The Center for the Study of Education Policy (CSEP), Birth-to-Third Grade (B3) Continuity team recently spoke at the Annual Community Schools Forum. The forum is hosted by the Federation for Community Schools. This year’s theme was The Power of Us: Community School Partnerships and Success for All.
The Birth-to-3rd Grade Alignment: Breaking Down Barriers to Learning presentation was given by Ashley Long the B-3 Co-Director. The B-3 Project seeks to more effectively serve Illinois children and families. Participants learned more about B-3 support efforts, why B-3 efforts should be important to community schools and heard examples of ways that some communities are using community schools’ components to enhance their B-3 alignment. Three panel presenters provided examples from their communities:
- Kris Pennington, principal; McLean County District Unit 5, Brigham Early Learning Center
- Ciara Burns, B-5 Community Schools coordinator; West Chicago Elementary District 33
- Nicole Johnson, director of Birth-to-Third Grade Programs; North Chicago Community Unit District #187
Information about the B-3 Continuity Project and resources for B-3 strategies can be found on CSEP’s website.
