EARLY CHILDHOODWithAlignment Rockford
Parents and primary caregivers are the first teachers in a child’s life. Research shows that a child’s future academic and lifelong success is greatly impacted by the experiences he or she has in the first few years of life.
THAT’S WHY WE LEAD THE READY TO LEARN INITIATIVE IN ROCKFORD, a collaboration of organizations and businesses committed to supporting and uplifting the experience of raising young children in Rockford.
OUR WORK IS BASED ON EVIDENCE AND RESEARCH.
As one of only a handful of communities in the United States to use the UCLA-led Early Development Instrument (EDI), a measurement of kindergarten readiness across five critical developmental domains, we keep a pulse on the wellbeing of our youngest residents to improve their potential for lifetime success through working to shift conditions in the environment for systemic change.
Upcoming Events
Ready to Learn Space Story-Time
SUPPORT EARLY CHILDHOOD
WHAT IS READY TO LEARN?
Ready to Learn is a community-wide early childhood initiative comprised of organizations, businesses, and individuals. To learn more about our partnerships, visit our Partners and Sponsors page.
HOW DO I GET INVOLVED?
Be a part of the Ready to Learn initiative! Contact us now and we will connect you to the right team.
HOW CAN I SUPPORT?
DONATE! Research shows the return on investment for early childhood is higher than any other age group. For every dollar invested in early childhood, $13 is saved in intervention.
OUR READY TO LEARN PARTNERS
SUPPORT FOR PARENTS AND CAREGIVERS
EXPLORE PROGRAMS AND RESOURCES AVAILABLE TO PARENTS IN ROCKFORD:
GREAT TIPS
BASICS ILLINOIS
The Basics are a set of five, easy, evidence-based practices to optimize the development of young children, birth to age three. We provide tools for you!
Explore the Basics
SIGN UP TODAY!
BASICS INSIGHT TEXTING
Ready to give your child the best start in life? Join Basics Insights today! Sign up to receive expert tips and engaging activities directly to your phone, helping you nurture your child’s early development from birth to age 5. It’s quick, easy, and a step towards a brighter future for your little one.
REGISTER NOW
Better Together - Parenting Groups
Meet other parents and gain empowerment as leaders of your family and your child’s first and most influential teacher.
Find Classes
The Incredible Years
The incredible Years is a series of interlocking, evidence-based programs for parents, children, and teachers, supported by over 30 years of research. The goal is to prevent and treat young children’s behavior problems and promote their social, emotional, and academic competence. The programs are used worldwide in schools and mental health centers, and have been shown to work across cultures and socioeconomic groups.
Get Involved
More ways for you to connect
Become a Parent Co-Lead
We are looking for parents of young children to help provide insight and lead other parents of young children, and help connect parents to the available resources. This is a paid position.
Apply Now!
Additional Resources
You are your child’s first teacher! Find local information, supports, and ideas here.
Explore Resources
Have questions or need more information?
Support our Work
Your support matters to the work we are doing in the community. Donate today and help every student in the community reach their potential.
WANT TO DISCUSS WHERE YOUR DONATION COULD BEST SUPPORT OUR COMMUNITY’S CHILDREN?
CONTACT:
Emily Klonicki
Executive Director
eklonicki@alignmentrockford.com
(779) 774-4389