little girl with dandelion

Quality Enrichment Circles

Quality Enrichment Circles (QECs) are IHSA’s signature communities of practice for Head Start and Early Head Start in Illinois. In a QEC, a small group of peers who share a role—or a passion—come together to improve their work. You’ll join honest conversations with others in our network, swapping realâworld tips, strategies and solutions.

Head Start and Early Head Start programs face rising demands every day. QECs give you a dedicated space to discuss your challenges, learn fresh approaches, and agree on practical steps forward. This isn’t a generic lecture—it’s about tackling the issues you care about most, side by side with colleagues.

Before each session, you’ll help set the agenda so we focus on the topics and questions that matter to you and your program. Come ready to share what’s working, surface roadblocks, and leave with actionable ideas you can put into practice immediately. Let’s strengthen our Head Start community in Illinois—together.

REGISTER FOR QEC HERE
QEC INFORMATION

One flat fee gets you unlimited access to all QECs—no more registering session-by-session. Subscription fee includes:

  • Unlimited access to all six QEC groups
  • Weekly virtual sessions from October through April
  • Regional breakout discussions within each session
  • Peer-led facilitation by Content Area Experts (CAEs)
  • Guest speakers and topic-specific presentations
  • Access to session materials and shared resources
  • Invitation to the end-of-year Vanessa Rich Experience Retreat (VRLE)
  • Flexibility to attend sessions that fit your role, interest, or schedule

SUBSCRIPTION FEES
  • Member Registration Fee: $310.00 
  • Five or more registrations from the same Agency: $275.00 
  • Non Member Fee: $429.00
About the QEC Content Areas

Each QEC supports professionals working in a specific content area. Whether you’re new to the role or experienced, these sessions provide space to connect with peers, share insights, and address real challenges in your daily work.  

Early Head Start & Home Visiting

For professionals supporting Early Head Start and home-based programs, including center-based services. Focuses on relationship-based practices, family engagement, and strategies that support infants, toddlers, and pregnant people.

Education, Disabilities & Coaching

Designed for educators, coaches, and coordinators in HS/EHS. Covers classroom strategies, inclusive practices, and coaching techniques that support teacher growth and child outcomes.

Family Services & ERSEA

For staff managing family services and ERSEA (Eligibility, Recruitment, Selection, Enrollment, and Attendance). Sessions focus on outreach strategies, recruitment challenges, and family engagement systems.

Family Service Sorkers, Specialists & Advoctes

Frontline - focused group for those directly supporting families. Emphasizes relationship-building, goal setting, connecting families to resources, and navigating common service delivery barriers.

Health, Safety & Nutrition

For those responsible for health services, safe environments, and child nutrition. Discussions include safety compliance, meal planning, health promotion, and real-world challenges.

Mental Health, Wellness, & SEL

For staff addressing mental health, wellness, and social-emotional development in HS/EHS programs. Offers practical tools, peer support, and systems thinking for child, family, and staff well-being.

For questions, contact Cathy Welsh: cwelsh@ilheadstart.org | 217-381-5007 (cell) | 217-241-3511 (office)