Greater East St. Louis Early Learning Partnership

08/31/2026

💙 Standing With Head Start in Our Community

Today, we had the opportunity to attend SIUE Head Start/Early Head Start Discovery Center's Family Orientation as children and families prepare to begin a new year. It was a wonderful reminder of the important role Head Start plays in our community and the many people who come together to support children and families.

Seeing these spaces being prepared for children is a reminder that Head Start is more than a program—it is a place where children learn, families connect, and communities come together.

At the Greater East St. Louis Early Learning Partnership, we are proud to stand with and support Head Start.

That makes the current conversation around Head Start especially important. On August 7, the Administration for Children and Families published a proposed rule that would make significant changes to the Head Start Performance Standards—including changes related to program quality, staffing, health and safety, services for children with disabilities, and family engagement.

These proposed changes could have a real impact on the children, families, and communities Head Start serves.

The public comment period is open through October 6, 2026. You do not have to be a policy expert to share your perspective. Parents, educators, Head Start alumni, community members, and others who care about early learning can make their voices heard.

Learn more about the proposed changes and how to submit a public comment: https://www.regulations.gov/document/ACF-2026-0595-0002
Make sure to hit "Comment" on the upper left.

08/27/2026

Please check out this post about Safe From the Start’s first Provider Open House, which took place last week! We’re so grateful to everyone who joined us and to Optimum Wellness for hosting. It was a wonderful opportunity to connect with providers and strengthen our community partnerships!

08/26/2026

Play, Learn, Grow with us!

Parents, caregivers, and guardians of young learners ages 0–5 are invited to join us for an evening of connection and exploration as we highlight early learning options and resources in our community!

📅 September 24, 2026
🕕 6:00–7:30 p.m.
📍 601 James R. Thompson Blvd, Building E, East St. Louis, IL

✨ Explore early learning options in our community
📚 Discover why the early years matter
🤝 Connect with local resources and ask questions about your child’s learning journey
🍎 Light snacks and refreshments will be provided!

Come connect with others, explore early learning options, and find resources that may be helpful for your family. We hope to see you there!

📲 Please register by: scanning the QR code, using the link tinyurl.com/PLGSEP2026, or calling or emailing us using the information on the flyer.

08/18/2026

📣 TOMORROW! Join us for the Safe From the Start Provider Open House!

Come learn more about Safe From the Start services, tour the Optimum Wellness space and meet their team. You'll also be able to connect with community partners and take a look at the services available to support young children and families.

📅 Tomorrow, August 19
📍 Optimum Wellness

We’d love to see you there! Check out the flyer below for event details.

08/06/2026

Play, Learn, Grow

Learning begins at home, and you don't have to do it alone.

Home visiting programs support parents who are expecting a baby and families with young children during the early years. Home visitors share ideas for learning through everyday activities, answer questions, connect families to local resources, and support children's healthy growth and development.

Play, Learn, Grow is a year-round initiative that raises awareness about the importance of the early years, shares ways to support children's learning and development, and connects families with information about programs and resources available in our community. Home visiting is one of many supports that can help children and families during these important early years.

Explore the home visiting programs featured below and discover the support that's available for your family. For additional support, contact Coordinated Intake Office: 618-482-7654 or Brightpoint CCR&R Office: 800-467-9200

08/04/2026

Play, Learn, Grow

The first five years are an important time in a child's life. During these early years, children learn through play, everyday experiences, and caring relationships. They build the skills they need for school and life.

High-quality early learning programs help children grow their language, social-emotional, and problem-solving skills while building confidence and curiosity.

Play, Learn, Grow is a year-round initiative that raises awareness about the importance of the early years, shares ways to support children's learning at home and through early learning programs, and connects families with information about early learning opportunities in our community. Whether you're looking for an Early Care & Education provider, preschool, or kindergarten, this initiative highlights resources and programs to help families explore their options and make informed decisions about what works best for their child.

Check out the early learning programs featured below and discover how every child can play, learn, and grow!

08/03/2026

🏡💜 You’re Invited! 💜🏡
Join us for the Safe From the Start Provider Open House! 🌟 Come learn more about SFS services, tour Optimum Wellness, connect with local agencies, and explore ways we can work together to support children and families impacted by violence. 🤝🏽💛
📅 Wednesday, August 19, 2026
⏰ 2:30–5:00 PM
📍 Optimum Wellness | Swansea, IL
Light refreshments will be provided! 🍪☕ RSVP encouraged, but not required.
We hope to see you there! 💜🌟
East Side Aligned

07/30/2026

07/21/2026

Early learning lays the foundation for lifelong success—and no one tells that story better than the educators and families who experience it every day.

We invited Early Care & Education providers and parents from across our footprint to share why high-quality early childhood education matters, how strong partnerships between families and providers make a difference, and why investing in our youngest learners strengthens our communities.

Thank you to the Early Care & Education providers and families who generously shared their time and stories. We invite you to watch and hear firsthand the incredible impact of early learning in our community.

🎥 Click the link below to view the video and hear their stories:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1RP7-LUk4agedE1Jvqlno43u2GTgGqS65/view?usp=sharing

07/21/2026

Looking for early childhood resources in Illinois? The Illinois Department of Early Childhood has launched a redesigned website with a fresh look, easier navigation, and improved access to programs, services, and the latest updates for families, providers, and communities.

Check it out and explore what's new! https://idec.illinois.gov/