Raising Illinois

10/12/2026

To the families, providers and early childhood champions who spoke up for Head Start: THANK YOU!

More than 40,000 public comments were submitted nationwide in response to proposed changes to Head Start standards. Thank you to everyone across the Raising Illinois community who shared their perspective, circulated resources or encouraged others to participate.

Head Start connects early learning with health, nutrition, developmental supports and family partnerships. Those services matter to children and families across our state.

The comment period has closed, but the proposal is not a final rule. Closing the period does not itself change program requirements or services.

Stay connected with Raising Illinois for updates and new opportunities to take action on behalf of infants and toddlers: https://raisingillinois.org/get-involved/action-center/

Thank you, thank you, thank you. 💙

More than 40,000 public comments were submitted in response to proposed changes to Head Start standards. Whether you shared your story, submitted a comment or helped someone else participate, we’re grateful.

The comment period has closed, but the proposal is not a final rule. Families enrolled in Head Start programs should continue participating as usual and contact their program team with any questions about their services.

We’ll keep sharing updates as the process moves forward. Follow us here and stay connected through Together for Head Start: https://bit.ly/4yKB2J1

10/09/2026

Raising Our Voices: Standing Our Ground & Advancing Policy is NEXT WEEK!

Federal threats to early childhood programs aren't slowing down — and neither are we. On October 14, Raising Illinois is bringing the coalition together to talk about how we keep advancing progress for infants, toddlers, and expecting families, even in a tough policy climate.

Register now to join the conversation:

Join us on October 14, 2026 for a fall event, Raising Our Voices: Standing Our Ground & Advancing Policy

10/07/2026

Join Start Early and Every Child Ready Chicago, with special guests the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and Chicago Department of Public Health, on October 13 from 5:30-7PM for a conversation around immunizations recommended in early childhood.

We will discuss why we vaccinate, which vaccines are recommended and required for providers and children in their care, and helpful tools to meet early childhood program vaccination requirements. We will be providing Gateways credit to those who attend the webinar live and have an existing Gateways account.

When registering, feel free to share a question for our presenters to answer during the Q&A portion. A recording and copy of the slides will be shared with all registrants after the webinar. Register today:

Join Start Early and Every Child Ready Chicago with special guests the Illinois Department of Public Health and Chicago Department of Public Heath for an overview of requirements and resources for the early childhood vaccine schedule 

10/06/2026

Illinois’ Early Intervention (EI) system is in crisis, and too many babies and toddlers are waiting for services. The Fiscal Year 2027 (FY27) state budget took an important step with a $15M increase for EI, but much more funding is desperately needed to stabilize our system and properly compensate providers.

This fall, our Babies Can’t Wait campaign is urging the Illinois Department of Early Childhood (IDEC) to ask for an additional $40M for EI in its FY2028 budget request to the Governor, which would support a substantial rate increase for providers and alleviate long wait times for families entitled to EI services.

Join us by contacting IDEC to let the Department know that families, providers, and advocates are counting on this investment because ! https://itl.ink/f42fe5f0

10/06/2026

While Congressional Republicans promised that HR1 wouldn't cut Medicaid for pregnant people - thousands of pregnant or recently pregnant people are at risk of losing their health coverage in Illinois. Join HR1 and Pregnancy: Navigating Medicaid Changes Before, During, and After Pregnancy with EverThrive IL on October 29 from 12:00 - 1:00 to learn about recent and upcoming changes to Medicaid and how they affect pregnant and postpartum individuals, including those who have abortions, miscarriages, or stillbirths. Bring your questions and get ready for an engaging conversation. We will share guidance and resources to help people stay connected to health coverage. Register today...https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_BG9p5nlaSUmfT1dy6ogqBw #/

10/05/2026

Don't miss the deadline! The regular voter registration deadline in Illinois is TOMORROW October 6, but you still have another option: October 18 is the last day to register to vote online.

If you miss the regular registration deadline, Illinois also has grace-period registration and voting available in person. Don't wait—check your registration and make your voting plan today!

Check out these resources from our partners at We, The Village IL : https://wethevillageil.org/il-2026-election/

10/01/2026

Educare Chicago and Healthy Parents & Babies’ sixth annual family fall festival is THIS SATURDAY October 3, from 11am-2pm!

Enjoy a fun-filled Saturday with free food and games. Families will also have access to the Educare Chicago family store and learn more about our services and the partner organizations working in the community.

Learn more and RSVP today:

Join the fun! ¡Únete a la diversión! Información en español 6th Annual Family Fall Festival RSVP today for Educare Chicago and Healthy Parents & Babies' sixth annual family fall festival! Enjoy a fun-filled Saturday with free food and games. Families will also have access to

09/30/2026

There's still time to register for Raising Our Voices: Standing Our Ground & Advancing Policy on October 14th!

Policy change starts close to home. In our next coalition-wide event, hear about what we'll be advocating for in the FY28 Illinois state budget and the push to strengthen support for infants, toddlers and expecting families, with a focus on childcare, Early Intervention, home visiting, and the systems families rely on every day.

We'll also cover the federal threats facing Head Start: what was proposed, what these changes would mean for Illinoisans, and what comes next.

Register now to join us on Oct 14, 12-1pm CT: https://itl.ink/a042958f

09/29/2026

On August 6, 2026, the Department of Health and Human Services shared proposed changes to the Head Start Program Performance Standards. The proposed changes represent the largest ever overhaul of the standards, which if enacted would significantly impact the children and families served by Early Head Start (EHS) & Head Start. Here in Illinois, EHS serves more than 11,400 infants & toddlers in addition to providing home visiting and mental health consultation services to enrolled families.

We need your help to protect the quality of these vital services! This is a proposed rule and is open for public comment until October 6. Now is your opportunity to speak up. You do not need to be a policy expert to submit a public comment. If you are a parent, educator, Head Start alum, community member, advocate or simply someone who believes in Head Start, your experience and perspective matters.

Learn more about what a federal public comment is and how to submit one in this helpful video featuring Family Leader Raeyonda Sparks!

09/28/2026

Are you registered to vote in Illinois? Before Election Day, take a moment to check your voter registration and make sure your information is up to date. October 6 is the last day for regular voter registration by mail or in person. Not registered by then? Illinois offers grace-period registration and voting beginning October 7. Your voice belongs in our democracy. Make sure you're ready to use it!

Check out these resources from our partners at We, The Village IL: https://wethevillageil.org/il-2026-election/