The Illinois Birth-to-Third Grade (B-3) Continuity Conference is set for June 13-14, 2018 at the Double Tree Hotel in Bloomington, Illinois. 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.
To find out more and learn about the conference themes please visit the conference website. The conference website will be updated with additional details and conference materials.
Share your work with others!
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. Proposal applications should be submitted online no later than March 2, 2018. Additional details can be found on the conference website and application portal.
Let us know you are interested in coming!
The B-3 Continuity 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. As the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) has placed emphasis on the importance of an aligned B-3 system within Preschool for All Communities, entities holding Preschool Expansion Grants and Preschool for All Expansion Grants should be included within applying communities. A lead organization should collaborate with partners to submit an application with all attendees from their community. Initial applications of intent to attend should be submitted online no later than March 23, 2018.
Not familiar with the B-3 Continuity Conference?
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. As the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) has placed emphasis on the importance of an aligned B-3 system within Preschool for All Communities, 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.
Check out the conference website for even more details. Questions can be directed to Ashley Long, Director of the B-3 Continuity Project at amlong3@ilstu.edu.
B-3 Continuity Project
