A weekly communication source for keeping you updated on the latest local/state/federal HS/EHS information |
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EARLY HEAD START PARENT PENS HEARTFELT TRIBUTE TO DEDICATED HOME VISITORS |
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During last week's Home Visitor Appreciation Week, Birth to Five proudly highlighted the Childcare Network of Evanston's (CNE) amazing Home Visiting Team on social media. In response, an EHS parent shared words of gratefulness:
"We've had the opportunity to connect with new amazing teachers. Miss Lisa was Benji’s first home visitor here, and he absolutely adored her. He loved matching his boots with hers and welcoming her with flowers, it was always such a special moment. |
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Today, Mr. Alberto is Benji’s teacher, and they have built a beautiful connection. Benji has learned so much, and honestly, so have I.
Home visiting programs are truly a blessing, not only for our children, but also for moms. They help us find resources, feel supported, and grow alongside our kids. Through these programs, I was able to discover Birth to Five and even become part of the Policy Council member at CNE! I am learning so much, and I feel grateful to connect with people who share my values about motherhood and childhood. Thank you all for the love, dedication, and impact you have had on our lives."
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2026 MARY ALICE BUCHANAN MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP - Kerry Sheppard, Teacher Assistant and Former Head Start Parent at Riverbend Head Start & Family Services |
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Kerry’s journey is a powerful testament to the mission of Head Start; having first joined the community as a Head Start parent, she has spent the last four years serving as a dedicated Teacher’s Assistant at Riverbend’s Essic Robinson Head Start center in Alton.
Kerry truly lives the mission to empower families. Her lived experience allows her to build authentic, trusting relationships rooted in dignity and respect. In the classroom, she is a natural educator who treats her work as a true calling. She possesses a deep understanding of the "whole child," meeting every student exactly where they are with intentionality, patience, and a contagious enthusiasm that inspires both her students and her colleagues.
Her commitment to professional excellence is equally remarkable. After earning her Associate’s degree from Southwestern Illinois College this past December, she is now pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education at Illinois State University. Kerry is a reflective leader, a supportive teammate, and a fierce advocate for children. She is a shining example of the passion, growth, and heart that define the Head Start community.
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Kerry Sheppard, pictured with Lauri Morrison-Frichtl, was honored at last month's IHSA Recognition Luncheon. |
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Congratulations to Kerry Sheppard, Teacher Assistant at Riverbend Head Start & Family Services in Alton as the Illinois Head Start Associations’ 2026 Mary Alice Buchanan Scholarship Winner! |
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ILLINOIS HEAD START PROGRAMS EXPERIENCE MAJOR DCFS BACKGROUND CHECK DELAYS |
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IHSA received over 70 responses to the recent Background Check survey. This has given us much needed data to demonstrate the sense of urgency and current challenges with the background check system at DCFS.
Our state lobbyists, J & J, created a summarized Fact Sheet and presented it to Illinois Legislators last week and received much support. Stay tuned. |
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ILLINOIS HEAD START PARENTS TRAVEL TO WASHINGTON DC TO MEET WITH LAWMAKERS - Parents Share Firsthand Experiences To Help Shape the Future of Head Start |
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Illinois Head Start parents, (left to right) Karen Velazquez (Catholic Charities/Joliet, IL), Samantha Jolliff (Riverbend Head Start & Family Services/Alton, IL), Brianna LoBurgio (Henry Booth House/Chicago, IL) and IHSA ED Lauri Morrison-Frichtl were in Washington, D.C. last week as part of Parents Unite, a nationwide, parent-led advocacy movement powered by the National Head Start Association (NHSA) in coordination with the Illinois Head Start Association and other Head Start programs and associations nationwide.
Karen, Samantha, and Brianna joined more than 100 parents from across the country. They met directly with members of Congress and their staff to share personal experiences and highlight the impact Head Start has on children, families, and communities across the state. Illinois parents brought firsthand perspectives to Capitol Hill, sharing how Head Start has supported their children’s development, strengthened school readiness, made it possible for families to work and pursue education, and helped build stability for families in both urban and rural communities—from Chicago to Central and Southern Illinois.
“Head Start changes lives—not only for children, but for entire families,” said Lauri Morrison-Frichtl. “When parents share their stories directly with lawmakers, they bring the reality of what families are facing in Illinois into the room. Their voices are essential to protecting and strengthening Head Start for the next generation.”
As Congress considers funding for the upcoming fiscal year, Illinois parents are emphasizing the importance of continued federal investment to meet the needs of children and families in communities across the state. |
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EARLY CHILDHOOD ACCESS CONSORTIUM FOR EQUITY (ECACE) SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM |
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ECACE was created to address the shortage of qualified early childhood educators and build a strong, well-prepared workforce by encouraging those who want to further their education. The scholarship helps pay the cost of attendance for an academic year up to $7,500 for students attending eligible 2- and 4-year public and non-profit private colleges in Illinois. Recipients are expected to continue working or return to work in the early childhood care and education field in Illinois after completing their studies. |
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HUDDLE with IHSA: Wednesday, April 29 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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The Vanessa Rich Leadership Experience (VRLE)
is for anyone in a leadership or management role at an Illinois HS/EHS program.
Times: Monday: 12PM—5PM / Tuesday: 8:30AM—5:00PM / Wednesday: 8:30AM—12:00PM Special Registration Discount for teams of 3 and more. |
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HERRINGTON INN & SPA, Geneva, IL: ROOM BLOCK Available |
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The Herrington Inn & Spa is a charming AAA 4-Diamond boutique retreat overlooking the Fox River in Geneva, Illinois. With European-style architecture, elegant accommodations,
and personalized hospitality, this venue offers a quaint and intimate setting for our retreat. Call 630.208.7433 and mention Illinois Head Start. The hotel block closes May 1. |
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HELP US PLAN 2026-2027 PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT |
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IHSA uses your input to decide what training and professional development to offer each year. Share what topics matter most to you, what format works best for your schedule, and what's getting in the way of your team accessing PD.
Your answers directly shape what goes on the calendar. If there's a topic you've been wanting IHSA to address or a format that would work better for you and your staff, this is where to say it. |
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| Takes just 5 minutes! Survey closes Friday, May 1, 2026. |
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THIS WEEK'S FEATURED COLLECTION: Head Start Blocks |
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The iconic Head Start logo features two stacked blocks and an upward arrow to show how the program helps children get a "head start" in life. The blocks represent the essential building blocks of development - education, health, and social well-being - that serve as the stable base for a child's growth. The colors represent the American flag.
Together these elements reflect a philosophy of stability and progress and is a reminder that a solid base leads to a lifelong opportunity and success. Available as earrings, tattoos, mugs, shot glasses, stickers, and more! |
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Great to wear with Pride, Display with Purpose, & Gift with Appreciation! |
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| Put on your Head Start gear
—shirts, mugs, or handmade blocks— and capture a photo with your Head Start team. Post it using #HeadStartBirthday and tag @IHSA to show
Head Start pride from every corner of Illinois! |
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QUESTION True or False: Staff-Parent Conferences take the place of a Home Visit.
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: What is the difference between Head Start and Early Head Start? Answers: Head Start serves children ages 3-5 and Early Head Start serves children ages 0-2 plus pregnant mothers.
Winner: Jennifer Spengler, Lead Family Advocate of Riverbend Head Start & Family Services in Collinsville! Look out in the mail for your prize from our friends at The Discovery Source and 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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