NIHSDA
National Indian Head Start Directors Association
Standing Strong for American Indian and Alaska Native Children
The 35th NIHSDA Management Training Conference
will be held June 15 - 18, 2026
at the Hilton Orange County/Costa Mesa hotel
in Costa Mesa, CA.
COST:
Members: $625 (by May 22), $700 (after May 22)
Non-Members: $750 (by May 22), $825 (after May 22)
Hotel Information
A block of rooms has been reserved at the Hilton Orange County Costa Mesa (3050 Bristol Street, Costa Mesa, CA 92626). Reservations can be made by calling the Hotel Reservations at 1-800-HILTONS (1-800-445-8667) and identify you are with the NIHSDA Management Training Conference or use this link to be assured of getting the Conference room rate.
Special Conference Rate: $191 (11.2% tax)
This special conference rate is only available until May 21, 2026. Do not wait to make your reservation as space is limited.
Transportation: Complimentary shuttle from John Wayne Airport/Orange County is available, starts at 5:30 AM.
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Parking: Discounted overnight parking of $25, day of event parking $10
OHS Tribal Consultation
The Administration for Children and Families (ACF) Office of Head Start (OHS) will host its 2026 Tribal Consultation Session on June 18, 2026. The session will provide a forum for Tribal leaders, federal Head Start leadership and staff, and additional partners to discuss how to better meet the unique needs of American Indian and Alaskan Native (AIAN) communities served through Head Start programs.
Event Details
Date: Thursday, June 18th, 2026
Time: 8:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. PT (Registration Check-in opens at 7:30 a.m.)
Location: Newport Beach Room, Hilton Costa Mesa – 3050 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Registration
Please note: registration for consultation is free and separate from NIHSDA conference registration. We also encourage you to join us for the full NIHSDA Management Training Conference. Throughout the week, we will offer a Tribal Leader Track focused on advocacy, Head Start governance, and dedicated time to help participants prepare for the OHS Tribal Consultation.
Click here and complete the registration form to register by Friday, June 12, 2026. Registrants will receive a confirmation email.
Speaker Information:
ACF OHS welcomes elected or appointed leaders of Tribal governments or designated representatives to provide oral and/or written testimony for the Tribal Consultation Session.
Tribal Leaders or an authorized designee may provide oral testimony at the session. Those who want to provide oral testimony should indicate so on the registration form. An authorized designee must submit a signed letter from the Tribal government specifically authorizing that individual to represent the Tribe at the hearing. Please submit the letter by Friday, June 12, 2026, to OHSTribalConsulation2026@saxmanone.com.
To provide written testimony to be included in the consultation report, please submit content 3 days prior to but no later than 30 days after the session to AIANHeadStart@acf.hhs.gov. ACF OHS will publish the report within 45 days of the consultation session. Prior Tribal consultation session reports are available.
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