HACAP Head Start Teacher Co-Presents at National Head Start Association Conference

HACAP Head Start Teacher Co-Presents at National Head Start Association Conference

May 28, 2025 - We are thrilled to celebrate Terra Untrauer, a dedicated Early Childhood Teacher at our Waterfront site, for her outstanding role as a co-presenter at the National Head Start Association (NHSA) conference in Columbus, Ohio this week.

As the largest national conference devoted to all things Head Start, the annual National Head Start Conference brings the Head Start community together for a week of sharing knowledge, networking with peers, and celebrating achievements. This year’s event was no exception—offering an inspiring platform for professionals from across the country to exchange ideas and grow together.

Terra contributed to this vibrant exchange by co-presenting a session titled “Sparking STEM Discovery: Using a Play-Based Approach to Support STEM Learning for Toddlers and Preschoolers.” The session, developed in partnership with the nationally recognized organization ZERO TO THREE, emphasized the importance of introducing STEM concepts through play in early childhood classrooms.

Last year, Terra’s classroom was selected to participate in a national ZERO TO THREE STEM learning project, and she shared her firsthand experiences during the presentation. Her reflections focused on tapping into children's innate curiosity, using play to spark exploration, and the meaningful impact this approach has had on her students.

As Terra so beautifully shared, "I am continuing to grow and learn right along with the children in my classroom."

Her heartfelt, informative presentation truly resonated with attendees and was a testament to her passion for early childhood education. We are incredibly proud of Terra for representing HACAP Head Start with such professionalism and insight.