A weekly communication source for keeping you updated on the latest local/state/federal HS/EHS information |
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METROPOLITAN FAMILY SERVICES HOST SPECIAL BEARS VISITORS |
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The Howard & Evanston Community Center in Chicago received a special visit from Chicago Bears football players Joe Thuney (#62) and Theo Benedet (#79). They stopped by to read and color with Head Start students. It was a very memorable morning at Metropolitan with Monsters of the Midway! |
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GOVERNMENT IS OPEN: Now We Need Grant Awards |
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The government is open after the longest shutdown in history. However many November 1, December 1, and even October 1 grantees are still awaiting word on when their funds will be available. Office of Head Start (OHS) has said that they will provide a timeline. We are still waiting.
In the meantime, the Head Start community needs to encourage HHS to expedite grants. OHS has roughly half the capacity in the regional offices and while staff are working hard, HHS needs to expedite grants by waiving the Congressional hold and providing information to grantees in writing as to the timing of their grant so that they can plan accordingly.
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CAPTAIN TALA HOOBAN NO LONGER ACTING DIRECTOR OF THE OFFICE OF HEAD START |
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We are deeply grateful for Captain Tala Hooban's dedication, leadership, and passion for Head Start. We wish her the best.
The Trump Administration has appointed Dr. Laurie Todd-Smith as the new Acting Director of the Office of Head Start. She ushers in a new era of ideas on how to make Head Start "better". |
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SNAP UPDATE: Trump Administration Announces SNAP Participants Will Have to Reapply |
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Earlier this week, the Trump Administration announced that current SNAP participants will need to reapply in order to continue receiving benefits. The Administration did not share a timeline for when the requirement will become effective. |
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HAPPY 60TH BIRTHDAY CARDS TO WASHINGTON DC |
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Head Start families took time during last month's Head Start Days to write heartfelt birthday messages to send to our friends at the US Health & Human Services Department in DC. Head Start children drew pictures of their favorite things about their program and decorated the birthday cards with stickers. We're sure these will bring smiles to our hard working government during these times! |
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Extra birthday cards are available! If your program would like to participate, please reach out to Linda at lwang@ilheadstart.org. |
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HUDDLE with IHSA: Wednesday, 11/19 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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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY ANNOUNCES NEW RULE IMPACTING EMPLOYMENT AUTHORIZATION FOR IMMIGRANTS |
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DHS announced that employment authorization will no longer be automatically extended. This could impact some early care and education staff, as 1 in 5 early educators in the U.S. is an immigrant. This is an interim final rule, which means it is effective immediately but the government is accepting public comments through December 1, 2025. |
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THE CAREGIVER GUIDE TO TALKING TO CHILDREN ABOUT IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT |
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During times of heightened distress, children look to caregivers to help them
understand what is happening. What is happening with immigration enforcement in our communities is not normal. This trifold brochure for parents and caregivers provides support and guidance on how to talk with children about what is happening with immigration enforcement and raids in our communities.
Co-developed by the Immigrant Family Mental Health Advocacy (IFMHA) Program team at the University of Illinois Chicago, Department of Psychiatry, Institute for Juvenile Research: Dana Rusch, Ph.D. (Director of the IFMHA Program), Laura Gonzalez (Undergraduate Applied Psychology Intern), Alondra Maltos Garcia (Undergraduate Applied Psychology Intern), Priscilla Cortez, B.A. (IFMHA Program Coordinator), Kellyn Blaisdell, M.S. (Predoctoral Psychology Intern).
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CREATING SAFE SPACES: Protecting Child Care Programs & Immigration Enforcement |
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Wednesday, November 19 at 1-2PM
Across the country, early childhood programs are navigating how to keep children, families, and staff safe as immigration enforcement activity increases near schools and child care centers. |
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GATHERING NARRATIVES: ICE in Head Start Community |
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IHSA is gathering stories of how ICE activities are affecting Head Start programs, families, and staff. Not only do we want to better understand but we want to ensure that the needs and voices of our families and staff are represented and supported.
Our goal is to share these stories out with congressional members, state legislators, policy makers, change agents, etc. in hopes of better outcomes.
Please note: No need to share any names, personal identifiers, or locations that could put anyone at risk. Stories can be shared anonymously or with limited details. |
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Let's lift up the real experiences of our families,
staff, and communities during this
challenging time. |
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RECALL UPDATE: RECALL OF ALL BYHEART INFANT FORMULA |
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The FDA has expanded its recall to include all unexpired lots of ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula - including cans and single-serve "anywhere" sticks - after additional suspected cases of infant botulism were reported across several states, including Illinois. If you have ByHeart formula at your program or at home: - Stop using it immediately,
- Take a photo or record the lot number on the bottom of the container,
- Label it “DO NOT USE” and store it safely - your local or state health department may request it for testing,
- If your child shows symptoms such as constipation, poor feeding, weak cry, loss of head control, or difficulty breathing, seek medical care immediately,
- If your child remains symptom-free after 30 days, you can safely dispose of the contain
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CALL FOR PROPOSALS! 48th IHSA ANNUAL CONFERENCE in MARCH 2026 |
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The Illinois Head Start Association invites presenters who are helping programs connect, create, and cultivate what’s possible in Head Start and Early Head Start
As programs navigate workforce challenges, shifting federal guidance, and evolving community needs, this year’s conference—The Power of Us—celebrates the collaboration, resilience, and shared purpose that define our work.
We’re seeking proposals for sessions that helps teams strengthen practice, improve outcomes, or renew purpose—this is your moment to share it. |
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Next Quality Enrichment Circle (QEC): Tuesday, Dec 2 at 10AM-Noon |
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Health, Safety, & Nutrition Not too late to register! Join us now! |
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QUESTION: Name one developmental screening tool. 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: Under Health & Safety, which child documents are required within 90 days? Name at least one.
Answers: Dental Exams, Lead Screening, Hemoglobin Screening, Physical, TB Tests.
Winner: Mariah Brown, Family Advocate at Champaign County RPC Head Start in Paxton! 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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