Tri-County Opportunities Council Early Head Start/Head Start

10/15/2026

🚒 Yesterday, the Rochelle Fire Department stopped by our Rochelle XI and XII classrooms to share a demonstration and important safety tips for National Fire Prevention Month! 🔥

The children loved getting an up-close look at the fire trucks and firefighters’ uniforms while learning about fire safety. ❤️

Community partners play a huge role in Head Start by helping us provide meaningful learning experiences and connect children and families with valuable resources. We are so thankful to the Rochelle Fire Department for taking the time to visit and make fire safety fun for our little learners! 👨‍🚒

10/15/2026

💙🌟 THANK A HEAD START HERO THURSDAY! 🌟💙

Behind every Head Start success story is someone who showed up, went the extra mile, offered encouragement, or made a family feel seen and supported.

Today, we want to celebrate those incredible people!

🙌 IT’S YOUR TURN TO GIVE SOMEONE A SHOUT-OUT!

👇 Nominate a Head Start employee who has made a difference in your family’s life!

💙 A teacher who believed in your child?
💚 A family advocate who helped you through a difficult time?
❤️ A bus driver who greeted your child with a smile every morning?
💛 A home visitor who supported your family?
💜 A staff member who made you feel like you belonged?

We want to hear about them ALL!

📣 HOW TO NOMINATE:

1️⃣ Tag your Head Start hero in the comments (if they have social media).

2️⃣ Tell us their name and what program they work for.

3️⃣ Share why they deserve to be recognized!

Let’s fill the comments with appreciation, encouragement, and love for the people who make Head Start special. 🥹💙

Because sometimes, the people who spend their days pouring into our children and families need a reminder that WHAT THEY DO MATTERS.

Let’s remind them today!

10/14/2026

Last week, we had a wonderful open house for our LaSalle EHS Center-Based classroom! 🎉 We’re getting closer to welcoming children and families into our new space! Just a few more finishing touches, and Ms. Samantha and Ms. Jacklynn will be ready to get started! We can’t wait to begin this exciting new chapter with our LaSalle families!

📋We are still looking for one more lead teacher to join this great team! If you're interested in learning more information about the opening head to www.tcochelps.org/job-postings/ and look for the description of the Infant/Toddler Teacher.

10/14/2026

🎉 Join Our Team at TCOC! 🎉

Looking for a job where you can make a meaningful impact in your community? TCOC Early Head Start/Head Start is looking for caring, dedicated individuals to fill a variety of positions across multiple locations! ❤️ Come be part of a team that helps children learn, grow, and thrive while supporting the families we serve.

💻 Explore our current openings here:
https://tcochelps.org/job-postings/

Interested in applying? Here’s how!

✅ Download and complete the fillable application on our website, then email it to [email protected]. Be sure to include the position(s) and location(s) you’re interested in.

OR

✅ Apply through Indeed for the county where you’d like to work. Remember to specify the position(s) and location(s) you’re interested in!

📣 Help us find our next great team members! Share this post with friends, family, or anyone who may be interested in joining TCOC. 👍🏻

10/14/2026

WHY HEAD START WEDNESDAY!

It’s Wednesday, and we’re talking about WHY HEAD START MATTERS!

When people hear the words Head Start, they might think of preschool, ABCs, and getting ready for kindergarten. But those of us who know Head Start understand that the impact goes SO MUCH DEEPER than the classroom!

Head Start is…

📚 SCHOOL READINESS — Helping children build the skills and confidence they need to learn and grow.

❤️ FAMILY SUPPORT — Connecting families with resources, relationships, and support during life’s challenges.

🌱 PARENT EMPOWERMENT — Helping parents discover their strengths, develop leadership skills, and find their voices.

🤝 COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS — Bringing families, educators, and communities together to create brighter futures.

🗣️ PARENT VOICE — Making sure families have a seat at the table when decisions are being made about their children and programs.

And here’s something important to remember: Head Start doesn’t just invest in children today. It invests in the parents, families, and future leaders who will shape our communities tomorrow.

📣 NOW IT’S YOUR TURN!

For today’s Why Head Start Wednesday question, tell us in the comments:

💬 What do you think is the MOST important thing people should know about Head Start?

Is it the difference it makes for children? The support it provides families? The power of parent leadership? Or something else entirely?

👇 Share your thoughts! Your perspective matters, and your voice could help someone see Head Start in a whole new way.

As we celebrate October’s Head Start Awareness Month, let’s keep sharing our stories, raising awareness, and reminding everyone that behind every statistic is a real child, a real family, and a future full of possibilities.

10/14/2026

Head Start began in 1965 to give children from low-income families a strong start. Sixty-one years later, that purpose still shapes every Head Start and Early Head Start classroom, home visit, and family event across Illinois. This month, we're celebrating the children, families, and staff who carry it forward.

Explore Head Start's timeline: https://headstart.gov/about-us/article/head-start-timeline

10/14/2026

The weather outside was warm and sunny Oct. 2, but Tammy Saenz, LIHEAP program director at Tri County Opportunities Council in Rock Falls, was already seeing demand for the home utility program heating up.

10/14/2026

Supporting your child’s mental health is just as important as their physical health.
💙 At Whiteside County Health Department, we’re here to help families nurture healthy minds.
Let’s work together for happier, healthier kids!
Schedule today: 815-626-2230

10/09/2026

Help us celebrate our top In-Kind/Non-Federal contributors for the month of September! 🎉

🏆 Early Head Start: O/S/M HB earned the most, contributing $5,685.74! This month EHS earned a total of $12,696.59 getting us to 24% of our goal.

🏆 Head Start: Ottawa X earned the most, contributing $2,843.00! This month HS earned a total of $17,698.94 getting us to 10% of our goal.

Did you know that 20% of our program funding must come from non-federal share, also known as in-kind? Donations of time, goods, services, and other eligible contributions help us meet this requirement and continue supporting children and families.

Thank you to everyone who contributes! Every donation and act of support makes a difference. If you would like to know how to help us reach our In-Kind/Non-Federal goal, send us a message and we will connect you with our Family and Community Service Team!

10/08/2026

Tomorrow is our Open House for our NEW LaSalle/Peru Center Base Classroom. If you are curious about our program and want to check out the space and meet our staff, be sure to stop by anytime from 3:45pm to 5:45pm. There will be some fun activities for you and your family and a chance to chat with the Mayor! We hope to see you there! 😀

🎉 You’re Invited to Our LaSalle Early Head Start Grand Opening! 🎉

We’re excited to open the doors to our new LaSalle Early Head Start classroom and invite families and community members to come see the space! 💙

Join us on October 9 from 3:45–5:45 p.m. at our LaSalle/Peru location, 3691 Cougar Dr, Peru, IL for an afternoon of fun, activities, and a chance to explore our brand-new classroom.

✨ See the new classroom
🎨 Enjoy children’s activities
👋 Meet the Mayor
🔎 Take part in a scavenger hunt for a chance to win a prize!

We’re so excited to share this new space with our community and show you what Early Head Start has to offer. We hope to see you there! 🎉