A weekly communication source for keeping you updated on the latest local/state/federal HS/EHS information |
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HEAD START IMPACT STORIES |
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HEAD START PARENT: Jessica Greene & Karriem Muhammad Sr. - Foundation for Success |
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Before enrolling in Head Start, our daily routine was a challenge—I had to bring my son to work, balancing my job and his care while managing the financial strain of reduced hours. As new parents, we were anxious about finding the right program, but enrolling him in the Mitzi Friedheim Child & Family Center in Chicago was one of the best decisions we’ve made. Head Start has not only supported his academic growth but has also helped him develop confidence, social skills, and problem-solving abilities. Most importantly, we discovered that we have a voice in his education, allowing us to advocate and stay actively involved. Initially hesitant to entrust him to new teachers, we quickly realized he was in capable hands. Head Start has truly laid the foundation for his future success.
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HEAD START ALUMNI: Dr. Robert Winn - From Head Start to Healing |
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Dr. Robert Winn, director of VCU’s Massey Cancer Center, credits much of his success to the foundation laid during his early years in a Head Start program. Born to a teenage mother and raised in a blue-collar family, Winn’s mother and grandmother emphasized the importance of education as his "ticket out." Mentors throughout his life, from college professors to medical school faculty, guided him toward a career as a physician and researcher. Passionate about community-based care, Winn has worked extensively with Head Start programs, emphasizing that early education can unlock the potential of any child, even the one who may someday cure cancer. “Head Start was central to any success that I’ve had,” he reflects, crediting the program for shaping the path to his achievements.
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PRESIDENT TRUMP RELEASES "SKINNY" BUDGET |
The President’s "Skinny" Budget was released Friday night, marking an important step in the federal budgeting process. As is customary during a transition year, this initial proposal—often referred to as the "skinny budget"—does not outline specific program-level funding details, including allocations for Head Start. This approach is consistent with previous administrations in their first year.
While no funding level for Head Start has been proposed at this stage, what is significant is that Head Start is not among the programs listed for elimination within the Department of Health & Human Services (HHS). However, the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), a $4.1 billion program that helps low-income Americans pay their heating and cooling bills, and the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) are proposed to be eliminated.
The key takeaway: While final funding levels for Head Start remain uncertain, the fact that it has not been identified for elimination is a positive sign. Our advocacy efforts are working and remain as critical as ever to ensure continued support for Head Start as budget discussions progress. We will keep our efforts strong and our voices heard to safeguard the future of Head Start. |
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INTERIM REGIONAL OFFICE REALIGNMENT STRUCTURE |
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| Last week, Interim OHS Director Captain Tala Hooban praised and thanked the hardworking regional office staff and introduced a new interim regional office structure . The Regional Offices for the new regions are MW - Kansas City;
NE - Philadelphia; SE - Atlanta; SW - Dallas; and W - Denver. American Indian & Migrant/Seasonal Head Start will continue to be administered nationally out of DC. |
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HEAD START ADVOCACY IN ACTION! |
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The Childcare Network of Evanston (CNE) showed up and represented Head Start at Chicago's May Day Rally last Thursday! Bottom Right: CNE's Home Visitor and IHSA's ALLY Cara Craig. |
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TAKE ACTION! TELL YOUR HOUSE MEMBER TO PRIORITIZE FUNDING FOR HEAD START IN FY26! |
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With the recent release by the White House of initial budget guidelines for Fiscal Year 2026, the formal appropriations process for the next fiscal year, which begins on October 1, is officially underway. As a part of this process, every year, members of Congress are asked to sign on to numerous letters to Appropriations Committee leadership in support of various funding priorities. With that in mind, now is the time to urge your member of the House of Representatives to sign onto the Head Start appropriations support letter for FY26. |
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IHSA KEEPING MEMBERSHIP INFORMED |
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Huddle with IHSA: Wednesday, April 30 at 4pm. A 30-minute weekly check-in open to everyone. See you this afternoon!
Check out "ADVOCACY: What's Going On Right Now" for Head Start related news, including statements, press releases, articles, and more. |
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ROOTED IN PLAY: THE POWER OF PLACE - A Conference for Early Childhood Educators |
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| Dates: May 16-17, 2025
Location: Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center at Southern Illinois University, Carbondale
Keynote Speakers: Brian Croft (Touch of Nature Education Center, Director) and Carla Gull (Environmental Educator/Author)
Featured Speakers: Elizabeth Frisbie (Early Childhood Mental Health Consultant), Teresa Weed (Illinois Early Childhood Outdoors), and many more! Giveaways on Friday evening and Saturday afternoon!!
Meals provided by Cold Blooded Smokehouse Catering. Sponsored by Southern Illinois University School of Education and Child Care Resource & Referral |
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VIRTUAL HEALTH & MENTAL HEALTH LEADERS INSTITUTE |
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All sessions are presented in English,
with live captioning and simultaneous interpretation in Spanish. |
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May 13–15, 2025 from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. ET.
The institute features plenaries and live sessions with top experts in the fields of health services management, safety, trauma, and other cross-cutting topics.
Join colleagues from around the country to engage in professional development on a wide range of topics, such as emergency preparedness, staff wellness, and mental health consultation. The institute includes interactive opportunities for mindfulness and “adult recess,” as well as exhibit areas for sharing resources and networking. |
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UPCOMING IHSA 2025 EVENTS in June: VANESSA RICH LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE RETREAT & STATEWIDE DIRECTORS INSTITUTE |
"In Head Start, we don't just stand on the porch, we come all the way into the house," words of the late Vanessa Rich, a dedicated leader and fierce advocate for Head Start. Inspired by her passion, we come together to strengthen our committment to expanding opportunities for children and families. |
| Both events will take place at the beautiful Herrington Inn & Spa. |
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Join us in this space to grow as leaders and embrace bold advocacy. Executive directors, program directors, and leadership teams from across the state come together to learn, share, and grow as a community. Room |
| June 2-4 Leadership Institute |
| June 4-6
Director's Institute |
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Make your room reservation at the Herrington Inn & Spa, Geneva IL, by calling the front desk directly at 630.208.7433 and use your company and group name [IHSA Directors Institute]. If additional rooms are requested after the cut off date we will do our best to accommodate, but we cannot guarantee availability or contracted rate. |
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ILLINOIS POISON CENTER: Stop! and Ask First! Program |
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Your home is full of potentially harmful substances. BUt kids can't always spot a poisonous substance. When teaching them about health hazards, keep it simple with Illinois Poison Center's (IPC) "Stop and Ask First" program. Its free educational tools use repetition and songs to keep kids engaged. "Stop, ask first: Is this good for us?"
That's the quesiton at the heart of IPC's poison prevention education program geared toward young children. Parents, teachers and caregivers have an important role in educating children to stay safe by asking questions of trusted adults. |
| "Stop! Ask First!" video
for children ages 2-6 years. |
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"SUPPORT HEAD START" WINDOW & YARD SIGNS FOR SALE |
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Proudly display your "Support Head Start" yard and/or window signs! Now available via our Boutique! Purchase online and then coordinate a pick up either in Chicago/Chicagoland area or Springfield. Shipping available soon; we're working on the logistics as shipping fees are super high right now. So for now, pick up is available! Just order on the Boutique and we'll coordinate a pick up with you. |
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HOW ARE YOU CELEBRATING HEAD START'S BIRTHDAY THIS YEAR? |
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Start by raising awareness in Head Start gear! Bring out those Head Start conference shirts, hats, and swag, and let the world know that it's Head Start's 60th Birthday this year! And if you need swag, we've got you covered! Order the official Head Start Birthday T-shirt below! |
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Children Sizes 2T-6T Adult Sizes XS-3X
Short Sleeves Long Sleeves |
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QUESTION: What is the name of the document created for children (ages 3-12) with a diagnosed disability? 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 prize! Winner and answer will be announced in the next Scoop. Last week's Q&A Question: What is the Infant/Toddler Ratio? Answer: Ratio 1:4
Winner: Traci Hennings, ECE Manager at SAL Community Services in Moline! Look out in the mail for a prize from our friends at Open Books! |
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Do you have a Head Start Impact Story or know of someone who does? We would love to hear it! Click or send to cwelsh@ilheadstart.org |
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| Share 'The Scoop' with your team! |
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