Trust for Learning Webinar: In Head Start, Our Ideals are Possible
December 14 2023
1:00 PM EDT
Trust for Learning hosts the Ideal Learning Head Start Network, a dynamic group of more than 40 Head Start/Early Head Start providers from around the US who are leading (or building) ideal learning environments in their programs. While many believe that Head Start requires a particular curriculum, providers actually have a lot of flexibility to implement a child-centered, equity-based approach aligned with the principles of ideal learning environments. In the context of newly-proposed rules to improve quality, and with the possibility of reauthorization somewhere on the horizon, this conversation is especially timely.
The webinar will feature heads of Head Start programs who are members of the network, as well as experts from Montessori, Waldorf, and Tools of the Mind.
Speakers include:
Amanda Orlando, Head Start Education Director at Tri-County Head Start;
Elena Bodrova, Ph.D, Co-Founder of Tools of the Mind;
Janice LaFloe, Executive Director at American Indian Child Care Center;
Leonor Lundholm, Director of Education at Child-Parent Centers Inc.;
Lynn Turner, Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Access Coordinator at Waldorf Early Childhood Association of Northern America;
Annie Frazer, Founder & Executive Director of Montessori Partnerships for Georgia (facilitator);
Toscha Blalock, Co-Director and Chief Learning & Evaluation Officer at Trust for Learning.
Explore More
Moving Away from Family Separation: Cross-Systems Strategies to Support Young Children at Risk of Child Welfare Involvement
Report March 12, 2026
Between October 2024 and April 2025, the BUILD Initiative hosted a six-part webinar series, offered through BUILD’s Prenatal-to-Three Capacity Building Hub. This report provides key learnings and highlights from the webinar series.
Community Births – A Solution to Maternity Care Deserts
Archived Webinar March 3, 2026
According to the March of Dimes 2024 report, "Nowhere to Go: Maternity Care Deserts Across the United States," 1,104 counties, or about 35% of the nation’s 3,142 counties, are designated as Maternity Care Deserts.
Evidence for Expanded Access to Head Start and Early Head Start
Blog February 27, 2026
Head Start and Early Head Start have been proven effective for supporting young children’s development, and their parents, for many years. But did you know that Head Start and Early Head Start can reduce child maltreatment and child welfare system involvement?