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MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

Lake Shore Schools & Tiny Giants Early Learning Centers Chicago

In light of the current staffing crisis our field is facing, Lake Shore Schools (Henry Booth House) wanted to share their press release about obtaining the Great Place to Work certification this year. Congratulations! 

This certification is a testament to their commitment to maintaining a positive and supportive workplace culture where staff feel valued, supported, and engaged.

See the full press release.  

The organization’s vision is to be the center of choice for families and staff in the communities they serve by providing elevated care for their children and a positive, supportive environment for the teachers to grow, lead, and inspire.  

TGIF – Tiny Giants Is Family is something in which we firmly believe. The community created since we opened our doors is growing and expanding to meet the needs of our diverse neighbors. We pride ourselves in helping to connect our families and create lifelong friendships.  We have a responsibility to give back to the community we are in. We participate in several charity events throughout the year for north side communities as well as for our families and staff.

Do 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.

STATE LEVEL

Early Childhood Education and Care Transition

Transition Advisory Committee Meets This Week 

Stay informed about the new agency transition during the following upcoming opportunity: 

Friday, September 20

12:00–1:00 pm
Transition Update and Listening Session 

Members of the public may join in “listen-only” mode. 

Here's zoom link  -  https://aftonpartners.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIvceusrzkiHtRZ--VqeStGqErt53Z010Jp#/registration    

NATIONAL LEVEL

Update from DC

Capitol Hill
Back to school feel in DC.  Lots of noise about DC, but not a lot moving. 

Continuing Resolution - something has to happen by the end of September to prevent a shutdown. No one expects a shutdown to happen. We do not have any programs in IL who have an October 1 fiscal year. 

We are expecting Continuing Resolution proposals over the next couple of weeks. Expect a clean Continuing Resolution and a flat extension past election, possibly into January. 

2023 Expansion Funds

Currently OHS is negotiating but have not officially announced final grant recipients..  These must be awarded by September 30th.  On another note, Grant Forecast posted IL grants that are in recompetition.  Go to grants.gov. for further information.

BRIGHT INNOVATIVE PRACTICES

Learn About Our Bright Innovative Practices Initiative

We have an easy to follow step-by-step guide (see details) on how to participate in the IHSA Innovative Bright Practices Initiative. It involves a Review of the Criteria; Identifying Your Innovative Practice; Submission of your Materials; Sharing them with IHSA; Celebrating Your Success; and Staying Connected.

By following these steps, you can actively participate in the IHSA Innovative Bright Practices Initiative and contribute to the advancement of Head Start/Early Head Start throughout Illinois!  

Reminder: we enjoy celebrating the Innovative Practices from around the state with one another during our Annual IHSA Conference (Feb. 19-21, 2025 at the President Abraham Lincoln Hotel in Springfield so mark your calendar). 

LEARNING LAUNCHPAD

IHSA Partner - The Discovery Source

RESOURCE ROUNDUP

Substance Use Disorder Resources

Here are ways to share mental health resources with your community  

• Partner with organizations - Collaborate with educational institutions, mission-based organizations, and community organizations to provide mental health resources. For example, you can partner with schools to host events, offer mental health services, or develop programs to promote access to health care. 
• Advocate for safe spaces - Work to create safe spaces where people can feel comfortable talking about their mental health, such as in schools, community centers, or spiritual gathering places. 

• Educate others - Talk to your community about the importance of creating welcoming and inclusive spaces for people with mental health challenges. 
• Organize events - Work with community organizations to organize events and activities that promote mental health and well-being. For example, you can set up booths at health fairs or community festivals to provide information about mental health. 
• Encourage physical activity - Physical activity can improve mental wellness by releasing endorphins that boost mood and reduce stress. You can organize community walks, runs, or sports events to encourage regular exercise. 
• Use shareable resources - The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) has digital shareable resources that you can use to raise awareness about mental health in your community. 
• Use hashtags - Use the hashtag #shareNIMH (or others) in your social media posts to connect with people and organizations with similar goals.  

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