Yvette Sanchez Fuentes, Start Early · [email protected]

June 5, 2025 at 6:18 PM

Learn How to Advocate for Head Start

Register for our Free Webinar To view this email as a webpage, click here. Dear John, Now more than ever, we must raise our voices to sustain Head Start and early childhood programs. With federal support at risk, it’s critical th…

See More from Yvette Sanchez Fuentes, Start Early

  Start Early · [email protected]

June 5, 2025 at 3:12 PM

New From Start Early

May Edition To view this email as a webpage, click here. Tell Congress: Protect Head Start Amid Funding ThreatsOn April 11, multiple outlets broke news that President Trump’s proposed Fiscal Year 2026 budget – which is expected to be releas…

See More from Start Early

  Start Early Illinois Policy Team · [email protected]

June 4, 2025 at 8:30 PM

We Want To Hear From You!

To view this email as a webpage, click here. We Want to Hear From You!The early childhood landscape of Illinois has weathered substantial change over the last several years and, regardless of your role, Start Early wants to continue to brin…

See More from Start Early Illinois Policy Team

  Start Early Illinois Policy Team · [email protected]

June 2, 2025 at 4:30 PM

Illinois General Assembly Approves Illinois Fiscal Year 2026 State Budget

To view this email as a webpage, click here. This weekend, the Illinois General Assembly approved a Fiscal Year 2026 state budget that includes additional funding for the state’s child care system. Unfortunately, the spending plan maintains …

See More from Start Early Illinois Policy Team

  Start Early · [email protected]

May 29, 2025 at 6:15 PM

eNews: What’s Happening at Start Early

May Edition That’s a Wrap—2025 Annual LuncheonEarlier this month, Start Early hosted our 23rd Annual Luncheon, where we explored how stress during pregnancy can affect a baby’s brain, why supporting mothers’ mental health matters, and how early experiences shap…

See More from Start Early

  Start Early Illinois Policy Team · [email protected]

May 22, 2025 at 7:31 PM

Action Alert! Final Days to Urge the General Assembly to Invest in Children & Families

Take Action Today! To view this email as a webpage, click here. We are in the final stretch of Illinois’ legislative session! The May 31 deadline to finalize next year’s state budget is quickly approaching.  Amid the specter of federal fun…

See More from Start Early Illinois Policy Team

  Start Early · [email protected]

May 18, 2025 at 2:10 PM

Happy 60th Birthday to Head Start!

Celebrate Head Start’s birthday by sharing your story To view this email as a webpage, click here. Dear John, Today, we celebrate a milestone that has shaped generations of Americans—Head Start is turning 60!  Since its creation in 1965, H…

See More from Start Early

  Start Early · [email protected]

May 16, 2025 at 7:10 PM

That's a Wrap: Annual Luncheon 2025

Event recap available! To view this email as a webpage, click here. Earlier this month Start Early hosted our 23rd Annual Luncheon, where we explored how stress during pregnancy can affect a baby’s brain, why supporting mothers’ mental hea…

See More from Start Early

  Start Early Illinois Policy Team · [email protected]

May 14, 2025 at 7:42 PM

Tell Congress: Oppose Cuts to Medicaid During Budget Reconciliation

To view this email as a webpage, click here. Congress is on the verge of finalizing their budget reconciliation bills, and we may see them move for final votes by the end of May 2025. Current proposals include massive cuts to programs that …

See More from Start Early Illinois Policy Team

  Start Early Illinois Policy Team · [email protected]

May 12, 2025 at 5:30 PM

Have Your Members of Congress Committed Their Support for Early Childhood Yet?

Ensure IL leaders sign on to their party’s “Dear Colleague” letters for early learning programs To view this email as a webpage, click here. Members of Congress will soon begin making decisions about the federal government’s Fiscal Year 202…

See More from Start Early Illinois Policy Team

  Johanna Vetter, Start Early · [email protected]

May 9, 2025 at 7:10 PM

⏰ Just 48 hours left to send your Mother's Day e-card

Send a special thank you while supporting mothers who need it most To view this email as a webpage, click here. John – As both a mom and someone who works with families every day, I've seen how motherhood can be simultaneously the most rewar…

See More from Johanna Vetter, Start Early

  Start Early · [email protected]

May 7, 2025 at 9:10 PM

When you thank the moms you love, you help the moms who need it.

Send a Mother's Day e-card while supporting moms who shape our future To view this email as a webpage, click here. Dear John, If there's one person, more than any other, who has the power to shape a little kid's future – and the future of o…

See More from Start Early

  Start Early Illinois Policy Team · [email protected]

May 7, 2025 at 4:30 PM

Take Action for Early Intervention!

Our Babies Can't Wait! To view this email as a webpage, click here. Take Action for Early InterventionWith just a few weeks left in this legislative session, we aren't slowing down our Early Intervention (EI) advocacy efforts!  Despite EI'…

See More from Start Early Illinois Policy Team

  Start Early · [email protected]

April 24, 2025 at 9:24 PM

Last Chance to Register: Start Early’s Annual Luncheon 2025

Join us May 6 To view this email as a webpage, click here. It's not too late to register for Start Early's 2025 Annual Luncheon in Chicago on Tuesday, May 6! Our luncheon theme, “Nurture the Early Years & Empower Families to Thrive” will…

See More from Start Early

  Start Early · [email protected]

April 18, 2025 at 2:45 PM

Tell Congress: Protect Head Start Amid Funding Threats

Contact your Congressional leaders, and urge them to protect Head Start in Congress’ final federal budget. To view this email as a webpage, click here. On April 11, multiple outlets broke news that President Trump’s proposed Fiscal Year 2026…

See More from Start Early

  Start Early · [email protected]

April 17, 2025 at 9:10 PM

Deep gratitude for you as funding for programs gets cut.

80% of maternal deaths are preventable - your tripled gift helps save Black mothers' lives To view this email as a webpage, click here. Dear John, It’s our deadline for Black Maternal Health Week, and we wanted to express our deep gratitude…

See More from Start Early

  Johanna Vetter, Start Early · [email protected]

April 16, 2025 at 8:15 PM

A doula who changed everything for a terrified Black mother

Join us in creating a future where Black mothers face pregnancy with confidence, not fear To view this email as a webpage, click here. Dear John, "I was terrified." Those were Tamara's words when she learned she was pregnant. As a Black wo…

See More from Johanna Vetter, Start Early

  Johanna at Start Early · [email protected]

April 14, 2025 at 9:10 PM

A message of thanks, and an announcement for you, John.

Black women face 3x higher pregnancy mortality rates - your gift can help change this To view this email as a webpage, click here. Dear John,  Thank you for supporting Start Early’s work. Your generous support during this uncertain moment m…

See More from Johanna at Start Early

  Meg at Start Early · [email protected]

April 11, 2025 at 8:15 PM

Your share can help change the odds for Black mothers >>

80% of maternal deaths are preventable. Help us spread the word during Black Maternal Health Week. To view this email as a webpage, click here. John, we wanted to follow up to make sure you had a chance to share the below graphic. If you hav…

See More from Meg at Start Early

  Start Early · [email protected]

April 10, 2025 at 9:41 PM

Don't Forget to Register: Start Early’s Annual Luncheon 2025

Join us May 6 To view this email as a webpage, click here. Start Early's 2025 Annual Luncheon is right around the corner, and it's not too late to register to join us in Chicago on Tuesday, May 6! Our luncheon theme, “Nurture the Early Years…

See More from Start Early

  Start Early · [email protected]

April 9, 2025 at 9:10 PM

Your share can help change the odds for Black mothers >>

80% of maternal deaths are preventable. Help us spread the word during Black Maternal Health Week. To view this email as a webpage, click here. Dear John, Black Maternal Health Week starts this Friday, and we need your help to shine a light …

See More from Start Early

  Start Early · [email protected]

April 3, 2025 at 9:10 PM

eNews: What’s Happening at Start Early

April Edition Save the Date! Start Early’s Annual Luncheon 2025A child’s best start in life begins before birth–ensuring every family has access to effective Early Learning and Care, prenatal-to-age 5, which lays the foundation for healthy childhood development…

See More from Start Early

  Start Early · [email protected]

April 2, 2025 at 4:44 PM

Contact Congress: Head Start Programs Left in the Dark Amidst Regional Office Closures

Contact your Congressional leaders TODAY and demand that they retract ACF closures and reinstate staff immediately To view this email as a webpage, click here. Early Tuesday morning, the Trump Administration closed at least five of the Admin…

See More from Start Early

  Start Early Illinois Policy Team · [email protected]

March 26, 2025 at 4:30 PM

Take Action for Early Intervention!

Our Babies Can't Wait! To view this email as a webpage, click here. Take Action for Early InterventionEarly Intervention can help ensure that infants and toddlers with or at-risk of developmental delays or disabilities have the best chance …

See More from Start Early Illinois Policy Team

  Start Early · [email protected]

March 22, 2025 at 7:10 PM

The unsung heroes of childbirth you need to know about…

Test your knowledge. The answer might surprise you! To view this email as a webpage, click here. Dear John, Bringing new life into the world stands as one of the most profound experiences in anyone's lifetime. It's transformative, raw and u…

See More from Start Early

  Start Early · [email protected]

March 20, 2025 at 7:40 PM

Save the Date! Start Early’s Annual Luncheon 2025

Join us May 6 To view this email as a webpage, click here. A child’s best start in life begins before birth–ensuring every family has access to effective Early Learning and Care, prenatal to age 5, which lays the foundation for healthy child…

See More from Start Early

  Start Early Illinois Policy Team · [email protected]

March 19, 2025 at 3:30 PM

File a Witness Slip in Support of HB3439 and HB3327

Take Action Today! To view this email as a webpage, click here. This Thursday morning at 10:00 a.m., the House Child Care Accessibility & Early Childhood Committee plans to call for a vote on amended versions of HB3439 and HB3327.  Join…

See More from Start Early Illinois Policy Team

  Start Early · [email protected]

March 14, 2025 at 10:15 PM

4 simple Pi Day activities for future success

No baking required! Try these math activities instead ➡️ To view this email as a webpage, click here. Dear John, Did you know mathematical reasoning ability may be even more crucial for success in school than literacy skills? This Pi Day, w…

See More from Start Early

  Start Early Illinois Policy Team · [email protected]

March 13, 2025 at 8:30 PM

Winter Early Edition

Our Response to Illinois Governor JB Pritzker’s Proposed FY26 Budget Last month, Governor JB Pritzker issued his Fiscal Year 2026 (FY 2026) budget proposal, which outlines considerable funding increases for the state’s child care system, but maintains level fu…

See More from Start Early Illinois Policy Team

  Ann Hanson, Start Early · [email protected]

March 12, 2025 at 3:10 PM

We’re Here to Help in Times of Uncertainty

No Cost Leadership Advising for Advocates and Public Sector Leaders To view this email as a webpage, click here. The last 6 weeks have been intense for early childhood systems leaders – executive orders, federal workforce reductions, fundin…

See More from Ann Hanson, Start Early

  Start Early Illinois Policy Team · [email protected]

March 10, 2025 at 9:20 PM

Thank You For Participating in Early Childhood Advocacy Day 2025

View photos from our time together in Springfield on March 4! To view this email as a webpage, click here. Thank You For Participating in Early Childhood Advocacy Day!On March 4, Start Early along with our partners at Child Care For All, COF…

See More from Start Early Illinois Policy Team

  Start Early Illinois Policy Team · [email protected]

March 3, 2025 at 3:41 PM

See You In Springfield Tomorrow!

Early Childhood Advocacy Day March 4 To view this email as a webpage, click here. Español Abajo! See You Soon! Tomorrow we will be gathering together in Springfield to advocate for our youngest learners! Below, find some helpful resources fo…

See More from Start Early Illinois Policy Team

  Start Early Illinois Policy Team · [email protected]

February 28, 2025 at 4:35 PM

See You In Springfield Next Week!

Early Childhood Advocacy Day March 4 To view this email as a webpage, click here. Español Abajo! It's Almost Time! Next week we will be gathering together in Springfield to advocate for our youngest learners! Below, find some helpful resou…

See More from Start Early Illinois Policy Team

  Start Early Illinois Policy Team · [email protected]

February 26, 2025 at 8:51 PM

Early Childhood Advocacy Day Is Next Week!

Join us in Springfield on March 4, 2025! To view this email as a webpage, click here. It's Almost Time!Next week we will be gathering together in Springfield to advocate for our youngest learners! If you haven't registered yet, there's stil…

See More from Start Early Illinois Policy Team

  Start Early Illinois Policy Team · [email protected]

February 24, 2025 at 3:30 PM

Join Us: Webinar for Supporting Illinois’ Immigrant Families in Early Childhood Education

Wednesday February 26 from 6-7:30 p.m. CT To view this email as a webpage, click here. Last month, the new federal administration rescinded the protected areas policy, which previously banned immigration officials from entering child care p…

See More from Start Early Illinois Policy Team

  Start Early Illinois Policy Team · [email protected]

February 19, 2025 at 7:39 PM

Start Early's Response to Governor Pritzker's Fiscal Year 2026 State Budget Address

To view this email as a webpage, click here. Earlier today, Governor JB Pritzker issued his Fiscal Year 2026 (FY 2026) budget proposal, which outlines considerable funding increases for the state’s child care system, but maintains level fun…

See More from Start Early Illinois Policy Team

  Johanna Vetter, Start Early · [email protected]

February 18, 2025 at 9:15 PM

Campaign Update: 44 secured. Will you be 45?

24 hrs added: Be one of our final champions To view this email as a webpage, click here. John, Every second, a million neural connections form in the brains of our littlest learners—tomorrow's leaders. Your generous support helps our younge…

See More from Johanna Vetter, Start Early

  Start Early Illinois Policy Team · [email protected]

February 18, 2025 at 5:40 PM

Don't Forget to Register for Early Childhood Advocacy Day

Join us in Springfield on March 4, 2025! To view this email as a webpage, click here. There's Still Time To Register For Early Childhood Advocacy Day!Calling all advocates! Join us in Springfield, Illinois on March 4, 2025 for Early Childho…

See More from Start Early Illinois Policy Team

  Start Early · [email protected]

February 17, 2025 at 10:10 PM

31 of 50 champions: Our children deserve better

Just hours left to help reach our President's Day goal To view this email as a webpage, click here. John: In just a few hours, our President's Day campaign ends. Your past generous support shows you understand the life-changing impact of early educatio…

See More from Start Early

  Start Early · [email protected]

February 17, 2025 at 4:15 PM

The next great leader is being born today

A challenge for you before midnight To view this email as a webpage, click here. Dear John,    Somewhere in America today, a future leader was born. As one of our generous supporters (thank you!), you know the incredible potential of every c…

See More from Start Early

  Start Early Illinois Policy Team · [email protected]

February 13, 2025 at 4:30 PM

Join Us: Webinar for Supporting Illinois’ Immigrant Families in Early Childhood Education

Wednesday February 26 from 6-7:30 p.m. CT To view this email as a webpage, click here. Last month, the new federal administration rescinded the protected areas policy, which previously banned immigration officials from entering child care p…

See More from Start Early Illinois Policy Team

  Start Early · [email protected]

February 6, 2025 at 11:15 PM

Quick Question: What's Your Top Picky Eating Challenge?

Answer our poll To view this email as a webpage, click here. Dear John,  Every child has their own relationship with food - from the adventurous eater to the 'mac and cheese only' champion.  At Start Early, we're gathering insights from ou…

See More from Start Early

  Start Early Illinois Policy Team · [email protected]

February 5, 2025 at 10:30 PM

Don't Forget to Register for Early Childhood Advocacy Day

Join us in Springfield on March 4, 2025! To view this email as a webpage, click here. There's Still Time To Register For Early Childhood Advocacy Day!Calling all advocates! Join us in Springfield, Illinois on March 4, 2025 for Early Childho…

See More from Start Early Illinois Policy Team

  Start Early Illinois Policy Team · [email protected]

February 5, 2025 at 3:30 PM

Medicaid Day of Action February 6

Take Action in Support of Medicaid! To view this email as a webpage, click here. The last few weeks have been filled with ever-changing information and guidance at the federal level and much uncertainty. As are many others, Start Early is a…

See More from Start Early Illinois Policy Team

  Start Early · [email protected]

February 4, 2025 at 9:15 PM

Expert Tips for Parents: Making Peace with Picky Eating

Is Your Child a Picky Eater? You're Not Alone To view this email as a webpage, click here. Dear John,  If mealtimes have become a source of stress in your household, you're not alone. Many parents in our Start Early community have shared th…

See More from Start Early

  Start Early · [email protected]

January 31, 2025 at 5:16 PM

eNews: What’s Happening at Start Early

January Edition 2024 Year in Review: Empowering Families to Thrive We are excited to share our annual Start Early 2024 Year in Review, which showcases and celebrates accomplishments and growth from the last fiscal year (July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2024)!  We are g…

See More from Start Early

  Start Early Illinois Policy Team · [email protected]

January 22, 2025 at 3:30 PM

Scholarship Opportunities for Early Childhood Educators

The Chicago Early Learning Workforce Scholarship opens today, January 22! To view this email as a webpage, click here. The Chicago Early Learning Workforce Scholarship (CELWS) is now open to applicants on a first come, first serve basis. Ap…

See More from Start Early Illinois Policy Team

  Start Early Illinois Policy Team · [email protected]

January 15, 2025 at 8:30 PM

Registration Is Now Open for Early Childhood Advocacy Day

Join us in Springfield on March 4, 2025! To view this email as a webpage, click here. You're Invited! Early Childhood Advocacy DayCalling all advocates! Join us in Springfield, Illinois on March 4, 2025 for Early Childhood Advocacy Day. Use…

See More from Start Early Illinois Policy Team

  Johanna Vetter, Start Early · [email protected]

January 1, 2025 at 1:30 AM

5x the Impact Before Midnight!

Your Chance to Multiply Your Impact 5x To view this email as a webpage, click here. Dear John,  Before the clock strikes midnight, you have one last opportunity to make an incredible difference for our nation’s littlest learners.  Donate b…

See More from Johanna Vetter, Start Early

  5x Match Deadline @ Start Early · [email protected]

December 31, 2024 at 8:10 PM

5X the Impact for Littlest Learners – Last Chance!

Make a Difference That Lasts Generations To view this email as a webpage, click here. Dear John,  This is your LAST chance to make 5x the impact for our littlest learners in 2025. Right now, every dollar you give will be multiplied 5x, up t…

See More from 5x Match Deadline @ Start Early