She’s only 3 years old, but that didn’t stop Sofia Quiroz from enjoying a day out after traveling from Chicago Heights to the Children’s Museum in Oak Lawn. The free visit was made possible thanks to a partnership between the museum and Illinois Head Start Association.
The youngster was there with her mom, Pam Quiroz, brother Iain, 12, and sister, Ivanna Briano. She appeared mesmerized by a pond exhibit with toy fish which she caught with a fishing pole.
She and her family are also fans of the early childhood learning program, Illinois Action for Children, which she attends in Chicago Heights. It is funded by Head Start and the Illinois State Board of Education.
“She loves that school,” said Pam Quiroz, noting her daughter has already learned the ABCs, how to count and all the colors.
The family was at the museum for a special evening event at the museum, one of several offered for free in October for families whose children are enrolled in Head Start and Early Head Start programs.
Adam Woodworth, executive director of the museum, said they were excited to be collaborating with Head Start.
“Children’s museums are essential spaces where play and learning meet, helping children develop the curiosity, creativity and problem-solving skills that will serve them for life,” he said. “Partnerships like this with Head Start reinforce our shared mission, that every child deserves joyful, hands-on learning experiences from the very start.”
Woodworth also said it was helpful to meet area Head Start providers, to show them what children can experience at the museum.
“They’ll be promoting some of our programs, particularly our Wee Ones Wednesday, as well as directing people to our Resource Hub,” he said.
Wee Ones is for youngsters up to 3 years and includes a developmental therapist and occupational therapist. The Early Childhood Resource Hub features a directory of services for kids up to 5 years for early intervention, education and health at https://www.cmoaklawn.org/resource-hub.
Linda Wang, director of Member Engagement and Outreach for the Illinois Head Start Association, said she and her team were looking for ways to offset some of the federal funding cuts that threaten Head Start programs, while also reminding people of the program’s importance.
“We were thinking, what can we do to bring light back to our program, positivity back into the program and something exciting and fun for the families to do?” said Wang, who has two children and is a big fan of museums, having worked at several in the past. “We decided on a day where we would ask museums for free admission and gather all the Head Start families and staff to give them a day of fun.”
Other area museums in the partnership included DuPage Children’s Museum in Naperville, Kohl Children’s Museum in Glenview and a Kohl Pop–Up Museum in Waukegan, as well as others around the state.
During the free visits, kids got to enjoy various exhibits and make birthday crowns to wear around the museum, in honor of Head Start being around for 60 years and October being 2025 Head Start Awareness Month.
They could also write and draw cards showing what they love about the program, which are to be sent to the Department of Health and Human Services as a happy birthday wish.
“The office of Head Start sits under the Office of Health and Human Services,” said Wang. “They’re a big proponent of Head Start.”
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There were also volunteers on hand, who made little goodie bags and handed them out to visitors.
“I think it’s important to highlight the role children’s museums and Head Start play together,” said Wang. “They’re great partnerships.
“Our missions align, our programs go to these museums on field trips and for socialization.”
Both Wang and Woodworth want the collaboration to continue.
“It’s a win-win at the end of the day,” Wang said.
Janice Neumann is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.