McCormick Institute for Early Childhood

BY Shuntae Richardson | May 10, 2022

This document may be printed, photocopied, and disseminated freely with attribution. All content is the property of the McCormick Center for Early Childhood Leadership.

“Alone, we can do so little; together we can do so much.”


— Helen Keller


In 2018, I had the opportunity, as an employee of the McCormick Center for Early Childhood Leadership, to participate in the center’s flagship Leadership Academy, Taking Charge of ChangeTM (TCC). It was truly an empowering experience. Among the many memorable things I took away from TCC was being embraced by a community. TCC is designed for center-based administrators of early childhood education and programs. Although I was McCormick Center staff and not an administrator, I never felt excluded. Rather, the instructors and participants demonstrated to me what a true community looks like.


According to the Oxford Dictionary, a community can be defined as “a feeling of fellowship with others, as a result of sharing common attributes, interests, and goals.” Being part of a community helps lessen feelings of isolation, division, and separation.


One night during my experience at TCC, participants gathered around a bonfire, sharing the many trials and triumphs of being an administrator. Again, although I was not an administrator, participants brought me into the conversation, shared details of their work, and authentically asked for and listened to my opinion. This made me feel seen, heard, and valued and is just one example of how TCC made me feel included.


The benefits of building a community include ensuring you have a circle of influence, people who can hold you accountable, others you can share ideas and network with, and people you can turn to when you need support. All the leadership academies at the McCormick Center for Early Childhood Leadership strive to create communities and an atmosphere where inclusion is the norm.


BUILDING COMMUNITY ONE STONE AT A TIME


I like to think about the process of building a community like the process of building a rock cairn (stacked stones). Just like a rock cairn, you build a community one stone at a time. Below are a few of the stones I consider critical when building up a community.

A person is stacking rocks on top of each other on a beach.

Critical Stones for Building Community


  • Accountability—set clear boundaries and expectations, and communicate when these are not being met
  • Empathy—try to view things through the perspectives of others
  • Respect—make sure everyone is treated with kindness and consideration
  • Trust—demonstrate values and beliefs through actions
  • Connection—find commonalities and build bridges
  • Openness—welcome others with diverse backgrounds and experiences


REFLECTIVE QUESTIONS


Which stone(s) could you add to your rock cairn to make it stronger?


When was the last time you felt embraced by a community? How did it make you feel?


In what ways does your organization strive to build community? How does it support your mission?


If you are interested in being part of professional learning community, consider joining one of the McCormick Center’s leadership academies. The academies are offered in Illinois and can also be brought to your state!

Shuntae Richardson, B.A., is Professional Leadership Team Administrative Assistant IV for the McCormick Center for Early Childhood Leadership at National Louis University. She is the founder of the One Accord Community Development Organization (OACD) and a member of The National Society of Leadership and Success. Shuntae has twenty-plus years of experience in the non-profit and corporate sectors. Her professional experience includes; accounting, customer service, insurance claims, office management, mortgage lending, event planning, and community and business development. Shuntae has professional affiliations with many organizations and has served as a trustee for several non-profit organizations. She has served on planning committees for villages, townships, and chambers of commerce in various communities. Shuntae has traveled throughout Chicagoland presenting workshops in corporate settings and facilitating budgeting simulations in high schools. She has been instrumental in motivating and encouraging others to reach their highest potential.

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Building Community Partnerships for Lasting Impact

By Cara Murdoch and Sherry Rocha • December 12, 2025
By Cara Murdoch and Sherry Rocha Community collaborations can strengthen your early childhood program, expand services for families, and increase your visibility and credibility as a trusted resource in the community. But effective partnerships don’t begin with a phone call—they start with a plan. Start with internal planning Before reaching out to community members or organizations, gather insights from your internal team. Hold a brief planning meeting to discuss goals, identify needs, and build a shared vision for collaboration. Consider including: Members of your board of directors or advisory board Program staff members Interested family members and parents of enrolled children. REVISIT your mission and goals A clear, shared understanding of your program’s purpose will guide effective partnerships. Before reaching out to community members or organizations, gather insights from your internal team. Hold a brief planning meeting to discuss goals, identify needs, and build a shared vision for collaboration. Consider including: What is your mission? What strengths and expertise do we bring to the community? What challenges do our enrolled families face? What support or resources would be most helpful? What can we offer potential partners in return? Clarity about these questions will ensure that your outreach to community members and organizations is focused and meaningful. Learn about local resources Begin exploring the services and organizations that exist in your community. These may become valuable referral partners or direct collaborators. Examples include: Early intervention services Family support agencies Mental health providers Multilingual tax-preparation volunteers Knowing these resources helps you connect families with the help they need. share your space and services Your early childhood center may be a valuable asset for other groups. Consider offering your space to other programs or groups to strengthen your role as a community hub. Possibilities include: Scouting America or Girl Scout meetings Parenting workshops or support groups Health screenings or nutrition programs Community committee meetings participate in community events Raising visibility in your community opens doors to partnership. Become involved in: Neighborhood clean-up days Local fairs or festivals Library literacy events Cultural celebrations School district events These types of interactions naturally build trust and relationships. build and expand your network Partnerships often begin with small conversations or shared goals. Stay curious and connected—the more people you meet, the more opportunities arise. Potential collaborators include: Museums Public libraries Human services departments Colleges and universities Local schools Cooperative Extension services Hospitals and clinics Banks and financial advisors Mental health agencies Early intervention programs Remember: partnerships are mutually beneficial Successful collaborations are built on: Clear communication Shared goals Appreciation for each other’s strengths A commitment to supporting families and the community Whether the support you receive is financial, advisory, or educational, strong partnerships help everyone thrive. A final thought Community partnerships don’t happen overnight. With the proper planning, your early childhood program can become a powerful and connected resource in your neighborhood. Start small, stay open to ideas, and let relationships grow.
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