A weekly communication source for keeping you updated on the latest local/state/federal HS/EHS information |
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2026 TEACHER OF THE YEAR: Cameron Bower, Lead Teacher at YWCA Metropolitan Chicago in Aurora |
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When you envision the ideal preschool teacher, traits like cheerfulness, creativity, and kindness immediately come to mind; Cameron Bower doesn't just possess these qualities, she personifies them. Her journey in childcare began as a teenager, and she has since transformed that early passion into a distinguished career. Over five years as a Head Start Lead Teacher with YWCA Metropolitan Chicago in Aurora, Cameron has stood out among 85 educators and reached major milestones—earning her Bachelor’s degree and Professional Educator’s License—all while ensuring her students consistently exceed kindergarten readiness. In her classroom, Cameron creates a sanctuary of joy where students feel safe to learn and grow. She possesses the rare gift of truly "knowing" her children, allowing her to co-regulate with them through "big feelings" in the exact way each child needs. Her dedication extends to the entire profession; she serves as a master mentor for new teachers, an innovator through initiatives like classroom gardens, and a meticulous professional who handles all documentation and grant deliverables with impeccable accuracy.
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| IHSA Executive Director Lauri Morrison-Frichtl with Teacher of the Year Cameron Bower |
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Even in the face of recent tragic loss, Cameron never skipped a beat. Instead, her classroom became a place of mutual healing, where her love for teaching never wavered and her students provided a source of strength. She continues to arrive every day with her signature smile, providing stability and warmth for her families and colleagues alike. Today, we ensure that her profound impact on the Head Start community does not go unnoticed.
Congratulations to Cameron Bower, Lead Teacher at YWCA Metropolitan Chicago Head Start in Aurora, as the Illinois Head Start Associations’ 2026 Teacher of the Year! |
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We are hearing that a "skinny budget" will be released on Friday.
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WE DID IT: Thank You For Emailing Your Congresspeople Last Week! |
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ALL Illinois Congressional Members, with the exception of one (Representative Mary Miller), signed on to the NHSA Dear Colleague letter asking for Head Start funding.
According to the First Five Years Fund (FFYF), Head Start saw an unprecedented level of support through these letters: - Republican Head Start letter, led by Rep. Pete Stauber (R-MN): Had 43 total signers—more than in the last five years.
- Democratic Head Start letter, led by Rep. Jahana Hayes (D-CT): Had 189 total signers—the highest level of support ever for a Democratic Head Start letter.
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GET SOCIAL WITH IHSA: Creating Head Start Awareness |
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One of the most common things we hear from legislators is that they want to hear and see your Head Start experiences. We do the best we can to advocate for you but the impact of social media videos reach far and wide.
Head Start does so much for its children and families. Our hope is that through some new social media outreach, we can show how Head Start makes a positive impact and help bring Head Start to the front of EVERYONE’s mind. |
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HUDDLE with IHSA: Wednesday, April 1 at 4:00PM |
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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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BECOME A CERTIFIED INFANT & EARLY CHILDHOOD MENTAL HEALTH CONSULTANT |
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The Thrive Center of Excellence for Infant & Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation (IECMHC) has just launched a new Practical Certification course in IECMHC designed to help maximize the reach and impact of consultation. The program includes: - Two Pathways: one for mental health clinicians and another for ECE teachers looking to transition from classroom to consultation,
- 4 Month competency-based certification course,
- 8 months post-certification support including group supervision, office hours, ongoing PD.
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Practical focus in building teacher alliance, navigating programs, and delivering effective consultation from the start.
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| First Cohort begins June 2026! |
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SURVEY FOR FAMILY SERVICE WORKERS & HOME VISITORS: To Understand Ways EHS & HS Support Families |
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A Graduate student from Ohio State University is surveying EHS & HS Family Service Workers and Home Visitors to learn more about the frequency of practices used and the prevalence of barriers faced in the process of connecting families to resources (e.g., food pantries, government assistance programs). This survey builds on the findings from interviews conducted in the previous phase of this work, and together the findings of this research aim to help support EHS/HS employees, like yourself, in your efforts to connect families with needed resources. |
| Takes about 25 minutes. Participants will receive a $10 gift card. |
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LUNCH & LEARN: Putting It All Together, Managing Behaviors in the Moment |
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| Friday, April 17, 2026 at 2PM (Central)
Join The Discovery Source at the next virtual Lunch & Learn!
This is an effective opportunity to reconnect with tools you already know and strengthen confidence in the moment.
Together you’ll revisit key social-emotional strategies, share real-life examples, and explore simple ways to stay calm, de-escalate situations, and keep learning and moving forward. |
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NEXT Quality Enrichment Circle (QEC): Tuesday, April 7 at 10AM-Noon. |
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Family Services & ERSEA |
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WELCOME TO IHSA's HEAD START BOUTIQUE: Your Go-TO- Shop for Exclusive Head Start Gear |
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The Boutique is up and active again! Browse through our latest selection of curated Head Start gear.
Checkout is simple and secure. And know that with every purchase, you'll be supporting IHSA's Dollar Per Child Campaign, where every dollar goes towards IHSA's advocacy and awareness work. |
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THIS WEEK'S FEATURED COLLECTION The Power of US - Connecting Hearts. Creating Change. Cultivating Futures |
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Great to wear with pride,
display with purpose, and gift with appreciation! |
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Did you miss our most recent 2026 Conference Gear?!
Due to popular demand, we will continue to offer this collection as The Power of Us, available on the Boutique right now!
Five styles of apparel - fitted short sleeve, short sleeve t-shirt, long sleeve t-shirt, sweatshirt, and hoodie with pockets; in Nine different sizes - from XS to 5XL are available. Also a coffee/tea mug! |
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QUESTION: How many years are in a grant cycle?
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: Which US Government agency oversees the Head Start program? Answers: US Department of Health & Human Services
Winner: Monica Marcum, Child Services Manager at CAA McHenry County Head Start in Woodstock! Look out in the mail for your prize from our friends at Paper Pie and The Discovery Source!
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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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