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Winnetka Alliance for Early Childhood

1235 Oak Street
847-441-9001

We provide programs and support for parents and professionals who teach and care for our young children.

The Winnetka Alliance for Early Childhood began in 1989 as a community organization to promote the healthy growth and development of children, from birth to age eight. It currently has 35 member organizations, including all of the public, private, and parochial elementary schools; all the preschools and day care centers; and many other organizations that provide services to young children in Winnetka, Northfield, and Kenilworth, Illinois.

Our 50-member board of directors consists of local parents, grandparents and early childhood professionals. Our 30-member advisory board includes educators, mental health professionals, an attorney, a pediatrician and other experts.

Annual funding for the Alliance comes from individual and corporate donors, annual fund campaign that includes the option for Teacher Tributes, sponsorship of our newsletter, Early Childhood, and of TV Tune Out Week, and other sources. We area not-for-profit, federal tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization.

The organization fulfills its mission with many different activities:

• Publishing a 16-page newsletter, published twice a year, with the latest information and advice about young children from both local and national experts.

• Providing a library of free videotapes on child-related topics.

• Serving as a referral service for people seeking information about early childhood services in the area.

• Sponsoring networking events to bring together Winnetka, Northfield, and Kenilworth's early childhood professionals who touch our children's lives daily.

• Sponsoring an annual community-wide TV Tune Out to help families gain a better understanding of the role TV plays in their lives and to explore other options.

• Offering courses for parents and grandparents on topics ranging from handling discipline to coping with sibling rivalry and stress.

• Acting as an advocate for young children by providing educational forums and by working with local policymaking bodies.