Idaho Head Start Association

News from Head Start.

🚨Announcement🚨

Administration for Children and Families - ACF issues Final Rule on mitigating the spread of COVID-19 in Head Start programs to align more closely with the guidance from CDC.

This final rule also removes the universal masking requirement for individuals ages 2 and older.

Learn more: buff.ly/3Xb7wch

Idaho's Head Start and Early Head Start programs welcome children with disabilities. We offer a full range of services to ensure these children will be as successful as the other children in our program. These services include special education, health, social services, parent involvement, mental health, nutrition, and case management. Children suspected of having a disabling condition and/or children with a disability are carefully assessed to determine what services might be necessary. Learn more and find a program near you at www.idahohsa.org

Are you worried? Afraid? Angry? Prolonged stress is unhealthy for you and your children. You can learn and practice these easy techniques to calm yourself, and your children can learn and practice alongside you. Start 2023 off right by learning to manage stress. https://buff.ly/2uk9VsW

The simple act of expressing gratitude is powerful for adults and children. Verbalize your gratitude to pre-verbal infants, encourage toddlers to talk about or draw pictures of what they are grateful for and help older children write down what they are grateful for. Family meal time is an excellent place to talk about what each person is grateful for.

Hooray! The Fiscal Year 2023 budget on its way to the President Biden’s desk includes a record investment of $11.99 billion for Head Start and Early Head Start. That's a $960 million increase over last year. Big thanks to our team that visited with Congress in the fall. IHSA will continue to work with National Head Start Association to advocate for increased compensation for the early childhood workforce.

Head Start and Early Head Start serve expectant parents and families with children ages birth to five years. You’ll find our welcoming and inclusive programs in 146 Idaho communities. We partner with you to ensure development of your child’s language, literacy, social, emotional, and physical skills Applications are always accepted. To learn more and find a program near you, please visit www.idahohsa.org

Idaho's Head Start and Early Head Start programs serve large and small families. Each of the 13 programs enrolls children who are unhoused, children in foster care and children with disabilities. We celebrate our Head Start families in their awesome diversity. Learn more at www.idahohsa.org
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Pocatello/Chubbuck Head Start

Idaho's Head Start and Early Head Start programs provide opportunities to families with young children in 146 Idaho communities. All families are welcome if they meet the income-related eligibility requirements. Your child’s early years are very important, and you want to give them the best. Get in touch with your local Head Start program by visiting www.idahohsa.org.
Photos from Friends of Children and Families, Inc. Head Start & Early Head Start

What happens in a child's first days and months has a life-long impact. Parents are often unaware of the simple steps they can take to build positive relationships with their babies. Idaho's Early Head Start programs provide comprehensive services to families with children age 0-3 and most welcome parents who are expecting. What are you waiting for? Find out about Early Head Start programs near you at www.idahohsa.org and please share with your friends.
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[Image Description: Two newborns wrapped in blankets lie sleeping side by side. Text reads, "Is Your Family Growing?"]

We celebrate our Head Start fathers!

Fathers and male caregivers play a very important part in a child’s early learning. Explore how early education staff can create father-friendly environments in their programs: https://buff.ly/3tOHFet

Now that's something to smile about!

is one of the most important educational investment in children & families in the U.S. Over the last 6 decades, it has provided support to 37 million vulnerable children & their families.
That's 37 million !!
https://nhsa.org/alumni/

Thanks for advocating for Head Start!

Advocates for Head Start in Washington DC 💥 Ruby Behm and Abby Greenfield

The Idaho delegation is making a difference at the National Head Start Association Fall Leadership Institute in Washington DC. After the morning rally, they had a meeting with Head Start supporter Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson. Thanks to Karey Perkins from WICAP Community Collaborative, Ruby and Tom Behm and Abby Greenfield from CSI Head Start/Early Head Start and IHSA Executive Director Bill Foxcroft for speaking up for Head Start.
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Mask rule to officially change at Head Start.

The Administration for Children and Families recently announced that, in the near future, we intend to publish a final rule that will formally remove the requirement for universal masking in Head Start programs for all individuals ages 2 and older.

Learn more: buff.ly/3bm1zVh

Idaho Head Start Association celebrates the Hispanic staff members and families that make Head Start strong.

This year, is from September 15th to October 15th!

The Office of Head Start honors and celebrates our Hispanic children, families, and staff. Thank you for being a part of our family!

buff.ly/2rIVVnR

Reading to your child from birth has numerous benefits. Here are handy tips in case you aren't sure where to start. It's never too late to start a daily reading habit!
Sourced from https://imaginationlibrary.com/news-resources/parent-resources/

Reading is a part of each day at Idaho's Head Start and Early Head Start centers. Reading develops language and literacy skills, peaks curiosity, and helps children understand emotion. Learn more about Idaho's Head Start programs at www.idahohsa.org. Photos are from Shoshone-Bannock Tribes Head Start in Fort Hall.

Let's make a mess! Messy play engages the senses, and children learn foundational cognitive principles as they exercise motor, language, and social skills.
Learn more: https://buff.ly/3Akoo7Z

Head Start and Early Head Start programs across Idaho are starting the 2022/23 school year. Head Start is the nation's most successful school readiness program. Find a program near you by visiting www.idahoheadstart.org.
Photo taken at WICAP Community Collaborative Head Start.
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Head Start and Early Head Start programs across Idaho are starting the 2022/23 school year. Head Start is the nation's most successful school readiness program. Find a program near you by visiting www.idahoheadstart.org.
Photo taken at Shoshone-Bannock Tribes Head Start in Fort Hall.
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When You Pray (Move Your Feet)

An uplifting song for Monday. Continue to spread the love.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0MdJ37VC6PE

When You Pray (Move Your Feet) Provided to YouTube by Virtual Label LLCWhen You Pray (Move Your Feet) · Tim O'BrienWhen You Pray (Move Your Feet)℗ Howdy Skies RecordsReleased on: 2021-06-0...

Head Start and Early Head Start programs across Idaho are hiring. There are openings for entry level teachers and aides, support and administrative staff, cooks, bus drivers and managers. Find your local program at www.idahohsa.org

Applying for your local FREE Head Start and Early Head Start program is simple for families that qualify for SNAP benefits - just show your enrollment papers. Programs across Idaho are accepting applications now. Visit www.idahohsa.org to find your local program and learn more about the Head Start Advantage.

Head Start and Early Head Start support parents in their role as primary caregivers and first, most important teachers of their children. Head Start focuses on the whole family, assisting parents with a wide range of family needs including job training, housing, employment, and parenting education. When parents thrive, children thrive!
Find your local Head Start and Early Head Start programs at www.idahohsa.org.
Photos from Friends of Children and Families, Inc. Head Start & Early Head Start Lolly Wyatt Center in Garden City.
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Attention Head Start parents and caregivers - present and alumni. Can you represent Idaho on this call? Please let us know if you attend. Thanks.

Calling all Parents and Caregivers!

Join us for our first Parent Advocacy Engagement Call on August 3 at 7 p.m. This is a space to hear the latest news and connect with Head Start families across the country.

See you there ➡️ https://nhsa.org/event/parent-advocacy-engagement-call/

Look at the smiles on these Head Start students from the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes Head Start in Fort Hall, Idaho. Idaho is proud to have three American Indian Head Start programs. The Nez Perce Tribe Mamáy’asnim Hitéemenwees, The Coeur d'Alene Tribe Schitsu’umsh, and Shoshone-Bannock Tribes, Newe, programs.
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Idaho's Head Start and Early Head Start programs help families find a primary care physician and a dentist and makes referrals for specialists that help with hearing, vision and other problems that interfere with learning. Expectant parents and children zero to five can enroll in our FREE program. Learn about eligibility and find a program near you at www.idahohsa.org
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Idaho's Head Start programs help every child reach their full potential. Getting ready for kindergarten involves developing fine motor skills that children acquire through manipulation of playdough and small toys. Find a Head Start program near you at idahohsa.org
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Photos from Friends of Children and Families, Inc. Head Start & Early Head Start Lolly Wyatt Center in Garden City and Shoshone-Bannock Tribes Head Start in Fort Hall.
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How to Help Kids with Big Feelings | Raising Resilient Kids

Idaho Public Television and the Idaho Resilience Project have created excellent resources to be used by parents, teachers and other caregivers.

How to Help Kids with Big Feelings | Raising Resilient Kids “Calm down!” It might be something your parents said to you when you were upset. Or it might be something you recently said to your child. In this short vi...

IHSA Summer YouTube FINAL

https://youtu.be/svZeL-2Y2UY

IHSA Summer YouTube FINAL

A hug is a powerful thing. A 20 second hug can help your kid grow smarter, healthier, happier, more resilient and closer to you. Start and end each day with a hug. Head Start and Early Head Start help parents learn about the power of hugs and much, much more! https://www.parentingforbrain.com/children-hugging/

Tooth decay is the most common childhood disease, but it can be prevented with good oral health care. Tooth pain can prevent children from speaking clearly, eating, and learning. Head Start's professional teachers help children and families learn how to care for their teeth. Idaho's Head Start programs are enrolling expectant parents and children age 0-4 NOW. Programs are free to qualifying families. Find your local center at www.idahohsa.org

Idaho's 13 Head Start programs are accepting applications now. Find your local center at www.idahohsa.org
Friends of Children and Families, Inc. Head Start & Early Head Start, North Idaho College Head Start, Mountain States Early Head Start, WICAP of Canyon County, Community Council of Idaho, Inc., College of Southern Idaho, EICAP - Eastern Idaho Community Action Partnership, Pocatello/Chubbuck School District 25, Lewis-Clark Early Childhood Program

We know recruiting and enrolling children and families are at the heart of the work done at Head Start and Early Head Start programs. Having readily accessible tools at your fingertips is essential to your outreach and recruitment efforts.

Explore and download the latest recruitment tools from the Office of Head Start, now available on the ECLKC: https://buff.ly/382Tbue

International Mud Day was celebrated in grand style at WICAP's Payette Head Start. Idaho Head Start and Early Head Start programs in Payette and around the state are accepting applications now. Learn more at www.idahohsa.org
National Head Start Association

Idaho Head Start Association

Outdoor play is fun and it's packed with benefits for young children. Outdoor time at Head Start improves children's health, strengthens children's development and learning and connects them to nature. Applications are now being accepted for children age 0-4 and expectant parents. Find a center near you at www.idahohsa.org
Photos from Shoshone-Bannock Tribes Head Start and Friends of Children and Families, Inc. Head Start & Early Head Start

Idaho Head Start Association The Idaho Head Start Association (IHSA) is a statewide nonprofit composed of representatives from Head Start, Early Head Start, Migrant Head Start, and Native American Head Start.

Idaho's Head Start programs welcome ALL families and children! We provide safe environments that ensure equality, respect, and dignity for parents and staff members, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, or gender expression. Learn more: https://buff.ly/3mpCT2l Programs are accepting applications for Head Start and Early Head Start now. Get connected at www.idahohsa.org

The Head Start Advantage. Idaho's Head Start programs help families get their children to the doctor for routine checkups and to specialists to identify and treat disabilities or delays. Screening early matters. Head Start’s comprehensive health services address critical needs and contribute to the success of children and families. Contact your local program and apply today at www.idahohsa.org

Well deserved recognition of the amazing job of the Shoshone-Paiute Tribes Head Start staff. Congratulations.
National Head Start Association

OWYHEE--A pretty special event happened on June 9 for staff of local schools. Duck Valley Head Start and Owyhee Combined School faculty, administration and staff—were presented a gift of appreciation delivered by Tribal Council Members. The gifts were delivered in the afternoon, and were happily welcomed.
Tribal Vice Chairman Brian Mason, Councilwoman Addie Parker, and Councilwoman Daliah Abel presented the cups to the staff of the schools.
“That was shocking,” said Head Start Lead Teacher Cammie Jones. “We’ve never gotten anything like that before,” she said. While the staff receives small gifts from some students at the end of the school year, Jones said the gifts from the Tribe meant a lot to them.
Jones spoke of the challenges the head start center faced during the pandemic. Like many entities that were shut down in the early days of the Covid-19 pandemic, Head Start students weren’t able to come to the classroom and while many head start centers across the state were shut down entirely, Duck Valley Head Start Center wasn’t. Staff worked hard to get out educational packets weekly and to get food to their students every day of the school week. Jones said she felt fortunate that their school wasn’t one that shut down entirely. They were employed and the students still received instruction.
Jones said the students were happy to be back in the classroom this past school year. She said working on social skills after two years of not being in school was the focus for a while. Jones credits her staff with pulling together and making things work because the staff had their own concerns with covid-19. “We had staff filling in other positions,” Cammie said. They made it work, though in and out themselves with bouts with the illness.
The school year was full of challenges for the schools. The Council and community saw teachers and staff display extraordinary adaptability, courage, patience, and more having to re-do the way they’ve done things all along—going back and forth between in-person, remote and hybrid styles of instruction--which is why the Council wanted to show their appreciation in a small way, putting together 61 gift cups for staff at both entities. This small but meaningful gesture included a card which read, “Thank you for your continued patience and dedication to our students of [Owyhee Combined School/Headstart] through these unprecedented times.” Signed, Shoshone-Paiute Tribal Members.
Owyhee Combined School personnel were just as surprised as the staff at Head Start. An astonished Lynn Manning-John, Vice-Principal echoed that of Cammie Jones, saying it was such a nice surprise, adding, “this has never happened before!”
The Council hopes that Duck Valley’s school personnel, both Head Start and Owyhee Combined, felt some measure of appreciation for their efforts during the 2021-2022 school year. What the future holds we don’t know, but for today and for this past school year, the Sho-Pai tribal community thanks our teachers for pushing through the unique set of challenges presented by the covid-19 pandemic.

In the photo, Council Members and staff/students of the Duck Valley Head Start Center: Shoshone-Paiute Tribal Vice-Chairman Brian Mason, Lead Teacher & Supervisor Cammie Jones, Family Service Worker Tanya Beaudoin, Council Member Addie Parker, Lead Teacher Arloa Kelly, Assistant Cook Kristina Atkins; (second row) Council Member Daliah Abel and Head Cook Vickie Thomas along with students of the Head Start. (Not pictured: Janelle Harney, Assistant Teacher.)
Photo credit, Chrissy Pete, Sho-Pai News.