“Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare.”
– Audre Lorde
CS3 Updates
Community Well-Being Panel for 2026 Parter Plan Act Conference
We are kicking off the 2026 Partner Plan Act Conference with a Community Well-Being Panel highlighting early childhood leaders that advance racial equity from a place of collective care.
This year’s panel of advocates, early childhood collaborations, parents, and academics will share lived experiences and community-rooted approaches to foster collective healing. They will also explore how systems can better align with the strengths and needs of the communities they serve.
Our panelists include:
Alicia Gant
Family Transition Specialist, Birth to Five Illinois – Region 50
Dr. Meghan L. Green
Assistant Professor, Erikson Institute
Brian Herrera
Community Engagement Manager, Latino Policy Forum
Emily Klonicki
Executive Director, Alignment Rockford
Jasmine Thompson Blum
All Our Kids (AOK) Early Childhood Networks Coordinator, Adams County Health Department
Neoma Nagahawatte
Assistant Director of Advocacy, Illinois Action for Children
Together, we will identify opportunities for system shifts, address who carries what burdens when our systems fail, and envision a system where caregivers can further support their family’s education and well-being.
The panel session will include an introduction from the new Director of CS3, Kristina Rogers, and the discussion will be moderated by Aminah Wyatt-Jones, Vice President of Child Development Programs.
Help Us Market the PPA Conference!
Social media toolkits are available to help spread the word about the Parter Plan Act Conference. They have everything you might need, including graphics, social media posts, and email copies in both English and Spanish. Access them below to help us spread the word.
Upcoming CS3 Trainings and Events
We Want Your Input! Complete the CS3 Training Needs Assessment
The CS3 team is inviting all Illinois early childhood collaboration leaders to complete our annual Training Needs Assessment. Your feedback will shape future trainings, On-Demand Learning courses, and the Partner Plan Act Conference.
Please share the assessment with other community collaboration members so we can respond to the training needs of our partners across the state.
Collaboration Highlight: Ready to Learn + Alignment Rockford
Thursday, April 16
11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Join us for an engaging virtual Lunch & Learn session highlighting Ready to Learn, an early childhood initiative of Alignment Rockford. Register to see how they are improving outcomes for children and families across the Rockford region.
This session will be recorded.
Other Events & Updates
Training Opportunities in Collaboration with The Center: Early Childhood Professional Learning
- Monday, April 13 — Preschool for All and Preschool for All Expansion Administrators 2 Day Conference
- Wednesday, April 22 — Nature Brain (The Morton Arboretum)
Make Your Voice Heard at Early Childhood Advocacy Day 2026!
May 13, 2026
10:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Springfield, Illinois
Join advocates from across the state at Early Childhood Advocacy Day (ECAD) to stand up for young children and their families!
Join Early Childhood Coalition for Learning Through Nature Play Day
Saturday, May 16
10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
East Moline School District 37 Early Learning Center
3100 4th Avenue, East Moline, IL
Whether you are a parent looking to support your child’s development at home or an educator seeking practical strategies for your classroom, this event is designed for you. Join us as we explore the crucial link between outdoor play, early childhood brain development, and social-emotional resilience.
weconnect
WeConnect is designed to bring together members who are dedicated to advancing community systems development in the early childhood education and care world.
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CS3 Resources
Access Printing Support
The CS3 team is continuing to offer support in partnership with American Color Labs for printing services.
PLEASE NOTE: This is a service provided specifically to early childhood collaborations. Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate requests for individual programs.