A weekly communication source for keeping you updated on the latest local/state/federal HS/EHS information |
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CHICAGO COMMONS HONORS HEAD START FAMILY SERVICES |
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Chicago Commons recently honored their Head Start Family Services team—the heart of partnership with parents and caregivers.
Special shout-outs to: Yuliana Torres (FWS), Gennesis Mizhquiri (FW), Arthur Webb (FWS), Carmelita Moreno (FW), Lizette Lopez (FW), Alexander Valle (FW), Maria Bahena (FWS), Leticia Muñoz (FW), Maryann Alejandre (FW), Shawntella Turner (FWS), Liliana Guardado (FW), Yaritza Salgado (FW), Sarah Meier (FW), Annie Garcia (ERSEA Manager), and Yomara Mata (FCE Director) for the care, commitment, and advocacy they bring to our families every day.
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2026 THE VANESSA RICH PROGRAM LEADERSHIP AWARD - Recognizes the Program That Demonstrates Exceptional Leadership, Innovation, & Commitment to the Head Start Mission: TWO RIVERS HEAD START in Aurora, IL |
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The Vanessa Rich Program Leadership Award celebrates the legacy of a true visionary, Vanessa Ann Rich.
Vanessa was a courageous leader, a relentless advocate for children and families, and a voice for quality and equity in early education. From her start as a Head Start volunteer in 1965 to her service as Deputy Commissioner for the City of Chicago and Chair of the National Head Start Association Board of Directors, Vanessa dedicated her life to ensuring that all children—especially those from our most vulnerable communities—had the opportunity to thrive.
She inspired those around her to think bigger, work harder, and act boldly in the service of others. As she loved to remind us, “Head Start doesn’t stop on the front porch—it comes all the way into the house.”
The Vanessa Rich Program Leadership Award is presented annually to an Illinois Head Start or Early Head Start program that embodies that same spirit of persistence, creativity, and excellence—programs that not only deliver high-quality services but also lead their communities with innovation, compassion, and courage.
This year, we are proud to recognize Two Rivers Head Start in Aurora, IL.
Two Rivers Head Start has demonstrated exceptional leadership in uniting families, staff, and community partners toward a shared vision: ensuring every child and family receives the support they need to succeed. |
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| Two River's Executive Director Kelly Neidel
accepts the honor with her PFCE Katie Rife holding up the award banner with Mayra Sandoval, CFO. |
The traveling Vanessa Rich Program Leadership Award Plaque honors Two Rivers Head Start Agency and past program recipients. |
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Their team has their fingers on the pulse of their communities, responding with innovation and empathy. They model collaborative leadership, cultivate future leaders, and inspire others across Illinois to raise the bar for quality Head Start services.
Their commitment reflects the very essence of Vanessa Rich’s legacy—vision paired with action, passion grounded in purpose, and leadership that empowers others to lead.
By honoring Two Rivers Head Start, we honor the power of community, the drive for excellence, and the flame of leadership that continues to burn brightly in the Head Start family.
Congratulations to Two Rivers Head Start in Aurora, recipient of the 2026 Illinois Head Start Association Vanessa Rich Program Leadership Award.
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WASHINGTON DC UPDATES: What's Going On Right Now |
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The Supporting Early-Childhood Educators’ Deductions (SEED) Act
The House unanimously passed the bipartisan SEED Act last week, extending the educator expense tax deduction for the first time to early childhood educators so they can deduct the cost of classroom supplies (just like K-12 teachers already can!). It’s a long-overdue step toward recognizing the essential work of our early educators and strengthening the child care sector. |
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Farm Bill Package
THe House advanced a Farm Bill package that includes support for rural child care, incorporating provisions of the bipartisan Expanding Childcare in Rural America Act to address the availability, quality, and cost of child care in agricultural and rural communities. |
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Farm, Food, & National Security Act of 2026
The House Farm Bill, the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026, H.R. 7567, passed 224–200 on Thursday. The bill fails to reverse the $187 billion in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) cuts enacted under the budget reconciliation law, H.R. 1. |
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BABIES CAN'T WAIT POSTCARDS: Your Early Intervention Stories |
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Illinois' Early Intervention (EI) program provides critical services to children under age 3 who have or are at risk for significant developmental delays and disabilities. Recent increases to the state's EI budget have not been nearly enough to ensure equitable access to the life-changing developmental services and supports that EI provides.
Thousands of families are still waiting for the EI services to which they are legally entitled. Service delays are tied directly to the program’s ongoing workforce crisis. EI providers continue to leave the program because the math doesn’t add up. |
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Inviting Disability Coordinators, Family Support Staff
and Home Visitors: If your families have been impacted by EI, fill out a postcard below and share their story! |
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WTTW KIDS ACTIVITY CALENDAR: May 2026 |
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WTTW’s monthly activity calendars were developed to give parents, teachers, and caregivers ideas for activities to do with their children.
Several of these activities are simple, no materials needed and provide opportunities for children to build on their current skills.
Featuring this month are activities focused on Mother’s Day, Spring and Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month. |
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IN SEARCH FOR A HEAD START EQUIPPED BUS? Head Start Bus for Sale |
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Pre-owned 2025 Chevy TransTech gas school bus with 600 miles. |
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| Capacity: 24 or 22 children in integrated seats + monitor. |
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HUDDLE with IHSA: Wednesday, May 6 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 Directors Institute is for anyone who is a Head Start or Early Head Start Director at an Illinois HS/EHS program. Times: Wednesday: 12PM—5PM / Thursday : 8:00AM—5:00PM / Friday: 8:030AM—12:00PM |
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THIS WEEK'S FEATURED COLLECTION: Head Start Blocks |
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Great to Wear with Pride, Display with Purpose, & Gift with Appreciation!
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Also available as tattoos, stickers, and more! |
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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: What do the red stripes on the Head Start logo symbolize?
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: True or False - Staff-Parent Conferences take the place of a Home Visit. Answers: False. The objectives of the Staff-Parent Conferences and a Home Visit differ greatly. They should not replace each other.
Winner: Felicia Murray, Local Author/Owner of Sistah Love Salads in Peoria! Look out in the mail for your prize from our IHSA Boutique! |
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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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