Evanston Early Childhood Council

07/02/2026

07/02/2026

Hello July! ☀️🌻

We are so excited to welcome a brand new month filled with sunshine, smiles, and special moments for our families and little ones!

July is the perfect time to slow down, soak up the sunshine, and make memories together. From outdoor play and nature walks to community events, story times, and family-friendly activities, there’s so much to explore and enjoy this month.

Whether you're visiting a local park, joining a neighborhood event, or simply spending quality time at home, every moment counts. Don’t forget to check out our upcoming programs and resources designed to support, connect, and uplift families in our community.

Let’s make this a joyful, safe, and memorable July for all our children to learn, grow, and thrive! 💛

Stay tuned for events, activities, and opportunities happening all month long!

06/14/2026

As we approach the July 1 transition to the Illinois Department of Early Childhood (IDEC), we invite childcare and home visiting providers to come together for a conversation about what this change means for the field and for the families and communities we serve. This meeting is an opportunity to r...

06/14/2026

2026 Free Summer Lunches at Skokie public Library

We are partnering with the Greater Chicago Food Depository to provide free summer lunches for kids 18 years and younger.

Meals will be offered at the library 12:15-1 pm, Mondays through Fridays, starting Monday, June 8, and ending Friday, August 21. There are no meals on Friday, June 19, or Friday, July 3. Meals must be eaten at the library and will be served in the Café and South Courtyard (weather permitting).

06/14/2026

Skokie Juneteenth celebration this Sunday 12 - 4 p.m., Oakton Park

Skokie’s 2026 Juneteenth celebration features activities and performances for all ages at Oakton Park. This year's theme is Lifting As We Climb.
This event is a collaboration of Skokie United, Skokie Park District, Skokie Public Library, Skokie Morton Grove School District 69, and Niles Township High School District 219, and the Village of Skokie.

06/14/2026

06/14/2026

Don't Forget to Register! Raising Our Voices: This Year's Progress & The Road Ahead

On June 17th, Raising Illinois is bringing the coalition together for a conversation centered on the Spring 2026 Legislative Session and our plans for 2027. Panelists will discuss what moved forward this spring for infants, toddlers and expecting families, along with updates on IDEC ahead of the department's official launch in July.

During this event you will:

-Get an update on what advanced in Fiscal Year 2026 and during the Spring 2026 Legislative Session
-Learn more about the IDEC transition happening July 1
-Hear about our priorities for Fiscal Year 2027
-Learn how you can get involved & take action on behalf of our state's infants, toddlers and expecting families

Register Today: https://bit.ly/4f3TA02

06/14/2026

06/14/2026

Evanston Art Center Family Fun Day Sunday:
Join us this Sunday, June 14th for a day full of family fun! Participate in community mural painting with Curatorial Fellow Indira Freitas Johnson, and then come inside to make your very own puppet with Marilyn Price! This is a day you won't want to miss!

06/08/2026

Stroller Strides® is a 60-minute total-body workout with strength, cardio, and core training, all while engaging the little ones in a stroller! You’ll leave class feeling strong, empowered, connected, and energized—no matter your stage of motherhood. Our free intro class is being brought to us by Fit4Mom Central North Shore Chicago. Bring your little one in a stroller and have fun with us!

Tuesday, June 9, 2026
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Robert Crown Branch Library

Registration is required. Each participant will receive a link to waiver forms provided by Fit4Mom. Register here: https://ow.ly/pQLx50Z8faY