A weekly communication source for keeping you updated on the latest local/state/federal HS/EHS information |
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HEAD START IMPACT STORIES |
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HEAD START ALUMNI: Courtney Williams Gully - Finding a Voice |
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In 1993, I started Head Start in Quincy, Illinois, as a shy little girl who spoke only at home, I struggled with severe attachment challenges, unsure how to navigate a world beyond my parents’ care. My teacher—whose name I can’t recall—saw me. She patiently talked to me one-on-one, gently encouraging me to engage. I loved to read, so she invited me to share books with my classmates, helping me find my voice. That early encouragement shaped my confidence and communication skills, carrying me into careers in special education and now as a mortgage loan officer. Head Start didn’t just teach me—it gave me the courage to thrive.
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HEAD START PARENT: Sarah Hornbeck - A Lifeline of Support |
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When my middle child was born...Head Start came into my life, it became a lifeline of support that I didn’t have. My son’s teacher at the time was almost like a counselor. She would come in and work with Jonathan, but she would also be the ear I needed. If I needed to vent, she would listen. If I was struggling or unsure about something, she would step in to help and guide me.
Over time, they became family. That’s why I love the Head Start program so much—because it’s not just some stranger coming in the door. It’s like having a cousin or extended family member. Since being a part of Head Start, my family has grown tremendously, and they’ve made such a difference in our lives. |
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FEDERAL BUDGET PLANNING PROCESS |
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In the regular order of federal budget planning, the President typically submits a budget to Congress in May of each year. During President Trump’s first term, his budget submission was May 23, 2017. Last year, President Biden submitted his proposal on March 11, 2024. We can expect Trump's FY 2026 budget proposal to come out next month. |
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This is the first step of many in the process of building our federal budget. Once submitted, the House and Senate will take up hearings, debates and discussions on the priorities of our government: From Agriculture and Transportation, to Defense, the Interior, Homeland Security and, of course, Health and Human Services, which contains Head Start services within its budget. Remember, only Congress can allocate federal funding. Trump's proposal is merely a proposal, a "wish list" of sorts. It's the House and Senate that will decide the details. (Thus why it's so important to contact our Congresspeople). |
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But when push comes to shove, "It's unclear whether congressional Republicans, who have, for the most part, backed President Trump's policies in his second term, would be willing to break with the White House to fight for Head Start's future.” |
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ACT NOW TO SAVE HEAD START! |
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Join NHSA to urge Members of Congress, our US Representatives and US Senators, to protect Head Start and oppose any effort to eliminate or disrupt this life-changing program that strengthens families and boosts local economies. Then help us get the message out to your networks - by email, text, or social media - to ask Head Start families, staff, alumni, friends, and anyone who cares about Head Start to join us in delivering our message to Congress. |
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ADVOCACY & LOBBYING: WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE? |
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As Head Start staff, it may be hazy as to what kind of advocacy/lobbying you can be involved in or where or when. First, be aware of the HATCH Act and review your organizational policies. If you have any questions, reach out to your Head Start Program Director. Keep to using your personal device with your personal information, such as email and street address. And be mindful of being off the clock for activities (before/after hours, during breaks are ok).
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IHSA KEEPING MEMBERSHIP INFORMED |
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Huddle with IHSA: Wednesday, April 16 at 4pm. A 30-minute weekly check-in open to everyone. 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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Supporting Children with Autism Webinars |
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April is Autism Awareness Month! Join the Office of Head Start for webinars to expand your knowledge.
Do you work with toddlers or preschool-aged children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)? Led by experienced educators and autism specialists, these webinars are for you! They offer valuable insights and actionable strategies to help you create early learning environments where every child can thrive. |
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Preschoolers
Thursday, April 17, 2025
3–4:30 p.m. ET |
Join this webinar to learn how you can help
meet the needs of preschoolers with autism. |
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Toddlers
Thursday, April 24, 2025
3–4:30 p.m. ET |
Join this webinar to learn how you can meet
the unique ASD needs of our youngest learners. |
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These webinars are offered with English & Spanish captioning. |
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2025 VANESSA RICH LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE RETREAT This leadership experience was created to honor the impactful work and vision of Vanessa Rich, a dedicated leader and fierce advocate for Head Start. Vanessa believed in fully immersing herself in the mission, famously saying, "In Head Start, we don't just stand on the porch, we come all the way into the house."
Inspired by her passion, we come together to strengthen our commitment to expanding opportunities for children and families. This experience is a space to grow as leaders, embrace bold advocacy, and carry forward the spirit of dedication, heart, and action that Vanessa embodied. Now, it’s our turn to lead with purpose, ensuring that we, too, are always living all the way in. |
| JUNE 2-4, 2025 Herrington Inn & Spa in Geneva, IL. |
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NEW! SCHOOL IMMUNIZATIONS TOOLKIT |
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The Illinois Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (ICAAP) is a non-partisan-nonprofit organization made up of ~2,000 pediatricians in Illinois. ICAAP created a new School Immunizations Toolkit for schools and childcare centers, designed to support staff in increasing vaccine confidence and maximizing vaccine compliance, and to ensure our littles ones are safe and protected from vaccine preventable diseases.
It includes information and ready-to-use outreach materials on: - School Immunization Requirements
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Deadlines, Exemptions, and Exclusions
- Using Data
- Communicating with Parents & Families
- Resources for New Arrivals
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Resources for Students Who Are Uninsured/Underinsured
- Working with Clinicians in Your Community
- Supporting Your School Health Staff, and More
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Created in collaboration
with IDPH, CDPH, ISBE, CPS and Illinois Association of School Nurses. | |
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY HEAD START! |
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HOW ARE YOU CELEBRATING HEAD START'S BIRTHDAY THIS YEAR? |
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Start by raising awareness in Head Start gear! Bring out those Head Start conference shirts, hats, and swag, and let the world know that it's Head Start's 60th Birthday this year! And if you need swag, we've got you covered! Order the official Head Start Birthday T-shirt below! |
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Children Sizes 2T-6T Adult Sizes XS-3X
Short Sleeves Long Sleeves |
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QUESTION: Approximately how many children in Illinois receive Head Start and Early Head Start services? 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: Name at least TWO Head Start eligibility categories. Answer: According to headstart.gov - Age, Income, Public Assistance, Homeless, Foster Care, SNAP.
Winner: Shaconna George, Child & Family Services Manager at Champaign County Regional Planning Commission Head Start in Danville! Look out in the mail for a prize from our friends at Paper Pie Books - Literacy for a Lifetime! |
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Do you have a Head Start Impact Story or know of someone who does? We would love to hear it! Click or send to cwelsh@ilheadstart.org |
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| Share 'The Scoop' with your team! |
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