A weekly communication source for keeping you updated on the latest local/state/federal HS/EHS information |
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HEAD START TEACHER of THE YEAR: ANGELA DAVISON |
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| "We are proud to recognize Angela Davison as the Illinois Head Start Association’s 2024-2025 Teacher of the Year. Angela has dedicated her career to creating engaging and supportive learning environments for young children at the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, Jackie Joyner Kersee Head Start/Early Head Start Center.
As one colleague shared, ‘She does not seek to be in the front or ahead of anyone... she works so very well with her teacher assistant, they work together equally.’ Angela’s humility, teamwork, and commitment to ensuring every child receives the best start in life make her truly deserving of this recognition. Please join us in congratulating Angela Davison on this well-earned honor!" Angela Davison was honored at last week's IHSA Annual Conference Awards Luncheon in Springfield, pictured here with IHSA's Executive Director Lauri Morrison-Frichtl. |
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EXECUTIVE ORDER ON FEDERAL FUNDS |
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The new Executive Order includes a directive to federal agencies that they will, among other things, “identify all federally funded programs administered by the [federal] agency that currently permit illegal aliens to obtain any cash or non-cash public benefit, and, consistent with applicable law, take all appropriate actions to align such programs with the purposes of this order and the requirements of applicable Federal law, including the PRWORA” and “enhance eligibility verification systems, to the maximum extent possible, to ensure that taxpayer-funded benefits exclude any ineligible alien who entered the United States illegally or is otherwise unlawfully present in the United States.”
Finally the Executive Order directs that “[w]ithin 30 days of the date of this order, the Director of the Office of Management and Budget and the Administrator of the United States Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) Service, in coordination with the Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy, shall further: (i) identify all other sources of Federal funding for illegal aliens; and (ii) recommend additional agency actions to align Federal spending with the purposes of this order, and, where relevant, enhance eligibility verification systems.”
We are not sure how this will unfold but have begun to better understand potential impact. |
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TELL CONGRESS TO SUPPORT HEAD START |
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| From our friends at the National Head Start Association, please visit their website to submit your message to congress advocating for Head Start's critical importance. PLEASE take two minutes to email your Members of Congress today and urge them to support the Senate’s funding level for Head Start in FY25. We strongly suggest using your personal email address and to complete this from your phone. |
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IHSA KEEPING MEMBERSHIP INFORMED |
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Huddle with IHSA: Wednesday, February 26 at 4pm. A weekly check-in to provide current information, gather intel, and strategize next steps. See you this afternoon!
In addition to weekly news from The Scoop, IHSA continues to update its page "ACTION ALERTS: What's Going On Right Now" to share with membership on Head Start related news. Check back for statements, press releases, and more. |
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MARCH LUNCH & LEARN: Benefits of Play |
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Join us on March 21st from 12-1 PM (Central Time) for a FREE virtual session on the benefits of sensory play. Learn practical strategies for integrating sensory activities and materials into
your classroom to create an engaging environment for all learners.
All attendees will have a chance to win a door prize! |
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READINGS TO KEEP YOU INFORMED |
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New Executive Order
Targets Immigrant Families' Access
to Essential Program |
| Project 2025's
Elimination of Head Start Would Be Disastrous
for Rural Families, Advocates Say |
| Unpacking the
Trump Administration's DEI Orders & Actions -
FAQs & Action Plans |
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Question: How many counties in Illinois have a Head Start and/or Early Head Start program? How to play: Respond to this Scoop with your answer! (or email lwang@ilheadstart.org). If correct, you'll be put in a raffle for a small prize! Winner and answer will be announced in the next Scoop.
Last week's Q&A: The first Head Start program took place in the summer of 1965. For how long did children initially receive services? Answer: 8 weeks.
Winner: Anna Monroy, Mental Health Specialist at Metropolitan Family Services' Midway Children's Center in Chicago! Look out in the mail for a small prize from our friends at Lakeshore Learning. |
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Share your Head Start Impact Story! Click button to share. |
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Share 'The Scoop' with your team! |
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