Carole Robertson Center for Learning

As we welcome spring, the Carole Robertson Center has *sprung into action! ?? Thank you to leaders like Secretary Teresa Ramos of the Illinois Department of Early Childhood (IDEC), Representative Delia Ramirez, Sonja Crum Knight, Chief of Programs and Impact Officer at the Carole Robertson Center, and Kenny Riley, our Director of Youth Programs, for their unwavering commitment to children and families. Special thanks to Kenny for traveling to Springfield for Youth Advocacy Day to champion continued investments in after-school funding. We look forward to continuing our efforts to make Illinois the best state to raise a family.

As we continue to celebrate #WomensHistoryMonth, we honor Maria Whelan, Founding Executive Director of the Carole Robertson Center for Learning. Maria was not only a friend, ally, and mentor but also a thought-partner, masterful storyteller, and tireless advocate for human rights. Her legacy continues to inspire us. At the Carole Robertson Center, we promise to uphold Maria’s dedication to creating a joyful and equitable world for all.

Latonya Jones, Site Director at our North Lawndale flagship, spoke at our Town Hall about the power of community in raising children. At the Carole Robertson Center, we understand that raising children is a collective effort. It requires a community of caregivers, educators, mentors, and advocates, all working together to support the social, emotional, and academic growth of each child. By providing a safe space where children can be seen, heard, and loved, we help them build a foundation for success. ????

As we celebrate #NationalWorkingMomsDay, we want to recognize working moms like Affoue Nguessan, a Teacher Aide at our Little Village site. We also acknowledge the need for continued advocacy for accessible childcare as a vital benefit for all. Affoue is a proud graduate of our TransformED program—an apprenticeship launched in response to workforce shortages in early childhood education and the need for pathways to economic mobility within our communities. We appreciate the dedication and commitment of all working moms and remain committed to creating safe, supportive spaces in our communities where both they and their children can thrive. View the full video: https://ow.ly/zTP050VgUi0

This year's #WomensHistoryMonth theme is Moving Forward Together: Women Educating & Inspiring Generations. As we reflect on this theme, we also honor National Day of Rest for Black Women by highlighting the powerful words of Audre Lorde: “Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare.” Today, we uplift our educators and remember that committing to rest is not just for today, but a lifelong dedication to liberation. We are committed to providing spaces like our wellness rooms to help create sustainable learning environments where we all can grow. ??

In celebration of #WomensHistoryMonth, we proudly honor the talented women who dedicate their skills and passion to the Carole Robertson Center’s mission to educate, enrich, and empower Chicago communities. We are proud to be an organization with a majority-woman workforce and a majority-women leadership team. Thank you to the amazing women who continue to shape and inspire our community! ??

Earlier this week, Carole Robertson Center staff and early childhood education (ECE) advocates from across Illinois gathered in Springfield to connect with key decision-makers and highlight the importance of investing in ECE. We had the opportunity to meet with Senator Ram Villivalam, The Latino Policy Forum, Deputy Governor for Education, Martin Torres, Teresa Ramos, Secretary of the Illinois Department of Early Childhood. Together, we strengthened our collective voice, amplifying the message that every child deserves equitable access to public resources.?

Happy National Parent Leadership Month! This month, we celebrate the incredible role parents play as their child's first teachers. Empowered parents raise empowered children, which in turn helps build a strong community. Join us in continuing to honor National Parent Leadership Month and show appreciation to parents this month and beyond. ??

On Monday, all Carole Robertson Center staff came together for a Town Hall filled with meaningful discussions and shared purpose. The event featured remarks and a Q&A session with President & CEO Bela Moté, an insightful panel discussion with longtime staff, key advocacy updates, and a fun, pun-filled round of bingo. Thank you to our incredible speakers and staff who planned and led another impactful Town Hall! ????

This week, the Illinois Head Start Association's annual conference in Springfield kicked off and will run through this Friday. Illinois Head Start works to?provide organizations like the Carole Robertson Center for Learning with educational and community resources to help strengthen Chicago families. ? ? President and CEO Bela Moté and Senior Director of Community-Based Advocacy Julissa C. attended the conference, where they saw an exhibit of Head Start parent and alumni stories. Among these stories was that of Contessa H., Chair of the Center Family & Parent Policy Council, whose impact is reflected there. We are incredibly proud to see Contessa's legacy shine through the Center and are grateful she continues to share her story to inspire hope in action. ????