Patti Vasquez is joined in studio by Amy Blythe, assistant vice president of early learning services at Easterseals Chicago & Rockford Regions.  The discussion examined how proposed federal changes to Head Start could affect service quality, funding, families, and children with disabilities.

Here are a few key points from the conversation:
- Blythe said Easterseals’ Chicago and Rockford programs serve more than 1,500 children from birth to age five through Head Start, home visiting, prenatal doula services, and partner sites.
- Services include meals, diapers, formula, evidence-based learning, health support, disability services, and assistance for parents with employment, GEDs, and community resources.
- Reduced performance standards could create inconsistent services across states, including for children with disabilities, dual-language learners, mental health needs, and families experiencing homelessness.
- Families and providers are concerned about funding, quality, language access, and support during disability evaluations.
- The 60-day public comment period is nearing its close (Tuesday, October 6), and Blythe emphasized that community input and congressional advocacy could affect the proposal.

Catch "Driving It Home with Patti Vasquez" weekdays from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Central on WCPT (heartlandsignal.com/programs/driving-it-home).

 

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Patti Vasquez is joined in studio by <a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.gqh-2BaxUzlo7XKIuSly0rC2akA8FUxG-2ByCPHbmbD2tTqDY5iNw2RORKc9EpBHqUrLF52MVFkMWDwCkYoKntOsaw-3D-3DOspj_0vSNl3Q0-2FgpgG3qu-2FvO87Pqew-2FTnDIu4bbzilGWqE-2FBvOzSpfe-2BbaCp2S9rdg-2BSIsPuAP2YgzqvQQlfmRC-2BZYB2-2BJJSKWnCVsyhzMI54WIxmsiQ3kpgJ1RnMwGMht326azMELLvLc51BkXNrjPnWQqcwB1OMsVx1Ee3TeVPj1hoKRZemwsSo2l2yVJ2wGk8ZDSO7SIarYXrcaWkAlK-2F0CC2Pkhdsw-2BG6FM7WOGKXo5oo9cANRWpxu-2BoxAV4eG0s7mWC6hNZyqvc-2BCZL1cKqLG9VNMiJe6BhmG-2BBdIeV-2BxMuP8-2FW0PeW-2FaP6XEuAtUL1DzRtWaBfGohvZ1TDt2vxpmJwCqKJBzrrJuirz5NOGfRU-3D">Amy Blythe</a>, assistant vice president of early learning services at <a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.gqh-2BaxUzlo7XKIuSly0rC2akA8FUxG-2ByCPHbmbD2tTrG9G5ktzUF4KpicBENN8x7fY5h_0vSNl3Q0-2FgpgG3qu-2FvO87Pqew-2FTnDIu4bbzilGWqE-2FBvOzSpfe-2BbaCp2S9rdg-2BSIsPuAP2YgzqvQQlfmRC-2BZYB2-2BJJSKWnCVsyhzMI54WIxmsiQ3kpgJ1RnMwGMht326azMELLvLc51BkXNrjPnWQqcwB1OMsVx1Ee3TeVPj1hoKRZemwsSo2l2yVJ2wGk8ZDSO7SIarYXrcaWkAlK-2F0COLdPk7WLbv-2B1AzdWqJi7rQ1DB67GGNraANa56VEsTA1jIDdnkNGOuQlJX6-2FDnM0lnYuTPi1L8luIUGnqPshQfTw9ytwEESlNNMt0nuciaycIgZgMY4RQ-2FK5iHSKepX7gWTudJuA-2BkLBqLPSXgY4yM0-3D">Easterseals Chicago &amp; Rockford Regions</a>.&nbsp; The discussion examined how proposed federal changes to Head Start could affect service quality, funding, families, and children with disabilities.
Here are a few&nbsp;key points from the conversation: - Blythe said Easterseals&rsquo; Chicago and Rockford programs serve more than 1,500 children from birth to age five through Head Start, home visiting, prenatal doula services, and partner sites. - Services include meals, diapers, formula, evidence-based learning, health support, disability services, and assistance for parents with employment, GEDs, and community resources. - Reduced performance standards could create inconsistent services across states, including for children with disabilities, dual-language learners, mental health needs, and families experiencing homelessness. - Families and providers are concerned about funding, quality, language access, and support during disability evaluations. - The 60-day public comment period is nearing its close (Tuesday, October 6), and Blythe emphasized that community input and congressional advocacy could affect the proposal.
Catch "Driving It Home with Patti Vasquez" weekdays from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Central on WCPT (<a href="http://heartlandsignal.com/programs/driving-it-home">heartlandsignal.com/programs/driving-it-home</a>).
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From Heartland Signal and WCPT AM 820 in Chicago, here are full episodes of "Driving It Home with Patti Vasquez" (weeknights from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.), a radio talk show devoted to covering the news of the day and connecting listeners with local leaders. 

Patti Vasquez is a Chicago comedian, writer, actor, talk show host, consultant, advocate, and policy adviser. After achieving a degree in history from the University of Illinois, she set out to share her hilarious observations about how people behave, and stories about her second-generation Irish dad and Mexican immigrant mom. Patti has headlined in comedy clubs and colleges all over the U.S., Canada, and Europe, appeared on Nickelodeon, TBS, ABC, The Oprah Winfrey Network, and has a recurring role on NBC’s “Chicago Fire.” When her son Declan was born with a rare neurological disorder, Patti decided to take her communication and performance experience to launch her company “With Kind Words,” in which she helps medical professionals and educators communicate with compassion. For six years, Patti was the first Latina to host her own talk show on WGN Radio 720. In addition to her work as a performer and consultant, Patti began advocating for children and families throughout Illinois and helped restore funding for vital support services after massive cuts were made by former Governor Bruce Rauner. In 2020 she ran to be the state representative of the 19th District.  She is now the health care and human services liaison and assistant policy adviser for Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza.  Patti lives with her family on the Northwest Side of Chicago and continues to advocate for her community.  

From Heartland Signal and <a href="https://heartlandsignal.com/wcpt820/">WCPT AM 820</a> in Chicago, here are full episodes of "Driving It Home with Patti Vasquez" (weeknights from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.), a radio talk show devoted to covering the news of the day and connecting listeners with local leaders.&nbsp;
Patti Vasquez is a Chicago comedian, writer, actor, talk show host, consultant, advocate, and policy adviser. After achieving a degree in history from the University of Illinois, she set out to share her hilarious observations about how people behave, and stories about her second-generation Irish dad and Mexican immigrant mom. Patti has headlined in comedy clubs and colleges all over the U.S., Canada, and Europe, appeared on Nickelodeon, TBS, ABC, The Oprah Winfrey Network, and has a recurring role on NBC&rsquo;s &ldquo;Chicago Fire.&rdquo; When her son Declan was born with a rare neurological disorder, Patti decided to take her communication and performance experience to launch her company &ldquo;With Kind Words,&rdquo; in which she helps medical professionals and educators communicate with compassion. For six years, Patti was the first Latina to host her own talk show on WGN Radio 720. In addition to her work as a performer and consultant, Patti began advocating for children and families throughout Illinois and helped restore funding for vital support services after massive cuts were made by former Governor Bruce Rauner. In 2020 she ran to be the state representative of the 19th District.&nbsp; She is now the health care and human services liaison and assistant policy adviser for Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza.&nbsp; Patti lives with her family on the Northwest Side of Chicago and continues to advocate for her community.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Driving It Home with Patti Vasquez (Full Episodes)

From Heartland Signal and WCPT AM 820 in Chicago, "Driving It Home with Patti Vasquez" (weeknights from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Central) is a radio talk show devoted to covering the news of the day and connecting listeners with local leaders. 

Patti Vasquez is a Chicago comedian, writer, actor, talk show host, consultant, advocate, and policy adviser. After achieving a degree in history from the University of Illinois, she set out to share her hilarious observations about how people behave, and stories about her second-generation Irish dad and Mexican immigrant mom. Patti has headlined in comedy clubs and colleges all over the U.S., Canada, and Europe, appeared on Nickelodeon, TBS, ABC, The Oprah Winfrey Network, and has a recurring role on NBC’s “Chicago Fire.” When her son Declan was born with a rare neurological disorder, Patti decided to take her communication and performance experience to launch her company “With Kind Words,” in which she helps medical professionals and educators communicate with compassion.

For six years, Patti was the first Latina to host her own talk show on WGN Radio 720. In addition to her work as a performer and consultant, Patti began advocating for children and families throughout Illinois and helped restore funding for vital support services after massive cuts were made by former Governor Bruce Rauner. In 2020 she ran to be the state representative of the 19th District.  She is now the health care and human services liaison and assistant policy adviser for Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza.  Patti lives with her family on the Northwest Side of Chicago and continues to advocate for her community.  

From Heartland Signal and <a href="https://heartlandsignal.com/wcpt820/">WCPT AM 820</a> in Chicago, "Driving It Home with Patti Vasquez" (weeknights from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Central) is a radio talk show devoted to covering the news of the day and connecting listeners with local leaders.&nbsp;
Patti Vasquez is a Chicago comedian, writer, actor, talk show host, consultant, advocate, and policy adviser. After achieving a degree in history from the University of Illinois, she set out to share her hilarious observations about how people behave, and stories about her second-generation Irish dad and Mexican immigrant mom. Patti has headlined in comedy clubs and colleges all over the U.S., Canada, and Europe, appeared on Nickelodeon, TBS, ABC, The Oprah Winfrey Network, and has a recurring role on NBC&rsquo;s &ldquo;Chicago Fire.&rdquo; When her son Declan was born with a rare neurological disorder, Patti decided to take her communication and performance experience to launch her company &ldquo;With Kind Words,&rdquo; in which she helps medical professionals and educators communicate with compassion.
For six years, Patti was the first Latina to host her own talk show on WGN Radio 720. In addition to her work as a performer and consultant, Patti began advocating for children and families throughout Illinois and helped restore funding for vital support services after massive cuts were made by former Governor Bruce Rauner. In 2020 she ran to be the state representative of the 19th District.&nbsp; She is now the health care and human services liaison and assistant policy adviser for Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza.&nbsp; Patti lives with her family on the Northwest Side of Chicago and continues to advocate for her community.&nbsp;&nbsp;