Early Childhood Collaborations

What is an early childhood collaboration? 

Early Childhood Collaborations (ECC) are made up of organizations and individuals that serve young families and have a passion for healthy developmental outcomes of children 0-5 years of age. ECC’s are seen all across the state, and can be focused on specific neighborhoods, school districts, towns, or a whole county. Regardless of their focus area, ECC’s bring together members to improve outcomes for families in their community. 

Why connect with an ECC?

ECC's want to hear from you! Connect with your nearest ECC to find a place for support, learn about local resources, and how to best support your child's first years of life. ECC's also provide support for the family through community events, playgroups, parent groups, or developmental screenings. 

Find an ECC Near You: 

1. Addison Partners for Play, Learning, & Education (APPLE)
   Maureen Reedy, Project Director, APPLE
   Metropolitan Family Services DuPage
   Email: reedym@metrofamily.org
2. Bensenville Early Learning Supporters
    Christy Poli, LCSW, Birth to Three Coordinator, Bensenville School District 2
   Email: cpoli@bsd2.org
3. Glenbard Early Childhood Collaborative
   Jeanine Woltman, Collaborative Coordinator
   Cooperative Association for Special Education (CASE)
   Email: jwoltman@casedupage.com
4. Supporting Early Education in DuPage South (SEEDS)
    Iqra Merchant, Community Engagement Director of Early Learning, YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago
   Email: imerchant@ymcachicago.org
5. Villa Park Area Early Childhood Collaborative
   Patricia Ibarra, Program Manager, Bilingual Community Outreach Tri-Town YMCA
   Email: pibarra@tritownymca.org
6. Wheaton/Warrenville Early Childhood Collaborative
    Annie Behrens, Project Director, Wheaton/Warrenville Early Childhood Collaborative
   Metropolitan Family Services DuPage
   Email: behrnsa@metrofamily.org
7. We Go Together for Kids 
   Molly Beck Dean, Director
   Email: beckdeanm@metrofamily.org
8. Willowbrook Community Early Childhood Collaborative
    DeeDee Fekete, Strong Families Suburban Coordinator
   YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago
   Phone: 630-580-5705 | Email: andrea.fekete@ywcachicago.org