Illinois Birth Through Third Grade Continuity Conference 

June 13, 14 & 15, 2016

Bone Student Center, Illinois State University 

Sustained and aligned early childhood programs, birth through third grade (B-3), have the potential to be an educational game-changer.  Preschool Expansion grantees are committed to building a birth through third grade pipeline in which the highest need children are identified and enrolled in appropriate services as early as possible, and continue in high quality early education through third grade.   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 June 13, 14 & 15, 2016 in Bloomington-Normal, Illinois. 

PURPOSE: 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. 

DESIRED RESULT:  Each community has an understanding of the components of an effective, comprehensive system for early childhood and elementary education and services to ensure every child has access to high-quality, developmentally appropriate education.

OUTCOMES: As a result of this conference, early childhood and elementary education administrators and others will

1. 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.
2. Enhance their understanding of the structures, practices and supports needed to increase alignmentwithin 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.
3. 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.
4. Learn from national experts and colleagues in an inclusive and dynamic forum to network, share information and build skills.

Conference Materials

Agenda

Presenter Information

MONDAY, JUNE 13

Embracing the Birth through Third Grade Learning Continuum

IL State Supports for Community Systems Development

TUESDAY, JUNE 14

Supported Transitions for Children and Families

Community Partnerships for Comprehensive Services - Community Schools

Community Partnerships for Comprehensive Services - SPARK

Observational Assessments and the KIDS

Pottstown Early Action for Kindergarten Readiness (PEAK) as a B-3 Model

Parent Leadership: Schools and Programs Ready for Children and Families

What works in partnerships between patents and professionals?

Working with Latino Families

Resources for Birth through 3rd Grade Alignment

Erikson Institute Professional Development: Transforming the Early Childhood Workforce 

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15

Play-Based Learning in the Early Grades

Data Driven Improvement Across the B-3 Continuum

Planning for Joint Professional Development of Staff