Communities In Schools (CIS) of Chicago’s Post

In Native communities, child care is more than a service—it’s a vital connection to culture, community, and future generations. For those who lead this work, it’s a calling that goes beyond supporting children’s development; it’s about embedding our history, values, and traditions into the very fabric of early education. The stories in our latest blog showcase three dedicated leaders in Tribal early childhood development who, in their unique ways, are fostering environments where Native children, families, and communities can thrive. https://lnkd.in/gZkHxYy6

This Children’s Day, I’m reflecting on how freedom and empowerment go hand in hand, not just for adults but for children too. As young professionals working to shape our lives, we know how important it is to take charge of our own dreams. The same applies to the next generation—they need encouragement to think independently, question boldly, and grow fearlessly. Empowering children doesn’t just mean giving them opportunities; it’s about inspiring them to create their own. It’s about teaching them that they have the power to take ownership of their future, just like we aimed to do in our own journeys. Let’s be the role models who encourage children to stand tall, dream big, and never stop struggling for their freedom—whether in education, choices, or ideas. After all, their courage today will define the society of tomorrow. 👉 Empowerment starts with us. Let’s inspire the next generation to take charge of their freedom. How are you empowering children or others around you? Let’s celebrate the spirit of Children’s Day by sharing ideas and making an impact!

"Educated kids make educated decisions." That’s why we partner with schools and our community of caring neighbors like you to help kids to succeed in school and in life.    Watch as Rene Gellerman, our President & CEO, shares with Johnny Marx the thinking behind our United for Schools initiative – to unite community resources and volunteers to help kids early on, to help them unlock brighter futures for themselves.   And, the results speak for themselves. Dive deeper here: https://lnkd.in/gXpwEqV3

Celebrate Grandparents Day and #DoSomethingGrand. The 2024 theme, “Grand Minds: Learn, Love, Legacy,” highlights the role of learning across generations and celebrates the ways in which grandparents and older adults inspire, mentor, and shape the future of younger generations. #ArrowSecurity #ExpertService #SecurityExperts #WeCare #SecurityGuards #PrivateSecurity #SecurityPrograms #GrandparentsDay

🌟Where Impact Begins🌟 Sometimes, the start of something big feels subtle, a quiet kind of assurance that tells you: "this is the right direction". On Day 1 of Avondale Meadows Middle School's rollout of Bilingual Bridges, Ciara Jones, school principal, sent us a message of gratitude: "I wanted to extend a huge thank you and express my gratitude. Today is Day 1 of our Indiana Learns rollout with Bilingual Bridges, which has been amazing!" In those few words, there's a glimpse of the connection and impact we hope to bring as we partner with communities across Indiana. Because sometimes, in the work that matters most, you're not just laying down plans, you're investing in trust, in hope, in each other. 🌱 So tell us, what small beginnings are you grateful for today? Drop a comment below and let's honor the power of those early steps. #BilingualBridges #AvondaleMeadows #CommunityImpact #BuildingTrust #EducationalGrowth #StudentSuccess #PartnershipsThatMatter

💡 Did you know 💡 Supporting Benedictine on Giving Tuesday allows us to provide programs for our students and adults to learn and employ life skills. Click Here to give: https://buff.ly/3RBnc8h

As we enter a new week, let's remember the fundamental truth that every child has the right to learn. At Evangeline’s Care and Wellness Foundation (ECWF), we are committed to breaking down the barriers that prevent children with special needs from accessing quality education. In too many places, children with special needs are overlooked and excluded from classrooms, missing out on opportunities that every child deserves. But we believe in a future where every child, regardless of their abilities, can walk into a classroom and feel empowered, supported, and capable of achieving great things. This Week’s Focus: We’re shining a light on the importance of inclusive education and how it can transform lives. Through advocacy, community support, and dedicated resources, we aim to ensure that every child, especially those with special needs, has the opportunity to thrive academically and socially. How You Can Help: Join us in this mission. Follow ECWF on LinkedIn, and Facebook to stay updated on how we're working to make education accessible for all. Share our posts, spread the word, and let’s work together to create a world where every child’s right to learn is honored.

January was just the beginning. Let’s carry this momentum forward into February! Share our mission or invite someone to join us: https://lnkd.in/em9c3Bu #EarlyChildhoodEducation #EarlyLearningMatters #AdvocateForChildren #SupportEarlyEducation

In October, Changemaker-in-Residence Steacy Pinney (Collyer) spoke at netWORDING, an event that brought together hundreds of education changemakers from four universities and five school boards. In this story, Steacy shares her thoughts on the importance of early childhood literacy and the need to come together to form mutually sustainable relationships to ensure impactful systems change. Read the story here: https://lnkd.in/gpZhn4e5

Early childhood educators know that the holiday season can bring both joy and challenges. Families in early education programs come from diverse backgrounds, each bringing unique traditions, values and ways of celebrating holidays. How can we honor this diversity while fostering a sense of community? ✔️ Listen and learn—what holidays or traditions matter to the families you serve? How do they celebrate or choose not to celebrate? ✔️ Instead of focusing on specific holidays, center activities around shared values like generosity, kindness or joy. This helps make learning relevant to children of all backgrounds. ✔️ Think about how to incorporate cultural appreciation into your curriculum year-round. Share your program's approach in newsletters, social media and conversations with families to help reinforce your message. Learn more from our Quality First team at the Inspiration blog: https://lnkd.in/gneKKKHP How does your program approach the holidays?