Early Head Start Orientation Conference
Merrily C. Beyreuther, Chief, Program Development Branch, Head Start Bureau

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The Early Head Start Orientation Conference was held in Washington, DC, on January 17 through 19, 1996, and attended by more than 300 people.

Mary Jo Bane, Assistant Secretary, ACF; Olivia Golden, Commissioner, ACYF; and Helen Taylor, Associate Commissioner, HSB, were among the speakers who challenged the grantees with the critical importance of their work with families with infants and toddlers and pregnant women.

Presentations focused on the four EHS cornerstones of:

• Child Development
  
• Family Development
  
• Community Building
  
• Staff Development

Participants considered carefully how to incorporate the valuable ideas of the speakers into their own community programs and shared their ideas in small groups discussions with their colleagues.

The 68 EHS grantees, and the T/TA providers who will be assisting them, left the meeting full of enthusiastiasm and ready to proceed. As with any significant work to be achieved, some admitted they were a little anxious about making sure that they provide a wonderful Early Head Start!

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