Save the Date & Request for Proposals
4th Annual IL Birth to Third Grade (B-3) Continuity Conference
Wednesday-Thursday, June 13 & 14, 2018
DoubleTree Hotel, Bloomington, IL
Request for Proposals: Presenters & Workshop Facilitators
We are seeking applicants to share about the B-3 advancements they have made in their communities at the upcoming B-3 Continuity Conference. In response, to feedback from last year’s conference to hear more from peer communities about work happening and drive included content, we are soliciting proposals for presentations at this year’s conference. Proposals will be considered for breakout sessions – these sessions will be approximately 60 minutes long. Additionally, based on topics of interest, applicants may be asked to help facilitate a round table during networking sessions. Applicants will be notified by April 1, 2018 if their proposal was accepted.
The following provides information about the conference. Applications should be submitted online no later than March 2, 2018.
BACKGROUND
Sustained and aligned early childhood programs, birth through third grade (B-3), have the potential to be an educational game-changer. To support this work, the Illinois Governor’s Office of Early Childhood Development (OECD), the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), and the Center for the Study of Education Policy (CSEP), is pleased to announce an opportunity for community and school leaders to participate in the Illinois Birth Through Third Grade (B-3) Continuity Conference.
The Illinois Birth-to-Third (B-3) Continuity Project is hosting its fourth annual conference. The B-3 Conference is open to school districts and community leaders working towards birth-to-third grade alignment strategies in their community. Communities are encouraged to come as teams with representatives from early childhood, K-12 schools, and the broader community. Entities holding Preschool Expansion Grants and Preschool for All Expansion Grants should be included within applying communities.
Conference Themes: This conference is collaboratively planned by CSEP, ISBE and OECD to build the capacity of early childhood and elementary education staff to provide informed leadership about research-based practices to develop an effective system of supports and services for children birth through third grade.
- Expand knowledge of developmentally appropriate educational practices across the birth through third grade continuum with a focus on sustainable and cost-effective implementation that involves leveraging resources among schools and the community to build a continuum of high-quality early learning environments.
- Enhance their understanding of the structures, practices and supports needed to increase alignment within and across communities and school districts to best support children and families, including family engagement that continues into the early grades, supported transitions, data-driven improvement, joint professional development, curriculum and instruction, assessments, comprehensive services and community partnerships.
- Identify technical assistance needs and resources to enhance their community’s capacity and to prepare and support children and families from birth through third grade.
- Learn from experts and colleagues in an inclusive and dynamic forum to network, share information and build skills.
Please direct questions to Ashley Long, B-3 Continuity Director, amlong3@ilstu.edu.
B-3 Continuity Project
