🚨 IHSA opposes the rollback of Head Start Performance Standards. It would cut health/safety screenings, weaken ratios, and reduce protections for kids with disabilities. 28,000+ IL children rely on Head Start. Public comment is open. bit.ly/3SkGL8u #PoweredByHeadStart

This week's Scoop: a Carterville family's Head Start story, tomorrow's "Protecting Head Start" webinar, an NPRM update, and our T-Shirt Design Contest deadline (Aug 21). Link in bio. This week's issue: bit.ly/4bHCEtF #IllinoisHeadStart #HeadStart

This week's Scoop covers a Head Start parent's story, a Chicago program's approach to inclusion, HHS cutting research conference sessions, new IL Dept. of Early Childhood, and an OMB rule change that affects federal grants. Read here: bit.ly/4vNywAy or scan the QR code.

This Memorial Day, we take time to pause and remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. To the families who carry their memory every day, and to the communities they left behind, we are forever grateful.

Every birthday deserves a birthday cake. We brought two to the State Capitol for Early Childhood Advocacy Day, one for Senate leadership and one for House leadership, to spotlight 61 years of Head Start in Illinois. #HeadStart #ECEadvocacy

Happy 61st Birthday, Head Start! Since 1965, more than 40 million children and families served. Still going strong in Illinois and across the country.

This week's Scoop: A congressional visit in Decatur, the 2026 MLK Jr. Award recipient Rachael DeSpain, a federal proposed rule on Head Start wages open for public comment, and action needed on SB3202. Read it and take action: bit.ly/4fjQg0K #TheScoop #HeadStart #Illinois

The earliest years shape everything that follows. That's not science fiction. Head Start and Early Head Start are enrolling now. headstart.gov/center-locator #HeadStart #EarlyChildhood #Illinois

This week's Scoop is out. Fatherhood initiative spotlight, scholarship news, HB4791 update, and Head Start's birthday is coming May 18. bit.ly/4sOrAk4 #TheScoop #HeadStart #Illinois

Missed last week's Scoop? Still worth a read. Parent of the Year, FY27 budget news, and how to speak up for Head Start. Scan the code or check out the link — ilheadstart.org #TheScoop #HeadStart #Illinois

Big news! HB4791 passed the IL House 106-0, expanding Smart Start Workforce Grants to Head Start programs. 🍎 SB2984 also passed. Both move to the Senate! 🚀 Full update: tiktok.com/t/ZP8g59K6b/ #Illinois #HeadStart #EarlyHeadStart

Registration is open for two IHSA leadership events in June at The Herrington Inn & Spa in Geneva. Vanessa Rich Leadership Experience: June 1–3 Director Institute: June 3–5 Team rates available through May 1. ilheadstart.org #ILHeadStart #HeadStart

The Week of the Young Child starts tomorrow. NAEYC's 100th anniversary and 55 years of WOYC. Head Start programs across Illinois are ready to celebrate. Follow along all week. Resources and information available: naeyc.org/events/woyc/plan-y…

This week in The Scoop: IHSA's 2026 Support Staff of the Year Lindsey Obergfel, the President's FY27 budget proposal with HS flat funded, and contact your congressperson about funding. Scan the QR code or tap the link to read. bit.ly/4tbmZtl #HeadStart #Illinois

Meet IHSA's 2026 Teacher of the Year: Cameron Bower, Lead Teacher at YWCA Metropolitan Chicago Head Start in Aurora. Five years in, still showing up every day with her signature smile. This week's scoop: bit.ly/47xDDdZ #HeadStart #TeacherOfTheYear #PoweredByHeadStart

The Illinois Head Start Association is now on TikTok. Follow us at @ilihsa7 for a look at Head Start and Early Head Start across Illinois. Follow us on TikTok: @ilihsa7 ilheadstart.org

The Scoop is out. This week-2026 Administrator of the Year: Kelly Neidel - FY27 funding action alert - Free nutrition resources (deadline March 31) read the full issue: bit.ly/3NItapm #HeadStart #EarlyHeadStart #Illinois #PoweredByHeadStart #AdministratorOfTheYear

Head Start & Early Head Start programs serve 28,853 children & pregnant women across 102 Illinois counties. The Illinois Head Start Data Dashboard makes that data easy to find & use. Free at ilheadstart.org #HeadStart #Illinois

Head Start & Early Head Start programs serve 28,853 children & pregnant women across 102 Illinois counties. The Illinois Head Start Data Dashboard makes that data easy to find & use. Free at ilheadstart.org or scan the QR Code. #HeadStart #Illinois

📰 This week's Scoop is out! Moms getting pampered in Bloomington. A new OHS Director. Community stories. Conference news. And a brand new trivia question. It's a full one. Grab some tea and dig in. Scan the QR code or click on the link - bit.ly/4blYnGq #ILHeadStart