“For there is always light, if only we’re brave enough to see it. If only we’re brave enough to be it. ”
– Amanda Gorman
CS3 Updates
Registration is LIVE for the Partner Plan Act Conference!
Equity from the Start Interdependent Self and Community Care
May 6-8 | 10a.m. – 2p.m.
This year, we will focus on the interdependence of self and community care as an essential component of sustainable systems change. Working toward equity requires balancing personal well-being and collective action. When individuals feel supported, they can better contribute to the strength of their communities. Likewise, when communities prioritize care for members, they create environments where individuals can thrive.
Introducing Our Keynote Speakers
Dr. Shawn Ginwright
Dr. Shawn Ginwright is the Jerome T. Murphy Professor of Practice at Harvard Graduate School of Education. His groundbreaking work on trauma, healing, and the empowerment of African American youth has earned him a reputation as an innovator, provocateur, and thought leader in the field of education.
Karen Walrond is a leadership consultant, attorney, speaker, and author trained in positive psychology coaching with the Wholebeing Institute, which uses the science of well-being and research-based assessments and interventions to bring about greater satisfaction, purpose, and fulfillment in life.
Read more about our speakers on the Partner Plan Act website and stay tuned for more information and announcements!
CS3’s Annual Training Needs Assessment 2025
To help us prepare for future training and technical assistance plans and provide you with the best opportunities, please complete this Training Needs Assessment survey. It should only take about two to three minutes. The results will inform future content of our trainings, On-Demand Learning courses, and the Partner Plan Act Conference. As always, your responses are completely anonymous; however, you now have the option of providing your contact information if you would like to share more detailed feedback.
We want to hear from as many of you as possible to ensure we are responding to collaboration partners’ training needs. Thank you for your participation!
Upcoming Trainings
Rural Voices, Real Data: Tools for Community-Led Data Collection & Use
This in-person workshop addresses the unique data challenges faced by early childhood collaborations in rural communities. Together, we’ll build a foundation for equity-driven decision-making tailored to the needs of your community.
Training Objectives:
- Explore practical strategies for collecting and disaggregating data by race, income, and other key demographics.
- Focus on limited-capacity outreach and innovative approaches.
- Learn how data can reveal disparities, support equitable resource allocation, and drive meaningful change for children and families in rural settings.
This training will be led by Jaclyn Vasquez.
Location: Mt. Vernon, Illinois
Date: Thursday, March 27
Time: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
This training series is eligible for Gateways credits and certificates issued in collaboration with The Center: Early Childhood Professional Learning.
Please note, this training will not be recorded.
Join Us
The Power of Storytelling: Honoring Community Voices & Experiences
This three-part series is designed to center family voices, creating authentic, impactful narratives that reflect the true experiences of those within our communities. You’ll learn how to elevate these voices, challenge dominant narratives, and develop practical techniques for collecting and sharing stories that drive meaningful change.
Through interactive sessions, you’ll explore ethical storytelling practices, build connections, and integrate decolonized storytelling into your initiatives. This series will equip you with the tools to enhance your storytelling, inspire action, and make a lasting impact in your community by focusing on the voices that matter most.
This series will be led by Jaclyn Vasquez and Rebecca Halperin.
Part 1: April 11
Part 2: April 18
Part 3: April 25
Time: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
This training series is eligible for Gateways credits and certificates issued in collaboration with The Center: Early Childhood Professional Learning.
Please note, this training will not be recorded.
For Providers & Educators
Published four times yearly, the Early Care and Education Resource Guide (Course Catalog) lists professional development training opportunities offered by Illinois Action for Children and our network of community partners. Read through course catalog to find a variety of courses ranging from CPR and First Aid, Child Development, Health & Safety, and more. Most of the professional development trainings provided in the catalog meets both in-service hours required by the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), as well as the CDA/CCP credentialing requirements.
The catalog includes translations in both Spanish and Polish.
Explore Professional Development Trainings
WeConnect/On-Demand Learning
WeConnect is designed to bring together members who are dedicated to advancing Community Systems Development in the Early Childhood Education and Care world.
WeConnect gives you access to:
- Online Communities: Connect with your collaboration, get early childhood and community systems development news, and meet other collaborations members online.
- Discussions: Ask questions and share your knowledge and ideas.
- Resource Libraries: Share and find resources you need.
- Member Directory: Get in touch with other collaboration members.
WeConnect also offers CS3’s Gateway-accredited, on-demand online courses. Free and accessible at any time you and your collaboration members can access courses on Governance, Community Systems Development, Coordinated Intake and more.
Explore our newest online module, Fiscal Sustainability101.
If you have not received a confirmation email, please check your spam folder
Resources
Access Printing Support
The CS3 team is continuing to offer support in partnership with American Color Labs for printing services. If your local early childhood collaboration has marketing materials that you’d like to print, please complete this Request for Support form.
Printing support can include flyers, annual reports, marketing collateral, stickers, banners, posters, and more. Please reach out to the CS3 team if you have questions about this support.
PLEASE NOTE: This is a service provided specifically to early childhood education and care (ECEC) collaborations. Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate requests for individual programs.
Training Opportunities in Collaboration with The Center: Early Childhood Professional Learning
March 20 – What’s Your Super Power? Effective Behavior and Classroom Management Strategies
This webinar will look at some effective classroom management strategies that are crucial not just for maintaining your superhero status but also for creating an environment where every child thrives.
March 31 – High Quality Feedback Builds Children’s Learning in a Powerful Interaction
This series of webinars will utilize the Powerful Interactions (Dombro, Jablon and Stetson) process of “Step 1, Be Present, Step 2, Connect, Step 3 Extend Learning” to strengthen our skills at relationship-affirming interactions that also support learning.
April 2 – What is the magic Equation? Taking Care of Me = Socially Competent Children
Join us to learn strategies that will support your overall well-being, and in turn, support children’s well-being.
Be sure to visit The Center’s Training Calendar for more opportunities.