If your Head Start or Early Head Start program is an IHSA member, then you are already a member too.
IHSA membership connects you to advocacy, training, and tools that support children, families, and staff across Illinois.
Most people who visit this page fall into one of two groups. Choose the one that fits you.
If your grantee or delegate agency pays IHSA dues, you are already an IHSA member.
Ask your Program or Executive Director if your agency is an IHSA member.
You can join IHSA as an Associate Member if you are an individual, organization, business, or community partner who supports Head Start and Early Head Start in Illinois.
IHSA is a member-based statewide association. Your dues support advocacy, training, and resources for Head Start and Early Head Start programs and families in Illinois. Annual Membership runs Jan 1st – Dec 31st.
| Membership Type | Who It Is For | What It Includes | Dues |
|---|---|---|---|
| Program Member | Head Start and Early Head Start grantee agencies and delegate agencies in Illinois. | Includes all staff paid partially or fully with Head Start or Early Head Start funds, current Policy Council or Policy Committee members, and parents of currently enrolled children. | Dues are based on the level of grant funds. Renewal invoices are sent to Grantee Program Directors each year. |
| Associate Member – Individual | Individuals who support the IHSA mission, including alumni, partners, and community advocates. | Access to IHSA communications, advocacy efforts, and training opportunities at the member registration rate. | $35 per year. This is a flat rate and is not prorated. |
| Associate Member – Organization | Agencies, organizations, or corporations that support Head Start and Early Head Start programs. | May include more than one representative from the organization. Recognized as partners in support of IHSA’s mission. | Contact the IHSA office at 217-241-3511 for current organizational membership options. |
IHSA represents Illinois Head Start and Early Head Start at the state and national level, including work with state agencies and statewide councils. Your membership helps keep Head Start at the table when key decisions are made.
Members receive reduced registration fees for the IHSA Annual Conference, Quality Enrichment Circles, the Vanessa Rich Leadership Experience, and other training events, along with leadership opportunities for parents, staff, and directors.
IHSA membership gives programs access to data services, recruitment toolkits, grant review panels, technical assistance, scholarships and awards, and onboarding and training resources.
Your dues help IHSA carry out work that benefits children, families, and programs across Illinois. Here is a snapshot of what your membership supports.
Ask your Program or Executive Director if your agency is already an IHSA Program Member. If so, you are a member and can register at the member rate for IHSA events.
Join as an Associate Member to stay connected, receive updates, and support Head Start and Early Head Start across Illinois.
Still have questions? Call the IHSA office at 217-241-3511.
No. If your Head Start or Early Head Start grantee or delegate agency is an IHSA Program Member, then all staff, current Policy Council or Committee members, and parents of currently enrolled children are already members and included in the program’s dues.
Program Member dues are based on the level of grant funds. Renewal invoices are sent to Grantee Program Directors at the beginning of each calendar year.
Yes. Agencies, organizations, and businesses that support Head Start and Early Head Start can join as Associate Representative Members. They are recognized as partners in support of IHSA’s mission.
You can join as an Associate Individual Member. This is a flat fee membership that keeps you connected to IHSA communications, advocacy work, and training opportunities.
Please contact the Illinois Head Start Association office at 217-241-3511 and our staff will be glad to help.