At the Collaboration for Early Childhood, we provide the resources and connections vital to every child’s opportunity for success in learning and in life. Work with us to create a bright future for our community. During 2002-2003, all six of Oak Park’s governmental agencies joined to initiate and promote the Collaboration for Early Childhood. Established as a not-for-profit organization, the Collaboration became a unique public/private partnership in which all of the governmental agencies contribute financially and participate through staff and/or board involvement. Now, with more than 60 agencies participating, the Collaboration works to overcome the fragmentation and scarcity of services endemic to the early childhood field by leveraging and integrating all of our community resources to better meet the needs of the youngest children and their families. Our key initiatives include the advancement of high-quality preschool for all children, professional development, parent information & support, and developmental screening. The Collaboration is a voice for parents and children regarding issues of early learning both locally and at the State and national level. It works with all elected officials to promote child-friendly policies and programs that support very young children and their families. The Collaboration for Early Childhood fosters high-quality early care and educational experiences and support to families so that all children have the opportunity to develop their full potential and feel loved and valued in a caring, diverse community.