A weekly communication source for keeping you updated on the latest local/state/federal HS/EHS information |
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HEAD START DAY: CELEBRATING 60 YEARS OF LOVE, LEARNING, & LIFTING UP FAMILIES |
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IHSA and Illinois Head Start programs, in partnership with local childrens museums in Illinois, are finalizing details to the birthday bash of the month!
In alignment with Head Start Awareness Month, local participating childrens museums will offer free admission just for Head Start families and Head Start staff and their families on designated Head Start Days!
Each museum will have its own celebration program activities and separate registration process. Flyers will be available to share out with your families and staff and registration links will open soon. |
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HEAD START DAYS Schedule: More Museums & Dates added! |
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October 1 - 31:
Everyday in October! |
| October 1 - 31:
Everyday in October! |
| October 4, Saturday: 9AM - 4PM |
| October 9, Thursday: 4:30PM - 7:30PM |
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October 9, 4:30-7:30PM October 11, 10AM-4PM |
| October 11, Saturday:
9:30AM - 2:30PM |
| October 23, Thursday: 4PM - 7PM |
| October 23, Thursday: 5PM - 8PM |
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October 23, Thursday: 5:30PM - 7PM |
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October 25, Saturday: 9:30AM - 4PM |
| Flyers and Registration Links are on the way! Due to capacity, admittance will be based on first come, first served sign-up. For now, save the date(s) on your calendars and tell your HS/EHS families AND staff! |
| Head Start 60th Birthday T-shirts are still available! |
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JUDGE HAS RULED NATIONWIDE PRELIMINARY INJUCTION |
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The judge assigned to the Head Start litigation case held a hearing on September 9 regarding the preliminary injunction on the HHS notice deeming Head Start a public benefit and requiring immigration status verification for some grantees.
Last week, a judge granted a nationwide preliminary injunction! The preliminary injunction prohibits HHS from implementing the new policy and applies to all Head Start programs across the country.
What does this mean? It means that Head Start programs can continue serving ALL children, regardless of immigration status, who is deemed eligible for Head Start. Programs are NOT required to verify citizenship of anyone in the program.
This is a big win for Head Start nationwide! This lawsuit was led by the ACLU, which represented Head Start associations in Illinois, Washington, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin, as well as parent organizations in Oregon and California. A separate case, brought by 21 Attorneys General, challenged the changes to immigration verification in federal programs across four agencies. A judge also issued a preliminary injunction in this case, which applies only to the Plaintiff states. |
HEADLINES: Read More Here |
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Federal Court Halts Trump Administration’s Unlawful Attacks on Head Start Families - ACLU_9/11/2025 |
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Head Start Preschool Remains Open to All Regardless of Immigration Status, Two Judges Rule
- WBEZ Chicago_9/11/2025 |
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Judge Issues Nationwide Block On Trump Policy That Cuts Off Head Start for People in US Illegally - AP_9/11/2025 |
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Judge Blocks a Trump Policy Cutting Off Some Social Services for Immigrants in the US Illegally - CNN_9/11/2025 |
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Congress must pass a spending bill in 2.5 weeks. The end of FY 2025 is around the corner. Congress must pass a Continuing Resolution by September 30 to keep the government open. In the event of a government shutdown, October 1 Head Start grants will not be awarded. Illinois does not have any October 1 grants. However, Head Start grantees have historically continued to access already awarded funds during past shutdowns.
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ILLINOIS HEAD START ASSOCIATION IS IN DC THIS WEEK! |
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IHSA, with a team of 20 superheroes, are in DC this week! They will be making visits with IL Congressional Members at the Hill. Funding will be front and center of discussion.
If you have anything you would like us to add to our talking points, please let us know as soon as possible. |
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COMING SOON: TOGETHER FOR HEAD START WEBINAR SERIES |
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In the days ahead, please stay tuned for the latest installments of Together for Head Start webinar series, which will be focused on Head Start in the current immigration enforcement climat.
Throughout the series, the webinars will feature the following topics presented by early childhood experts and leaders throughout the field:
under enrollment, grant process, congressional advocacy, working with state leaders, how to secure earned media, Nutritional health, and Maternal health.
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HUDDLE with IHSA: Wednesday, Sept 17 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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QUALITY ENRICHMENT CIRCLES (QECSs): Frequently Asked Questions |
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What are QECs? They are small, virtual learning groups of HS/EHS staff with similar roles. They provide a space to collaborate, share ideas, and build practical solutions. What happens in QECs? Each QEC meeting is led by a Content Area Expert (CAE) -a peer who knows the work and understands the challenges. Meetings include sharing insights, solving real problems, and learning
from each other. Guest speakers will join throughout the year to bring in fresh knowledge and perspective. Where are QECs held? All QECs are fully virtual for 2025-2026. No travel or substitute coverage is required. Each session
includes breakout discussions by region to maintain local relevance. |
| Not sure where you fit? Come to our Kick-Off Meeting on October 7 at 10AM to learn more!
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WEBINAR: PREPARING FOR CACFP'S SUGAR RULES |
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September 18 (Thurs)
at 2-2:30PM Eastern |
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Starting October 1, 2025, CACFP regulations will require operators to calculate added sugar limits for breakfast cereals and yogurts.
Learn how to calculate the new limits, adjust your menus and stay compliant so you’re ready to serve with confidence. |
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QUESTION: In what year did President Lyndon Johnson declare "war on poverty"? 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 is Head Start Awareness Month? Answer: October Winner: Penny Wells, Home Based Parent Educator of PCCEO Head Start in Peoria! 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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