Evanston Early Childhood Council

A connected community for Evanston's youngest learners.

Convened by Evanston Cradle to Career, the Evanston Early Childhood Council (EECC) unites 25+ organizations, providers, and community partners around one goal: every child in Evanston enters kindergarten ready to learn, and every family knows where to turn for support.

About the Council

The Council gives partners a space to share information, identify community needs, align efforts, and improve outcomes for children and families. Through regular convenings, collaborative initiatives, and shared learning, EECC works to:

  • Increase access to high-quality early childhood programs

  • Connect families to resources across the community

  • Reduce barriers to services

  • Elevate the voices of those most impacted by early childhood policies and systems

The State of the Early Childhood Address

Each year, EECC hosts the State of the Early Childhood Address — a community-wide convening that brings together educators, providers, policymakers, community organizations, funders, and families to examine the opportunities and challenges facing young children in Evanston.

The Address creates space to share local data, elevate community voices, and examine the policies, systems, and conditions that shape children's lives. Through panel discussions and community dialogue, participants explore emerging issues, learn from one another, and identify opportunities for collective action.

2026 Focus: Community Engagement. This year's Address centered on the challenges facing the early childhood community and how to engage a broader, more diverse group of stakeholders in advancing positive outcomes for children and families.

More than an annual event, the Address reflects EECC's commitment to turning conversation into action.

Vision

By bringing partners together around a shared vision, EECC is building a stronger, more connected early childhood system — one where every child enters kindergarten ready to learn and every family knows where to turn for support.

Contact us to learn more about joining the Evanston Early Childhood Council.