A weekly communication source for keeping you updated on the latest local/state/federal HS/EHS information |
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HEAD START PARENT: Dawn Johnson Kanzler - Growing with Head Start |
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Head Start changed my life in ways I never expected.
When my son enrolled in the program, he received speech pathology services that helped him navigate his dyslexia and speech impairment, giving him the tools he needed to succeed.
At the same time, Head Start supported me by offering an internship in the fiscal office at Tri-County Opportunities Council in Rock Falls, which became the foundation for my career.
I was also elected as the Policy Council Chairperson, an opportunity that helped me grow personally and professionally. The program’s commitment to family and community partnerships empowered us to reach our goals.
To the incredible Head Start team—thank you for believing in us; we wouldn’t be where we are today without you! |
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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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FROM HEAD START PARENTS to PROGRAM LEADERS: Western Egyptian Head Start Celebrates Full-Circle Impact |
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Western Egyptian EOC Head Start in Steeleville proudly celebrates the dedication, passion, and heart of its incredible staff. Out of 54 staff members, 28 are former Head Start parents. Even more remarkable, 7 out of the 8 management team members are also past parents.
This is more than a statistic—it is a powerful reflection of the impact Head Start has on families and communities. It is both impressive and inspiring to see individuals who once trusted the program with their children now choosing to dedicate their careers to supporting other families on that same journey. Their commitment speaks volumes about the lasting difference Head Start makes.
The program doesn’t just serve children and families—it grows leaders. It empowers parents, builds confidence, and creates pathways for them to become professionals who help shape the future of the program and community. Having such a large percentage of staff and leadership who are former parents is truly remarkable and sets the program apart. |
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The agency is also proud to share that one staff member was once a child who attended Western Egyptian EOC Head Start during its summer pilot program. This full-circle moment is a testament to the generational impact of the program's work, where children grow up, return, and give back to the very program that helped shape their early learning experience. The staff is a true reflection of the community it serves, honoring the inspiring journeys from participant and parent to professional. This is the heart of Head Start. |
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The Regulatory Impact Analysis identifies the practical consequences of the proposed changes: - 16% Increase in average children per teacher.
- 8% Children who become Ineligible.
- 13% Potential Reduction in Required teachers.
- 6% Potential Salary reduction for management positions.
- Two-thirds Administrative-cost reduction sought.
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OVERVIEW OF WHAT THE NPRM REGULATORY IMPACT ANALYSIS TELLS US |
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Across the proposal, the same pattern appears: fewer people, less time, less flexibility, and more burden on families. Here's a few we're identifying as of importance: - Larger classes. Fewer teachers.
- Lower compensation for Head Start leaders.
- Eligibility barriers for families who need Head Start most.
- Shorter days. Fewer days of service.
- Reduce/Eliminate Home Visitors and Child Care Specialists.
- Reduced Language Capacity for Dual Language Learners (aka English only).
- Fewer bus monitors.
- Cut Administrative Cap from 15% to 5%.
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Drastically shrink coaching capacity.
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TAKE ACTION: Protect the Promise - Protect the Standards |
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This NPRM not only affects our Head Start families, children, but ourselves, the dedicated Head Start and Early Head Start staff who pour our hard work, love, and compassion to serving the community.
It's time to come together and stand up for our Head Start families and us. |
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You've been thinking about it...
Submit a comment! No one knows Head Start better than you. So tell the Administration what you really think! Your Voice Matters. It really does.
Current comment count: 4,197 Goal: 1,000,000.
Deadline: October 6 (41 days left). |
It doesn't need to be fancy. Just real. |
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| Follow us on our socials and watch how the Illinois Head Start community is speaking up and out about the
importance of keeping the Standards whole.
HS staff, directors, parents and friends are busting myths and getting real about how the NPRM will harm our families and staff.
Upload your own stories and tag us! #ProtectTheStandards #ILheadstart |
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IHSA in the News: WTTW Chicago Tonight |
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Last week, IHSA's Executive Director Lauri Morrison-Frichtl spoke up on behalf of Head Start children, families, and staff during a conversation hosted by WTTW Chicago Tonight’s Jessica Watts. Lauri strongly advocated for the program and voiced opposition to positions presented by former Republican gubernatorial candidate Ted Dabrowski. |
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IHSA SOCIAL MEDIA CAMPAIGN CARDS: "Battle Tested, Proven Worthy..." Series |
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This 9-card series emphasizes Head Start's effectiveness and return on investment. We'll feature one a week. Feel free to look ahead, download all, and share widely. |
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HUDDLE with IHSA: Wednesday, August 26 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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2026-2027 QUALITY ENRICHMENT CIRCLES (QECs): Registration Now! |
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Quality Enrichment Circles (QECs) are IHSA’s signature communities of practice for Head Start and Early Head Start in Illinois. No more registering session-by-session. ONE Subscription gets you:
- Access to all six QEC groups.
- Virtual sessions from October 2026 through April 2027.
- Peer-led facilitation by Content Area Experts (CAEs).
- Occasional guest speakers and topic-specific presentations.
- Access to session materials and shared resources, when available.
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Get the early scoop to the end-of-year Vanessa Rich Experience Retreat (VRLE).
- Flexibility to attend sessions that fit your role, interest, or schedule.
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| Save the date - First QEC is October 13! |
Grab 4 of your HS/EHS colleagues to register at a discounted rate! |
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CELEBRATING 25 YEARS OF ILLINOIS EARLY LEARNING |
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This year, Illinois Early Learning (IEL) reaches its quarter-century mark. Read their blog, Celebrating 25 Years of IEL (2001-2026), to learn more about how the project began and what it has accomplished along the way. Further your understanding of IEL’s mission by reading another new publication, How the Illinois Early Learning Project is Helping Families, Teachers, and Young Children Thrive.
Finally, plan to celebrate with them in person at several early childhood conferences in Illinois this upcoming year - including IHSA's Annual Conference in March 2027. Just look for the 25th birthday decorations on the IEL table! |
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Every purchase fuels our Dollar Per Child Campaign
which supports IHSA's advocacy & awareness work! |
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FEATURED EVENTS: Pop-Up Boutiques in Mendota and Chicago |
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Tri-Counties Opportunity Council (TCOC) Head Start's staff was so helpful with unloading and loading all the Pop-Up Boutique wares, including the girls! |
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| IHSA's ED Lauri Morrison-Frichtl (you gotta squint) at Christopher House's Pop-Up Boutique before her HSPPS Standards Training to its staff. |
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Great to Wear with Pride, Display with Purpose, & Gift with Appreciation! |
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QUESTION: True or False - This Administration proposes to implement English-speaking only in classroom instruction, child assessments and family enrollment and engagement activities (except Tribal programs).
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 Act of Congress authorized the Head Start program? Answer: The Head Start Act.
Winner: This was a tricky one (sorry!) No winner this week - try again next week! |
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What's going on at your Head Start Program?
Share your recent program 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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