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

ISBE Releases FY19 Request For Proposals  The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) has released the FY19 Request for Proposals (RFP) for Preschool for All and Preschool for All Expansion. The first step in applying for these grants is to submit a Notice of Intent to Submit form.  The final proposals are due to ISBE by January 12th, 2018 at 4pm.

THE CHALLENGE OF SUSTAINING PRESCHOOL IMPACTS Introducing ExCEL P-3, a Study from the Expanding Children’s Early Learning Network  ExCEL P-3 project, a longitudinal study that will explore several leading approaches to sustaining children’s early preschool gains into the elementary grades and beyond has launched.  The partnership has released an introductory brief, The Challenge of Sustaining Preschool Impacts, which outlines several leading approaches to P-3 that will be investigated in their research.

Expulsion Webinar  Ounce of Prevention Fund and Illinois Action for Children hosted a webinar on  September 19 about Illinois’ recently enacted legislation and efforts to prevent expulsion in early childhood. The webinar (recording available) covered key provisions and intent of the legislation (HB 2663), anticipated process and timeline moving forward, and information on resources available to help early childhood providers address children’s needs and challenging behaviors.

The Crisis Facing America’s Preschool Teachers  Efforts to fill centers with better qualified early-childhood workers are threatening the jobs of those who can’t afford to get their college degree, and some states are turning to apprenticeships to solve both problems at once. (Atlantic)

Join IAFC for a Regional Public Policy Caucus Near You!  Illinois Action for Children will be hosting four public policy caucuses throughout the state to convene early childhood community leaders and advocates!  At each regional caucus, you’ll learn about upcoming state and federal early childhood policies, including the status of preschool expulsion legislation, Children’s Health Insurance Program, Child Care for Working Families Act and more!  You will get to talk about policy issues that matter to you and help inform Illinois Action for Children’s policy agenda for FY2019. The Regional Public Policy Caucuses are also a great way to network with other early childhood professionals!

Call for Evaluators – Early Childhood Request for Proposals: Prevention Initiative (PI) Birth to Age 3, Preschool for All (PFA) Ages 3-5, Preschool for All Expansion Model (PFAE) State  To apply, complete this survey. In submitting this application you are volunteering time and expertise to complete the evaluation of approximately 10 to 20 proposals.​ Questions may be forwarded to the Early Childhood Division at earlychi@isbe.net​.​