A weekly communication source for keeping you updated on the latest local/state/federal HS/EHS information |
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HEAD START PARENT of THE YEAR: SAMANTHA JOLLIFF |
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"We are proud to recognize Samantha Jolliff as IHSA’s Parent of the Year. Since 2022, Samantha has been an active and dedicated leader within the Riverbend Head Start and Family Services program in Alton, IL. She has held key leadership roles in the PPC, serving as Chairperson and Secretary, and consistently encourages other parents to get involved.
Samantha has organized health and nutrition initiatives with the University of Illinois Extension and worked with local officials to secure dental services for children. Her advocacy has reached state and national levels, as she has traveled to Springfield and Washington, D.C., to champion Head Start’s mission. Samantha embodies the spirit of Head Start—her passion, commitment, and unwavering support for children and families make her truly deserving of this award. Please join me in congratulating Samantha Jolliff on this well-earned recognition!" Samantha Jolliff was honored at last month's IHSA Annual Conference Awards Luncheon in Springfield, pictured here with IHSA's Executive Director Lauri Morrison-Frichtl. |
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IN OTHER NEWS...
Community Action Partnership of Central Illinois (CAPCIL) Head Start recently experienced a fire at one of their centers. Everyone is fine but there is significant water damage to the classrooms. Great job to CAPCIL HS Staff for their quick response in ensuring the children's safety and addressing the issues promptly. Your dedication and swift action are truly commendable! Please send well wishes and happy thoughts to Director Krissy Conklen, kconklen@capcil.org
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IMPENDING CUTS TO THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES |
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According to news source, Politico, the current administration is preparing major cuts to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), with potential impacts on key programs like the Office of Head Start, which provides critical support for low-income families. Workforce reductions could disrupt services for young children, including early education, health screenings, and family assistance.
The Administration for Children and Families, which oversees these programs, is among the agencies facing potential downsizing as HHS submits budgetary plans. Meanwhile, legal challenges to previous federal workforce cuts continue, adding uncertainty to the future of these essential services. |
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DOLLAR PER CHILD CAMPAIGN: SUPPORT THE ADVOCACY WORK OF HEAD START |
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The work of advocacy is core to IHSA's mission. It requires a wide range of activity, such as collecting and organizing data, building coalitions with other advocates, communicating with members, and educating legislators and staff at the state and federal level.
To sustain these critical advocacy efforts without using federal funds, we rely on private donations, fundraising campaigns, and member contributions beyond dues. Your support helps ensure that we can continue to amplify the voices of Head Start children and families, mobilize grassroots advocacy, and strengthen our impact at every level of government. Every dollar raised directly fuels our ability to inform, engage, and advocate effectively for the future of Head Start.
Every child and family deserves an opportunity to succeed. We can help make that happen with the Illinois Head Start 1-2-3 For Head Start Campaign. *Please share with HS Friends, Board Members and Corporate Partners! |
| It's Easy As 1-2-3! 1 dollar, 2 actions , 3 friends: Donate $1.00; 2 advocacy actions; Ask 3 others to take action, too. We can do more, together! GIVE - ACT - AMPLIFY |
Created to support the awareness and advocacy work of Head Start and Early Head Start in IL. |
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IHSA KEEPING MEMBERSHIP INFORMED |
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Huddle with IHSA: Wednesday, March 19 at 4pm. A 30-minute weekly check-in to provide current updates. See you this afternoon!
Check out "ADVOCACY: What's Going On Right Now" for Head Start related news, including statements, press releases, articles, and more. |
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CERTIFIED INFANT MASSAGE INSTRUCTOR TRAINING |
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Join Lynn Barts, Midwest Licensed CIMI® Trainer for the International Loving Touch Foundation, for a 2-day hands-on certification training designed for Early Intervention providers, Home Visitors, Doulas, and Infant Teachers.
Learn how to teach infant massage to families, supporting bonding, sleep, relaxation, and developmental benefits for babies and caregivers. Upcoming Training Dates & Locations: St. Louis, MO – April 3 & 4 Near Chicago – May 8 & 9
St. Louis, MO - June 11 & 12
Don’t miss this opportunity to become a Certified Infant Massage Instructor (CIMI®) and support families in their parenting journey! |
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SAVE THE DATES!
6/2-6/4: Vanessa Rich Leadership Experience Retreat 6/4-6/6: Statewide HS/EHS Directors Institute |
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MARCH IS ILLINOIS POISON PREVENTION MONTH |
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Order your free materials to share with your Head Start families and children to raise awareness about poisoning hazards and risks. Be proactive by sharing Illinois Poison Center (IPC) contact info with your families. Their free, confidential helpline is 1-800-222-1222 and available around the clock.
Free Materials Available include: - 7-Day AM/PM Pill Organizer
- Children's Paint Sheet with Water Color Pallet
- Activity Book for Children & Seniors
- Caregivers Guide (in English & Spanish)
- Poster Pack for the classroom, including five of IPC's most popular
- Safety Packets (in English & Spanish) includes stickers and magnets.
*Maximum of 4 items/order/person (maximum quantity for each item varies) |
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QUESTION: What does CDA stand for?
How to play: Respond to this Scoop with your answer! (or email lwang@ilheadstart.org). If correct, you'll be put in a raffle for a prize! Winner and answer will be announced in the next Scoop.
Last week's Q&A Question: In what year did Early Head Start receive its first full funding? (in other words, when did Early Head Start begin?). Answer: 1995. Winner: Rachael DeSpain, Head Start Director at Tri-Counties Opportunities Council Head Start Program in Rock Falls! Look out in the mail for a prize from our friends at Dolly Parton - Imagination Library! |
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NOW AVAILABLE FOR SALE: Head Start 60th Birthday T-Shirts! |
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Head Start's 60th Birthday Celebration at the Capital last month was only the beginning of year-long celebrations! We encourage you and all Head Start programs to host your own Head Start celebrations at your center! and we have just the thing for you to wear! For a limited time, we have available Head Start 60th Birthday T-shirts (short sleeve and long sleeve) in various sizes, from XS to 3XL in adults, as well as children's sizes for our Head Start kiddos! |
Coming up.... 20 Head Start Impact Story Banners that were displayed at the Capital are available for you to borrow and display at your program sites. Details forthcoming. |
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Share your Head Start Impact Story! Click button to share. |
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Share 'The Scoop' with your team! |
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