Strengthening Systems Through Collaboration: Julie Anderson Presents at ISBE Forum
At the recent ISBE Prevention Initiative Forum, hosted April 2–3, 2025, Start Early proudly supported the conference through our partnership with the Illinois State Board of Education. This year’s forum, titled Stronger Together: Building Connections, Strengthening Systems, brought together early childhood professionals from across the state to explore strategies that build stronger systems and better outcomes for children and families.
Julie Anderson of the Parents as Teachers (PAT) Illinois State Office led a powerful session titled “Building Stronger Families Through Collaboration,” focused on cross-sector collaboration between home visiting, child care, and child welfare professionals. The session highlighted the importance of combining the strengths of these programs to address immediate safety concerns while also promoting long-term well-being in a trauma-informed way.
Attendees explored how collaboration can not only address immediate safety concerns but also promote long-term child development and family stability. Julie shared practical strategies for building partnerships across systems, along with real-world examples that illustrated the benefits of working together to support families navigating complex challenges.
Her presentation underscored the critical role of communication, mutual respect, and shared goals in creating effective, family-centered support systems. Participants walked away inspired to bring these principles into their own work and communities.
This session was a timely reminder of the importance of integrated services in early childhood—and how collaboration can drive meaningful change at every level.