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 STAFF: Marisol - Marisol's Journey |
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Marisol began her Head Start journey as a parent in the Early Head Start home visiting program at Granite City South Head Start. Weekly visits with her family advocate empowered her to pursue education and consider a career in early childhood. In October 2023, Marisol was hired as a teacher assistant and quickly began achieving new milestones. She earned her Illinois High School Equivalency Certificate, obtained her Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, and is now pursuing an Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education at Southwestern Illinois College (SWIC). Marisol’s progress is a testament to the transformative impact of Head Start programs. With support and determination, she continues to grow and inspire others every day.
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HEAD START PARENT: Destiny Hearn - Generations of Support |
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When I faced challenges with housing, the Head Start team, especially Ben, went above and beyond. I was struggling at my apartment, and they provided information and resources to help. Eventually, I moved back in with my mom, and instead of judgment, I was met with unwavering encouragement to stay positive and keep moving forward.
What touched me even more was the connection to my family’s history. When I enrolled my daughter in Head Start, Pam, who handled my intake, remembered being my mom’s caseworker. Managers recalled home visits in my mom’s kitchen in Rock Island. It felt like coming full circle—Head Start isn’t just a program; it’s a family legacy of care, support, and encouragement. |
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FROM FORMER OFFICE OF HEAD START DIRECTOR KHARI GARVIN |
A man went to his neighbor’s house to ask if he could borrow his screwdriver. But his neighbor said to him, “I cannot loan you my screwdriver because my dog is sleeping."
The moral of this story? When you have already made up your mind NOT to do something, then any old excuse will do.
In the same way, the current Administration has taken several steps to hinder, and ultimately gut, the Head Start program – including 1. Abruptly closing five federal regional offices and firing the dedicated ACF professionals working there, including those with oversight of Head Start agencies serving 45% of all Head Start children in the nation in almost 25 of the 50 States, 2. Restricting (and withholding) funding to programs already approved in the current federal budget, and, most recently, 3. Proposing to completely eliminate the Head Start program in next year’s budget.
And the reason for all of this? Because – and I quote the Administration – “The Federal government should not be in the business of mandating curriculum, locations, and performance standards for any form of education.”
Well guess what: It isn’t in that business! The United States Congress weighed in on these matters nearly 18 years ago when writing the following into the 2007 Head Start law: Nothing in this subchapter shall be construed to authorize or permit the Secretary or any employee or contractor of the Department of Health and Human Services to mandate, direct, or control, the selection of a curriculum, a program of instruction, or instructional materials, for a Head Start program. [Section 657C(a), Head Start Act]
The Secretary of HHS shall….
*Modify performance standards, as necessary, with respect to required services… [Section 641A(a)(1), Head Start Act]
*Use the results from a national scientific study to “develop, inform, and revise” performance standards, as appropriate… [Section 649(j)(1)(B), Head Start Act ]
Furthermore, the locations of Head Start services are based on the data-driven needs of local communities as determined by Head Start grant recipients and not the federal government.
So PLEASE remind Congress that it already decided on what the role of federal government should be with Head Start nearly 20 years ago, as you continue to reach out to them.
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AWARENESS & BUILDING CAPACITY: Window & Yard Signs |
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It's going to take all of us, ALL of US, standing up and using our voices to #ProtectHeadStart. We can no longer idly sit on the sidelines and hope for the best from this Administration. We need to, must, rise up within our communities and fight for the survival of Head Start. Let's keep Head Start relevant and in conversations! Showcase to everyone that you "Support Head Start" by proudly displaying "Support Head Start" yard signs or window signs!
IHSA is distributing these to Head Start Program Directors. Contact yours for one and then let the world know that you "Support Head Start!" |
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CALL TO ACTION: WHAT'S AT STAKE? WHY IT MATTERS? WHAT TO DO? |
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Now, under the IHSA's Advocacy tab, the "Call to Action" feature hosts all the information needed to take action and to share with your families, friends, board members, business partners, and allies why and how to "take action" for Head Start!
The page has many ways to activate your inner-advocate, including Sharing your Head Start Story, writing an Op-ED, donating to the Dollar Per Child Campaign (which feuls our advocacy funds), sharing NHSA's online campaign, and more! |
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IHSA KEEPING MEMBERSHIP INFORMED |
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Huddle with IHSA: Wednesday, April 23at 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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2025 STATEWIDE DIRECTORS INSTITUTE
If you're a Head Start or Early Head Start director in Illinois, this event is for you!
The 2025 Directors Institute is your chance to step away from the day-to-day and connect with people who get what you're navigating—because they’re in it too. Executive directors, program directors, and leadership teams from across the state come together to learn, share, and grow as a community.
We know the landscape is shifting. With evolving guidance from the Administration for Children and Families and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, directors are being asked to do more, respond faster, and lead with greater clarity. This Institute is designed to help you do just that. |
| JUNE 4-6, 2025 Herrington Inn & Spa in Geneva, IL. |
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RESERVE YOUR LODGING NOW!
Join us at The Herrington Inn & Spa, a charming AAA 4-Diamond boutique retreat overlooking the Fox River in Geneva, Illinois. With European-style architecture, elegant accommodations, and personalized hospitality, this venue offers a quaint and intimate setting for our event.
Guests will enjoy beautifully designed rooms, each featuring a gas fireplace, deep soaking whirlpool tub, and most with a balcony or patio. Start your day with a Morning Starter in the lobby and unwind at night with homemade cookies and milk delivered to your room.
Call the front desk directly at 630.208.7433. If additional rooms are requested after the cut off date we will do our best to accommodate, but we cannot guarantee availability or contracted rate. |
| Cut off Date: May 5! Group Name: IHSA Directors Institute |
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HEALTH SUPPLIES & SERVICES |
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School Heath is a national, full-service provider of health supplies and services that benefit health professionals in educational settings from preschool to college. They collaborate with customers and are an advocate for the health of those entrusted in their care. Their comprehensive offering includes health supplies, sports medicine and physical education equipment, special needs aids, early childhood supplies, and emergency preparedness products. They go beyond merely supplying products by also providing product support, training, advisory services, and exceptional customer care. |
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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: What does PIR 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: Approximately how many children in Illinois receive Head Start and Early Head Start services? Answer: Approximately 28,000 children. Winner: No takers! Try again! |
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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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