FRANKFORT, Ky. – March 10, 2020 

The Kentucky Head Start Association (KHSA) has been closely monitoring the COVID-19 outbreak, with particular consideration for our upcoming KHSA 2020 Annual Conference. The conference was scheduled for March 17–19 in Louisville, Kentucky and sought to assemble Head Start leaders and staff from around the Commonwealth for an exploration of innovative ideas and trainings to better support children and families.

In light of rising health concerns related to COVID-19 coronavirus, KHSA has made the decision to postpone its 2020 Annual Conference until later this year. At this time our plan is to maintain our event location in downtown Louisville at The Galt House. A revised date for the conference has not yet been set, but we are examining dates in September and October.

“Our first priority remains the health and safety of attendees, speakers, our colleagues and the communities in which we live and work,” said Kristy Lewis, president of KHSA. “With that in mind, we have decided to postpone this year’s conference. This is an evolving situation in Kentucky and across the nation, and we do not want to unintentionally contribute to possible virus exposure. While we are not aware of any confirmed cases linked to the Head Start community in Kentucky, KHSA is taking this step out of an abundance of caution.”

All registered conference attendees will have their conference registration fees forwarded to the new conference date. Should registered attendees not be able to attend, their registration fees may be transferred to other meeting participants. All exhibitors will have their vendor fees/sponsorships forwarded to the new conference date.

Registered conference attendees and conference exhibitors that have made hotel arrangements through the KHSA room-block portal must contact The Galt House directly at (502) 589-5200 to cancel your hotel reservations. You may also manage your reservation online HERE. Your reservations cannot be cancelled by KHSA.

KHSA will convene its Executive Committee and Board of Directors meetings remotely via conference call and/or web-link on the previously scheduled dates of March 17 and March 19, respectively. New meeting times, access information and agendas/materials will be forthcoming. In addition, KHSA will conduct its 2020 election of officers via mail-in ballot with more information to follow.

Questions may be directed to John Mountjoy at jmountjoy@headstartky.org or Jessica DeKay at jdekay@headstartky.org.