A weekly communication source for keeping you updated on the latest local/state/federal HS/EHS information |
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HEAD START SUPPORT STAFF of THE YEAR: SUZY WALKER-CORTEZ |
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"Suzy’s journey with Tazewell-Woodford Head Start in Central Illinois began in 1997 as a Head Start parent, and over the past 25 years, she has become a vital force in supporting children and families.
She started as a Teacher Assistant in 2000, transitioned to Lead Teacher, and become a Family Engagement Coordinator in 2012. In this role, she goes above and beyond to ensure families have the resources they need to thrive. Her commitment is evident in her actions—securing new shoes and socks for all 68 children on her caseload, organizing complete Thanksgiving meals for families, and arranging special classroom experiences, like her beloved Gingerbread Man Story.
Suzy’s dedication extends beyond her official role—she can be found stepping in wherever needed. Whether she’s helping a family move toward independence or strengthening community partnerships, Suzy’s impact is immeasurable. Please join us in congratulating Suzy Walker-Cortez on this well-earned recognition!" Suzy Walker-Cortez 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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DEMOCRATIC WOMEN'S CAUCUS SENDS HHS SECRETARY LETTER |
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The Democratic Women's Caucus sent the Health & Human Services (HHS) Secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a letter regarding the termination of the Office of Head Start and the Office of Child Care federal staff.
"As members of the Democratic Women’s Caucus, we are deeply concerned about the impacts that the recent firings of federal employees at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will have on women and families. Valuable early childhood education and child care programs are housed within HHS under the Administration of Children and Families (ACF). We demand you immediately reinstate any ACF federal employees whom HHS fired and not remove any others."
A special shout out to IL"s Congresswoman Jan Schakwosky who signed the letter. |
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Have you seen Lauri's D.C. Press Conference to the Senate Democrats? |
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"This is the first time Head Start in our 60 years has ever been invited to the State of the Union, or the Joint Address, to Congress so leave it to our Senator Duckworth for that. Thank you." |
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ACTION ALERT!! ACTION ALERT!! TELL CONGRESS TO INVEST IN HEAD START! |
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| The time is NOW! Please take a few moments to "Take Action!" and send your Congresspeople a message urging them to invest in Head Start NOW!
The current Continuing Resolution (CR) bill ends this Friday, March 14 at Midnight. The current House Bill includes no additional funding for Head Start. This means programs and staff would actually be cut when factoring in inflation. Without adequate funding, classrooms could close, meaning families would lose access to essential services including health support and family well-being, and communities will suffer.
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IHSA KEEPING MEMBERSHIP INFORMED |
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Huddle with IHSA: Wednesday, March 12 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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PRACTICE-BASED COACHING GROUP FACILITATOR (TLC) TRAINING: March 25-27 |
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| Would you like to effectively and efficiently coach groups, watching your staff work together to improve the way they teach? PBC Group Facilitator (TLC) Training from Gerety Education Team offers all the benefits of a live, in-person training - from the comfort of your own space.
Participants will learn a proven process for facilitating group coaching that aligns with the Head Start Program Performance Standards and get all the materials they need, including a handbook and step-by-step instructions for the first four meetings.
This training is equivalent to TLC Facilitator Training, but has been updated to fit a wide variety of contexts and to make the materials more current and easier to use. |
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TAX RESOURCE for HEAD START FAMILIES: FILE 2025 TAXES FOR FREE WITH IRS DIRECT FILE |
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Tax season is here, and this year IRS Direct File has your Head Start families covered! DIRECT FILE is a groundbreaking new service that allows taxpayers to file their taxes for free directly with the IRS: Quick, Easy, & Secure.
For the first time in American history, the IRS rolled out this free, simplified, public online tax filing tool last year. The pilot launched in 12 states and covered a small share of the taxpayers. It was a huge success thanks to its user-friendly and simple process that delivered. So this year, it has been expanded to 25 states, including Illinois! Also available in Spanish. |
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QUESTION: In what year did Early Head Start receive its first full funding? (in other words, when did Early Head Start begin?) 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
True or False: President Lyndon Johnson was a former teacher in a one-room schoolhouse in Texas. Answer: True! President Johnson taught at the Welhausen Elementary School amid the shanties in Cotulla, Texas to earn money for his own college education.
Winner: Felicia Murray at PCCEO Birth to Five Head Start Program in Peoria! Look out in the mail for a prize from our friends at Paper Pie - Literacy for a Lifetime. |
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CHICAGO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA (CSO) PRESENTS FREE TICKETS TO HEAD START |
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Impact. Be inspired by the musicians who are learning, growing and serving Chicago through the programs produced by the Negaunee Music Institute at the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Enjoy a showcase of extraordinary performances by the Civic Orchestra of Chicago, musicians from the CSO, Percussion Scholarship Program students and Young Artists Competition winner Jaden Teague-Núñez. Plus, hear works from the Notes for Peace program and Young Composers Initiative. Transform lives by supporting these vital education and community engagement activities.
March 17, Monday, at 7pm at the Symphony Center.
Input code FRIEND before ordering online; May redeem up to four tickets. |
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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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