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SPOTLIGHT ON MEMBERS

SHOUT OUTS for R5 Conference Field Trip Hosts - we thank YOU! 

This week, we spotlight Member Site Visits hosted by three (of our eleven) Field Trip Sponsors! - It was an honor to provide the successful engagement opportunities for our regional conference attendees!  Teams pictured are from: 

Chinese American Service League (CASL), the EL VALOR Carlos H. Cantu Children and Family Center, and Christopher House.

NATIONAL LEVEL

It's all about FUNDING moving forward!

As you know our FY25 funding has not been determined.  A short term Continuing Resolution ends on December 20th.  Our best guess is there will be a second CR carrying us well into the new administration. 

Let's make sure our IL Congressional Members are fully informed about who we are and the important work you do.  This is not advocacy but awareness.  We will be pushing forward a strategic, well thought out plan. 

First, let's take immediate action by sending your congressman/woman a message, Take Action for Head Start.  Moving forward we'll want to lean into a few current research articles that demonstrate the economic impact of Head Start.  We'll use these in our talking points. Our new strategy needs to "fit" with the incoming congress and administration.  

STATE LEVEL

The Illinois Department of Early Childhood (IDEC) announced the new secretary for IDEC earlier this week.  They named Dr. Teresa Ramos as the incoming Secretary

Introduction from Future Acting Secretary Dr. Teresa Ramos - 

I am thrilled to join this incredible team and build on the strong foundation established under the current leadership team, led by Interim Secretary Irma Martinez Snopek and Transition Director Ann Whalen. I look forward to connecting with each of you, learning from your experience, and working to advance our mission in new and innovative ways. I plan to attend the December 16th listening session and am excited to meet all of you. Hearing your thoughts, insights, and ideas will be invaluable as we work together to shape the future of our department and create a simpler and better way to serve families with young children. Thank you all for your service to the state. I am grateful to be on this journey with you. 

Your Future Acting Secretary, 
Dr. Teresa Ramos, First Assistant Deputy Governor for Education 

LEARNING LAUNCHPAD

IHSA Annual Conference  /  President Abraham Lincoln Hotel  - Springfield, Illinois 

!!! FEB 19th - 21st, 2025 !!! 

IHSA invites proposals for its Annual Conference.

Submissions to be submitted by end of business, Dec. 20, 2024. 

Presenters will be notified by January 20, 2025. More details are available in the conference proposal page located HERE.  

RESOURCE ROUNDUP

KNOW Your Rights .. and BE Prepared

We wish we had a crystal ball and could see what the future holds.  What's at the top of our list is how best to support parents worried about deportation.  The incoming administration has made specific claims regarding mass deportation. 

Let's make sure we are ready.  Do you have a plan?
• Programs need to develop ICE protocols and procedures to protect families
• Recommendation to consult immigration lawyers for guidance
• Importance of knowing rights and having clear processes if authorities attempt to enter facilities

A good short ready, Know Your Rights: Prepare   

If you need support: 

24-Hour Emergency Support: Call the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR) Family Support Hotline at 1-855-HELP-MY-FAMILY (1-855-435-7693). For additional resources, visit: https://www.icirr.org/community-resources.

NIJC legal services for Illinois and Indiana: Chicago residents are eligible for free legal services from NIJC through the City of Chicago Legal Protection Fund. Immigrants in Illinois and Indiana can obtain free or low-cost legal consultations and representation from NIJC. 

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