Our Work

Upcoming Events

Explore our upcoming training opportunities on community systems development and early childhood collaboration topics. All of our provided trainings are eligible for Gateways credits and certificates issued in collaboration with The Center: Early Childhood Professional Learning.

Please note: our trainings are designed specifically for early childhood collaboration leaders and partners and are approached from a community systems perspective. While we welcome participants from other parts of the early childhood education and care sector, if you are not an early childhood collaboration leader or partner, our trainings might not be wholly relevant to your work. Also, registration priority is given to collaboration leaders and partners.

All events are virtual unless otherwise noted. Registration will open one month prior to each event. Please visit often, as spots fill up quickly!

COLLABORATION HIGHLIGHT – LUNCH & LEARN: COLLABORATION FOR EARLY CHILDHOOD 

Tuesday, December 8 | 11:30am – 12:30pm

Register

This session will be recorded. 

The Collaboration for Early Childhood has been bringing Oak Park, River Forest, and neighboring communities together around their youngest children since 2002. They work alongside families, early childhood educators, schools, health providers, local government, and community partners so every child from birth to age five has the care, relationships, and resources they need to thrive.

Through family engagement, developmental screenings, support for early learning programs, and strong community partnerships, the Collaboration for Early Childhood serves as a trusted resource and welcoming first stop for families and providers alike.

MEAUSURING IMPACT: UNDERSTANDING, MEASURING & SUSTAINING IMPACT 

3-Part Series

Thursday, January 14 | 10:00am – 12:00pm

Thursday, January 21 | 10:00am – 12:00pm

Thursday, January 28 | 10:00am – 12:00pm

Register

Please note, this series will not be recorded. 

The Measuring Impact series returns as an encore presentation of Parts 1 and 2, with a brand-new Part 3 that helps collaborations move into applying tangible impact measurement tools in their day to day work stream.

Part 1: Understanding Impact

Part 2: Measuring Impact

NEW! Part 3: Sustaining Impact Through Data

  • Learn how to move from collecting data to using it, building practical routines for reviewing findings, making decisions, strengthening strategies, and communicating impact to stakeholders.

Together, this three-part series helps collaborations build a more intentional approach to understanding their impact, using what they learn to strengthen their work, and demonstrating the difference their collective efforts make for families and communities.

Past Recorded Sessions

Introduction to Facilitating Effective Community System Development Meetings: A Handbook for Collaboration Leaders

Watch Webinar 

Learn how our new handbook, Facilitating Effective Community System Development Meetings: A Handbook for Collaboration Leaders can build your facilitation competence. Learn how it is unique, who can benefit, an introduction to the contents, and additional related supports.

COLLABORATION HIGHLIGHT – LUNCH & LEARN: PAASSS

Watch Recording 

Watch as we highlight Parents and Agencies Aligning for Stronger Support Systems (PAASSS), a collaborative serving Grundy and Kendall Counties that is strengthening systems through shared leadership, strategic partnerships, and a commitment to improving outcomes. Learn how this volunteer-led, backbone-supported collaborative brings together community partners to identify needs, coordinate services, strengthen family supports, and create innovative, community-driven solutions.