Creating communities of belonging

Children from JCC Chicago Early Childhood at ‘Z’ Frank Apachi and TrueNorth come together through exploration, connection, and play.

At the heart of all meaningful learning environments is the mindset that every child belongs and has the right to contribute, participate, and thrive.

These values came to life last school year when TrueNorth Special Education Cooperative 804, serving children across North Shore school districts, partnered with JCC Chicago Early Childhood at ‘Z’ Frank Apachi to deepen their shared commitment to supporting our youngest learners of all abilities.

TrueNorth’s early childhood program provides educational services to preschool-age children, honoring the individualized goals outlined in each student’s education plan. Through the partnership, TrueNorth and JCC Chicago students alike learned alongside one another, building friendships and developing the social-emotional skills that are so essential during the early years.

“The benefits of this partnership were experienced by all the children,” reflected Leanne Nathan, Director of Early Childhood at JCC Chicago Early Childhood at ‘Z’ Frank Apachi. “Through our collaboration, young children are learning to value and accept one another, empowering all of them to take healthy risks in their play and learning.”

The collaboration extended beyond the classroom. Educators from both organizations attended staff meetings and professional-development opportunities together, building strong professional relationships. This shared learning strengthened both their teaching and the culture of belonging they were creating for the children and their families.

“My child talked about his TrueNorth classmates just like he did about every other child in his class, and included them in his birthday celebration,” shared one JCC Chicago Early Childhood parent. “This was a beautiful reminder of the power of inclusion. When children learn and play together from an early age, they develop empathy, acceptance, and an understanding that every person belongs.”

Building on this success, TrueNorth and JCC Chicago Early Childhood at ‘Z’ Frank Apachi will continue working together next school year. They also expanded their collaboration through a summer school program for adolescents in the ‘Z’ Frank Apachi garden, extending the learning, connection, and belonging across age groups.

This partnership offers a powerful model for our communities, further ensuring that all children can belong, participate, and flourish.

Ilana Dvorin Friedman, Ph.D. is Director of JUF’s Early Childhood Advocacy and Strategy.