Event Information - Family Economic Mobility Institute 2026: Partnering with Families on Financial, Employment, and Education Goals. Online registration by Cvent

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Family economic mobility is a core part of family well-being and a key focus of the Head Start Parent, Family, and Community Engagement Framework. It is also central to Head Start programs' longstanding role in partnering with families and connecting them with opportunities, services, benefits, and community supports.

This day-and-a-half Institute focuses on how Family Services Professionals can partner alongside families as they make progress toward the future they envision for themselves and their children. View the Agenda at a Glance.

Drawing from the Family Economic Mobility Toolkit, participants will move through each phase of the Family Partnership Process to practice building trusting relationships, following families' lead, identifying family-led goals, exploring pathways for support, and connecting families with federal, state, Tribal, local, and community resources that align with their strengths, interests, and priorities.

Grounded in a strengths-based, relationship-centered approach, the Institute emphasizes that Family Services Professionals are trusted partners who help families navigate opportunities and coordinate support over time.

Participants will leave with increased confidence, practical strategies, tools, and a deeper understanding of how to strengthen family partnerships in ways that are responsive, respectful, and rooted in Head Start programs' mission.

Participants are encouraged to attend one virtual post-Institute Office Hour session as part of the learning community experience. The Office Hour provides 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 family partnerships and support family economic mobility. Participants will receive a separate Outlook meeting invitation with Zoom access details from pfce@startearly.org following the Institute.

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

Describe how family economic mobility connects to family well-being, Head Start programs' mission, and the Head Start Parent, Family, and Community Engagement Framework.
Use the Family Economic Mobility Toolkit to strengthen conversations and partnerships with families around financial well-being, education, and career pathways.
Apply strengths-based attitudes and relationship-based practices when engaging families in conversations about economic mobility.
Partner with families through each phase of the Family Partnership Process as they identify goals, explore opportunities and supports, celebrate progress, and revisit priorities over time.
Connect families with federal, state, Tribal, local, and community resources that strengthen a family's community of helpers through Refer, Partner, and Provide strategies.
Reflect on their practice and identify opportunities to use the Family Economic Mobility Toolkit to support continuous learning, strengthen family partnerships, and improve everyday practice over time.

The contracted rate at the Crowne Plaza Seattle for sleeping rooms is $149 per night plus tax for the nights of December 8 and December 9, 2026. A credit card will be required at check-in for incidentals. No other room block is contracted for this event.

Book at the group rate here or dial reservations at 1-800-227-6963 and reference group name: FEM Institute 2026.

*Rate is for single/double occupancy. $20.00 for each additional person.

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

Booking Deadline: November 16, 2026

Guest room features and amenities include:

Mini refrigerator
Two complimentary water bottles
Complimentary Wi-Fi
Fitness and business center access

Check-in: 4:00 p.m.
Check-out: 12:00 p.m.

The Crowne Plaza Seattle offers limited valet-only parking onsite with priority given to overnight guests. For guests staying at the hotel, the group’s discounted rate will be automatically applied to your bill. For guests commuting daily to the hotel, stop by the hotel front desk to apply the group rate. Your vehicle can be requested by texting the number on your valet ticket or visiting the valet stand.

Discounted rate (tax-inclusive) for one vehicle per room

4–6 hours $26.25
6–24 hours $47.25

There are multiple parking lots near the Crowne Plaza Seattle. We encourage guests to use SpotHero or ParkWhiz to locate convenient parking options.

Fairmont Olympic Garage (415 Seneca St) Distance: 1-minute walk
1200 Fifth Avenue Garage (1200 5th Ave) Distance: 2-minute walk
Coast Seattle Parking – Park Seattle (1301 6th Ave) Distance: 2-minute walk
Hotel Vintage Valet Garage (1100 5th Ave) Distance: 2-minute walk
Park Place Garage (1200 6th Ave) Distance: 2-minute walk

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.