A weekly communication source for keeping you updated on the latest local/state/federal HS/EHS information |
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RIVERBEND HEAD START & FAMILY SERVICES CELEBRATE STAFF & HEAD START'S BIRTHDAY |
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Recently Riverbend Head Start & Family Services in Alton held a Staff Appreciation Picnic for their hard working and compassionate staff. The event was threefold. First, it marked the end of a very successful school year. Secondly, it was a way to welcome the staff who joined the program within the past 12 months (which was a total of 38 since May 2024!) And lastly, it was a way to show appreciation to those staff members who marked a milestone.
Approximately 26 staff marked a milestone (3 to 30) years with Riverbend this year, including Operations Director, Cathy Blevens, who celebrated 25 years, and President & CEO, Gene Howell, celebrating 30 years. Then all staff gathered outside to form a giant heart to mark the 60th birthday of Head Start. With the drone rolling, everyone wished Head Start a Happy Birthday! See video below! |
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HHS RELEASES THE ADMINISTRATION FOR CHILDREN, FAMILIES, & COMMUNITIES CONGRESSIONAL JUSTIFICATION |
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The Congressional Justification (CJ) is a standard part of the documents put out with the President’s annual budget proposal and includes additional details about the budget proposal. It is typically released the same days as the budget but the Administration released them separately this year. There were no surprises in the CJ: Head Start funding is proposed at the FY 25 enacted level and the Administration reiterates their “reform principles” which include nutrition, parent choice, and employment. This is the last expected FY 26 Budget document from the Administration.Congress has begun its appropriation process. Congress generally does not pass an appropriations bill by September 30 when the federal fiscal year ends, and it is difficult to see how Congress will have time to pass FY 26 appropriations by the end of this fiscal year. Therefore, we expect a Continuing Resolution for at least the first part of next year and possibly longer.
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AWARENESS & ADVOCACY IN ACTION: More Head Start love for our Congresspeople! |
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The Academy Global of Citizeneship Head Start program in Chicago drew pictures and wrote what they like to do at their Head Start program: (l to r) "I like to play outside", "I like to play on the school playground", and "I like to go to the art area." |
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Their House Representative Chuy Garcia is going to love these!: (l to r) "I like to play with cubes", "I love school because we get recess, we learn outside, I get to play with friends and paint," and "I love to go outside and learn. I love to play with all my friends and learn new stuff." |
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BE A VOICE FOR HEAD START THIS SUMMER - JOIN THE 8 WEEKS OF ACTION! |
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Sign up to receive updates, easy-to-use resources, and ideas on how you or your program can take part in each week of action. Resources will be shared along with alumni and parent voices highlighting the importance of each week’s theme to Head Start. |
| Project (Stand for) Head Start
In 1965, Head Start was launched as an eight-week summer program to give children a strong start.
This summer, 60 years later, NHSA is honoring that legacy with eight themed weeks of action — mobilizing support, raising our voices, and building momentum to protect and strengthen Head Start for the future.
Dates: June 16 - August 8, 2025 Goal: Continue to raise Head Start’s visibility through the summer. Each week has a theme with suggested activities for individuals and programs. By doing this, we will be able to continue to advocate for Head Start through the summer during the important budget process. |
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KEEPING MEMBERSHIP INFORMED |
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Huddle with IHSA:
Wednesday, June 18 at 4pm. A 30-minute weekly check-in open to everyone. See you this afternoon! |
| Keep up with
Head Start news at What's Going on Right Now... |
| Find ways to Advocate!
Includes Calls to Action, Dollar per Child Campaign, What the Research Says, Toolkits, Social Media, & more! |
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NOURISHING CONNECTIONS: A PROACTIVE APPROACH TO MEALTIMES IN YOUR CLASSROOM |
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June 26, Thursday from 2:00 - 3:30PM EST.
Mealtimes in early learning settings offer valuable opportunities for connection, learning, and fostering positive food experiences. However, they can also present challenges that, if unaddressed, may impact children’s well-being and development. In this webinar, you’ll learn why a proactive approach to mealtime support is essential and how universal strategies can help prevent difficulties before they arise. |
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IMAGINATIVE PLAY AS A WINDOW INTO THE DEVELOPING MIND |
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June 26, Thursday from 2:00 - 3:30PM EST.
From astronauts to rockstars, preschoolers' imaginations are boundless. But what can we learn from their adventures in the pretend world? Join Marie Baeta, MA to explore how imaginative play acts as a developmental support and provides educators with insight into their inner world. Learn strategies for encouraging pretend play and navigating the joys and challenges of imaginative play. |
| This webinar is offered with English and Spanish captioning. |
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SUMMER WEEKS OF PLAY ARE IN FULL SWING AT CHICAGO CHILDREN'S MUSEUM! |
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The Chicago Children's Museum is open DAILY from 10am-5pm. That means more fun, more play, and more chances to make the most of your summer! Plan your next field trip, vacation, or one-day adventure today.
Chicago Children’s Museum is a proud Museums for All partner. We offer families that qualify for state food assistance and are in possession of an EBT card or WIC card $5 admission per person for up to 6 people when identification is presented in the general admission line. We accept EBT cards or WIC cards from every U.S. state and territory. |
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QUESTION: After the establishment of Head Start, and first funded in 1995, this program is designed to serve Expectant Mothers and children birth through three years of age. What is the name of the 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 prize! Winner and answer will be announced in the next Scoop.
Last week's Q&A Question: What is the symbol used nation-wide to represent the Head Start program?
Answer: The building blocks. They represent early childhood. The upward arrow signifies moving up to better opportunities and future for the family and child.
Winner: Nayely Martinez, Parent Educator at Childcare Network of Evanston in Evanston! Look out in your email for free passes to the Chicago Children's Museum! |
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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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