org/staff-affiliate-scholarship/

This is it, the final countdown! Applications for the WHSA Staff and Parent Affiliate Scholarships close this coming Mon...
06/11/2026

This is it, the final countdown! Applications for the WHSA Staff and Parent Affiliate Scholarships close this coming Monday, June 15.

Don't let this opportunity pass you by. Take some time this weekend to gather your proof of enrollment, grab those last-minute letters of recommendation, and hit submit!

✨ Reminder of the dates:
• June 15: Application Deadline
• August 15: Recipients Announced

Learn more and submit your application here:
• https://whsaonline.org/parent-affiliate-scholarship/
• https://whsaonline.org/staff-affiliate-scholarship/

Head Start staff, you advocate for children and families every day. Today, we're asking you to advocate for yourself and...
06/10/2026

Head Start staff, you advocate for children and families every day. Today, we're asking you to advocate for yourself and your colleagues.

A proposed federal rule would remove requirements aimed at improving wages and benefits for the Head Start workforce. Together for Head Start is collecting signatures on a joint comment letter urging continued support for workforce compensation and additional funding for programs.

This is your opportunity to help ensure decision-makers hear directly from the people doing this work every day.

Today is the final day to sign.
Add your name here: https://bit.ly/headstartsalaries

Please share with fellow Head Start staff before the deadline.

Head Start doesn't just happen inside a classroom. Programs connect children to healthcare services right in their own c...
06/10/2026

Head Start doesn't just happen inside a classroom. Programs connect children to healthcare services right in their own communities, including health screenings, dental care, vision checks, and developmental assessments.

For many Wisconsin children, this is their first introduction to a doctor or dentist. Those services exist in the community, and Head Start makes sure families can actually access them. Catching health and developmental concerns early makes a lifetime of difference, and for families with limited resources, Head Start is often the bridge that gets them there.

Child care is a kitchen table issue for Wisconsin families, and this July, we have a chance to make sure the candidates ...
06/09/2026

Child care is a kitchen table issue for Wisconsin families, and this July, we have a chance to make sure the candidates for Governor know it.

For the first time, Wisconsin's four child care associations are coming together to host a Gubernatorial Candidate Forum on Child Care. Whether you're a provider trying to keep your program running, a parent navigating the search for affordable and quality care, or someone who just believes this issue deserves real answers, this event is for you.

Sunday, July 19 | Doors open at 3:30pm | Meet & Greet 4:00-4:30pm | Forum 4:30pm

📍 IBEW 159 | 5303 Fen Oak Dr., Madison, WI

⚠️ RSVP is required to attend in person or watch online. You can also submit a question ahead of time that you want the candidates to answer.

RSVP here: https://bit.ly/child-care-forum-governor-candidates

Organized by Heather Murray, owner of Arthouse Preschool. Sponsored by Wisconsin Early Childhood Association , Wisconsin Child Care Administrators Association - WCCAA Wisconsin Family Child Care Association & WHSA.

Our recent multi-state survey on how ICE enforcement operations affect early childhood education was featured on WUWM 89...
06/08/2026

Our recent multi-state survey on how ICE enforcement operations affect early childhood education was featured on WUWM 89.7 FM - Milwaukee's NPR

The findings are stark: children are carrying the heavy burden of fear, stress, and trauma into their classrooms. As WHSA Executive Director Jennie Mauer shared in the segment, this chronic stress frequently shows up as behavioral changes in our littlest learners who don't yet have the words to say, "I'm scared."

When fear keeps children home from safe, supportive environments like Head Start, our entire community suffers. We are incredibly grateful to our dedicated staff who continue to show up every single day to keep our buildings a sanctuary for all families.

• Swipe to see the data on how close this activity is to our local facilities.

• Listen to the full segment and read the article on WUWM’s website: https://www.wuwm.com/survey-finds-kids-are-staying-home-from-childcare-due-to-ice-enforcement-fears

• Read our blog post and survey breakdown on our website: https://whsaonline.org/2026/05/ice-enforcement-impact-on-head-start-programs/

Address

2096 Red Arrow Trail
Fitchburg, WI
53711

Telephone

+16084426879

Website

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