Start Early Illinois Policy Team · [email protected]

December 16, 2025 at 4:31 PM

Announcing UNSS Feasibility Study RFP

To view this email as a webpage, click here. Early Childhood and Maternal & Child Health Partners: Start Early is excited to announce a 2026 RFP to support local planning activities to assess the feasibility and readiness of communities…

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  Start Early Illinois Policy Team · [email protected]

December 10, 2025 at 6:31 PM

Save the Date for Early Childhood Advocacy Day

Join us in Springfield May 13, 2026 To view this email as a webpage, click here. Save the Date for Early Childhood Advocacy Day 2026Calling all advocates: Early Childhood Advocacy Day is May 13, 2026!  We need your support to speak out on …

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  Start Early Illinois Policy Team · [email protected]

December 9, 2025 at 5:21 PM

A Critical Step Forward to Help Ensure Safety & Well-being of Illinois’ Youngest

Start Early and its partners applaud the passage of HB 1312 earlier today To view this email as a webpage, click here. Celebrating the Signing of HB 1312 Start Early and its partners at Illinois Action for Children and the Latino Policy Foru…

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  Start Early Illinois Policy Team · [email protected]

December 4, 2025 at 7:31 PM

Fall Early Edition

Legislative Update: HB1312 Moves Forward Start Early celebrates the passage of HB1312, legislation that strengthens the civil rights and safety of immigrants in our communities. This bill extends the protections that covered K-12 schools to licensed child care…

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  Johanna Vetter, Start Early · [email protected]

December 3, 2025 at 8:10 PM

We fell short of our goal

Still time to have your gift MATCHED To view this email as a webpage, click here. John, I hate saying it, but we fell short yesterday. Our goal was to raise $50,000 to help families in need. So many of you stepped up yesterday — we came in…

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  Start Early · [email protected]

December 3, 2025 at 1:10 AM

Your Gift DOUBLED Before Midnight

Our largest match offer expires in just a few hours FINAL DEADLINE STATUS Name: John xxxxxx Match: Active until Midnight YOUR STATUS: Pending >> Dear John, Our largest match offer expires in just a few hours:  Donate before midnight and your new or incr…

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  Start Early · [email protected]

December 2, 2025 at 3:45 PM

This is not a normal Giving Tuesday

Donate by midnight to have your gift DOUBLED Dear John, This is not a normal Giving Tuesday. Right now, families across Illinois who experienced disruptions to SNAP benefits, WIC support, and other critical resources are still struggling to recover and dealing wit…

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  Johanna at Start Early · [email protected]

December 1, 2025 at 8:10 PM

Re: Early Access: Our Largest Match

Following up on your early access To view this email as a webpage, click here. Dear John, I wanted to follow up one more time because your early access to this match closes in a few hours. All children and their families deserve dignity, …

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  Johanna at Start Early · [email protected]

December 1, 2025 at 4:15 PM

Early Access: Our Largest Match

Multiply your impact this Giving Tuesday To view this email as a webpage, click here. Dear John, I’m writing to you first about something big. Tomorrow, for Giving Tuesday, we’re offering the largest match in Start Early’s history. And be…

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  Start Early · [email protected]

November 25, 2025 at 8:10 PM

Your advocacy impact: Protecting early childhood during challenging times

12,000 advocates. 40 policy changes. 4 million children reached. To view this email as a webpage, click here. Dear John, The first five years of a child's life determine their future—yet right now, critical programs that nurture our younge…

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  Start Early · [email protected]

November 24, 2025 at 4:40 PM

See You at the BUILD 2025 Conference!

Connect with Start Early Experts in Los Angeles, December 2–4 To view this email as a webpage, click here. Dear John, Start Early is excited to join early childhood systems leaders from across the country at the BUILD 2025 Conference in L…

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  Start Early Illinois Policy Team · [email protected]

November 21, 2025 at 5:30 PM

Now Available! Webinar Recordings and Immigration Resources

Check out a recording from our recent webinar alongside helpful resources To view this email as a webpage, click here. View Webinar Recordings and Immigration Resources In response to the urgent threats facing Head Start, Start Early has lau…

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  Ann Hanson, Start Early · [email protected]

November 19, 2025 at 3:45 PM

How Communities Are Using Data to Strengthen Early Childhood Systems

Join a webinar to learn about Start Early’s System Mapping process To view this email as a webpage, click here. Dear John, How can your community better understand and strengthen the systems that support young children and families?​  Jo…

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  Start Early · [email protected]

November 18, 2025 at 8:15 PM

Start Early's 2025 Year in Review: Championing our littlest learners

See how your support helped reach over 4 million children during critical early years To view this email as a webpage, click here. Dear John, It's been a challenging year for early childhood programs nationwide.  Yet through it all, Start…

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  Start Early · [email protected]

November 14, 2025 at 10:10 PM

eNews: What’s Happening at Start Early

November Edition Start Early 2025 Year in Review: Building Brighter FuturesThe Start Early 2025 Year in Review, celebrating a year of growth, innovation and transformative milestones during the last fiscal year (July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025) is now available!  Thi…

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  Yvette Sanchez Fuentes, Start Early · [email protected]

November 13, 2025 at 5:40 PM

Standing Strong for Families: Upcoming Webinars on Safe Spaces & Maternal Health

Join Start Early for Two Timely Webinars on Family and Program Safety To view this email as a webpage, click here. Dear John, Across the country, immigration enforcement activity continues to impact families, children and the early childho…

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  Start Early · [email protected]

November 11, 2025 at 5:32 PM

Policy Perspectives Fall Edition

Actionable resources for leaders navigating change and building high-quality early childhood systems. New Webinar & Resources for State Advocates Advocating for Young Children with Disabilities in Your StateStart Early, in collaboration with national partne…

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  Yvette Sanchez Fuentes, Start Early · [email protected]

November 6, 2025 at 3:35 PM

How Head Start Grantees Can Navigate a Temporary Closure During the Shutdown

Guidance for Head Start Programs Facing Temporary Closure To view this email as a webpage, click here. Dear John, As the federal government shutdown continues, many Head Start programs are confronting the difficult reality of running out …

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  Start Early · [email protected]

October 29, 2025 at 7:15 PM

Costumes, candy, and critical thinking skills

This Halloween, BOO-st your child's learning through imaginative play To view this email as a webpage, click here. Dear John, Costumes, candy, and parties make Halloween a lot of fun for children.  But did you know that Halloween is also…

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  Yvette Sanchez Fuentes, Start Early · [email protected]

October 27, 2025 at 5:30 PM

Previewing the "10/29 End the Shutdown and Protect Head Start Day of Action"

Join our webinar to learn how to take action to protect Head Start. To view this email as a webpage, click here. Dear John, The federal shutdown has entered its fourth week, and the impact on families is growing increasingly severe. If t…

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  Yvette Sanchez Fuentes, Start Early · [email protected]

October 22, 2025 at 2:45 PM

Stay Informed: Government Shutdown Resources for the Early Childhood Field

Tools and updates to respond to the federal government shutdown To view this email as a webpage, click here. Dear John, With federal funding still uncertain, early childhood programs continue to face questions about the potential impact …

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  Start Early · [email protected]

October 21, 2025 at 7:10 PM

The future of Head Start is at risk

Budget cuts threaten 700,000 children. Here's how you can help. To view this email as a webpage, click here. Dear John, October is Head Start Awareness Month – but this year, there's more at stake than ever before. For 60 years, Head Sta…

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  Yvette Sanchez Fuentes, Start Early · [email protected]

October 13, 2025 at 2:35 PM

Advocate for Young Children with Disabilities – Join Our Oct. 20 Webinar

Hear from experts about how to advocate in your state To view this email as a webpage, click here. Dear John, Join Start Early and New America for a timely webinar highlighting recent federal updates impacting programs that support youn…

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  Yvette Sanchez Fuentes, Start Early · [email protected]

October 6, 2025 at 2:45 PM

Government Shutdown: Q&A with Experts – Register Now

Join Us for a Live Q&A on the Government Shutdown To view this email as a webpage, click here. Dear John, Following our October 1 webinar on the federal government shutdown, Start Early is hosting a special 30-minute follow-up Q&A…

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  Start Early Illinois Policy Team · [email protected]

October 3, 2025 at 2:30 PM

Early Childhood Professionals: Share Your Feedback With IWERC!

The University of Illinois is seeking your input To view this email as a webpage, click here. Share Your Feedback with IWERC! The Illinois Workforce and Education Research Collaborative (IWERC) at the University of Illinois is seeking feed…

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  Yvette Sanchez Fuentes, Start Early · [email protected]

September 30, 2025 at 2:43 PM

What a Government Shutdown Could Mean for Head Start

Join our webinar to discuss implications of the potential shutdown To view this email as a webpage, click here. Dear John, Congress has until September 30 to agree on FY 2026 funding—or risk a government shutdown. While Head Start has his…

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  Yvette Sanchez Fuentes, Start Early · [email protected]

September 24, 2025 at 2:35 PM

Reminder: Join Tomorrow’s Webinar on Supporting Immigrant Families

Learn how to support your community through immigration enforcement changes To view this email as a webpage, click here. Dear John, Just a quick reminder — tomorrow we’re hosting our webinar on how Head Start and Early Head Start program…

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  Start Early · [email protected]

September 23, 2025 at 2:35 PM

Don’t Forget to Register! A Virtual Symposium Celebrating 25 Years of Educare Chicago

To view this email as a webpage, click here. Start Early’s Educare Chicago program turns 25 this year, and we'd love for you to join us virtually on Friday, October 3 for a milestone symposium to celebrate Educare’s legacy and the generati…

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  Start Early · [email protected]

September 19, 2025 at 7:11 PM

FINAL HOURS: Survey closes at midnight

Thanks for taking a few minutes to share your input. To view this email as a webpage, click here. John, Just hours left: Start Early’s 2025 Supporter Survey closes at midnight tonight, and we’d love to hear from you. Please take a moment…

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  Yvette Sanchez Fuentes, Start Early · [email protected]

September 19, 2025 at 2:45 PM

New Webinar: Supporting Immigrant Families in Head Start and Early Head Start

Learn how to support your community through immigration enforcement changes To view this email as a webpage, click here. Dear John, With immigration enforcement increasing across the country, Head Start and home visiting programs play a …

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  Start Early · [email protected]

September 17, 2025 at 7:16 PM

Your voice matters: 3-minute survey inside

Your insights guide our work for families in need To view this email as a webpage, click here. Dear John, These are challenging times for families with young children. With growing uncertainty about funding for early childhood programs, we…

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  Start Early Illinois Policy Team · [email protected]

September 15, 2025 at 3:30 PM

Summer Early Edition

Chicago Stakeholders Call on the City to Strengthen Early Childhood Investments in 2026 In May of this year, Mayor Brandon Johnson announced a $7M investment of the City’s Corporate Fund dollars to be distributed to 3,000 early care and education workers acros…

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  Start Early · [email protected]

September 11, 2025 at 2:43 PM

You’re Invited: A Virtual Symposium Celebrating 25 Years of Educare Chicago

To view this email as a webpage, click here. This year marks 25 years since Start Early’s Educare Chicago program pioneered the promise to transform the lives of families and young children in our most under-served communities through comp…

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  Start Early · [email protected]

August 28, 2025 at 7:10 PM

eNews: What’s Happening at Start Early

August Edition Together for Head Start: How Start Early is Fighting for the Future of Head StartHead Start is at a tipping point. Faced with funding freezes, office closures and policy shifts these disruptions threaten services for 700,000+ children and families na…

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  Start Early · [email protected]

August 15, 2025 at 7:15 PM

This is it: Your offer expires at MIDNIGHT

Hours left for 2x match: help reach $5,000 goal To view this email as a webpage, click here. John xxxxxx Supporter: Active, THANK YOU! Match Status: Active until 8/15: make an additional 2x matched gift!Dear John,  This is it – your l…

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  Start Early · [email protected]

August 14, 2025 at 7:10 PM

Campaign Update: Match expires 11:59pm tomorrow

24 hours left to reach our $5,000 goal. To view this email as a webpage, click here. Campaign Update for: John xxxxxx Match Status: ACTIVE Deadline: 11:59 p.m. tomorrow    Support Status: Active, DOUBLE your support >>  Dear John,…

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  Johanna at Start Early · [email protected]

August 13, 2025 at 7:15 PM

Final 3 days: 2X match expires Friday

Insufficient funding makes this an urgent need To view this email as a webpage, click here. John xxxxxx Supporter: Active, THANK YOU! Match Status: Active until 8/15: make an additional 2x matched gift!Dear John,  Thank you for your ge…

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  Start Early · [email protected]

August 11, 2025 at 8:30 PM

New! Back to School 2X Match

Every donation matched: Help children when they need it most To view this email as a webpage, click here. John xxxxxx Supporter: Active, THANK YOU! Match Status: Active until 8/15: make an additional 2x matched gift!Dear John,  Childr…

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  Start Early · [email protected]

July 29, 2025 at 7:10 PM

Don't let Congress cut Head Start

They're making budget decisions now To view this email as a webpage, click here. Dear John, Head Start has endured months of disruption, from threats of elimination to delayed funding and the closure of regional offices.  As Congress pre…

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  Yvette Sanchez Fuentes, Start Early · [email protected]

July 29, 2025 at 2:45 PM

Make Your Voice Heard on the HHS Public Benefits Notice

Take Action Before the August 13 Deadlin To view this email as a webpage, click here. Dear John, The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has released a new notice that could have major implications for immigrant families' a…

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  Start Early · [email protected]

July 24, 2025 at 7:10 PM

Why does Head Start matter?

The program is facing serious threats To view this email as a webpage, click here. Dear John, The future of Head Start is at risk, and nearly 700,000 children depend on this critical program. You may have heard of Head Start, but do you …

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  Yvette Sanchez Fuentes, Start Early · [email protected]

July 18, 2025 at 2:45 PM

Reminder: Head Start Advocacy Webinar – July 23

Get ready to engage Congress during August recess To view this email as a webpage, click here. Dear John, Congress is heading home for August recess—now’s the time to speak up for Head Start!  Reminder – please join our webinar on July 23 …

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  Yvette Sanchez Fuentes, Start Early · [email protected]

July 14, 2025 at 3:20 PM

New HHS Notice on Head Start Eligibility – What You Need to Know

Understand the Immediate Impact of the New HHS Notice on Head Start To view this email as a webpage, click here. Dear John, The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has issued a new notice—Personal Responsibility and Work …

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  Yvette Sanchez Fuentes, Start Early · [email protected]

July 8, 2025 at 2:45 PM

Congress Is Coming Home—Here’s How to Make Your Voice Heard

Calling all Head Start grantees to join our webinar on July 23 To view this email as a webpage, click here. Dear John, Congress is headed home for August recess —are you ready to speak up for Head Start?  Join us for a timely webinar de…

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  Start Early · [email protected]

June 30, 2025 at 7:11 PM

🚨 FOR IMMEDIATE REVIEW: John xxxxxx

Goal: 100 donors | Current: 87 | Deadline: 11:59 PM TONIGHT | Your status: PENDING To view this email as a webpage, click here. Update for: John xxxxxx Deadline: 11:59 p.m. TONIGHT Goal: 100 donors, only 13 to go Support Status: Valued suppo…

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  Start Early · [email protected]

June 30, 2025 at 2:45 PM

Policy Perspectives Summer Edition

Actionable, thought-provoking new Start Early resources for systems leaders navigating change and building high-quality early childhood systems. Protect the Future of Head Start Join the Movement: Together for Head StartDear John, Head Start has endured months…

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  Johanna at Start Early · [email protected]

June 27, 2025 at 7:10 PM

I can’t stop thinking about this…

Whatever we raise by June 30 determines how many toddlers we can reach this summer To view this email as a webpage, click here. Hi John, I know you care deeply about our littlest learners, which is why I wanted to share something that's been…

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  Start Early · [email protected]

June 26, 2025 at 11:15 PM

Same child. Two different futures.

4 days left: closing in on our goal To view this email as a webpage, click here. John – Thank you for your generous support of our work. We’ve got just 4 days to give a toddler a learning-rich summer: Renew your support by June 30 and give…

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  Yvette Sanchez Fuentes, Start Early · [email protected]

June 26, 2025 at 2:45 PM

Confused by the Full Enrollment Initiative? Join Our Webinar July 1

Learn about how to navigate FEI To view this email as a webpage, click here. Dear John, The Office of Head Start’s (OHS) Full Enrollment Initiative (FEI) is designed to ensure every Head Start slot is filled — but the process can be confus…

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  Johanna Vetter, Start Early · [email protected]

June 24, 2025 at 6:10 PM

90% of brain development happens by age 5: This summer matters

100 donors needed by June 30 To view this email as a webpage, click here. Dear John, Thank you for your ongoing support of Start Early's mission; it really makes a world of difference. As school lets out for the summer break, millions of l…

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