A weekly communication source for keeping you updated on the latest local/state/federal HS/EHS information |
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Remembering a Head Start Hero: President Jimmy Carter |
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This week, as a nation we celebrate the life and the accomplishments of our 39th President, Jimmy Carter. There has been a great amount written about President Carter's life after his time in office – his commitment to world peace, building homes for the poor, advocacy for free and fair elections, and much more.
During Jimmy Carter's Presidency (1977–1981), his administration was strongly supportive of expanding and improving the Head Start program, aligning with his broader focus on social justice, education, and poverty alleviation. Carter's policies emphasized the importance of early childhood education, particularly for disadvantaged children, as a means of reducing poverty and promoting long-term social mobility.
In the book, Head Start: The Inside Story of America’s Most Successful Educational Experiment, by Edward Zigler and Susan Muenchow, the authors cite, “His support for a major budget increase for Head Start and his choice of a Vice Oresident known to be a champion of a child and family legislation made child advocates think we finally had friends in the White House” (page 171). However, a proposed shift to have Head Start sit in the US Department of Education did not square with Head Start advocates. Over the time of his administration, Carter supported strengthening the quality of services, doubling the Head Start budget, and promoting the programs’ effectiveness. Head Start remains independent of the Department of Education and retains the essential elements of local control by grantees thanks to President
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Funding Update Congress passed a short term Continuing Resolution (CR) on December 20th.
The short-term spending deal will fund the federal government until March 14, 2025. Uncertainty is looming and we are not sure how the reconciliation process will occur regarding the debt ceiling, immigration policy, and tax policy. Direct changes cannot be made to program requirements via reconciliation but could have direct impact on Head Start funding. |
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Preparing for a New Administration in Washington DC
The incoming Trump Administration is moving quickly to have a full cabinet of officials on the job Day One - January 20, 2025.
Of particular interest to the Head Start community will be the Secretary of Health & Human Services (HHS) - Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. (nominee) as well as the leadership of the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) within the HHS as well as the next Director of the Office of Head Start. Curious to know more? Lots of great resources to read, discuss, and share with others:
Center on Budget and Policy Priorities Politico
Government Pages - White House, Health and Human Services
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Welcoming your Congressional Member to the 119th Congress |
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Increase Head Start awareness by sending a note to your Congressional Member and welcome them to the 119th State Congress! Create an original message or feel free to utilize the below template: |
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"Welcome to the 119th Congress! On behalf of the (Your Agency Name) Head Start community which includes (# of) children and (# of) staff members, we are excited to collaborate with you, your colleagues, and your staff. Together, we aim to continue providing high-quality early learning and comprehensive support for our state's underserved children and their families here in Illinois,
As we celebrate 60 years of Head Start this year, we reflect on its profound impact on our nation's commitment to the American Dream. Over those 60 years, Head Start has been pivotal in offering essential services such as school readiness, nutrition, health, and mental health support to nearly 40 million children, while empowering families to achieve their educational, career, and financial goals. The Head Start model, dedicated to the holistic development of the whole child, lays a strong foundation for lifelong learning and success in school and in life.
Every day, our program engages with children, parents and caregivers, and community stakeholders to deliver crucial services, creating meaningful, measurable change to help children and their families reach their full potential. Research shows that Head Start delivers a clear advantage for students who participate in our programs. On top of that, the parents of Head Start children who we partner with are more likely to read with their children, continue their own education, and be strong advocates for their children’s education. We could have not accomplished these results for children and families without the support of Congress for the past 60 years, and we look forward to your continued support.
We also invite you to visit our Head Start program at your convenience to see our impact firsthand. Once again, welcome to the 119th Congress. As you set your agenda for the next two years, we implore you to prioritize Head Start, upon which the well-being of hundreds of thousands of children and families throughout the country depend."
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Join us February 19-21, 2025, in Springfield for the IHSA Annual Conference! Connect, learn, and grow with peers and experts through engaging workshops, inspiring sessions, and meaningful networking opportunities. REGISTER NOW
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60th CELEBRATION HIGHLIGHTS
A Night at the Museum - Join us as we celebrate '60 Years of Love, Learning, and Lifting Up Families.' in a memorable gathering and dinner at the President Abraham Lincoln Museum to highlight the legacy and shared commitment to supporting Head Start families!
Capitol Gathering Celebrating 60 years of Head Start - Wear your program/agency shirt and meet us in the Rotunda! Enjoy snacks at the 60th Birthday Celebration as we unite to champion the cause of Head Start and Early Head Start. Meet with your State Representative, hear impactful Head Start stories, and make your voice heard! |
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HEAD START AWARDS & SCHOLARSHIPS
Join us Thursday for our annual Head Start Awards & Scholarships Luncheon. IHSA is proud to provide a variety of opportunities to recognize and thank the individuals who strengthen the Head Start and/or Early Head Start community in Illinois. Awards recognize Administrator, Teacher, Support Staff, and Parent of the Year! The Leota Brown Memorial Scholarship and the Mary Alice Buchanan Scholarship will also be presented. |
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Nominate Someone and Yourself Today!
Seize the opportunity to nominate a deserving colleague OR be recognized for your own outstanding contributions! The nomination window for these prestigious awards and scholarships is now OPEN - but you must HURRY!
Application & Nomination Forms: https://ilheadstart.org/awards_scholarships.php. Deadline is Friday, January 24, 2025.
Don't miss your chance to shine or celebrate the achievements of those around you. Apply today and let excellence be acknowledged! |
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SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Now welcoming Vendors for Sponsorships and Exhibit Hall. View your opportunities HERE. |
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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. |
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| Share 'The Scoop' with your team! |
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