A weekly communication source for keeping you updated on the latest local/state/federal HS/EHS information |
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HEAD START ALUMNI: B. Johnson - Foundation for Success |
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I still remember sitting in a group, coloring with my classmates at Head Start in 1990. It seemed simple at the time, but looking back, it was one of my earliest experiences working alongside others, sharing space, and learning patience.
One lesson that has stuck with me ever since is to be careful with my words—you can’t take them back, and you never truly know someone else’s story. Now, as a Level Four Controls Engineer at Woodward, I see how those early lessons in teamwork and communication still impact me today. Head Start was the first building block in my education, setting me on a path toward earning my Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering.
To my Head Start educators, thank you for being patient and for believing in me before I even understood the power of learning. |
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Got a breakthrough moment, classroom win, or family success story? Send it our way to share with the community! |
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VRLE CLASS OF 2026: Fifty-Five Leaders, One Journey |
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The Vanessa Rich Leadership Experience (VRLE) brought together fifty-five Head Start and Early Head Start leaders from across Illinois for a transformative three-day journey.
The experience began rooted in Vanessa’s legacy and the story of a single brick, setting the tone as leaders stepped into the wilderness together. By the second day, the group moved into the "wilderness of the mind," taking the work outside along the river to face quiet doubts and find an antidote in each other's shared experiences. On the final day, the focus turned to the journey home, helping leaders build a metaphorical "power suit" to carry their renewed strength back to their communities.
The same leaders who walked in on Monday left more ready for the work ahead, and for the children, families, and teams who need them. Thank you to everyone who made these three days possible. In the spirit of Vanessa’s words, we each craft our one brick as well as we can, and trust the next to carry it forward. |
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2026 DIRECTORS INSTITUTE: Faced Together, One Shared Commitment |
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Dozens of Head Start directors from across Illinois gathered in Geneva for three days of deep learning, real conversation, and connection. Together, leaders reinforced a vital truth: no Head Start leader is in this alone. The event kicked off by grounding leaders with a reflection on sustaining the heart of the work by Yolanda Winfrey, followed by a practical session with Rhett Cecil of the Indiana Head Start Association on proving community value using the Economic Impact Tool.
Day 2 tackled the heavy issues shaping Head Start's future. It began with an interactive "Advocacy in Action" session, where J&J Legislative lobbyists used role-play to show directors how the case for Head Start is made in the Illinois legislature. Next, Lauri Morrison-Frichtl and Donna Emmons facilitated "Future of Head Start," taking a hard look at leading through federal uncertainty, flat funding, and proposed requirement changes. The demanding day wrapped up with a candid "Heart to Heart" discussion on leadership and resilience with Ann Linehan, former Acting Director of the Office of Head Start.
The final day focused on navigating the broader landscape, offering crisis communication tools from Lauren Lawson-Zilai and an Illinois "State of the State" update on Smart Start Grants and the transition to the new Department of Early Childhood. Three days and dozens of directors, all united by one shared commitment. Thank you to everyone who showed up—the vital work you do for Illinois children and families continues. |
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OMB Proposes BIG Changes to Uniform Guidance
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From CAPLAW, OMB Proposes Significant Changes to the Uniform Guidance CAPLAW, June 1, 2026
On Friday, May 29, 2026, the federal Office of Management and Budget (OMB) published proposed revisions to the framework governing federal grants management and the use of federal grant funds. The proposal covers Title 2 of the Code of Federal Regulations, including 2 CFR Part 200, the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (Uniform Guidance). If implemented, these changes would affect the operations and use of federal funds by all federal grant recipients, including Community Action Agencies (CAAs).
OMB cites three main objectives for the proposed revisions: (1) improving “transparency, accountability, and oversight” over the use of federal funds; (2) clarifying the status of the Uniform Guidance as a binding regulation; and (3) reducing recipient burden. Major themes include a focus on using federal funds for the core principles authorized by funding source statutes and other applicable laws; enabling a federal agency and pass-through entities to exercise discretion throughout the life cycle of a grant to ensure compliance with administration priorities and policies; and expanding the type of applicant that may apply for and receive federal funding.
Many of the proposed changes align with the policy goals of the current administration. OMB points to several recent executive orders (EOs), including EO 14332: Improving Oversight of Federal Grantmaking, as supporting or requiring these changes. Based on an initial review, [one of the many] key changes include:
- Implementing the principles and concepts in EOs related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and gender identity and ideology.
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Emphasizing a federal agency’s discretion to terminate a grant if the agency determines it no longer advances agency priorities or the national interest and allowing for temporary suspension of funding within this context
- Requiring prior approval for previously allowable costs, such as conference attendance (§ 200.438) and memberships or subscriptions (§ 200.454).
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Prohibiting the use of federal funds to support a handful of political activities conducted in a nonpartisan manner, such as issue advocacy and voter registration drives. While these activities are already prohibited under the CSBG and Head Start Acts, the Head Start Act specifically allows voter registration to occur at Head Start facilities if certain criteria are met. The Head Start Act statutory provision would override this proposed regulation if it were finalized as is (§ 200.450).
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What does this mean for Head Start/Early Head Start? |
Potential Conflicts with the Head Start Act: - Political Approval of Grants Instead of Merit-Based Review
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Authority to Terminate Grants Based on Changing Agency Priorities
- Restrictions on Activities Related to Equity and Inclusion
- Expanded Federal Authority Over Local Program Operations
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Comments on the compensation NPRM are due Thursday, June 11th at 11:59pm ET. |
A reminder to submit comments on the wages & benefits NPRM by Thursday, June 11th. There are no exceptions to the deadline, so be sure to allow plenty of time for submission. Your IHSA took full advantage of having 60 staff members at the Vanessa Rich Leadership training and 30 directors at the Annual Directors Institute last week to gather feedback, comments, and reflections on the NPRM. We asked both groups to respond to the following questions:
- In your experience, are current Head Start wages sufficient to attract and retain qualified professionals? Why or why not?
- What message does eliminating federal compensation standards send to the Head Start workforce?
- If you were speaking directly to federal decision-makers, what would you want them to know before making a final decision on this proposed rule?
- What personal story or experience best illustrates why this issue matters?
- What recommendations would you make to strengthen—not weaken—support for the Head Start workforce?
- Imagine Head Start five years from now. What would a strong, sustainable workforce look like, and what needs to happen to get there?
Also, a special thank you to our board members who also responded to these questions. All of the feedback informed the IHSA comments. Our comments are attached HERE.
HHS is accepting comments in response to the NPRM until 11:59pm E.T. on June 11, 2026. PLEASE, follow the link and submit your own comments. You can cut and paste the language from the IHSA comments or use language from the "talking points". Remember, the Director of OHS recommended that we submit as many comments as possible. Let's do this!
Talking points
Summary from EdCounsel |
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TELL CONGRESS TO INCREASE FUNDING FOR HEAD START IN FY27 |
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The President’s FY27 budget proposal maintains current funding levels for Head Start. However, it does not include an increase to account for rising operational costs, including workforce, food, fuel, rent, and utilities. With that in mind, we need every member of Congress to hear from as many of us as possible – in a loud, clear, and unified voice – that Head Start needs increased funding in FY27 for a meaningful cost-of-living adjustment, quality improvement funding to maximize capacity and impact of the program, and additional support for nutritious food.
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| Take two minutes to email your Members of Congress and urge them to support increased funding for Head Start! |
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THIS WEEK'S FEATURED IHSA PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT TRAINING: Head Start 101 |
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This training is a comprehensive exploration of the Head Start program. Participants grasp the essence of Head Start's mission and impact. Develop a comprehensive understanding of the historical background, fundamental principles, operations, legislation, and critical importance of the Early Learning Outcome Framework and the Parent, Family, and Community Engagement Framework in the Head Start program. This training is designed to cater to a diverse audience providing participants with a solid foundation. Through a blend of interactive workshop, participants will emerge with a strong foundation to contribute positively to the early care and education and well-being of young children and families in the HS/EHS community.
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EQUITY MATTERS: UNDER THE SURFACE - How Racism Continues to Shape Fraud Narratives in Public Benefits |
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June 25, Thursday at Noon (Central)
This is the next installment of CLASP’s Equity Matters series, which will focus on how racism is at the root of shaping the fraud narratives in public benefits that are prevalent in the current national discourse.
A panel of experts will discuss the history of racism in public benefits, the ways that fraud narratives harm individuals and families, how policies have either responded to or refuted these narratives, and how advocates and lawmakers can support both public benefits recipients and administrators. |
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HUDDLE with IHSA: Wednesday, June 10 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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Every purchase supports our IHSA Dollar Per Child Campaign
which supports IHSA's advocacy & awareness work! |
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THIS WEEK'S FEATURED ITEM: Head Start Blocks Shot Glasses |
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| - 1.5oz glass with blue tint bottom.
- Pick-Up in Chicago option available.
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Great to Wear with Pride, Display with Purpose, & Gift with Appreciation! |
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QUESTION: Can Head Start be found in every Congressional District in the US?
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 - Head Start can be found in each of the 50 states in America.
Answer: True! Including Washington DC and US Territories, like Puerto Rico, Guam, US Virgin Islands, American Samoa, and Northern Mariana Islands.
Winner: Judy Gann, Executive Secretary of Riverbend Head Start & Family Services in Alton! 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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