Parent Information and Support
Parents are a child's first and most important teacher. Through its parent information and support programs, the Collaboration provides tools and resources for young children and their families to ensure that all parents/guardians of young children have the information that they need to identify appropriate programs and services for their children and themselves.
Early Childhood Resource Directory
Good information helps parents make good decisions. The Early Childhood Resource Directory, published and revised biennially by the Collaboration, presents information on community organizations, child care and early learning programs, and other community resources. It also provides useful advice on selecting quality providers, transitioning to kindergarten, health, safety and early reading activities. The directory is available at key distribution spots throughout the community and here online.
Be Involved
The Collaboration's Be Involved campaign encourages parents to read, play, listen, talk, hug, explore, cook healthy and limit TV for their children in order to promote growth and development. Children who live in environments rich in these practices are more likely to be healthy, safe, confident, creative, kind, active, curious and problem solvers - all characteristics identified by early childhood and kindergarten teachers of successful young learners. Activities and ideas for parents are available here.
Symposium
Each February, the Collaboration's annual symposium provides an arena for educators, caregivers, parents, and anyone who works with young children to gain knowledge, perspective and practical skills in promoting positive learning experiences. Designed to be interactive and to promote networking amongst attendees, the Symposium includes a keynote address by a noted authority on the Symposium's theme and a wide range of workshops.
Intensive Parenting Education and Support Services
The Collaboration recognizes the importance of providing intensive parent education and support services to at-risk families in order to promote the success of their children. It is actively seeking funding to assure that all of Oak Park's at-risk children and their families receive the intensive services they need to assure school readiness and healthy development.
Links
Child Development Information
American Academy of Pediatrics
Zero to Three National Center for Infants Toddlers and Families
Child Development Institute
Vanderbilt ADHD Parent Diagnostic Rating Scale
Vanderbilt ADHD Parent Asssessment Follow-up Form
Early Learning and Selecting Early Learning Programs
National Association for the Education of the Young Child (NAEYC)
Baby Sign Language
Reading Resources
Oak Park Public Library Raise a Reader
Oak Park Public Library Read
Association of Library Services to Children (A Division of the American Library Association)
Childbirth
Childbirth.org
Illinois Child Care Assistance Program
Illinois Action for Children
Developmental Services / Early Childhood Special Education
Illinois Early Intervention
Oak Park Elementary School District 97
West Suburban Special Recreation Association
Nutrition Information
MyPyramid.gov