Join Us for the WSA Winter Conference 2027!
We’re thrilled to invite parents, staff, and directors to the WSA Winter Conference 2027, happening February 1–3 at Tumwater ESD 113! This year’s gathering will feature inspiring speakers, interactive breakout sessions, and opportunities to connect, learn, and lead together.
February 1- Come hear from some amazing keynoters and join us for breakouts in the afternoon.
February 2- Track Day! We will be offering three different tracks.
Advocacy Day: February 3
On our final day, we’ll head to the Capitol for Advocacy Day! We’ll begin the morning at ESD 113 with advocacy training before meeting with lawmakers in the afternoon to raise our voices for children and families across Washington.
Advocacy Training Details
- 8:30 a.m. and 10a.m.: Two identical training sessions will be offered, and both will include Spanish-language options (training approximately 1 hour)
If you plan to attend Advocacy Day only, please register using the separate registration link, which will be available in early December. You do not need to register for the full Winter Conference if you’re joining us only on February 3.
We welcome advocates at every stage of their journey and look forward to continuing our work together on behalf of children and families. This year, our advocacy priorities include:
- Streamlining licensing requirements
- Expanding ECEAP eligibility to align with Working Connections Child Care
- Protecting child care from cuts
Want to see what we have planned and start organizing your travel? Click the “Sessions” tab to explore the conference agenda!
Registration closes January 25. Late registration may be possible if space is available. Please contact Sandy at sandy@wsaheadstarteceap.com to inquire.
Hotel Blocks Available
We’ve arranged hotel blocks to make your stay in Tumwater easier. Both hotels are approximately a four-minute drive from ESD 113.
- Best Western Tumwater-Olympia Inn
Important: This room block does not offer discounted block rates for the night of January 31, 2027. Please use the other hotel block listed below if you need accommodations for that night.
Room block closes December 31, 2026.
- La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Tumwater-Olympia
Room block closes January 10, 2027.
We encourage you to book your accommodations early!
Advocacy Day: Meeting with Lawmakers
WSA is developing a template to help you schedule meetings with your lawmakers. Once available, you’ll find it on our Advocacy Day Tools 2027 page.
We’ll have designated time to meet with lawmakers on February 3. If you would like WSA to help coordinate your meetings, please contact Sandy at sandy@wsaheadstarteceap.com.
WSA can assist with meeting arrangements through January 25. After that date, we’ll be focused on finalizing conference preparations.
A note about Advocacy Day meetings: These meetings are for everyone! You may be grouped with other advocates from your legislative district whom you haven’t met before. Lawmaker meetings are a team effort, and legislative offices may combine meeting requests when participants want to discuss similar issues. Whether you requested the meeting or are joining someone else’s, please help create an inclusive and welcoming environment for all participants.
If you schedule your own meetings, please share the details with WSA. We may ask you to include additional advocates from your legislative district.
WSA Merchandise Is Here!
Want to show off your Head Start or ECEAP pride while you’re in Tumwater? We have hoodies, tumblers, T-shirts, and more!
Order before the conference and use code WINTERWSA27 to waive shipping fees. We’ll bring your order to the venue so you can pick it up during the conference.
Shop the WSA Online Store
We can’t wait to see you in Tumwater for a few unforgettable days of learning, connection, and celebration!
Bring on the WINTER!
Questions about the event? Email Sandy at sandy@wsaheadstarteceap.com.
