Illinois Head Start Association
@ilheadstart.bsky.social
Fighting for children, families, and equity since 1977.
Advocacy. Training. Community.
Statewide support for Head Start & Early Head Start in Illinois.
🧒🏽📚🚌 #HeadStartWorks
Advocacy. Training. Community.
Statewide support for Head Start & Early Head Start in Illinois.
🧒🏽📚🚌 #HeadStartWorks
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
#IllinoisHeadStart #HeadStart
July 22, 2026 at 7:37 PM
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
#IllinoisHeadStart #HeadStart
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.
May 25, 2026 at 1:50 PM
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
May 21, 2026 at 3:28 PM
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.
May 18, 2026 at 9:10 PM
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
May 15, 2026 at 5:29 PM
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
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
May 5, 2026 at 12:04 AM
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
April 24, 2026 at 2:00 PM
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
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
#ILHeadStart #HeadStart
April 15, 2026 at 3:20 PM
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
#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: www.naeyc.org/events/woyc/...
April 10, 2026 at 2:59 PM
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: www.naeyc.org/events/woyc/...
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
#HeadStart #Illinois
April 9, 2026 at 2:29 PM
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
#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
#HeadStart #TeacherOfTheYear #PoweredByHeadStart
April 2, 2026 at 2:52 PM
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
#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
Follow us on TikTok: @ilihsa7
ilheadstart.org
March 30, 2026 at 6:37 PM
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
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
#HeadStart #EarlyHeadStart #Illinois #PoweredByHeadStart #AdministratorOfTheYear
March 26, 2026 at 4:29 PM
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
#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
#HeadStart #Illinois
March 24, 2026 at 4:53 PM
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
#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
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
March 12, 2026 at 11:00 PM
📰 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
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
Thank you to Discount School Supply for supporting the IHSA Annual Conference. Their classroom materials and hands-on learning supplies help early childhood educators create spaces where young children can explore, create, and learn. Discount School Supply www.discountschoolsupply.com
March 11, 2026 at 8:40 PM
Thank you to Discount School Supply for supporting the IHSA Annual Conference. Their classroom materials and hands-on learning supplies help early childhood educators create spaces where young children can explore, create, and learn. Discount School Supply www.discountschoolsupply.com
Directors & program leaders: IHSA’s Administrative Track covers federal updates, state legislation, fiscal compliance, legal developments, and sustainable leadership for Head Start programs. Group (5+) and single-day options available. Scan the QR Code.
March 9, 2026 at 8:20 PM
Directors & program leaders: IHSA’s Administrative Track covers federal updates, state legislation, fiscal compliance, legal developments, and sustainable leadership for Head Start programs. Group (5+) and single-day options available. Scan the QR Code.
This week's Scoop is out! 📬 Staff spotlight + DC hearings + ICE impact stories + 2 weeks to conference. Read the latest or scan the QR Code 👇
🔗 bit.ly/4aPrvqL
#PoweredByHeadStart #ILHeadStart
🔗 bit.ly/4aPrvqL
#PoweredByHeadStart #ILHeadStart
March 6, 2026 at 8:35 PM
This week's Scoop is out! 📬 Staff spotlight + DC hearings + ICE impact stories + 2 weeks to conference. Read the latest or scan the QR Code 👇
🔗 bit.ly/4aPrvqL
#PoweredByHeadStart #ILHeadStart
🔗 bit.ly/4aPrvqL
#PoweredByHeadStart #ILHeadStart
For more than 50 years, Kaplan Early Learning Company has supported early learning through play. Through research-based curriculum and engaging classroom environments, they help educators inspire a lifelong love of learning. Thank you for sponsoring our conference break.
March 2, 2026 at 9:13 PM
For more than 50 years, Kaplan Early Learning Company has supported early learning through play. Through research-based curriculum and engaging classroom environments, they help educators inspire a lifelong love of learning. Thank you for sponsoring our conference break.
Board leadership matters. IHSA is accepting nominations for At-Large Board Members in the Director, Friend, Parent, and Staff components. Applications are due today (2/25/26).
Questions: 217-241-3511 [email protected]
#HeadStart #IllinoisHeadStart
Questions: 217-241-3511 [email protected]
#HeadStart #IllinoisHeadStart
February 25, 2026 at 5:28 PM
Board leadership matters. IHSA is accepting nominations for At-Large Board Members in the Director, Friend, Parent, and Staff components. Applications are due today (2/25/26).
Questions: 217-241-3511 [email protected]
#HeadStart #IllinoisHeadStart
Questions: 217-241-3511 [email protected]
#HeadStart #IllinoisHeadStart
This week in The Scoop: Durbin honored by NHSA, DHS update (Head Start not impacted), advocacy to protect programs, weekly Huddle, conference countdown, and PD spotlight. #PoweredByHeadStart
February 19, 2026 at 4:38 PM
This week in The Scoop: Durbin honored by NHSA, DHS update (Head Start not impacted), advocacy to protect programs, weekly Huddle, conference countdown, and PD spotlight. #PoweredByHeadStart
This year’s IHSA Conference includes sessions focused on enrollment, attendance, and family engagement work many programs are navigating right now. Take a peek: www.ilheadstart.org/2026_ihsa_an... or scan the QR code
#HeadStart #EarlyHeadStart #FamilyServices #ERSEA #HomeVisiting
#HeadStart #EarlyHeadStart #FamilyServices #ERSEA #HomeVisiting
February 17, 2026 at 9:23 PM
This year’s IHSA Conference includes sessions focused on enrollment, attendance, and family engagement work many programs are navigating right now. Take a peek: www.ilheadstart.org/2026_ihsa_an... or scan the QR code
#HeadStart #EarlyHeadStart #FamilyServices #ERSEA #HomeVisiting
#HeadStart #EarlyHeadStart #FamilyServices #ERSEA #HomeVisiting
📬 The latest Scoop from IHSA is out. This week: program spotlight from It Takes a Village Head Start, FY26 funding updates, status of the HHS funding freeze in IL, and actions to take before the Jan. 30 deadline. Read it here; bit.ly/4qzUDaZ or scan the QR Code
January 21, 2026 at 8:09 PM
📬 The latest Scoop from IHSA is out. This week: program spotlight from It Takes a Village Head Start, FY26 funding updates, status of the HHS funding freeze in IL, and actions to take before the Jan. 30 deadline. Read it here; bit.ly/4qzUDaZ or scan the QR Code
Program spotlight, funding & policy updates, advocacy actions, and what’s coming up next across Illinois Head Start. Catch up here. Check it out here: bit.ly/4596WSP or scan the QR Code.
December 18, 2025 at 4:42 PM
Program spotlight, funding & policy updates, advocacy actions, and what’s coming up next across Illinois Head Start. Catch up here. Check it out here: bit.ly/4596WSP or scan the QR Code.
This week’s Scoop (12/3) is packed: Chicago HS holiday efforts, FY26 funding watch, ICE activity guidance, free vaccine clinics, new fiscal training, and more. Scan QR Code or go to https://bit.ly/44NxFUJ.
December 4, 2025 at 5:35 PM
This week’s Scoop (12/3) is packed: Chicago HS holiday efforts, FY26 funding watch, ICE activity guidance, free vaccine clinics, new fiscal training, and more. Scan QR Code or go to https://bit.ly/44NxFUJ.