Please carefully review the important event details below.

Overview

This day-and-a-half Institute is designed for program teams. Participants will deepen their understanding of today's fathers, explore factors that influence father engagement, and identify practical strategies for building stronger partnerships with fathers and father figures. View the Agenda at a Glance.

Through research, reflection, peer learning, and discussion, participants will examine current fatherhood trends, the impact of father engagement on child and family outcomes, and fathers' well-being. Participants will also explore the supports and barriers to authentic engagement.

The institute includes facilitators with professional and lived experience, opportunities for real-time practical application, and a roundtable featuring fathers.

Participants will leave with new insights, useful tools, and actionable strategies to strengthen father engagement within their programs and communities. 

Post-Institute Office Hour

Participants are strongly encouraged to attend two virtual post-Institute Office Hours sessions as part of the learning community experience. The Office Hours provide opportunities to connect with peers, ask questions, identify resources and supports, discuss implementation challenges, explore new ideas and approaches, and build confidence in applying Institute learning to strengthen father engagement within programs and communities.  Participants will receive a separate Outlook meeting invitation with Zoom access details from pfce@startearly.org following the Institute.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this Institute, participants will be able to:

• Analyze trends and factors shaping modern fatherhood and their influence on child, family, and community well-being.
• Identify protective factors, motivators, and barriers that influence authentic father engagement.
• Recognize the importance of fathers’ well-being and strategies that promote resilience and connection.
• Explore promising practices, digital tools, and community partnerships that strengthen father engagement in Head Start programs.
• Develop actionable commitments through action planning opportunities to advance father engagement within individual roles, programs, and communities.

Key Audience

This Institute benefits Head Start program teams of three. Teams may include a combination of:

• Head Start leaders
• Family services professionals
• Fathers

Agenda

Certificates and CEUs

Day 1: December 1, 2026
8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

Day 2: December 2, 2026
8:30 a.m.– 12:30 p.m.

View the Agenda at a Glance. 

*All times are listed in Eastern Standard Time (EST).

Participants who wish to receive a certificate of completion or continuing education units (CEUs) will be asked to complete brief surveys.

Location and Lodging

Sonesta Hotels & Resorts – White Plains Downtown

66 Hale Ave, White Plains, NY 10601

The contracted rate at the Sonesta for sleeping rooms is $199 per night plus tax for the nights of November 30 and December 1, 2026. A credit card will be required at check-in for incidentals. The group rate is available two days pre- and post-Institute. No other room block is contracted for this event.

*Rate is for single/double occupancy. $10.00 for each additional person per night

Book online: Sonesta Group Rate Reservations Link
By Phone: 800-766-3782 reference group code: G110926TOPF

The hotel will honor the group rate for up to three days before and after the Institute, subject to availability.

Booking Deadline: November 9, 2026

Guest room features and amenities include: 

• Mini refrigerator
• Complimentary Wi-Fi
• Pool and fitness center

Check-in: 4:00 p.m.
Check-out: 11:00 a.m.

Parking and Transportation

The Sonesta has ample parking to accommodate all attendees. 

• Overnight self-parking rate: $17.99 per night per vehicle 
• Day rate self-parking: $7.00 per day per vehicle

Airport and Complimentary Shuttle

Train

The Westchester County Airport (HPN) is approximately 8 miles from the hotel. Travel time is approximately20–30-minutes by car depending on traffic.

The Sonesta provides a complimentary shuttle service to HPN.

• Shuttle pick-up at HPN: Once you have landed, call the Sonesta at 914-682-0050. Rideshare and local taxi services are also available.
• Departure: Visit the front desk on the lobby level to schedule your shuttle.

The White Plains Metro North Train Station is 1.3 miles from Sonesta White Plains Downtown and provides access to New York City’s Grand Central Station in only 35 minutes.

Dining and Leisure

There will be no food or coffee provided at the event. Water will be available. We encourage you to bring a refillable water bottle and snacks.

There are many restaurants, coffee shops, and cafes steps away from the hotel. Whisk Restaurant, located at the Sonesta, is open for breakfast 6:00–1 a.m. and dinner 5-10 p.m. 

• Westchester Luxury Shopping Mall: 2–5-minute walk 
• Whole Foods Market: 2–5-minute walk 
• Mamaroneck Avenue dining & nightlife district: 5–10-minute walk
• City Center: Shopping, Dining, & Entertainment: 10–15-minute walk 

Event App

Registered attendees will receive event-related information, including digital session materials, via the event’s mobile app. Download instructions will be provided approximately two weeks prior to the event. If you are unable to download the mobile app to your device, a desktop version will be available. Printed materials will also be available.

Accessibility

Health and Safety

We’re committed to ensuring that every participant has a positive and inclusive experience at this event. Please describe any accommodation needs during registration that will facilitate your full participation in this event.

Registrants can also contact pfce@startearly.org or call 312-766-8093. We will make every effort to accommodate requests made.

Please review the list of services provided below: 

• Accessible meeting locations 
• Designated nursing and medical necessities space
• Single-occupancy restroom available
• Fragrance-free event practices: Scents and chemical products may exacerbate the symptoms of a person’s medical condition; please refrain from wearing colognes, perfumes, or other scented or chemical products to the event, including attire exposed to smoke  
• Support for reasonable accommodation requests will be assessed during the registration process

The health and safety of our attendees is a top priority. Please review these details to ensure a safe and positive experience for all in attendance. 

• Follow all applicable federal, state, local, venue, and organizer’s health and safety requirements, including any protocols for communicable illnesses in effect during the conference.
• Respect others' comfort levels by asking their preference regarding physical distancing.
• Use the hand sanitation stations provided and wash hands regularly. 
• Refrain from attending the event if you are feeling unwell or have experienced symptoms of illness within 14 days of the event.

Questions, Cancellations, and Registration Changes

Send inquiries to the National Center on Parent, Family, and Community Engagement at pfce@startearly.org.

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