A weekly communication source for keeping you updated on the latest local/state/federal HS/EHS information |
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Community Effort Provides Essential School Supplies for Over 140 Children at Annual Pen & Pencil Drive |
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The Annual Pen & Pencil Drive at the Cantu Children & Family Center was a resounding success, thanks to the partnership with LAMA Chicago-West. Over 50 bikers participated, delivering school supplies and backpacks to more than 140 children. The event provided essential materials for students to start the school year prepared. LAMA's (Latin American Motorcycle Association) contribution of backpacks, filled with pens, pencils, and other necessary supplies, supported local families in need. The children left the event ready for the school year, and the impact of LAMA’s generosity will be felt by these families throughout the coming months.
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This initiative underscored the effectiveness of community involvement in addressing resource gaps. Events like these reinforce the importance of collective action and the positive outcomes that can be achieved when organizations and communities collaborate. #BackToSchool #ElValorChicago #CommunitySupport #LAMA |
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You have a story to share with the Head Start and Early Head Start Community? Share it with IHSA so we may feature it in our next update. Click button to share. |
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Office of Head Start (OHS) Release Final Rule on Updated Head Start Program Performance Standards (HSPPS) |
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The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), the Office of Head Start (OHS) has proposed new regulations aimed at strengthening the Head Start workforce and ensuring consistent program quality across the country. This initiative focuses on addressing the ongoing challenges of staff recruitment and retention by offering flexible staffing requirements, training opportunities, and support. The proposed changes prioritize maintaining the high quality of Head Start services while recognizing the need to adapt to workforce constraints, ensuring children and families continue to receive the benefits of these vital programs.
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These updated Performance Standards provide clear federal requirements for: -
Wages and benefits to support the Head Start workforce
- Better integration of mental health across all aspects of Head Start programming
- Quality improvement and clarity of requirements in other service areas
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Check out this page for information on where changes have been made to the Performance Standards, clarifying and promotional materials, and resources to support the implementation process.
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Navigating the New Head Start Final Rule: Support and Resources Available |
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If you spent your weekend reading the "Preview Final Rule on Supporting the Head Start Workforce and Consistent Quality Programming," you're not alone. Many of us are digesting the implications of this significant update, and the Office of Head Start (OHS) is stepping in to provide clarity. |
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the magnitude of these updates, rest assured that you’re not alone. Thankfully, the National Head Start Association (NHSA) is organizing a series of webinars to help guide us through the changes. Here are some upcoming opportunities to engage with the material and gather insights from peers and experts alike: |
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Thursday, August 22 at 2:00 PM ET
"Entering the Next Phase: Final Rule on Head Start Program Performance Standards:" NHSA will host its first webinar to provide an overview of the final rule, share initial thoughts, and gather feedback from participants. |
Thursday, September 12 at 2:00 PM ET
"Preparation for Final Rule: Assess. Plan. Execute." Series: A 6 part series webinar that will include practical work, facilitated by NHSA or identified experts to support programs in preparing for the change that is to come. Provide NHSA membership programs an opportunity to work through each piece of the NPRM/Final Rule to determine where they will need to put forth efforts to meet compliance set forth by the Office of Head Start.
In addition to the workshop facilitation, NHSA will provide an organizational tool that will maximize efficiency when programs are thinking through the NPRM/Final Rule and determining where and to what extent change will be needed. |
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Wednesday, August 28 at 1:30 PM ET
Join this webinar for a detailed review of changes to the Head Start Program Performance Standards made through the final rule, Supporting the Head Start Workforce and Consistent Quality Programming. Learn more about specific changes to support staff wages, benefits, and wellness. The webinar also features implementation strategies and timelines.
This webinar is offered with simultaneous interpretation in Spanish. |
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IHSA Offers Resources and Onsite Training to Help You Navigate the Final Rule |
At the Illinois Head Start Association (IHSA), we're committed to supporting your efforts in navigating these updates. We'll be collecting resources, policies, and procedures and posting them in our HSPPS Final Rule Library for easy access.
In addition, if your team needs more personalized assistance, we're offering onsite training sessions to provide an overview of the final rule and its requirements.
As always, we’re here to support you during this transition. Please don't hesitate to reach out with questions, concerns, or to share your thoughts on the new rule. Please feel free to share them with IHSA. Contact IHSA's Executive Director, Lauri Morrison-Frichtl, lfrichtl@ilheadstart.org.
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Don't Miss the Final Rules Track at the Region 5 Head Start Association Conference |
For those attending the Region 5 Head Start Conference, there will be a dedicated track on the Final Rules. This is an excellent opportunity to hear directly from the OHS and connect with colleagues across the region as we all work through these changes together. A reminder: the hotel is filling up quickly, so make your reservations soon to secure the reduced rate. Register for the conference and make your hotel reservations.
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Supporting Head Start: Why It Matters |
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Did you know that the Illinois Head Start Association focuses on advocacy and raising awareness about the vital role Head Start and Early Head Start programs play in children's lives? IHSA's initiatives highlight the powerful connection between Head Start/Early Head Start professionals and families, emphasizing how their combined efforts build strong foundations for children's growth and success.
Through storytelling, partnerships, and community engagement, the Power of Two campaign amplifies the voices of those involved in Head Start and brings attention to the ongoing need for support and resources. This initiative showcases how collaboration can create positive, lasting change for children and families across Illinois.
Learn more about the Power of Two campaign and IHSA's advocacy and awareness efforts. Discover how you can support the #heartwork you and your colleagues do every day to give children and families a #headstart. |
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IHSA Provides Poverty Simulation Training! |
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The Illinois Head Start Association (IHSA) provides onsite Poverty Simulation Training, designed to help participants better understand the complexities of poverty. Recently conducted in Chicagoland, the training received positive feedback for its ability to highlight the real-life challenges low-income individuals and families face.
This training helps participants:
- Gain a deeper understanding of poverty's impact
- Develop empathy through role-playing scenarios
- Enhance problem-solving skills for addressing poverty-related issues
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Improve service delivery for low-income populations
- Raise awareness and encourage community engagement
To schedule a Poverty Simulation Training, contact Cathy Welsh, IHSA Director of Professional Development, at cwelsh@ilheadstart.org.
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Helping Children Transition Smoothly: Tips for Daily Routines |
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The PBS Parents article, "Smoother Transitions to Help Your Child Through Daily Routines," offers practical tips to make everyday transitions easier for young children. It emphasizes the importance of preparing kids for change by using consistent routines, creating visual reminders, and offering choices to help them feel more in control. For children in Head Start and Early Head Start programs, these strategies can be particularly helpful in building a sense of security and independence as they navigate their day. Share this valuable resource with the families in your program to support smoother transitions at home and in their daily routines.
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| Share 'The Scoop' with your team! |
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