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Updates from IHSA Executive Director Lauri Morrison-Frichtl
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Spring is in the air! April is from the Latin verb "aperire" which means "to open." At IHSA we are opening up several new adventures this spring.
The three big adventures involve you!
First, on May 15th we are sponsoring a rally at the State Capitol building. This is a great opportu
nity to meet your state representatives and share the amazing work you are doing for Head Start/Early Head Start children and families. Join us for an exciting day at the State Capitol to share and educate state legislators on the benefits of Head Start and Early Head Start. In our current political environment, it's critical that everyone has a good understanding of the great work being done by our Head Start/Early Head Start programs in Illinois. May 15th was chosen, as this is Trauma-Informed Awareness Day.
This big day OPENS up an opportunity for you to make a big difference! I can't think of a better day to celebrate Head Start/Early Head Start. There is no cost and each participant will receive a t-shirt and lunch.
Here's the link to register for the
Head Start Rally at the State Capitol
.
May 15, 2019
"Strong Bright Futures Begin at Head Start" (10 AM to 2 PM)
We meet at the Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring Street, Springfield, IL 62706
Second big opportunity are the IHSA Orientation Modules and the online learning platform called Bridge.
Are you ready to bring your orientation to a new level? These inspirational modules bring life to onboarding new staff and make your job easier ensuring that your newest team members are engaged and excited about their new job. Certificates can be printed to celebrate success and support documentation needs.
These pre-designed modules are an excellent strategy for onboarding new staff. Plus, the online learning platform gives you the flexibility to do much, much more.
BRIDGE allows our programs to offer online orientation anywhere at any time. It's accessible, easy to use for both the Head Start and Early Head Start program as well as for the user.
You have an internal calendaring system, the ability to create surveys and assign tasks to learning groups. You can also have your own platform and add your own training. The easy use of the platform for both the learner and the administrator makes this a great tool and OPENS up many possibilities for your agency. Five modules are ready to use. These include:
Module 1: What is Head Start and Early Head Start?
Module 2: Cultivating Passion
Module 3: Professionalism
Module 4: Reaching the Most Vulnerable and At-Risk
Module 5: Parents As Key Partners
To learn more about these orientation modules, other learning content and the online learning platform, please follow this link.
Third, even bigger, opportunity is the IHSA Parent Ambassador program.
We are now accepting applications for 2019-2020. If you are a parent reading this we would like to have you join us for this wonderful opportunity. If you are a staff member reading this please share and encourage parents from your organization to complete the simple application process. Goals of Parent Ambassador Program include . .
(click
here
for more details).
In closing, OPEN yourself up to the endless possibilities! Be open to new ideas, open to new adventures and open to taking time for yourself. Remember this:
So, keep GROWING and always remember we appreciate the work you do!
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Updates from Associate Head Start State Collaboration Director Donna Emmons
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Donna's IHSA Advisor for
April, 2019
ISBE releases RFPs for ECBG:
The Illinois State Board of Education released its RFPS for FY 20 Preschool For All, Preschool For All Expansion, and Prevention Initiative grants. The grants are due June 10, 2019, before 4:00 PM. The grants may be submitted electronically or by paper and a flash drive.
Here is a one page flyer describing the "improvements" ISBE made to the ECBG grant process this year:
I encourage all HS and EHS programs to apply if you have a waiting list and can show the need in your area for additional slots.
I also STRONGLY encourage you to pull together your local EC entities or your local EC collaboration group to discuss the needs in your local area for any of the grants. This year the ECBG grants are supposed to clearly show that there is a need for expansion or initiation of these programs.
Here is a link to the RFPs:
https://www.isbe.net/ECBG
Look for information from IHSA for webinars about writing the grants.
Risk and Reach Report ... (found here within Donna's full article)
Should Children Be Ready for Kindergarten-Or Should Kindergarten Be Ready for Children?
IEL Has Many Resources for Kindergarten Transition
For Partner Plan Act Conference details and
Donna's full article, click now
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The Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) has adopted final rules for licensed child care centers and homes to address lead in drinking water.
Effective January 1, 2019, the DCFS licensing standards include the following requirements for currently licensed providers and new licensure applicants .. such as:
* All providers must complete training on ... (click here for more)
to learn about recently adopted DCFS rules.
Additionally, Illinois Action for Children's website has in
formation on an approved training and resources from experts to help providers move through this process.
As more training materials are identified, the website will be updated.
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Measles Outbreaks!!!
The CDC is asking for your help to ensure that all children and families are up to date on the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine. When it comes to vaccinations, parents trust the expertise of their doctor more than anyone else. As families work with their doctors, it's important that
Head Start, Early Head Start, and child care staff help parents understand that the MMR vaccine
is the
best protection against measles infection.
Here are some actions programs can take at this website:
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Upcoming Professional Development Trainings . . plus IHSA Advocacy in Action!
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Upcoming Professional Development Events
June 3rd through 5th - Zion IL
June 5th to 7th - Zion IL
Jul
y 10th & 11th - Zion IL
Always ALWAYS read your event details:
Once ANY online registration is submitt
ed, you shall be
invoiced.
There are no cancellations .. there are no cancellations!
Name
changes ARE accepted up to 72 h
ours
(prior to any training event date).
Do not hesitate to call 217-381-5007 or email questions
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. . Advocacy News you can use:
Head Start Rally Day is Weds., May 15th
Join with us
to RALLY at the
Illinois State Capitol as we share how
"Strong Bright Futures Begin at Head Start"
For more details, just click
here & sign-up for boxed lunch & (free) rally t-shirt.
Don't wait another day -- get YOUR t-shirt ordered now!!!
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Bonus Informational Links
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Enroll now for YOUR agency's own Orientation Modules!
Look at what you're getting -- great ways for on-boarding staff, an exciting new format, training available 24/7 .. so much more! Don't pass these opportunities by, we know you're going to love using our Modules, creating your own & even more soon!
Quotes from G. Lynnie Bailey with SIU-Edwardsville Head Start Programs [paraphrasing here, but we obtained permission to share these comments]: "Our program has used the first three modules for our staff onboarding.
It was received very well by everyone. When we went through the module on Cultivating Passion, our team would pause and take time to discuss what we had just listened to and seen." "It was also good to have our group hear from others and see faces from outside our own organization. It helps them understand that although our work is for local Head Start programs, they learn how we are part of something much bigger {throughout the state and nationwide}." "These Orientation Modules are a great tool which we will use in the future."
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Upcoming National Awareness Month for . .
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Be aware and share your knowledge of these
April
Awareness Months/Days:
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Find upcoming events and the latest from GOECD
here
(including occasional job openings)
IHSA fully supports the IL Early Learning Council's
statement on Family Separation.
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Pictured below (left to right) with
2019 Annual Conference & Parent Institute
Keynote Speakers, are our Parent Ambassador Stars:
Destiney Hearn, David Lyke, Eddie Williams and LaChar Crayton!
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