Illinois Head Start Association

Head Start is not one thing. It is early education, health screenings, dental care, nutrition, mental health support, family goal-setting, and community connections, all in a single program. Few programs bring all of this together for children from birth to age 5 and their families. That is what makes Head Start different.

Find a Head Start program near you at ilheadstart.org.

That's a wrap on the 2026 Directors Institute! Three days in Geneva, full of learning, real conversation, and connection among Illinois Head Start leaders.
This morning, Lauren Lawson-Zilai of Zeal Communications gave directors practical tools for handling crises and media, from crafting a clear message to keeping the trust of families, funders, and partners when it matters most.

We closed with State of the State, where Lauri Morrison-Frichtl and Donna Emmons walked through where Illinois early childhood stands now, from Smart Start Workforce Grants to the new Illinois Department of Early Childhood.

Three days, dozens of directors, one shared commitment to the staff, children, and families Head Start serves. Thank you to everyone who showed up and made it what it was. The work you do for children and families across Illinois matters, today more than ever. The work continues.

A special thank you to the staff at the Herrington Inn & Spa for their warm hospitality and a beautiful setting on the Fox River.

Day 1 of the 2026 Directors Institute is in the books. Directors from across Illinois gathered at the Herrington in Geneva for a day that started with reflection on what it takes to sustain the heart of this work, led by Yolanda Winfrey. The afternoon turned practical with Rhett Cecil of the Indiana Head Start Association, who walked through the Economic Impact Tool and how to use it to show what Head Start delivers for communities. Directors wrapped the day connecting with peers in downtown Geneva. More to come Thursday and Friday.