Partner Plan Act Collaboration Institute

DeKalb County Collaborative for Young Children

The DeKalb County Collaborative for Young Children (DCCYC) participated in the inaugural cohort of the Partner Plan Act Collaboration Institute. Our work through PPA positively impacted our collaborative governance, coordination, and focus on equity. We brought so many tools back to the collaborative work that we still use today! Also, we made lasting relationships with other collaborations across Illinois that still benefit us today. Since participating in the PPA Collaboration cohort, we have utilized on-demand consultation to better integrate racial equity and authentic family engagement practices in DCCYC meetings and work. 

– Samantha McDavid, Coordinator

Glenbard Early Childhood Collaborative

Our Glenbard Early Childhood Collaborative has been fortunate enough to participate in both the 2018-2019 and 2019-2020 PPA Collaboration Institute cohorts. Our coaches, Ruby and Carolyn, helped our team to dig deep and truly identify the steps needed to guide our mission and vision forward, driving the work and focus of our very new collaborative. I love that we are now part of the CS3 family and able to hold each other up in our efforts to support our youngest learners and their families.  If it were not for the PPA CS3 team and dedicated supports, we would not be where we are today as a family and equity-based early childhood collaborative! 

– Jeanine Woltman, Coordinator

Jewish Early Childhood Collaborative

The Partner Plan Act Collaboration Institute was an amazing resource for us. The coaching we received on governance and structure, ensured that we came out of COVID stronger than ever. The process also helped build deeper and stronger relationships with the partners who were involved in the institute with us. 

– Kate Warach, Director

Plano Area Alliance Supporting Student Success

Over the span of six years, PAASSS has achieved significant milestones, attributed in large part to the invaluable support and guidance from the Partner Plan Act Collaboration Institute. Participating in two discrete cohorts, we delved into systems thinking, emphasizing an inclusive approach for families. Our initial coaching cycle in 2018-2019 facilitated the establishment of a charter agreement, formulation of a strategic plan, and led to the development of a distinctive brand identity. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, we persevered by orchestrating a community screening of “No Small Matter,” sparking dialogues on early childhood development and subsequently securing local funding for additional preschool placements.

Our subsequent coaching cycle (2021-2022) prioritized a needs assessment, particularly focusing on enhancing family engagement and amplifying family voices while leveraging data to underscore our requirements and achievements. As a direct outcome of the guidance received, we successfully secured funding from Birth to Five IL, launched the PAASSS website, organized tailored events for diverse stakeholder groups, and published our inaugural annual report. Notably, as a collaborative effort devoid of paid staff, we take pride in our accomplishments, recognizing the pivotal role the Partner Plan Act Institute has played in propelling us towards our objectives.

– Laurel Mateyka, Chairperson

The Village Early Childhood Collaboration

The Village Early Childhood Collaboration’s core team participated in 2 consecutive Partner Plan Act Collaboration Institutes. In early 2020, the Village Early Childhood Collaboration was created. The first year of participation was focused on building a framework, learning what systems work looked like, and facilitating collaboration within the core team. The second year we focused on breaking down a problem to find the root cause. The Collaboration Institute was an important contributor to establishing our foundation.

-Rhonda Hillyer, Facilitator

Read more about Collaboration Institute alumni