Awards & Scholarships (2023-2024)

The association is proud to provide a variety of opportunities to recognize and thank the individuals who strengthen the Head Start and/or Early Head Start community. The Illinois Head Start Association annual awards process is central to this effort.

Any individual interested in nominating or self-nominating is to submit the following items listed below. This information will be reviewed by the Annual Awards Committee as part of the candidate’s application packet. Following the review of applications, if selected, applicants will receive an email requesting letter(s) of support. Applicant must submit the following to be considered for the award:

Nominating A Colleague for an Award

Submit the following:

A complete award application
The nominee's resume or CV
One-page (maximum) letter of support that highlights the nominees
- Demonstrated Service - Describe how and what the nominee efforts relate to the award for which they are being nominated.
- Contributions to the HS/EHS community - Describe what and how their contributions impact the award for which they are being nominated.
- Highlight what makes them unique and exceptional. How did they go above and beyond in relation to the award for which they are being nominated.

Online Application: CLOSED

Apply for an Award

Submit the following:

A complete award application
Resume or CV
One-page (maximum) narrative cover letter that highlights
- Demonstrated Service - Describe how and what efforts you made in relation to the award for which they are being nominated. What did you do? How did you do it?
- Contributions to the HS/EHS community -Describe what and how your contributions impact the award for which you are being nominated.
- Highlight what makes you unique and exceptional. How did you go above and beyond in relation to the award for which you are being nominated.

Online Application: CLOSED

We strongly recommend applicants type their responses in a separate document and save them in a safe, accessible location in the event that any entries are interrupted by an unlikely system timeout or website error that could cause loss of data. Only completed applications will be considered. Completed applications include answers to all fields.

DECISION PROCESS

Upon successful submission of your Award or Scholarship Application, a committee will review each application and narrow the number of selected applications.

When a select number of applications are decided, the selected applicants will be notified to submit further documentation. Chosen applicants will be asked to submit letters of support 3 weeks before IHSA Annual Award Luncheon.

After careful deliberation of additional documentation, the Award and Scholarship committee will select the appropriate winners of the scholarships and awards from the cumulative score garnered from the applications and letters of support. Winners will be recognized at the Annual IHSA Awards Luncheon. Attendance is highly encouraged, however, Scholarship and Award recipients are not required to be present to receive an award.

RUBRIC OR SCORING FORMS - AVAILABLE FOR VIEWING BELOW WITHIN EACH RESPECTIVE AWARD. THIS DOCUMENTS WILL GIVE MEMBERS INSIGHT ON HOW THEY WILL BE EVALUATED

HEAD START DIRECTOR AGREEMENT LETTER - (REQUIRED)

AWARDS & SCHOLARSHIP ONLINE APPLICATIONS

[Click on each image to complete an online application]

Members can nominate individuals for the following awards:

(+) Administrator of the Year

This award acknowledges the important contributions of forward-thinking administrators to the long-term success of Head Start/Early Head Start programs and, ultimately, the children and families they serve. The successful candidate will be a current employee of a Head Start/Early Head Start program in Illinois serving in a role that oversees the leadership of an organization as the executive, director or assistant director levels. The successful candidate will have been in this role for 5+ years

The Administrator of the Year winner will receive:

$100.00 check
Administrator of the Year plaque
Scholarship to attend the 2023-2024 IHSA Presentation of Awards & Scholarships Luncheon during the IHSA Annual Conference.

Nominating Someone Else: On a separate sheet of paper, please describe in one page why you believe this person is the best candidate for this award.

Nominating Self: On a separate sheet of paper, please describe in one page why you believe you are the best candidate for this award.

Ideas that you might want to include in writing the cover letter or letter of support that would help the awards committee decide the best candidate for this award:

Length of Service in Program - When did the candidates start? What positions did the candidate hold?

Training, Qualifications and Credentials - What level did the candidate begin? What training appropriate to their position has the candidate acquired? What credentials/licenses/certifications/degrees does the candidate possess?

If applicable, describe any activities a candidate's classroom promotes that are unique and/or surpass the Program Performance Standards.

Please explain any special contributions in which the candidate is (or has been) involved in that have had a positive impact on the services provided to children and families.

Additional: Include any other important information that would be important for the IHSA Scholarship Committee to know regarding why the candidate or you should be chosen as the Administrator of the Year

ADMINISTRATOR OF THE YEAR AWARD APPLICATION & GUIDELINES

Scoring Form

(+) Teacher of the Year

This award recognizes all individuals that are involved in the education components of a Head Start/ Early Head Start program including classroom lead and associate teachers, home visiting staff and instructional mentors. The successful candidate will be a current employee of a Head Start / Early Head Start program in Illinois serving as a classroom lead teacher, associate teacher, home visitor or instructional mentor. The successful candidate will have been in this role for 5+ years.

The Teacher of the Year winner will receive:

$100.00 check
Teacher of the Year plaque
Scholarship to attend the 2023-2024 IHSA Presentation of Awards & Scholarships Luncheon during the IHSA Annual Conference.

Nominating Someone Else: On a separate sheet of paper, please describe in one page why you believe this person is the best candidate for this award.

Nominating Self: On a separate sheet of paper, please describe in one page why you believe you are the best candidate for this award.

Ideas that you might want to include in writing the cover letter or letter of support that would help the awards committee decide the best candidate for this award:

Length of Service in Program - When did the candidates start? What positions did the candidate hold?
Training, Qualifications and Credentials - What level did the candidate begin? What training appropriate to their position has the candidate acquired? What credentials/licenses/certifications/degrees does the candidate possess?
If applicable, describe any activities a candidate's classroom promotes that are unique and/or surpass the Program Performance Standards.
Please explain any special contributions in which the candidate is (or has been) involved in that have had a positive impact on the services provided to children and families.
Additional: Include any other important information that would be important for the IHSA Scholarship Committee to know regarding why candidate should be chosen as the “Teacher of the Year”

TEACHER OF THE YEAR APPLICATION & GUIDELINES

Scoring Form

(+) Support Staff of the Year Award

This award acknowledges the important contributions of staff who work in administration, management, family services, facilities, food service, transportation, health, disabilities and social services. The successful candidate will be a current employee of a Head Start/Early Head Start program in Illinois serving in one of the areas of: management, family services, facilities, food service, transportation, health, disabilities and social services. The successful candidate will have been in this role for 5+ years.

The Support of the Year winner will receive:

$100.00 check
Support Staff of the Year plaque
Scholarship to attend the 2023-2024 IHSA Presentation of Awards & Scholarships Luncheon during the IHSA Annual Conference.

Nominating Someone Else: On a separate sheet of paper, please describe in one page why you believe this person is the best candidate for this award.

Nominating Self: On a separate sheet of paper, please describe in one page why you believe you are the best candidate for this award.

Ideas that you might want to include in writing the cover letter or letter of support that would help the awards committee decide the best candidate for this award:

Length of Service in Program - When did the candidates start? What positions did the candidate hold?
Training, Qualifications and Credentials - What level did the candidate begin? What training appropriate to their position has the candidate acquired? What credentials/licenses/certifications/degrees does the candidate possess?
If applicable, describe any activities a candidate's classroom promotes that are unique and/or surpass the Program Performance Standards.
Please explain any special contributions in which the candidate is (or has been) involved in that have had a positive impact on the services provided to children and families
Additional: Include any other important information that would be important for the IHSA Scholarship Committee to know regarding why the candidate or you should be chosen as the “Support Staff of the Year”

SUPPORT STAFF OF THE YEAR APPLICATION & GUIDELINES

Scoring Form

(+) Parent of the Year Award

This award celebrates our most important partner, parents. This award will honor a Head Start/Early Head Start parent who has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills. The parent should exemplify a role model for his/her children and to other parents and has made efforts to make a positive difference in the community. The successful candidate must have child(ren) enrolled in the current school/program year. The candidate should hold a position of leadership on a site council, parent or policy council, state, regional or national association.

The Parent of the Year winner will receive:

$100.00 check
Parent of the Year plaque
Scholarship to attend the 2023-2024 IHSA Presentation of Awards & Scholarships Luncheon during the IHSA Annual Conference.

Nominating Someone Else: On a separate sheet of paper, please describe in one page why you believe this person is the best candidate for this award.

Nominating Self: On a separate sheet of paper, please describe in one page why you believe you are the best candidate for this award.

Ideas that you might want to include in writing the cover letter or letter of support that would help the awards committee decide the best candidate for this award:

Leadership - What if any and/or all positions the parent has held (center committee, policy council, etc.) and the number of volunteer hours completed in the current program year. Include any details of volunteering, service and time given for the overall enhancement of the program.)
Mentor - Describe how the candidate has been an outstanding role model in the lives of their child(ren). Describe how the candidate influences, encourages and inspires other parents. Describe any efforts made to promote a positive difference in their community.
Self-Sufficiency - Describe how the candidate has overcome any obstacles, persevered through hardships and taken steps towards self-sufficiency.
Career Advancement - Describe steps the parent has taken and any participation in programs that has led toward their career advancement.
Goals - Describe candidates goals and aspirations for career, education, family and future.
Additional: Include any other important information that would be important for the IHSA Scholarship Committee to know regarding why the candidate should be chosen as the Parent of the Year

PARENT OF THE YEAR AWARD APPLICATION & GUIDELINES

Scoring Form

(+) Leota Brown Memorial Scholarship

This award is to support college education (field of study in any area) for a Head Start parent, staff or former Head Start child. The $1000.00 will be paid directly to the educational institution of the winner’s choice. In addition, the winner will receive:

Leota Brown Scholarship Award plaque
Scholarship to attend the 2023-2024 IHSA Presentation of Awards & Scholarships Luncheon during the IHSA Annual Conference.

LEOTA BROWN MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION & GUIDELINES

Scoring Form

(+) Mary Alice Buchanan Scholarship

This award is to support any parent, former Early Head Start/Head Start child, or staff member working towards completion of a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education. Applicants must have ongoing college experience at an accredited Institution of higher education.

The Mary Alice Buchanan Memorial Scholarship winner will receive a:

$1000.00 education scholarship. The $1000.00 will be paid directly to the educational institution of the winner’s choice.
In addition, the winner will receive a Mary Alice Buchanan Award plaque
Scholarship to attend the 2023-2024 IHSA Presentation of Awards & Scholarships Luncheon during the IHSA Annual Conference.

MARY ALICE BUCHANAN SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION & GUIDELINES

Scoring Form