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 – IRIS

Thursday, December 11, 2025, 11:00am – 12:00pm

REGISTER NOW – Virtual

Please note, this training will be recorded.

In this session, you’ll hear from Kane, Will, and Sangamon counties as they share their experiences with the Integrated Referral and Intake System (IRIS), a community referral platform designed to streamline connections and better support families. IRIS keeps efficiency in mind while centering the needs of families, making it easier for communities to access and coordinate local early childhood resources and services.

This session will be facilitated by Jaclyn Vasquez.

Collaboration Highlight: LuncH & Learn – CPSS

Wednesday, January 14, 12:00 – 1:00pm

REGISTER NOW – Virtual

Please note, this training will be recorded.

In this session you’ll hear about Community Support Services Saturation (CPSS). CPSS partners with communities to expand access to a full range of parenting support, tailoring evidence-based interventions to meet families where they are. Their approach “saturates” communities by offering:

Tier 1: Universal strategies that reach all families

Tier 2: Short-term parenting programs for those needing additional support

Tier 3: Intensive services, such as home visiting, for families with the highest needs

This session will highlight how CPSS works collaboratively to ensure families have the right support at the right time, strengthening parenting capacity across entire communities.

This session will be facilitated by Aziza Hummeid.

MOVING ACTION TO POLICY: INFLUENCING SYSTEMS FROM LOCAL TO STATE

Part 1: Thursday, January 22, 11:00am – 12:00pm

Part 2: Thursday, January 29, 11:00am – 12:00pm

REGISTER NOW – Virtual

Please note, this training will not be recorded.

This two-part interactive series supports early childhood collaborations in building on that day-to-day work with practical, concrete strategies to influence policy, starting at the local level and expanding toward statewide systems change.

Part 1: From Community Collaboration to Local Systems Change

  • Learn how to identify policy problems using family stories and local data, map your policy landscape, and build influence through strategic storytelling and actionable tools.

Part 2: Scaling Local Collaboration into State Policy Influence

  • Build on your local momentum to engage in statewide policy conversations. Explore the language of systems influence, connect your work to state decision-makers, and develop a concrete plan to move your message upward.

This training will be facilitated by Jaclyn Vasquez & Dr. Rebecca Halperin.

MINI COHORT: EARLY CHILDHOOD

Part 1: Tuesday, February 10, 10:00am – 12:00pm

Part 2: Tuesday, February 17, 10:00am – 12:00pm

Part 3: Tuesday, February 24, 10:00am – 12:00pm

REGISTER NOW – Virtual

Please note, this training will not be recorded.

Illinois’ young children deserve the best start in life—and the foundations of early childhood education are the building blocks to lifelong success. This three-week mini collaboration cohort is designed for community collaboration partners to come together, learn, and exchange ideas.

Participants will explore:

  • The science of brain development and how it influences early learning.
  • The developing Infant/Toddler and the Importance of Early Intervention
  • The structure and opportunities within Illinois’ early childhood programs and systems.

Each session will feature an expert speaker, Q&A opportunities, and open dialogue to foster meaningful connections and actionable insights. Together, let’s strengthen the fabric of Illinois’ early childhood community.

This training will be facilitated by Jaclyn Vasquez & Dr. Rebecca Halperin.

MEASURING IMPACT: UNDERSTANDING AND CAPTURING FAMILY IMPACT

Part 1: Thursday, February 12, 10:00am – 12:00pm

Part 2: Thursday, February 19, 10:00am – 12:00pm

REGISTER NOW – Virtual

Please note, this training will not be recorded.

Join us for high-level training designed to help early childhood collaborations build the skills to use data meaningfully to understand, communicate, and demonstrate their impact for long-term sustainability.

This training will be facilitated by Hannah Miro & Jaclyn Vasquez.