Below are resources for early childhood professionals and those serving the early childhood community.

Voices from the Field: Collaborative Innovations in Early Childhood Educator Preparation, jointly published by the IERC and the IBHE, highlights the accomplished work of many of our state’s higher education faculty to redesign early childhood (EC) educator preparation programs to meet regional and state workforce needs. Their partnership projects were funded by the Early Childhood Educator Preparation Program Innovation (EPPI) grants from IBHE as part of the Illinois’ RttT Early Learning Challenge grant.

Pieces of the Puzzle: Understanding the Early Childhood System Video Series—A new series of videos have been launched called, “Pieces of the Puzzle: Understanding the Early Childhood System” and fact sheets to accompany the videos. The informational videos are created to work with families to gain knowledge about early childhood system to improve the quality of referrals and connections to families. The goal is improve and support local systems to ensure children and their families have access to high quality comprehensive services.

ISBE Early Childhood RFP Opportunities—The Illinois State Board of Education has issued Notices of Intent to Submit Proposals for both the Prevention Initiative (PI) and Preschool for All (PFA) programs for FY18. All entities which intend to apply for FY18 PI or PFA funding must submit a very brief online survey by February 28, 2017.

Ensuring Education for All Children. ED recently released a resource guide that includes tips for educators in early learning programs and elementary schools to facilitate school enrollment by immigrant families; promote healthy child development; encourage caregiver engagement in children’s education; and build staff capacity and knowledge about immigrant students and their educational needs. There are tips for parents and guardians, too.