Iowa Head Start Association

05/26/2026

Thank you to Matt, who is also an IHSA Board Member and the parents from Iowa who went to Washington D.C. to share the story of Head Start in Iowa.

05/22/2026

At the May IHSA Board Meeting the IHSA Board approved the appointment of Lyz Schmitz to the Board! Lyz replaces Chris Juett who was named the Executive Director of IHSA. We are so excited to have Lyz join the Board for the remainder of the term.

Lyz is the Chief Financial Officer of Tri-County Head Start in Waterloo, IA, where she has served for the past eight years. She brings experience from both the nonprofit and for-profit sectors, including roles as a nonprofit auditor/tax preparer and as CFO/Vice President of a business development company.

Lyz is a passionate advocate for Head Start, representing Iowa in federal advocacy efforts in Washington, DC. She is also a frequent presenter at state and national conferences, sharing practical strategies on program design and leadership.

Known for her organization, compassion, and results-driven approach, Lyz is committed to strengthening Head Start programs and expanding opportunities for children and families. She prioritizes supporting staff well-being and fostering positive, engaging work environments.

Outside of work, she enjoys new experiences, outdoor activities, and spending time with friends and family.

05/20/2026

Thank you to Molina Healthcare of Iowa for teaming with Iowa Head Start Association to provide shoes to Head Start children across the state.! We appreciate what you do to help children and families!

Last month, Molina Healthcare of Iowa partnered with the Iowa Head Start Association to support children and families across the state.

Through this partnership, we provided nearly 250 pairs of shoes to children in need, helping ensure they have the essential items to stay active and comfortable. Some locations also received cleaning supplies and food items to help address critical everyday needs that directly impact health and well-being.

We recognize that strong communities are built by supporting the whole family, and we’re honored to work with Iowa Head Start to help create healthier environments where children can thrive. Together, we’re making a meaningful difference, one family at a time.

05/19/2026

Congratulations to all of the 2026 R7HSA Awards and Scholarship Winners! IHSA is proud to share that two of our own were honored for their work and dedication to Head Start. Congratulations to Heather Stemsrud from Drake for being named Iowa Teacher of the Year and the Region VII Teacher of the Year and to Jane Drapeaux from HACAP (retired) for being named the Iowa Children's Champion. It is an honor to work beside you and all of the other Head Start Staff in Iowa who do so very much for children and families.

05/18/2026

Happy Birthday, Head Start!
On Head Start's Birthday we thank the 2,487 staff in Iowa who work for Head Start. What you do every day changes the lives of Iowa's children and their families!
We love seeing the 6,534 children in our 209 centers every day! Watching you grow is the best job ever!
We thank the parents for entrusting their children to us each and every day!
Happy Birthday, Head Start!

Today, we celebrate 61 years of Head Start!

Since 1965, this program has helped millions of children and families build stronger futures. It supports early learning, strengthens communities, and creates opportunity across the country.

This milestone reflects the impact of generations of families, educators, and communities who have made Head Start what it is today.

Celebrate with us and learn more: https://hubs.la/Q04g-zJN0

05/11/2026

Parents of Head Start Children are able to work and go to school because their children receive quality early childhood education services through Early Head Start and Head Start Preschool. We are proud to serve families in Iowa.

TODAY is Day Without Child Care!

When child care stops, everything else does too. Families, businesses, and communities feel the impact.

We’re standing together to raise awareness and advocate for stronger support for early childhood education.

Is your program participating today? Tag us or comment below to share how you’re using the toolkit!

05/08/2026

Preparations for the 2026 Region VII Head Start Association Fall Leadership Caucus are underway. Has your Head Start Program considered submitting a presentation proposal? Proposals are due May 22nd.

Accepting session proposals through Friday, May 22nd. Don't miss this opportunity to share your expertise with participants. Submit your proposal today! r7hsa.com/caucus

05/07/2026

IHSA is happy to celebrate teachers this week. Happy Teacher Appreciation Week!
Thank you for all you do every day to nurture Iowa's youngest learners and prepare them for Kindergarten and beyond.

✨🍎 Happy Teacher Appreciation Week! 🍎✨Today we celebrate the incredible early childhood educators who inspire, nurture, and shape the future every single day. Thank you for your endless patience, creativity, and dedication to helping students learn and grow. Your impact reaches far beyond the classroom! 📚🌟

05/05/2026

It is an exciting time for the Iowa Head Start Association! We are saying good-bye to Lori Ferris, the Outgoing Executive Director, and hello to Chris Juett, the Incoming Executive Director. We wish Lori all the best in her new role as Executive Director of Iowa Community Action Association.

04/19/2026

A big thank you to our partners, Iowa Child Care Resource & Referral and Iowa EC-PBIS, for sponsoring the April 15th spring conference held at the FFA Enrichment Center! With over 270 attendees, partners, sponsors, Head Start award winners and their guests present we had a full house! A shout out to Block Party and Co. for creating our balloon arch this year! Such a fun day!