A weekly communication source for keeping you updated on the latest local/state/federal HS/EHS information |
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HEAD START DAYS AT CHICAGO CHILDREN'S MUSEUM AT NAVY PIER |
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Chicago Children's Museum at Navy Pier hosted Head Start Day on Sunday, October 19, with families from Metropolitan Family Services, Chicago Commons, Family Focus, Marillac St Vincent, and more! |
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Special thanks to Natalie Bortoli, VP of Educational Programming & Experience Development, and Noah Cruikshank,
VP of Marketing, Communications & Guest Services at Chicago Children's Museum and their amazing staff! |
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GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN HEADS INTO WEEK 4 |
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California Democratic Representative Maxine Waters introduced legislation to fund Head Start during the shutdown. It would require reimbursement to states and local governments for funds used to keep Head Start open during the shutdown. The legislation currently has 43 co-sponsors, all of whom are Democrats. Given that the House is out of session and Republicans are in the majority, the legislation is unlikely to advance. |
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OPEN ENROLLMENT FOR AFFORDABLE CARE ACT BEGINS |
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Last week, Idaho became the first state to begin open enrollment for health insurance plans offered through the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The price of plans will increase as subsidies are set to expire at the end of the year.
What does this have to do with Head Start? The shutdown is the result of Congress’s inability to broker a compromise that funds the government and addresses rising health insurance costs for families covered by ACA plans. As states begin open enrollment with higher prices and programs like Head Start experience gaps in service, the political pressure surrounding the shutdown will intensify. |
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TAKE ACTION: WHAT IS AT STAKE? |
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135 Head Start programs will not receive their operational funding on November 1 if the shutdown persists. Six more have already missed their payments from October.
These programs operate across 41 states and Puerto Rico and serve more than 65,000 young children with valuable care, education, nutrition, and disability services.
With Head Start funding in jeopardy, programs are at risk of closure and thousands of families will face increased financial hardship and the stress of not having stable care for their children. |
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HUDDLE with IHSA: Wednesday, Oct 22 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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PYRAMID MODEL IMPLEMENTATION OPPORTUNITY - Virtual Informational Session
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Date: Wednesday, October 29
Times: 11AM-Noon (Central) IHSA invites you to join an upcoming session on becoming a Pyramid Model Implementation Site.
This session will highlight how Pyramid Model implementation supports high-quality practices, strengthens program-wide systems, and enhances outcomes for children and families. Leadership teams encouraged and welcome to attend.
If you missed the May session, this is another chance to attend. If you participated previously and want a refresher or have new questions, you’re welcome to return. |
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Next Quality Enrichment Circle (QEC): Tuesday, Oct 28 at 10AM-Noon |
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Component - Family Services & ERSEA Not too late to register! Join us now! |
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IMMIGRANT JUSTICE: THE RESURRECTION PROJECT |
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The Resurrection Project provides critical, actionable information to help one understand and exercise constitutional rights, create emergency preparedness plans, and protect oneself and loved ones with confidence and dignity.
From emergency family planning to understanding legal protections during interactions with immigration authorities or federal law enforcement, these resources are designed to empower you with clear, practical guidance that transcends fear and uncertainty. |
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HEAD START DAYS DURING HEAD START AWARENESS MONTH - This Week's Line Up |
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IHSA has partnered with these children's museums to offer NO-COST ADMISSION just for Head Start families and Head Start staff and their families throughout October! Enjoy a day of family fun and memory making! |
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October 23, Thursday: 4PM - 7PM |
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October 23, Thursday: 5PM - 8PM |
See your HS/EHS staff
to sign up! |
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October 23, Thursday: 5:30PM - 7PM |
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October 23-31:
Mon 9:30AM-5PM Thu/Fri/Sat 9:30AM-3PM
Sun 10AM-3PM |
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October 25, Saturday: 9:30AM - 4PM |
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October 26, Sunday: Noon - 5PM |
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October 1 - 31: Everyday in October! |
See your HS/EHS Program Staff for a Free Pass. |
| October 1 - 31: Everyday in October! |
No registration required! Check website for times. |
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QUESTION: What is the maximum number of over-income students?
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: A program must provide this for children who do not need or want to rest or nap. Answer: Alternative Quiet Activities.
Winner: Kathy Trainor, Director of Child Services at Heartland Head Start in Bloomington! Look out in the mail for your prize from our friends at Open 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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