about us: our history and values
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Between 2006 and 2008, a core group of early education partners from cross sectors (Head Start, DCFS Licensing, Pre-K, Early Intervention CCR&R and other early childhood leaders) worked in partnership with the Southern Illinois Community
Foundation to make recommendations as part of its Community Works grant on how to strengthen early care and education in southern Illinois. The process included community focus groups, lengthy and thoughtful discussions, research, and review of data. The end result was clear awareness that the current system (or lack of system) was not working. |
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A recommendation was made to form a Coalition, a “neutral fiscal and coordinating body” to help facilitate the development of a regional, well-coordinated system with a collective and common vision for Southern Illinois’ children that all children in Southern Illinois should have access to quality early childhood experiences with the same opportunities for a happy and healthy life. The new Coalition would not develop new products or services, but help connect the dots and fill in the gaps. Existing resources and investments would become part of the early learning system, and it was an essential requirement that there would not be duplication of something already in place. In addition, smaller, existing systems/ partnerships would receive support to be better coordinated, take on new roles and be part of the overall early care and education system.
An impressive group of professionals representing all sectors of the region (education, business, civic, advocacy, economic development, clergy, early childhood, health, media, etc.) agreed to serve on the Advisory Board. This group met several times and worked to finalize the governance structure. By-laws were drafted and plans were made to begin the regional strategic planning needed to move the Coalition’s work forward. Then, the bottom dropped out of the state’s budget and many partners retreated into survival mode as they were working to protect and preserve their individual agencies / programs. It was determined in the spring of 2010 to temporarily put the work on hold. The Coalition’s reorganized in 2013 . It has been renamed the Southern Illinois Coalition for Children and Families. Child Care Resource and Referral (CCRR) at John A. Logan College serves as its backbone agency and facilitates the work of the Coalition. |
Children – Children are at the center of our work. We believe that all children, regardless of circumstance, are capable of educational excellence and personal growth, and we are committed to ensuring school readiness and lifelong success for each one.
Families – We believe strong families are essential to helping children on their road to success. By working together, we can provide families with the resources and supports they need to be strong and engaged in their children’s lives.. Communities and Partnerships – We value partnerships and are collaborative in all we do. We work closely with fellow service providers, families, business leaders, elected officials, individuals and the community at large to promote the importance of early learning and to secure educational opportunities for all children. Advocacy – We are champions for children, promoting positive change. Our members and community partners are committed to advancing the education and well- being of young children throughout Southern Illinois Excellence – We are committed to excellence, providing quality programs and services that make a difference in our community. Designed to further the physical, social, emotional and intellectual needs of all children, our strategies are innovative and offer each child an equal opportunity for a successful future. |