A weekly communication source for keeping you updated on the latest local/state/federal HS/EHS information |
|
|
NPR REPORT ON HEAD START WORKFORCE |
|
|
NPR Report (10-21-24)
NPR's report last week, "Biden wants Head Start teachers to get a raise. But it's unclear who will pay for it." The story follows a teacher from Pullman, Michigan. Read the full story, HERE.
NPR Report (10-23-24)
These teachers often live in poverty. A pay raise could help — but there’s a cost. Read transcript HERE. |
|
Head Start is facing a workforce shortage and we need additional funding from Congress to meet the requirements for the recently enacted new program performance standards. Without that increased funding, programs might be forced to reduce enrollment.
We need your help: Please take two minutes right now to write to your members of Congress and urge them to provide the necessary additional funding to sustain Head Start. Send Your E-Letter to Congress Now! HERE |
|
|
FINALLY NHSA TAKING ACTION |
|
|
On Tuesday, NHSA’s Board of Directors sent a letter to Secretary Xavier Becerra at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) expressing the Head Start community’s deep concern around the uneven, distracting, and seemingly unfair practice of determining deficiencies, conducting Risk Assessment Notification (RAN) reviews, and communicating back with Head Start grant recipients in a timely manner. The board discussed the community’s frustrations at the September board meeting and asked the Secretary for a meeting to discuss potential solutions in the letter. You can read the full letter HERE.
|
|
|
Meeting held at Start Early with ACF |
|
|
|
The Administration for Children & Families (ACF) was in Chicago recently and announced the new HS/EHS expansion funding and state PDG awardees. Start Early hosted a roundtable meeting with Katie Hamm, ACF Deputy Assistant Secretary for Early Childhood Development, and Jeff Hilde, ACF Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary. |
|
|
Start Early is the only awardee from IL to receive expansion funding. For the press release, please click HERE. Illinois did not receive PDG funding. Several questions were asked, of course you know FEI was one of them. |
|
|
2024R5CON / NOV 5TH - NOV 8TH / CHICAGO |
|
|
DON'T MISS ALL THE EXCITING EXTRAS! |
|
COME TO LEARN, STAY TO PLAY! THINGS TO DO & EAT IN CHICAGO . . Chicago boasts 2.7 million residents, 126 skyscrapers, 77 neighborhoods, 300 playgrounds, and more than 8,000 restaurants!
With so much to see and do, it's hard to choose how to spend your free time. So we put together a list of Chicago favorites to share, personally chosen by IHSA staff!
See for yourself.
Our favorites are excited to offer exclusive promotion codes just for Region 5 Head Start Association Conference attendees!
Take advantage of these fun deals and make memories with each other! After all, you DESERVE to learn AND PLAY! |
|
|
Counting the days until our R5CON’24 “Guardians of the Future!”
Just eleven more days and we’ll be in Chicago preparing for the Region 5 Head Start Conference. Currently registration is at 789 and still aiming at reaching the 1000 mark! Last time, in 2022, we had 896 attendees registration. Let’s at least break the record of the 2022 conference! You can help - by spreading the word - and sharing our registration link.
To get you and your colleagues “fired up” see this promo video that one of our presenters, Early Childhood Teacher Learning Consultant, put together for us. See this adorable Teacher Learning Consultant promo video. We enjoyed it – hoping you do, too! |
|
|
TUESDAY, NOV. 5TH IS ELECTION DAY! |
|
|
ELECTION RESOURCES / WHY SHOULD HEAD START VOTE? |
|
|
| From NHSA: Understanding the Important Role Head Start Parents and Staff can have in the 2024 election.
Every vote does count! Your vote will directly impact the funding and other key decisions that impact Head Start and your local community. When we vote, we are looking out for our kids and their futures. And it starts with showing up.
There is power in numbers. Head Start centers and programs are nonpartisan, but they are not indifferent. As community anchors that provide access to information and resources for members in your community, Head Start has a role to play in supporting voter engagement! Click HERE for Voter Resource. Just in case you haven't seen the webinar that NHSA did on "Voting Counts". Watch the video on Voting Counts! HERE
|
|
|
|
VOTE-BY-MAIL DROP-BOX BALLOT LOCATIONS
Do you know where those locations are in your county? Just select your county to see dates/ hours of operation. It's so easy to find out! Helps you to plan your vote! |
"One of the most important rights of American citizens is the franchise—the right to vote." See complete article and more - click HERE for whitehouse.gov |
| |
|
|
Initiative Encourages Men to Vote Like a Dad (blog)
“The legacy of Black fathers who have fought for civil rights and equality should inspire every dad to engage in the political process and insist that our voices are heard,” he says. “It’s not just about voting for today — it’s about voting for the world we want to leave behind for our children.” |
See Why Every Black Father Must Vote (blog)
"Dads — particularly Black dads — have a significant role in the upcoming elections: Our vote is a powerful tool for uplifting and caring for our families, communities, and children. The legacy of Black fathers who have fought for civil rights and equality should inspire every dad to engage in the political process and insist that our voices are heard. It’s not just about voting for today — it’s about voting for the world we want to leave behind for our children."
|
It is such a GREAT feeling to vote - get it done . . before it's too late! |
|
|
Helpful Self-Care Tip:
If you are watching all the political excitement unfold, you know it can add an extra layer of stress. How about this great article - "Is political anxiety harming your health? It's a great read - see three key points here.
|
|
|
EARLY CHOICES / LRE (Least Restrictive Environment) |
|
|
ILLINOIS ASSOCIATION FOR INFANT MENTAL HEALTH |
|
|
ILAIMH has upcoming and specialized seminars in November - here is link to the flier.
The Sooner, the Better - nowhere is this adage more apt than when applied to infants, toddlers and preschoolers. During this period when both the child and the parent/caregiver-child relationship are in their formative stages, they appear to be particularly responsive to ... (see guiding principles and more here about ILAIMH) in English and Spanish.
|
| |
|
Gateways, Early Intervention and LCSW/LCPC CEUs will be available - Looking at intake and initiating home based services with families involved in the child welfare system, using a trauma sensitive and culturally and racially curious lens - https://iafimh.wildapricot.org/event-5887652
Fathers in Early Childhood: Understanding past and current engagement practices and renewing our attention on how we include and support fathers - https://iafimh.wildapricot.org/event-5887663 |
|
|
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. |
| |
|
| Share 'The Scoop' with your team! |
| |
|
|
