A weekly communication source for keeping you updated on the latest local/state/federal HS/EHS information |
|
|
THANKFUL THURSDAY SOCIALIZATION AT WADI HEAD START IN HARRISBURG |
|
|
Of the Wabash Area Development, Inc. (WADI) Head Start program, their Saline & Gallatin Head Start and Early Head Start recently hosted a Thankful Thursday event for their homebased families!
Everyone enjoyed a delicious hot meal, took part in fun themed activities, and spent quality time socializing with one another. |
| | |
|
TCOC HEAD START ENJOYS A FUN SCIENCE EXPERIMENT: PUMPKIN VOLCANOES |
|
|
Tri-Counties Opportunities Council (TCOC) Head Start used baking soda, dish soap, food coloring, and vinegar to create colorful "volcano" eruptions! The children of the LaSalle center had a blast pouring in the ingredients and watching the fizzing magic happen. The children loved every moment! |
| | |
|
|
TIMING FOR HEAD START GRANTS |
|
|
The Office of Head Start (OHS) indicated that they are working as fast as possible to award grants for 10/1, 11/1, and 12/1 grantees. The precise timing for grants is not entirely clear: some information indicated that funds will be sent before Thanksgiving, while other information suggests early December is more likely.
OHS has informally indicated that grants will be backdated to their original date, which is consistent with the Continuing Resolution language that allows for funds to be used for expenses incurred during the shutdown. Now we continue to wait. |
|
|
PRESCHOOL DEVELOPMENT GRANT BIRTH TO FIVE (PDG) APPLICATION RELEASED |
|
|
The Administration for Children & Families (ACF) released the application for PDG. These grants are only available to states and territories and provide up to $15 million for early childhood systems building.
In a typical year, states have 60 days to apply, but this year’s application process has been shortened to less than two weeks over the Thanksgiving holiday (right now!). The application also requires the Governor’s signature, meaning that most states have only a few days to complete their application.
The application mentions Head Start 19 times as a partner for coordination of state systems. At the time of print, Illinois is preparing to apply for this grant. Awards will be made by December 31. |
|
|
NEW MONITORING CONTRACTOR FOR FA1 & FA2 REVIEWS |
|
|
OHS has a new monitoring contractor, Manhattan Strategies. Based on informal information, it sounds like some of the staff have been hired by the new contractor.
Some Head Start programs are scheduled to be monitored as soon as next week but have not yet received a schedule or detailed information on the process. IHSA will pass along information as we hear more about the process and protocol. |
|
|
EARLY CHILDHOOD COMMUNITY RESPONSE TO ICE ENTERING A CHICAGO CHILD CARE PROGRAM |
|
|
| MomsRising is organizing a
sign-on letter and form and social media sharing materials in response to the Chicago incident where ICE agents apprehended a beloved teacher and mother of two. This letter calls on Congress to pass the Protecting Sensitive Locations Act including to protect early educators. |
| Today is the deadline so do it today! |
|
|
NO HUDDLE with IHSA This Week! |
|
|
There will NOT be a Huddle with IHSA this week. We will pick back up next week on December 3.
|
|
|
ILLINOIS FAMILY SUPPORT: Social Media Toolkit - Guidance for Times of Heightened ICE Activity |
|
|
The Illinois Department of Early Childhood (IDEC), along with the DCFS, ISBE, IDHS, IDPH, and the Governor’s Office has created a toolkit to support families after the heightened ICE Activity.
This toolkit includes resources and clear, accessible messages and ready-to-use graphics that can be shared on social media to help families: - Talk with children about what is happening in age-appropriate ways,
-
Support children’s emotional and behavioral needs,
- Understand the basics of Psychological First Aid (PFA),
- Access trusted state and community resources,
- Find guidance specific to immigrant families, schools, and licensed child care providers
|
| |
|
GATHERING NARRATIVES: ICE in Head Start Community |
|
|
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. |
| Let's lift up the real experiences of
our families, staff, and communities during these
challenging times. |
|
|
SUPPORTING ILLINOIS COMMUNITIES IN RECOVERY: RehabNet.com |
|
|
RehabNet.com is a free and confidential informational hub that connects individuals and families to credible drug and alcohol treatment providers, including details on program costs and provider options across the state.
Information on the top alcohol and drug rehab centers in Illinois is available online 24/7. |
| |
|
Next Quality Enrichment Circle (QEC): Tuesday, Dec 2 at 10AM-Noon |
|
|
|
Component - Health, Safety, & Nutrition Not too late to register! Join us now! |
| |
|
QUESTION: What should staff eat during meal times? 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: Name one developmental screening tool. Answers: ASQ, ASQ:SE, ESI-P, ESI-K, DIAL 4, BRIGANCE.
Winner: Robin Maldonado, Family Worker at Two Rivers Head Start in Elgin! Look out in the mail for your prize from our friends at Paper Pie Books! |
|
|
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! |
| |
|
|
