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

EHS-Child Care partnerships The Administration for Children and Families (ACF) is currently accepting applications to expand Early Head Start (EHS) services and to create or expand EHS-Child Care partnerships.  The purpose of this discretionary funding is to increase access to high quality, comprehensive services to infants and toddlers and their families. Eligible applicants are public entities, private non-profit organizations (including community-based organizations), and for-profit agencies that meet eligibility criteria as stated in the Head Start Act.  The notice of funding has more information, including a link to the funding opportunity announcement and information on how to apply. Interested applicants may email EHS.CCPartnerships@acf.hhs.gov with questions.  Please note that applications are due by November 30, 2018.

MO Agency Seeks Input on Child Care Rating System  In 2016, the Missouri General Assembly lifted a ban on quality rating systems for child care centers. The Legislature allocated nearly $60,000 this year to start the process of developing the system’s framework. The draft framework considers the level of licensing or accreditation a child care center has earned, as well as staff education and qualifications. (Associated Press)

Voters approve referendum question  Yesterday, as a community, we came together to solve the issues surrounding Jefferson Early Childhood Center – the referendum question was approved.  The District will begin working immediately with our architects and construction manager to put the new early childhood center plans in motion.  Thank you to all members of the community for your engagement in the conversation around the new early childhood center.  Please be assured that we will continue to collaborate with you on the future of our schools, reduce costs and be fiscally responsible, and provide our children a 21st century education. We look forward to continuing to work closely with you moving forward.

Pre-To-3: Researchers Find More Reasons Why the Arts Are Good for Young Children  Early exposure to the arts is important, researchers say — and may be especially important for children with the greatest needs — because students’ participation has been associated with higher achievement in school. (Education Dive)

Transforming the Early Childhood Workforce  A dynamic and creative workforce is needed to support our youngest learners and their families.  Grounded in a set of guiding principles, this joint report released by the Governor’s Office of Early Childhood Development and the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Education lays out a vision for elevating the early childhood workforce, with a focus on appropriate qualifications and providing pathways and supports for aspiring educators.

Partner Plan Act Collaboration Institute  Illinois Action for Children (IAFC) has partnered with the Governor’s Office of Early Childhood Development, the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) and the Community Systems Development Subcommittee of the Illinois Early Learning Council to design the Partner Plan Act Collaboration Institute (PPACI).  PPACI will assist local communities in their quest to ensure that all children birth-to-age-five, and especially those from low-income families or families with multiple needs, enter kindergarten healthy, safe, ready to succeed, and eager to learn.
For the first cohort, the Partner Plan Act Collaboration Institute will be accepting nine community collaborations.  Learn more and apply for Partner Plan Act Collaboration Institute’s inaugural cohort!   The deadline to apply is December 14, 2018.