A weekly communication source for keeping you updated on the latest local/state/federal HS/EHS information |
|
|
HEAD START IMPACT STORIES |
|
|
HEAD START PARENT: Eddie Williams - Leader in the Making |
|
|
One of the greatest things Head Start has done for my son is not just focusing on the academic side but really looking at the social-emotional aspect too. He’ll come home and say, “Daddy, I helped so-and-so today in school. He was struggling, and I helped him get through it.” It’s been amazing to see him show compassion and kindness—things you don’t always find in a traditional curriculum. He’s really taken off from that and has grown into a leader. |
| |
|
HEAD START ALUMNI: Dominic Barnes - Lessons in Leadership |
|
|
|
"I learned about leadership at its most basic levels in Head Start," says Dominic Barnes. "Considering where my life took me—27 years in the Army and in leadership—social interaction with people from different backgrounds is very important."
A child at Heartland Head Start (in Bloomington) in the early 1970s, Dominic carried those lessons into his military career, serving across the U.S. and overseas. While on active duty, he pursued higher education step by step, earning degrees over multiple deployments. |
|
|
FY2026 BUDGET: WHAT'S NEXT? |
|
|
Now that President Trump has shared his "skinny" budget, what happens next?
It is time for the US House of Representatives and the US Senate to do their jobs. Within each chamber is a Committee on Appropriations who takes this "skinny" budget and fills in the holes. We need to make sure that Head Start is included in the Appropriations bills with adequate funds to sustain current Head Start programming and operations, and then some more so that COLA is honored, Improvement Funds are available, and additional support funds are available to service even more children and families.
Thus now is critical mission time to reach out to your House Representatives and Senators so they can hear from their constituents, YOU, on what to include, or exclude, in the Appropriations bill. |
| |
|
NEW! IHSA ADVOCACY TOOLKITS! |
|
|
It is here! Everything you need to advocate for Head Start in one downloadable Toolkit! |
|
|
Includes:
Advocacy vs. Lobbying PDF. Support Head Start Flier. Letter Templates to Congress Members, Media, Partners. Fill-in-the-blank Story Template. Talking Points. |
| Includes:
Support Head Start Flier. Letter Templates to Elected Officials, Community Partners, School.
Fill-in-the-blank Story Template. Make the Call Script. Family Postcard Messages. Family Action Tracker. Talking Points. |
| Includes:
Business & Leader Action Guide. Simple Steps to Show Support. Support Head Start Flier. Letter Templates to Elected Official, Network, HS Program,
Newspaper, Media. |
|
|
TAKE ACTION! FIRST FIVE YEARS FUND |
|
|
Right now in Washington, we’re playing both offense and defense in the fight to support families with young children. Over the next few weeks, we must simultaneously: EXPAND child care tax relief in the next tax package, FIGHT to protect and grow funding for child care programs in the upcoming Appropriations battle,
PROTECT Head Start. |
| |
|
IHSA KEEPING MEMBERSHIP INFORMED |
|
|
Huddle with IHSA: Wednesday, May 14 at 4pm. A 30-minute weekly check-in open to everyone. See you this afternoon!
Check out IHSA's new "ADVOCACY" Tab where you can find more resources, including updates, Calls to Action, Toolkits, Dollar per Child Campaign, and more! |
| |
|
EARLY CHOICES: SUMMER INCLUSION INSTITUTE 2025 |
|
|
| Dates: June 11 & 12, 2025
Location: Marriott Hotel & Conference Center in Normal, IL
Join us for our 2nd Annual Summer Inclusion Institute! This exciting event offers a unique opportunity to engage with leading experts in the field, participate in interactive workshops, and collaborate with peers from around the state of Illinois. Featuring two keynote speakers and a special Disabilities Inclusion Self-Advocates Panel. Registration closes May 28, 2025 and spots are limited! |
|
|
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. |
|
|
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 |
|
|
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. |
|
|
DOLLY PARTON'S IMAGINATION LIBRARY OF ILLINOIS
|
|
|
Dolly Parton's Imagination Library of Illinois is growing and needs your support! We need educators, librarians, organizations and community stakeholders to band together and ensure the gift of free books to all children, ages birth to 5, in Illinois (especially in North East Illinois).
Contact Audra Cottrell, Community Engagement Coordinator, at acottrell@il.imaginationlibrary.com if you would like to help support a new program in your county. |
| |
|
"SUPPORT HEAD START" WINDOW & YARD SIGNS FOR SALE |
|
|
|
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. Still working on shipping, so for now, pick up is available! |
|
|
HOW ARE YOU CELEBRATING HEAD START'S BIRTHDAY THIS YEAR? |
|
|
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! |
|
|
Children Sizes 2T-6T Adult Sizes XS-3X
Short Sleeves Long Sleeves |
| |
| |
|
QUESTION: What percentage of total enrollment in the Head Start program must comprise of children with disabilities? 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 name of the document created for children (ages 3-12) with a diagnosed disability? Answer: Individualized Education Plan, aka IEP. Winner: Christina Lewis, ERSEA Coordinator at Southern Illinois University Head Start in Carbondale! Look out in the mail for a prize from our friends at Open Books! |
|
|
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 |
| |
|
| Share 'The Scoop' with your team! |
| |
|
|
