All Our Kids Early Childhood Networks (AOK Networks) is an initiative to promote healthy pregnancies and the positive growth and development of all children birth to five and their parents/caregivers by assuring a well-coordinated, easily accessible, equitable and just system of services and supports that engages parents as partners in making the system work for them. AOK Networks use a data-driven approach to understand disparities and root causes of locally identified priority issues. The goal of the initiative is to improve outcomes for children and families through the implementation of evidence-based strategies that promote an effective local early childhood system.
The AOK Networks initiative is a collaborative effort of the Illinois Department of Human Services, Division of Family and Community Services; the Illinois State Board of Education; health departments and other lead agencies representing health, early care and education, human services and other service systems; and local stakeholders who care about the health and well-being of very young children and their parents/caregivers. It is the most comprehensive, long-standing, community-based systems development initiative in the State of Illinois.
AOK Network partners engage in cross-sector, strategic initiatives so that more babies are born healthy, young children are safe, healthy, and developing positively and more children enter kindergarten ready to learn. AOK Networks improve outcomes like these by creating a more connected and coordinated system of services and supports as they address the unique needs, cultures, and strengths of local communities.
Links and Resources
Contact
E-Mail: DHS.AOK@illinois.gov
Phone: Main: (312) 793-2748
