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 ALUMNI: Kylee Davis - Shaped by Head Start |
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| I remember playing with the sand table at Head Start—it was one of my favorite memories. One day, Ronald McDonald visited, and that moment stuck with me even after all these years.
Head Start gave me my early education and prepared me for kindergarten, setting a strong foundation for my future. I made friends there, friendships that have lasted into adulthood.
Today, I work as a CNA at Lacon Rehab & Nursing, and I still carry the impact of my Head Start experience with me. The program meant so much to me that I want my own children to come here. I am grateful for my teachers and everything they did to support my learning and growth. Thank you, Head Start, for shaping my journey! |
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HEAD START PARENT: Noor - Finding Her Way |
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Noor left her family in Syria ten years ago, and she has been in the Home Visiting Head Start program with both of her younger children. For her, Head Start has helped her find her way in the United States.
"They help me find answers to whatever I need. When I needed help with housing, they helped me find it. When my Link benefits were delayed, they helped me buy food."
She appreciates that their Home Visitor helps with their whole family, "She helped me register my kids for school, and helps me understand paperwork." |
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HHS ISSUED A NOTICE IMPACTING HEAD START & THE VERIFICATION OF IMMIGRATION STATUS |
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The notice that went out last week indicates that HHS will now consider Head Start a “public benefit” program and some Head Start grantees will be required to verify immigration status.
Here’s what you need to know: - Nonprofit organizations may be exempt because there is a statutory requirement that indicates these organizations cannot be required to verify immigration status (still waiting to confirm),
- The Head Start Act states that once a child is deemed eligible for Head Start, they are eligible through the succeeding program year. Thus, no child should be disenrolled from Head Start,
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Head Start has not yet shared guidance on how to implement this policy change, but the notice indicates program offices will issue more information,
- ACLU plans to challenge this policy change on behalf of their plaintiffs, which include organizations in Pennsylvania, California, Oregon, Illinois, Washington, and Wisconsin,
- HHS is accepting public comment for 30 days. It is important that the Administration hear from the Head Start community on the impact of this change after 60 years of welcoming all families to the program. ANYONE can leave comments!
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Head Start Immigration Directives – Talking Points |
| Illinois Head Start Leader Tells Providers to Hold Off on Trump Edict |
| HHS Officially Bans
Federal Health Benefits for Illegal Immigrants |
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ADVOCATING FOR HEAD START: HOW TO ENGAGE CONGRESS DURING THE AUGUST RECESS |
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Date: Wednesday, July 23.
Time: 3-4pm ET (2pm Central)
Join us for a timely webinar designed to equip Head Start staff with the tools, strategies and confidence to advocate effectively during the Congressional recess.
You'll learn: -
How and when to schedule meetings with your members of Congress,
- How to host impactful in-district meetings or site visits to your program,
- How to educate lawmakers about Head Start—no trip to D.C. required.
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| Congress is headed home for August recess —
are you ready to speak up for Head Start? |
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HUDDLE with IHSA: Wednesday, July 16 at 4pm. |
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Join IHSA Executive Director Lauri Morrison-Frichtl and your Illinois Head Start community for a weekly 30-minute check-in. This space is for everyone and anyone to ask questions and to learn the latest on what's going on. See you this afternoon! |
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NEW! ILLINOIS MANDATED REPORTER TRAINING |
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This more supportive, practical approach is designed
not just for DCFS staff — but for all mandated reporters across Illinois. |
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The Illinois Mandated Reporter Training has been fully redesigned and its new version goes beyond recognizing and reporting suspected abuse and neglect. It equips learners with tools to understand when a family needs support—not a report.
What’s new in the training? -
Guidance to help distinguish poverty from neglect,
- A focus on
supporting families through early connections to services,
- Strategies for recognizing and addressing implicit bias,
- A trauma-informed approach to interacting with children and families,
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Clear, practical information about how and when to make a report.
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LUNCH & LEARN: BIG CONVERSATIONS ABOUT WEATHER & NATURAL DISASTERS |
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Date: Wednesday, July 25. Time: Noon - 1pm PST (2pm Central Time) Wildfires, hurricanes, and other extreme weather... these words trigger instant anxiety in each of us and young children are not excluded.
Come join us to explore two newly developed educational programs for children of preschool and early elementary age addressing this very topic. With developmentally appropriate instructional guidance & paired children’s books, young children can learn about weather and climate science, how to be safe, and the community helpers that can help support communities through extreme weather events. |
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QUESTION: Who is considered the child's first teachers? 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: When does a child's education start? Answer: At birth.
Winner: Deborah Johnson, Administrative Assistant at BCMW Head Start in Centralia! Look out in the mail for your prize from our friends at Paper Pie Books! |
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What's going on at your Head Start Program?
Share your recent center activities, congressional visits, field trip adventures, staff spotlights, exciting news, and more! Let's build community by sharing what's going on IN our community! |
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