News
See what’s new at the Collaboration! This is the space where we share timely information from the world of early childhood. Learn about our new initiatives, successes, and read messages from our Executive Director here.
Thank You for Supporting Us This Season!
Thank you so much for your donation this year! Supporting our early care and education workforce and the families that rely on this ... Read More
The Collaboration Adopts a New Three-Year Strategic Plan
NOVEMBER 20, 2023 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: communications@collab4kids.org Organization: Collaboration for Early ... Read More
Letters From Santa and Holiday Friends!
Complete the form by Sunday, December 10, 2023 to have a customized letter sent to a young child in your life to ring in the holidays. Read More
Connecting Families to Free Fun & Resources!
The Early Childhood Resource Fair, Costume Parade, and Toddlin' Around Town! Read More
Shannon Ellison Is Selected for the 2023-2024 Barbara Bowman Leadership Fellows Cohort
AUGUST 17, 2023 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Sophie Grimes, Communications Coordinator Organization: Collaboration for Early ... Read More
Breastfeeding and Returning to Work
I remember going back to work after having my first baby. Well, I’d have to say I DON’T remember going back to work. I was in such a ... Read More
The Collaboration Receives Grant to Promote Self-Regulation and Social Emotional Skill Building through Sensory Kits to Neighboring Communities
JULY 19 2023 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Sophie Grimes, Communications Coordinator Organization: Collaboration for Early ... Read More
How We Created a Kindergarten Readiness Event in Our Community and How You Can, Too
There is no one person or organization that is fully responsible for getting our children ready for their first day of ... Read More
Guest Post: One Way to Celebrate Juneteenth This Year
There are many joyful events taking place around Oak Park that celebrate Juneteenth. Juneteenth also falls on Father's Day weekend, so ... Read More
Give the Collab a Little Love This Spring
We need your support to ensure every young child has the care and resources needed to thrive and begin school safe, healthy, and empowered to succeed. Read More
Blast Off to Kindergarten on May 21, 2023
May 12, 2023 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Sophie Grimes, Communications Coordinator Organization: Collaboration for Early ... Read More
Teacher and Provider Appreciation 💗
Teacher Appreciation Week starts on May 8 and Provider Appreciation Day is on Friday, May 12! Depending on who you ask out in the ... Read More
Welcome Janique McCowan, New Child Development and Health Partnership Coordinator
We would like to introduce you to the newest member of the Collaboration for Early Childhood's team: Janique McCowan! On May 1, ... Read More
2023 Week of the Young Child at Wonder Works Children’s Museum!
April 3-7, 2022 is Week of the Young Child, a time when we celebrate the importance of early childhood and the families, educators, ... Read More
National Poetry Month with Young Children
Every year in April, as the daffodils push up through the soil, the United States celebrates National Poetry Month. In honor of the ... Read More
Parent Leadership Training Begins on April 4, 2023
Parent leadership training is for parents and caregivers to organize, prioritize and create an action plan to identify and then ... Read More
Recap of the 2023 Early Childhood Symposium – Curiosity, Creativity, Caring
It's hard to believe that it's been less than a month since the 2023 Early Childhood Symposium took place at Percy Julian Middle ... Read More
Welcome Michelle Howell, The Collaboration’s Family Engagement Partnership Coordinator
We are very, very happy to announce that starting April 3, 2023, Michelle Howell will join the Collaboration team full time as our ... Read More
May there Always Be Us: A Community Video Book Created by Children and Families of West Suburban Cook County
Family Concerts with Jim Gill in Berwyn and Melrose Park! In February 2023, we teamed up with children's musician Jim Gill to bring ... Read More
Understanding the Need for an Early Childhood System
On Sunday, March 5, 2023, friends and supporters of the Collaboration for Early Childhood as well as candidates running for local ... Read More
Announcing the Collaboration for Early Childhood’s New Executive Director
The Collaboration for Early Childhood’s Board of Directors has appointed Mary Reynolds as the organization's next Executive Director. With a background in social work, Infant/Early Childhood Mental Health, and leadership in the non-profit and human services sectors, Ms. Reynolds brings a powerful set of skills that will strengthen and advance the mission and vision of the Collaboration for Early Childhood. Read More
The Collaboration’s 20th Annual Symposium Will Take Place on February 25, 2023
FEBRUARY 14, 2023 PRESS RELEASE [Download the Press Release as a PDF] Contact: Sophie Grimes, Communications ... Read More
Celebrating Martin Luther King, Jr. in 2023
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday falls right as the new year gets underway. It's a time when many of us return to our regular ... Read More
Getting Geared Up for Preschool!
Even though we are in the middle of winter, programs that run on a school year calendar tend to open registration for the 2022-23 school year in January. Read More
Teaming up with Illinois Action for Children to Get the Word Out About Preschool!
The Collaboration for Early Childhood has received a grant to conduct community outreach in Oak Park, River Forest, Forest Park, ... Read More
Strategic Planning Update: New Mission, Vision, and Core Values!
As we near the end of 2022, we wanted to give you an update on our strategic planning progress and preview what's ahead for the ... Read More
Your Gift This Season Will Strengthen Our Community’s Web of Support
We need your support to ensure every young child has the care and resources needed to thrive and begin school safe, healthy, and empowered to succeed. Read More
Letters From Santa and Holiday Friends!
Complete the form by Sunday, December 11 to have a customized letter sent to a young child in your life to ring in the holidays. Read More
The Collaboration Deepens its Partnership With Wonder Works Children’s Museum to Connect Families to Resources through a Birth to Five Implementation Grant
FALL 2023 UPDATE: The Collaboration for Early Childhood is thrilled to announce that Birth to Five has extended this grant. The work ... Read More
The Collaboration for Early Childhood Partners with Easterseals to Connect Families to Community Resources
Easterseals will now serve as a helpful guide to anyone who contacts the Collaboration for Early Childhood, comprehensively connecting them to relevant community resources. Read More
Look Who’s Talking! Speech Development in Babies and Young Children
If you are wondering about when to expect certain language acquisition milestones in your child, you are not alone. Read More
Congratulations to Shannon Ellison!
We are thrilled to see Shannon move into the Director of Programs and Contracts position. Congrats, Shannon! Read More
4 Ways to Make the Most of Summer
Summer is here! We hope that you are able to find time to relax and do fun things with your chosen family during these warmer months. Looking for ways to connect and keep the learning happening throughout summer? See below for ideas. Read More
Vaccines for Children Under Five and Women’s Reproductive Health in Illinois
COVID-19 vaccines have undergone—and will continue to undergo—the most intensive safety monitoring in U.S. history. By vaccinating our youngest population we can add one more layer of safety to our community and breathe a little easier when we drop off our kids at preschool or day care. Read More
Gov. Pritzker Announces Investments in Early Childhood
Last week, Governor Pritzker announced new investments that strengthen and grow Illinois' early childhood education and care field. Read More
Staff Updates from the Collaboration for Early Childhood
We have some big news from the Collaboration for Early Childhood to share with you today. After over five years of service to ... Read More
Whitney Brooks on Juneteenth and How to Celebrate with Little Ones
Events have been held annually on June 19th in various parts of the United States both to commemorate the emancipation of enslaved Black Americans, and to honor and celebrate Black American Culture. Read More
Statement from the Collaboration’s Executive Director on the Mass Shooting at Robb Elementary School
Any parent knows the fear of sending their children into an environment where something like this can happen. We all go to great lengths to protect children. And these constant acts of violence directed against children have done much to make us all feel hopeless. Read More
Together we can make a difference in the lives of our children, one classroom at a time
There is no power for change greater than a community discovering what it cares about. - Margaret Wheatley So much has happened ... Read More
Guest Post: How Do We Improve the Overall Health and Wellbeing of Our Community? By Creating Connections to Community Resources
This blog post is written by Dr. Stephanie Weller, pediatrician and member of the Collaboration for Early Childhood's Health and ... Read More
Meeting the Needs of the Oak Park Early Childhood Community with Support from ARPA Funds
Informed by community feedback, we put forth a proposal for ARPA funding that translates the priorities we heard into five focus areas: Home Visiting Support, Classroom Enhancement Support, Recruitment/ Retention Support, Mental Health Support and Small Business Sustainability Support. Read More
The Collaboration for Early Childhood Newsletter: May 2022
Last week, we held a virtual 20th Anniversary Kick-Off Gathering. In preparation, the Collaboration staff conducted interviews and dug into our archives (aka storage facility) to gather the voices, pictures, and artifacts into a video that helps illustrate the Collaboration for Early Childhood's origin story. Read More
Oak Park Public Health Department Lifts Mask Mandate for Oak Park Early Childhood Programs
The mask mandate has been lifted for early childhood programs in Oak Park, but masking is still required when returning from quarantine or after exposure. Read More
The Collaboration for Early Childhood Newsletter: April 2022
Calendars are starting to fill up at a much quicker pace as plans for spring and summer take shape. We have a full array of virtual parent workshops in April, so be sure to make time for those that are of interest to you! Check out the Family Engagement section below to learn more. Read More
Preparing for Kindergarten in 2022
Starting kindergarten is a big and exciting step for all our five-year-olds and their families. To help everyone feel prepared for this brand new experience, the Collaboration for Early Childhood has gathered some helpful pointers and tips to ease the transition to Kindergarten. Read More
April is World Autism Month
There are so many ways to be a person in our world, and neurodiversity is part of the equation. Every April has become known as ... Read More
Week of the Young Child 2022
This week, April 2-8, 2022 is Week of the Young Child, a time when we celebrate the importance of early childhood and the families, ... Read More
When it Comes to Developmental Milestones, You Know Your Child Best
The CDC recently updated their developmental milestones for the first time since 2004. Learn more about the changes and the importance of celebrating milestones in all children. Read More
Social-Emotional Learning: What it is and Why it Matters
Maybe you've heard the term social-emotional learning but you are not completely clear on what it is. The Committee for Children ... Read More
The Collaboration for Early Childhood Newsletter: March 2022
Last week, we held a virtual 20th Anniversary Kick-Off Gathering. In preparation, the Collaboration staff conducted interviews and dug into our archives (aka storage facility) to gather the voices, pictures, and artifacts into a video that helps illustrate the Collaboration for Early Childhood's origin story. Read More
Oak Park Public Health Department Continues Mask Mandate for Oak Park Early Childhood Programs
Continuing to mask up in early childhood programs is important because there is still not a vaccine for children under five. These requirements will remain in place until Dr. Chapple-McGruder issues a new order. We will share out that information as soon as it becomes available. In the meantime, let's keep our children safe as they learn and grow by continuing to mask up in early learning programs! Read More
Using Tech with Little Ones!
It’s the middle of winter, and we are continuing to navigate a global pandemic, so you might be finding yourself relying more than ... Read More
Winter Play Ideas! ⛄
Play is an essential part of childhood, no matter the weather, so we compiled a list of resources to help you and your family get through these cold months. Read More
The Collaboration for Early Childhood Newsletter: February 2022
Last week, we held a virtual 20th Anniversary Kick-Off Gathering. In preparation, the Collaboration staff conducted interviews and dug into our archives (aka storage facility) to gather the voices, pictures, and artifacts into a video that helps illustrate the Collaboration for Early Childhood's origin story. Read More
The League of Women Voters of Oak Park and River Forest Civic Forum
The conversations across agencies explored the many ways that the pandemic has impacted young children's mental health, social development and school progress. This is an extremely difficult time for so many families. we remain hopeful that our community has so many services to provide support to those who need it. We are grateful to the League of Women Voters of Oak Park & River Forest for convening such a wonder conversation! Read More
Preschool Registration for Fall Has Begun!
It's that time of year! Preschool programs in Oak Park and River Forest are beginning to open registration for the 2022-23 school year. Read More
The Collaboration for Early Childhood Newsletter: January 2022
The year 2022 marks a very special milestone for the Collaboration for Early Childhood: we are 20 years old! Read More
The Collaboration for Early Childhood Newsletter: December 2021
Last week, we held a virtual 20th Anniversary Kick-Off Gathering. In preparation, the Collaboration staff conducted interviews and dug into our archives (aka storage facility) to gather the voices, pictures, and artifacts into a video that helps illustrate the Collaboration for Early Childhood's origin story. Read More
To Plant a Garden is to Believe in Tomorrow
Support the work of the Collaboration for Early Childhood in 2021. Read More
The Collaboration for Early Childhood Newsletter: November 2021
October is over and it was just packed. We had our Outdoor Open House and Ribbon-Cutting, IGA meeting, parent workshops and new parent meet-ups, and our fall Physicians' Network Event hosted by Dr. Shalowitz. Thank you all for joining us at these events. Read More
Letters From Santa and Holiday Friends!
Complete the form to have a customized letter sent to a young child in your life to ring in the holidays. Read More
The Collaboration Joins the #CareConstellation Cohort!
The Collaboration for Early Childhood joins seven other organizations across the nation with bold visions for the future of the United States' child care system as a member of the Care Constellation Cohort. Read More
Vaccine-or-Test Requirements for Child Care Workforce
On Friday, October 22, Governor Pritzker announced that child care professionals in licensed day care centers will be required to receive the COVID-19 vaccination or be tested weekly starting December 3, 2021. Read More
The Child Care Workforce Bonus Application is Now Open
The application for the Child Care Workforce Bonus is now open. See full details on the Gateways to Opportunity website. We at the Collaboration for Early Childhood are here to ensure that every child care worker in Oak Park and River Forest who qualifies can get the bonus, and that any directors who have questions about the application can get their questions answered. Read More
The Collaboration for Early Childhood Newsletter: October 2021
All eyes are on the critical work of our child care workers and early childhood educators. Read More
Celebrating National Child Health Day!
Every October, the nation celebrates Child Health Day. This is a time to spread awareness about all aspects of our children's physical, mental, and emotional health, and to take an active part in building healthy routines into your child's daily life. Read More
Gov. Pritzker Announces Childcare Investments to Support Parents and Providers in COVID-19 Recovery
Last week, Governor Pritzker announced child care investments to support families and providers in COVID-19 recovery. You can read the full press release here. It describes the investments that have taken place already during the pandemic as well as the new supports that were announced on September 13th, 2021. Here are the key takeaways. Read More
Help Us Plan a Fabulous Community Celebration: Join the Gala Planning Committee
As a member of the Gala Planning Committee you will help us select the menu and sample signature drink options. You will help with design concepts and all the details that take an event from "nice" to "fabulous." Interested in joining the team? Read More
The Collaboration for Early Childhood Newsletter: September 2021
In the flurry of back-to-school schedules and adjustments, take a minute to pause and pat yourself on the back. Then, check out all the ways you can get involved in supporting next year's kindergarteners. Read More
Join the Collaboration’s Professional Development Committee!
Are you an educator or someone who works in the field of early childhood in Oak Park or River Forest? Join the Collaboration's amazing and mighty Professional Development Committee! Read More
Get Ready…Parenting Workshops Start in September!
Workshops are starting the second week of September on Zoom and are open to all parents and caregivers of children ages 2-5. Read More
Breastfeeding Support and Local Resources for Oak Park and River Forest Parents
YOU are the expert on what your baby needs and how best to give it to them and we celebrate all the ways that babies can be cared for, loved and fed. So, whether you decide to breastfeed, bottle feed, or a bit of both, you have the support you need for us here at the Collaboration. Read More
The Collaboration for Early Childhood Newsletter: August 2021
Hello from the dog days of summer. In July, we officially welcomed six superstars to our Board of Directors: Charisse ... Read More
The Collaboration for Early Childhood Newsletter: July 2021
Summer is here and it's a new program year. Summer is a time to watch things grow and to get organized here are the ... Read More
Goodbye and Congratulations to Heather Duncan!
At the end of July 2021, our Director of Early Learning, Heather Duncan, will be transitioning out of her role with the Collaboration. Read More
Children’s Books that Celebrate LGBTQ+ Stories
Looking for some fun books to read with your child that tell positive and inspiring LGBTQ+ stories? Community Ambassador, Whitney ... Read More
The Collaboration for Early Childhood Newsletter: June 2021
June Already?! Next week, watch for some familiar faces at Illinois Action for Children's conference, Equity From the ... Read More
The Collaboration for Early Childhood Deepens their Partnership with Sarah’s Inn
The conditions in the places where people are born, live, learn, work, and play that affect health and impact people’s life outcomes ... Read More
Celebrating New and Expectant Mothers
On Saturday May 8, with support from West Cook YMCA, our Family Engagement program partners worked together to plan a special Mother’s Day Baby Bundle Giveaway. Read More
The Collaboration for Early Childhood Will Unveil Their Equity Framework at Their Early Childhood Equity Summit
In partnership with the New Teacher Center and sponsored in part by the Oak Park-River Forest Community Foundation, the Collaboration for Early Childhood will host their inaugural Early Childhood Equity Summit on May 22. The event is free and open to the public. Read More
The Collaboration for Early Childhood Newsletter: May 2021
Updates from the Merry Month of May Say hello to the fully-staffed Collaboration for Early Childhood team! Emily Norman ... Read More
3 Ways to Celebrate Moms (or Mother-Figures) This Year
Everyone knows May brings flowers. May also brings...Mother's Day! If you are wondering how to celebrate the mothers in your life in a ... Read More
Announcing the 2021 Growing Gardener Program Cohort!
We are very excited about spring for many reasons, but the launch of the Growing Gardeners program might take the ... Read More
Play is FUNdamental!
Children at play are highly motivated, developing physical, social, emotional and cognitive skills at the same time as they are ... Read More
Dailela: Early Childhood Hero
Dailela Williams, Co-owner and Director of Future Leaders Learning Center Dailela Williams Directs Future Leaders Learning ... Read More
Bernadette: Early Childhood Hero
Bernadette Hicks, Director of ABC Toon Town and member of the Collaboration for Early Childhood Board of Directors With a background ... Read More
Vaccine Eligibility for All Illinoisans Age 16+ Starts April 12
Starting April 12, all Illinois residents who are 16 and older are eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Don't expect to pick and ... Read More
The Collaboration for Early Childhood Newsletter: April 2021
Spring has sprung and hope is in the air. This coming Saturday, April 10, we will be hosting a drive-in screening of the documentary ... Read More
Preparing for Kindergarten in 2021
Starting kindergarten is a big and exciting step for all our five-year-olds. It also can be a brand new experience for parents and ... Read More
Our Hearts are Broken Once Again
Our hearts are broken once again. The recent Atlanta-area shootings that claimed the lives of eight people, six of them Asian ... Read More
Recapping the 2021 Early Childhood Symposium: ComPASSION Matters!
As you may have heard, this year's Symposium was a little bit different. Attendees joined virtually from their computers or ... Read More
The Collaboration for Early Childhood Newsletter: March 2021
Spring is just around the corner! And with spring comes a feeling of energy and renewal: the perfect time to embark on building an ... Read More
The Collaboration for Early Childhood Newsletter: February 2021
February is packed with early childhood action! We hope you are enjoying this snow-filled start to February. This month, ... Read More
Recognizing and Supporting Children Who have Faced Trauma
This is the third of our three-part resource series. Read our previous posts: "How to Talk to Your Child About the News" and "Continue ... Read More
The Collaboration for Early Childhood Announces Lifting Little Voices 2021: Planning for Change – An Early Childhood Forum
JANURARY 21, 2021 PRESS RELEASE [Download the Press Release as a PDF] Contact: Sophie Grimes, Communications Coordinator Organization: ... Read More
How to Talk to Your Child about the News
This is the second of our three-part resource series. Read the first post here: Continue Dr. Martin Luther King's Legacy -- Talk to ... Read More
Continue Dr. Martin Luther King’s Legacy – Talk to Your Child
On the third Monday in January of every year, we celebrate the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. We remember what he stood ... Read More
5 Ways to Support L¡VE Café
What happened at L¡VE Café and Creative Space yesterday was a racist hate crime and we are heartbroken. We share your grief. We ... Read More
The Collaboration for Early Childhood Newsletter: January 2021
Welcome to the Collaboration for Early Childhood's Monthly Newsletter. In the spirit of the New Year, we are excited to kick off ... Read More
Taking Care – Supporting our Healthcare Staff this Holiday Season
The news of a COVID-19 vaccine is filling people with hope. There is a light at the end of the tunnel. But at the same time COVID-19 ... Read More
Contribute in 2020
Support the work of the Collaboration for Early Childhood in 2020. Read More
Our Annual Early Childhood Resource Fair Has Gone Virtual!
At this year's Virtual Early Childhood Resource Fair, you can learn about early childhood resources and programs for children birth - 5. Read More
Why George Floyd Matters to Early Childhood
Why George Floyd Matters to Early Childhood “Hope begins in the dark.” -Annie Lamott Normally, when I write to the ... Read More
Oak Park COVID-19 Mandates for Child Care Facilities
VILLAGE OF OAK PARK ORDERS "SHELTER IN PLACE" DUE TO COVID-19 To all child care centers, preschools, and family child care ... Read More
Collaboration Response to COVID-19
UPDATE FROM THE COLLABORATION FOR EARLY CHILDHOOD DURING COVID-19 Updated 4/13/20 Dear friends, The hearts and minds of the ... Read More
Protected: Collection of Resources for Health Professionals
There is no excerpt because this is a protected post. Read More
Good Life Race Announces Gift to Charitable Race Partners
The Oak Park Runners Club (OPRC) has announced a $20,000 gift of race proceeds from the Good Life Race in support of both the ... Read More
John Borrero Appointed Executive Director of Collaboration for Early Childhood
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Amy McCormack Board Chair board@collab4kids.org 312-827-6470 JOHN BORRERO APPOINTED EXECUTIVE ... Read More
Announcement from the Collaboration for Early Childhood
On behalf of the Board of the Collaboration for Early Childhood, I have some news to share with our partners, stakeholders, donors and ... Read More
Request for Application – Chicago Parent Program
Notice Collaboration for Early Childhood Parenting Resource Program Request for Application - Chicago Parent Program Background: ... Read More
Child Care Meet and Greet
Parents and caregivers please join us for a meet & greet with child care providers! There’s a lot to consider when you are choosing ... Read More
Support Us with Beet Bucks!
The Collaboration has been selected as one of three Sugar Beet Co-op partners for January and February! When you shop at the Sugar ... Read More
Your Support in 2017
Friends, As we come to the end of 2017, we are grateful as we reflect on all that we have accomplished together. This year, your ... Read More
A Collaboration that works
A Collaboration that works Wednesday Journal / oakpark.com Tuesday, December 5th, 2017 12:44 PM Opinion: Editorials Our Views It is ... Read More
Gains reported in early childhood support
Gains reported in early childhood support Collaboration touts hike in screenings, access to resources Wednesday Journal / ... Read More
Notes from Our Community Conversation
Following a special presentation by Geoffrey A. Nagle, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of the Erikson Institute, David ... Read More
Early Childhood Resource Fair
Thanks to all of our partners who helped make our first Parenting Resource Program a success! Over 25 organizations were present at ... Read More
New Parent Leadership Program
Community Organizing & Family Issues (COFI) and Collaboration for Early Childhood About: COFI is a 22-year old nonprofit ... Read More
Early Development Instrument (EDI)
The Collaboration for Early Childhood has been selected to be one of four partner communities for Erikson Institute's Early ... Read More
Champions of Children Everywhere
At its Annual Meeting, the Collaboration for Early Childhood confirmed its commitment to children across the globe by approving a ... Read More
Good Life Race Donates Proceeds to Local Partners
The Oak Park Runners Club (OPRC) has announced a $24,000 gift of race proceeds from the Good Life Race in support of both the ... Read More
Mission, Vision, Values & Principles
Early in 2017, key stakeholders met to discuss our organizational values and foundational principles in order to craft the new mission ... Read More
Week of the Young Child Celebrations 2017
Thank you to all our partners for hosting special events during Week of the Young Child. The Week of the Young Child™ is an annual ... Read More
Register for the Good Life Race
For 35 consecutive years, the Oak Park Runner’s Club (OPRC) has hosted the Good Life Race, one of the most prestigious 5K race events ... Read More
District 97 Referenda Presentation
At their February 13, 2017, meeting, the Collaboration for Early Childhood’s board of directors heard a presentation from Oak Park ... Read More
State Budget Status
The Collaboration for Early Childhood strives to keep those who are interested in issues affecting families at the state policy level ... Read More
Our 14th Annual Symposium
The Collaboration's Annual Symposium has been a signature event for the past 14 years. Organized by a volunteer team of top-notch ... Read More
Thank You for Supporting Early Childhood
Friends, Every day, the Collaboration for Early Childhood works to ensure that children, parents, and early care providers have the ... Read More
New Research on Early Childhood Investment
Nobel Laureate James Heckman has recently released new research showing that investing in high-quality child care for children from ... Read More
Anan forum to feature Collaboration for Early Childhood director
Anan forum to feature Collaboration for Early Childhood director Forum set for Oak Park's Main Library on Tuesday, Dec. 13 Monday, ... Read More
Legislator Contact Info
Look up your legislators here. Governor Bruce Rauner Phone: (217) 782-0244 Email Governor Rauner using this ... Read More
Gender Identity in Early Childhood
A Letter from Dr. Rebecca Barbato: I will never forget my first experience with a transgender patient. I was a few years into my ... Read More
Are You Considering an Early Childhood Degree?
Join the Collaboration for Early Childhood and National Louis University to earn a Bachelor's in Early Childhood Practice! Interested? ... Read More
Our Commitment to Quality Child Care
Everyone agrees: young children deserve high-quality care and education. Just as elementary and high school teachers have professional ... Read More
Kizzie Harris Earns Bronze Rating
Congratulations to Kizzie Harris! She is the first family child care provider in Oak Park to receive a Bronze Level rating from the ... Read More
State Budget Crisis Needs Action
As of today, it appears likely that the Illinois General Assembly will pass a six-month spending plan that does not include any new ... Read More
Jeanette Streeter Receives FCCP Credential
Congratulations to Ms. Jeanette Streeter, licensed family child care provider at the Early Learning Center in Oak Park, for receiving ... Read More
Call for a Budget Now
From the Responsible Budget Coalition: We Need a Fully Funded Budget Before July 1 Illinois cannot afford to enter a second year ... Read More
Preventing Child Heatstroke in Cars
Tips to Avoid Child Heatstroke From SaferCar.gov Always Look Before You Lock Always check the back seats of your vehicle before ... Read More
Free Summer Meals for Kids and Teens
The Oak Park River Forest Food Pantry is providing FREE meals to kids age 18 and under. June 20 - August 19 Monday - Friday 12:00 to ... Read More
Thank You, Good Life Race
Oak Leaves 2016 Good Life Race donates $25,000 to charity partners By Erin Vandenberg, Community Contributor The Oak Park Runners Club ... Read More
Appreciation for Ann Courter
Resolution of Appreciation for Ann C. Courter Whereas Ann Courter served as Chair of the Collaboration for Early Childhood July 1, ... Read More
Baby Fair Resources
We were thrilled to see so many people at the Baby Fair on April 16, 2016. The Baby Fair was sponsored by the Oak Park Public Library ... Read More
Alma Martinez Receives New Credential
Congratulations to Ms. Alma Martinez, licensed home child care provider of Quetzali Child Care, for receiving a Level 2 Gateways Early ... Read More
Proposed FY2017 State Budget
Statement on Governor Rauner’s FY2017 Budget Proposal By Illinois Action for Children, Fight Crime: Invest In Kids Illinois, Illinois ... Read More
Welcome Penny!
Penny Williams-Wolford became the Collaboration’s Professional Development Coordinator in January. She has a wealth of experience in ... Read More
Kindergarten Registration is Open
Kindergarten registration is now open in Oak Park and River Forest for the 2016-2017 school year. Register your child for Kindergarten ... Read More
The New Edition of the Early Childhood Resource Directory is Now Available
The Collaboration's Early Childhood Resource Directory is a printed and online guide to finding information on quality child care, ... Read More
Register for the 13th Annual Symposium
Register online to select your favorite workshop choices! With the theme "Turning Obstacles into Opportunities: Navigating the Tough ... Read More
Carollina Song Earns Excellence in Philanthropy Award
We are delighted that Carollina Song, immediate past Chair of the Collaboration for Early Childhood, is being honored by the Oak ... Read More
Melody Robinson Receives New Credential
Congratulations to Melody Robinson, for being the first family child care provider in Oak Park to receive Illinois' new Family Child ... Read More
Announcing Partnering with Parents
Partnering with Parents supports children prenatal to three years old in Oak Park and River Forest through home visiting and group ... Read More
Legislator Discussion Nov 2
The Collaboration for Early Childhood is partnering with Oak Park School District 97's Committee for Legislative Action, Intervention ... Read More
The Oak Park Runners Club Donates $25,000
The Oak Park Runners Club (OPRC) has announced a $25,000 gift to support the Collaboration for Early Childhood. “The 2015 Good Life ... Read More
Letter from Ann Courter, Board Chair
As a result of the differences in early childhood environments and experiences, approximately two-thirds of the achievement gap ... Read More
Call for Qualifications and Proposals
Collaboration for Early Childhood's 13th Annual Symposium Percy Julian Middle School, 416 S. Ridgeland, Oak Park IL 60302 Saturday, ... Read More
‘Social Competence’ in Kindergartners Linked to Adult Success
The results are in from a 20-year study on how a Kindergartner's social/emotional skills (cooperating, resolving problems with peers, ... Read More
Pols fight, families suffer
Pols fight, families suffer Opinion: Editorials Tuesday, August 11th, 2015 2:21 PM Article by Wednesday Journal / oakpark.com If there ... Read More
Daycare providers: New subsidy rules ‘devastating’
Rauner cuts income benchmark for new families applying for aid Tuesday, August 4th, 2015 1:44 PM Article by Wednesday Journal / ... Read More
Importance of Relationships (Video)
This 5-minute video describes the need to focus on building the capabilities of caregivers and strengthening the communities that ... Read More
From Birth to Third: Aligning Education Systems
Oak Park District 97: Leveraging Resources for a Comprehensive, Collaborative, Community-Based Birth to 3rd Grade System "This is one ... Read More
Report analyzes quality of early childhood education
Collaboration for Early Childhood report notes marked racial disparities in income, kindergarten readiness Wednesday, May 27th, 2015 ... Read More
First collect the data
First collect the data Opinion: Editorials Tuesday, May 19th, 2015 11:31 AM Article by Wednesday Journal / oakpark.com From Day One ... Read More
Oak Park area could be state model for early childhood data
Oak Park area could be state model for early childhood data Collaboration partners with leading policy center to monitor children's ... Read More
Collaboration Enters into Contract with Village of Oak Park, D200 and D97
In April 2013, the Village of Oak Park, Oak Park High School District 200 and Oak Park Elementary School District 97 approved a ... Read More
Opportunity and Consequences
Opportunity and consequences Article by Wednesday Journal / oakpark.com Opinion: Editorials Tuesday, November 27th, 2012 10:00 PM By ... Read More
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