ProjectCHILD Quality Consultant Team

When you pause to wonder what is behind the behavior, you open the door to understanding.

Curiosity shifts the moment from reaction to connection and creates space to teach what is needed.

ECACE Scholarship Application is Live

2026-27 ECACE Scholarship Application Available
Priority Consideration Date: May 31st

Early Childhood Access Consortium for Equity Scholarship Program

The below reflects program information for the 2026-27 academic year, which in some cases is different from previous years. Please be sure to read the page in its entirety prior to applying for the scholarship. See the Processing Updates for further details.

CLICK HERE for the FULL Information: https://www.isac.org/students/during-college/types-of-financial-aid/scholarships/ecace.html?fbclid=IwAR1Gj_vXkBK0SxtWy-E77lX71HbHJKGAUxOt-RTUx8gz2rLyMoKUeQUCdGc

Reach out to your Higher Education & Workforce Development Navigator at your local Child Care Resource & Referral Agency for guidance & support.

Ashley Baldridge- Project CHILD

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 618-244-2210 ext. 101

ECACE Scholarship Program The below reflects program information for the 2026-27 academic year, which in some cases is different from previous years. Please be sure to read the page in its entirety prior to applying for the scholarship. See the Processing Updates for further details.

We had the best time kicking off Week of the Young Child with our Rend Lake College students at our Embrace Your Inner Child pop-up event!

There were games, bubbles, rock painting, sidewalk chalk, popcorn, treats from Happy Camper Brews, and the most beautiful weather! We also wore blue to bring awareness to Child Abuse Prevention Month and the importance of safe, supportive communities for children and families.

Special shoutout to Studio RLC Cosmetology School for bringing their entire classes over and playing with us! 🤗

Thank you to everyone who stopped by, played a little, and helped make the day so fun! 💙✨

🫶

Come see us this Saturday!

FREE Virtual training for anyone who works with children under 5 and is struggling with children's behaviors.

Register today!!

Please register with this link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScnjaMJUhl4BpzGKdLL6WYRSS-UU4dKiidYrTJ9P9AgNK5r4Q/viewform?usp=header

Free PBS Event, this Saturday, April 11th!

If you are currently working in early childhood education in Illinois, you have access to a variety of opportunities for professional development—including higher education—to help you grow in the field and access the supports you need to thrive as an early childhood educator. Check out the supports below!!

Financial Assistance
Illinois Higher Education Institutes have Redesigned their programs with you--- the early childhood workforce---in mind.

Flexible Schedules
Multiple Formats
Built in professionals that make it easier than EVER to advance your education.
Dedicated Advisors that are ready to guide you through enrollment and help you succeed every step of the way!

Feeling overwhelmed or not sure how to start or continue your higher education journey, then get connected with your Higher Education & Workforce Development Navigator TODAY!
Just fill out the survey below!


CLICK the Link below to connect with your Higher Education & Workforce Development Navigator Today:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdmpwwNtUZRWuJWc28YKs1JHFzDAjuf5HI5JFGAAoUTszTgRw/viewform

If you live and/or work in the Counties listed below your Higher Education & Workforce Development Navigator is Ashley Baldridge.

Email: [email protected]
Phone: 618-244-2210 ext. 101

SDA 15- Project CHILD: Child Care Resource & Referral Counties

Clay Crawford Edwards Effingham

Fayette Jasper Jefferson Lawrence

Marion Richland Wabash Wayne

Higher Education and Workforce Development Interest Form If you are currently working in early childhood education in Illinois, you have access to a variety of opportunities for professional development—including higher education—to help you grow in the field and access the supports you need to thrive as an early childhood educator. Financial assistan...