Sandy F. De León

[Start Early @StartEarlyorg]

Head Start is a core pillar of America’s #earlychildhood system. The White House’s proposed FY26 budget defunds #HeadStart, a catastrophic move for millions of Americans. Contact Congress and urge them to protect Head Start in their final federal budget: https://t.co/9F7MNUWiF0

[Start Early @StartEarlyorg]

Yesterday, 5 Administration for Children & Families' regional offices were closed effective immediately. Without their essential support, #earlychildhood programs, including #HeadStart are at risk. Contact Congress TODAY & ask they retract the closures: https://t.co/EmiFaHVdCi

[Illinois Early Childhood Policy at Start Early @EarlyEdIL]

The Chicago Early Learning Workforce Scholarship (CELWS) opens today! Learn more about CEWLS and other financial aid opportunities available to the ECE workforce in a new blog by Policy Manager Mercedes Mondragón https://t.co/liOmiQkliO

[Mayor Brandon Johnson @ChicagosMayor]

Congrats to the Chicago Early Learning Workforce Scholars of 2024! 🎉

Your dedication is shaping the future of early childhood education in our city, and your commitment ensures every child in Chicago has access to a bright start to life.

[Sandy F. De León @sf_deleon]

Let’s goooooo @chicagosky !!!! Can’t wait for the season to start! 🔥🔥🔥

[Kaitlin Sharkey @KRoseSharkey]

Sky are back?! Cardoso and Reese on the same team with Coach Spoon leading the way?! #WNBADraft

[Sandy F. De León @sf_deleon]

Do better @espn . This is a huge night for Sports! #WNBADraft

[Sleepy @BluDeluzion]

Trying to watch the #WNBADraft in Spanish is crazy! #espn how!!? On one of the biggest nights for #WNBA they need to update their app!

[Sleepy @BluDeluzion]

Can only watch #WNBADraft in Spanish since the #ESPN app is only broadcasting in Spanish right now.

[Illinois Athletics @IlliniAthletics]

The journey continues Saturday.

@illinimbb defeated [2] Iowa State to advance to the Elite Eight!

#Illini | #HTTO

[Sandy F. De León @sf_deleon]

Applications for the 2024-25 academic year are now open! #SpreadTheWord #earlychildhoodmatters #scholarships

[Chicago Early Learning @ChicagoLearning]

📌 SAVE THE DATE! 📌 Workforce Scholarship opens Jan 17, 9 AM. Are you an early childhood education pro? Level up your career! Learn about the application process and get 100% tuition coverage. Visit https://t.co/vtYWfgmkr5 #WorkforceScholarship #ChicagoEarlyLearning #ECE

[Deej @Simply_Deej]

Issa Rae done made the 2024 Mantra for us, this is the energy!

[Secretary Miguel Cardona @SecCardona]

If we aren’t taking care of our educators, how are we going to take care of our students?
That’s why we are working hard to give teachers the resources they need to thrive.
https://t.co/PlgITUpp0s

[Fara Kaufman @justfara]

So, I spoke to people getting food at a food bank and here are some things I learned from those in need:
1. Everyone donates Kraft Mac and Cheese in the box. They can rarely use it because it needs milk and butter which is hard to get from regular food banks.
2. Boxed milk is a treasure, as kids need it for cereal which they also get a lot of.
3. Everyone donates pasta sauce and spaghetti noodles.
4. They cannot eat all the awesome canned veggies and soup unless you put a can opener in too or buy pop tops.
5. Oil is a luxury but needed for Rice a-Roni which they also get a lot of.
6. Spices or salt and pepper would be a real Christmas gift.
7. Tea bags and coffee make them feel like you care.
8. Sugar and flour are treats.
9. They fawn over fresh produce donated by farmers and grocery stores.
10. Seeds are cool in Spring and Summer because growing can be easy for some.
11. They rarely get fresh meat.
12. Tuna and crackers make a good lunch.
13. Hamburger Helper goes nowhere without ground beef.
14. They get lots of peanut butter and jelly but usually not sandwich bread.
15. Butter or margarine is nice too.
16. Eggs are a real commodity.
17. Cake mix and frosting makes it possible to make a child’s birthday cake.
18. Dishwashing detergent is very expensive and is always appreciated.
19. Feminine hygiene products are a luxury and women will cry over that.
20. Everyone loves Stove Top Stuffing.

In all the years I have donated food at the Holidays, I bought what I thought they wanted, but have never asked. I am glad I did. If you are helping a Family this Christmas, maybe this can help you tailor it more. It does for me!

[Mayor Brandon Johnson @ChicagosMayor]

October 19th is “Purple Thursday,” a day to show support for victims of domestic violence. Join us this Thursday to raise awareness of resources for survivors.

If you or someone you know needs help, call 1-877-863-6338. Available via text and phone 24/7 and in 140 languages.

[Chicago Early Learning @ChicagoLearning]

We put all the information you need to know about the CELWS program together for you. (Pt.1)

[Chancellor Salgado @Chancellor_Juan]

It’s always a privilege to showcase our talented @ChiCityColleges students to our nation’s leaders. Today, we were honored to host @SenatorDurbin at @TrumanCollege to meet with students and leadership and tour the campus.

[Governor JB Pritzker @GovPritzker]

Today, Illinois also becomes a safer state for survivors of domestic and sexual violence.

States attorneys and judges will now have the tools they need to detain perpetrators under the Pretrial Fairness Act. https://t.co/ohTwpEhrKI

[Chicago Early Learning @ChicagoLearning]

All current and former early childhood education professionals, we need your input! Take our survey to shape the EWC to meet your needs and those of Chicago's early childhood educators.

Complete the survey for a chance to win $100!
https://t.co/vtYWfgmkr5

[Illinois Early Childhood Policy at Start Early @EarlyEdIL]

In a new blog post, our own policy analyst Madison Ezell shares recommendations on the 2024 City of Chicago budget developed by a coalition of local early care and education providers, advocates and families ➡️https://t.co/gVjlBg6Ong

[Governor JB Pritzker @GovPritzker]

Congrats to @UofIllinois on making the Top 10 in the nation for public colleges! https://t.co/LVl7HWA6Wb

[Barack Obama @BarackObama]

On Labor Day, take a moment to appreciate the workers who have helped make America what it is today. Their grit, determination, and hard work over decades have changed our country for the better.

Today we also recognize the American labor movement that has fought tirelessly to improve the wages, benefits, and working conditions for people everywhere. I’m proud of the work they’ve done—and still do—to put the American dream within reach.