Become a Member school or organization

 
 

Membership Overview and Benefits

We are proud to serve our member schools and organizations across Chicago and the North Shore. Members are schools and organizations that provide education, care, and services for children from birth to age eight.

 
A group of nine female teachers standing in front of a white background
 

COMMUNITY COLLABORATIVE

Community Initiatives: The Alliance provides events and programs throughout the year to bring families, educators and child care professionals together through playing and learning.  

Ambassador of our Mission: A board representative or school/organization leader helps to share and support Alliance programs and initiatives with their schools and community.

 
 
 

MEMBER RESOURCES AND PROGRAMS

Early Childhood Newsletter: All families in Member schools receive two issues a year, which are published in the fall and the spring.  The newsletter contains a calendar of Member events, as well as articles written by local and national experts on topics such as practical parenting ideas, book reviews, and health information.

Parenting Speakers and Workshop Series: All Members receive notices for all programs held throughout the year to share with families in their newsletters, websites, and social media.

Let’s Play!  Ongoing community program for families to engage and interact with their children in child-directed, creative, free play. Our Let’s Play! Guide will be published and distributed to member schools at the start of the school year.

 
 
 

MEMBER PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES

Networking Breakfast: The principal or director of member schools and organizations is invited to this breakfast in September. This is an excellent opportunity for new leaders in our Member schools and partner organizations to meet their colleagues at the beginning of the school year.

Networking Dinner: All teachers, aides, and administrators in member schools and organizations are invited to the dinner in October (fee involved).  Educators at member schools have first priority in reservations.

Early Childhood Directors Roundtables: Early Childhood directors of member schools convene quarterly to collaborate, problem-solve, network, tour member schools, and discuss different early childhood philosophies.

Early Childhood Enrichment Speaker Series: The Alliance for Early Childhood invites our member school directors and staff members to participate in continuing education professional development opportunities after school. These events are free but attendees are asked to pre-register. Gateways Credit are available to educators.

Annual Preschool-Kindergarten Summit: Members are granted priority registration for this annual event to learn about the latest research relevant to young children in the preschool and kindergarten years and to facilitate positive transitions from preschool to kindergarten (fee involved).

Inclusion Roundtable: Member directors and teachers are invited to participate in seminars and/or live webinars devoted to teaching children with special needs and working with their parents.  

Informal Networking: The Alliance for Early Childhood facilitates opportunities for informal networking throughout the year at Alliance board meetings, committee meetings, and other events.

If you would like more information about joining The Alliance for Early Childhood as a member school or organization, please contact our Executive Director, Carly Andrews at carly@theallianceforec.org.