Navigating the Way to A Statewide Regional System
This session was presented during BUILD 2022 National Conference.
This session featured a conversation with systems leaders, Cicely Fleming, Birth to Five Illinois, and Amy Hatheway, Virginia Early Childhood Foundation. Both Illinois and Virginia are designing and implementing regional structures to ensure families, service providers, and community members across the state are at the center in identifying local needs and developing solutions that prioritize the voices of those who have been historically disenfranchised. As states consider developing regional structures, these leaders shared why a statewide regional network is critical to address inequities and what they wish they knew as they began launching such complex systems change.
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Where We Stand on Head Start
Blog August 18, 2026
For more than 60 years, Head Start has provided high-quality child care, comprehensive services, and a two-generation approach that helps families furthest from opportunity access early learning, development, health, and family well-being supports.
Head Start Under Threat: What the Field is Saying
Research August 18, 2026
Over the past few months, HHS has advanced two related sets of proposed changes to Head Start. National, state, and local partners across the early childhood field have raised serious concerns about both. This document is a summary of what our partners are saying, followed by concrete actions and resources for you and your organization. The content reflects our partners' own statements and comments — we agree with what they've said and are sharing it here with full source attribution.
Connecting the Dots: Holistic Help for Women and Children Experiencing Homelessness
Blog July 27, 2026
At a time when marginalized populations are more vulnerable than ever, it’s inspiring to hear from individuals who have prevailed over dire circumstances. Their stories give us hope. The formerly homeless single mothers spotlighted here are resolute and resourceful. But they’d be the first to say that they likely wouldn’t be where they are today without the supports they received along the way.