Ashley Long, of the Center for the Study of Education Policy, presented at the Illinois State Board of Education’s (ISBE) Prevention Initiative Forum December 6 in Springfield. She shared with attendees the suggested alignment strategies, allowed participants to reflect on current practices, and provided both examples and tools for improving their current practices.

The Birth-to-Third Grade (B-3) effort works alongside communities to more effectively serve Illinois children and families. The mission of the B-3 state supports is to strengthen Preschool Expansion communities’ ability to develop a high-quality, intentionally aligned education system from birth through third grade.

This is accomplished through one or more B-3 approaches led by a team of community stakeholders. These stakeholders should include representatives serving the entire spectrum (i.e., those serving families in their homes through early public education school systems). These approaches comprise eight different areas aligning the B-3 continuum.