A weekly communication source for keeping you updated on the latest local/state/federal HS/EHS information |
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MARY ALICE BUCHANAN MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT: MARIBEL SANCHEZ |
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"We are honored to recognize Maribel Sánchez as the recipient of the Mary Alice Buchanan Memorial Scholarship. Maribel is a dedicated early childhood educator who has spent the past 12 years supporting young children and families, with a deep passion for fostering inclusive and nurturing learning environments. As a senior at DePaul University, she is committed to completing her degree in Early Childhood Education while continuing her vital work in Gads Hills' Head Start program in Chicago.
Her professors describe her as an outstanding student, role model, and advocate for bilingual learners. Her dedication extends beyond the classroom—she has worked tirelessly in underserved communities, ensuring children from all backgrounds have access to quality early learning experiences. In her own words, ‘As a first-generation Latina woman, I am committed to supporting under-resourced schools and advocating for my students regardless of background, social, or economic status.’ Please join us in congratulating Maribel Sánchez on this well-earned recognition!"
Krystal Washington of Chicago Commons accepted the award on Maribel's behalf at the recent IHSA Annual Conference Awards Luncheon in Springfield, pictured here with IHSA's Executive Director Lauri Morrison-Frichtl. |
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CLOSURE OF HEAD START REGIONAL OFFICES |
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Yesterday, half of Head Start's Regional Offices' staff received Reduction in Force (RIFs) Notices. Staff were put on paid leave effective immediately and no longer had access to their files.
These regions include 1 (Boston), 2 (New York), 5 (Chicago), 9 (San Francisco), and 10 (Seattle), which are mostly Democratic states. Head Start programs in Illinois are part of Region 5, as are programs in Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin. There seems to be no transition plan and it is unclear who will administer grants moving forward. |
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The Federal Fiscal year (FY 2026) begins in October 2025 and covers through September 2026. The current Continuing Resolution (CR) that recently passed with FY 2024 funding levels ends at the end of September 2025. Thus the next steps is to work on the FY 2026 funding budget and bill.
Currently, Congress is working on a final joint budget resolution. A reconciliation bill is unlikely before Memorial Day. The Senate Budget Committee is exploring ways to lower the projected cost of extending 2017 tax cuts by using a mechanism called the "Current Policy Baseline,” which allows for extension of the tax cuts without raising revenue to offset the cost. However members of Congress may pursue deep funding cuts that could affect Head Start. The President is expected to release a "skinny budget" in April and then a full budget to follow in May.
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Overview of the HHS Budget & What Programs It Funds |
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USA Facts completed an overview of the Health & Human Services (HHS) budget and what programs it funds. The Department of HHS spent $1.7 trillion in fiscal year (FY) 2024. This was 25.4% of the $6.8 trillion in overall federal spending. The department ranked first among federal agencies in total spending. Now remember that Head Start sits under the Administration of Children & Families (ACF) Division in HHS. ACF was the second largest spending division under HHS.
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ACTION ALERT: TELL CONGRESS TO INVEST IN HEAD START! |
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Recently, Congress passed and the President signed into law the Fiscal Year 2025 Continuing Resolution (CR), which held funding at last year’s levels for Head Start and most other federal programs. It also opened the door on the Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations process. This is the opportunity for constituents – including Head Start families, staff, alumni, and supporters – to let their members of Congress know what they would like to see included in bills appropriating funds for Fiscal Year 2026, which begins on October 1, 2025.
We need Congress to hear loud and clear that Head Start needs additional funding, beginning with a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), which was not included in the FY 2025 CR. So we need your help! Action Alert: Tell Congress! to invest in Head Start. Complete the form with your personal email and it'll directly contact your Congresspeople. The more Congresspeople we reach out to, the better chance for Head Start support! *Loophole: You can complete this every 24 hours. This is national so share with your family and friends wide, especially those in the Red states! |
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IHSA KEEPING MEMBERSHIP INFORMED |
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Huddle with IHSA: Wednesday, April 2 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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LEAST RESTRICTIVE ENVIRONMENT: FAMILY RESOURCE GUIDE LAUNCH EVENT |
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April 3, Thursday night at 6:00-7:30 PM. Join Early CHOICES for the kick-off and overview of the Early Childhood Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) Family Toolkit!, a go-to resource for advocating for children's inclusion. Parents are welcomed! The event will be offered in English, with Spanish and Chinese translation provided. Closed captioning will also be provided.
Register below or view via the Facebook Live that will be streamed on Early CHOICES page: @earlychoicesorg. Encourage Early Head Start and Head Start families to join in on this event! |
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SOUTHERN BUS & MOBILITY: HEAD START BUSES |
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Southern Bus & Mobility is a One Stop Shop for Sales, Service & Parts, Body Shop and Leasing. Since 1996, Southern Bus and Mobility has been a partner for both Head Starts and School Districts in Illinois. They view the opportunity to provide a school bus that fits your program's unique needs as the beginning of a long-term partnership. They are competitive on pricing. For their team, it’s not just about selling a vehicle that is industry leading in its safety and accessibility, but building a relationship built to stand the test of time, just like their buses.
They have several pre-owned Head Start buses available this spring/summer and they also have the IL State Bid Contract for new small school buses that meets the standards for Head Start. They service the entire state of Illinois. Contact Phyllis Gebke at pgebke@southernbusandmobility.com.
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY HEAD START! |
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CELEBRATING HEAD START'S 60TH BIRTHDAY! |
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IHSA encourages you to celebrate in your own unique way, whether individually, by classroom, or as an entire organization! Some ideas include: - Singing Happy Birthday to Head Start with cupcakes at a PPC meeting,
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Head Start children making Birthday cards to Head Start,
- Hosting a Congress person's visit to your site and/or celebration,
- Displaying Impact Stories banner in your front entrance,
- Honoring Head Start's legacy by collecting and sharing Impact stories,
- and more!
How are you celebrating Head Start's Birthday this year?! Share with us below! |
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Children Sizes 2T-6T
Adult Sizes XS-3X Short Sleeves Long Sleeves |
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QUESTION: What does HSPPS 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: When is Head Start's birthday? (Name month/date).
Answer: May 18th.
Winner: Amy Milcic, Data/Resource Specialist at the Illinois Valley Head Start/Early Head Start program in Gillespie! Look out in the mail for a prize from our friends at Dolly Parton's Imagination Library! |
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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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