Click here to register for (Chicago Area) IHSA Quality Enrichment Circles
Event Description
HEAD START AND EARLY HEAD START QUALITY ENRICHMENT CIRCLES (QECs)
For the 14th straight year, join us for the signature event, Quality Enrichment Circles, known as QECs! QECs, sometimes referred to as “communities of practice” are a group of people who share a common concern or a passion for something they do and they want to learn how to do it better. In these unprecedented times, attending Quality Enhancement Conferences (QECs) and networking with colleagues is crucial. These meetings allow us to share ideas, insights, and strategies, fostering a common approach to our work. By collaborating and learning from each other, we can brainstorm solutions and improve our content areas together. Let's seize this opportunity to connect, support, and strengthen ourselves professionally during these challenging times.
The agenda for these QECs will be tailored to your needs, ensuring that you can address the specific areas and challenges that matter most to you. By participating in QECs, you not only gain valuable knowledge but also have the opportunity to shape the discussions and focus on what you need from the meeting.
The 2023-2024 Quality Enrichment Circles (QEC’s) are going to be held THREE (3) times during the calendar year. QECs will continue to meet regionally in the South, Central and Chicago with the exception of:
HR & Fiscal meets in one central location (Springfield) - register with program/agency group to take advantage of the group discount
Site Managers meets virtually (all dates)
QEC Dates for each of the different content groups:
ABOUT QUALITY ENRICHMENT CIRCLES
What are Quality Enrichment Circles or QECs?
Quality Enrichment Circles (QECs) otherwise known as “communities of practice” are a group of people who share a passion or a concern for something they do, and find opportunities for growth.
What happens in QECs?
During the meeting we will share ideas and insights, help each other solve problems and develop a common practice or approach to your content area.
Where are QECs held?
The QEC meetings are held in three (3) different regions throughout Illinois: South in Mt. Vernon, Central in Springfield and the City of Chicago.
When do QECs happen?
QEC groups will meet three times; two in person and one virtually - Fall, Winter and Spring.
What are the different QECs or Content Areas for 2023-2024?
There are six (7) Quality Enrichment Circles for 2023-2024. The circles reflect and support a varied range of roles across many agency structures. They are listed below. If you don’t see your role represented or not sure which circle to choose, give IHSA a call @ 217.381.5007
CONTENT AREAS & DATES
Disabilities, Mental Health & Wellness QEC
Wednesday, October 18, 2023
Wednesday, January 31, 2024 (v)
Wednesday, April 3, 2024
Early Head Start & Home Visiting QEC
Wednesday, October 25, 2023
Wednesday, February 7, 2024 (v)
Wednesday, April 10, 2024
Education & Coaching QEC
Tuesday, October 24, 2023
Tuesday, February 6, 2024 (virtual)
Tuesday, April 9, 2024
Family Services & ERSEA QEC
Tuesday, October 17, 2023
Tuesday, January 30, 2024 (virtual)
Tuesday, April 2, 2024
Health & Nutrition QEC
Thursday, October 19, 2023
Thursday, February 1, 2024 (v)
Thursday, April 4, 2024
Site Managers QEC
Thursday, October 26, 2023 (v)
Thursday, February 8, 2024 (v)
Thursday, April 11 2024 (v)
**This group meets as a statewide group virtually (all dates)
HR/Fiscal QEC
Wednesday, November 8, 2023 (v)
Tuesday, February 13, 2024 (v)
Thursday, May 9, 2024 (v)
**This group meets as a statewide group virtually (all dates)
Details
QEC REGISTRATION INFORMATION
Full Registration Fee Includes all three (3) QEC meetings
Meals Included: Each in-person QEC meeting will have a light continental breakfast and lunch
All QEC meetings will be held from 10:00am—3:00pm Winter QECs meet virtually
**Central Region QECs has a hybrid option. Participation not limited to Central - other participants from other regions welcome with this option.
Contact Cathy Welsh, cwelsh@ilheadstart.org or 217-381-5007 (cell), 217-241-3511 (office)
REGISTRATION RATES:
Five or more registrations from the same Agency: $275.00 / $295.00 (**virtual option - available for Central and Site Managers' QECs only**)
Non Member Fee: $449.00
$300.00 (in person) / $330.00 (virtual only) **virtual option - available for Central and Site Managers' QECs only**
Prorated Fee - $100.00 (ip) / $110.00 (v-available for Central and Site Managers' QECs only) - per day, per content area
CONTENT AREAS & DATES
Disabilities, Mental Health & Wellness QEC
Wednesday, October 18, 2023
Wednesday, January 31, 2024 (v)
Wednesday, April 3, 2024
Early Head Start & Home Visiting QEC
Wednesday, October 25, 2023
Wednesday, February 7, 2024 (v)
Wednesday, April 10, 2024
Education & Coaching QEC
Tuesday, October 24, 2023
Tuesday, February 6, 2024 (virtual)
Tuesday, April 9, 2024
Family Services & ERSEA QEC
Tuesday, October 17, 2023
Tuesday, January 30, 2024 (virtual)
Tuesday, April 2, 2024
Health & Nutrition QEC
Thursday, October 19, 2023
Thursday, February 1, 2024 (v)
Thursday, April 4, 2024
HR/Fiscal QEC
Wednesday, November 8, 2023
Tuesday, February 13, 2024 (v)
Thursday, May 9, 2024
Site Managers QEC
Thursday, October 26, 2023 (v)
Thursday, February 8, 2024 (v)
Thursday, April 11 2024 (v)
LOCATIONS:
Central QECs / IHSA 3435 Liberty Drive / Springfield
Chicago QECs /EL Valor Carlos H. Cantu Center 2434 S. Kildare / Chicago
South QECs / Rend Lake College Marketplace 321 Potomac Blvd/Mt. Vernon
Oct 17-Oct 19 will be in Room 344
Oct 24-Oct 26 will be in Room 354 a&b
Site Managers' QEC - Meets as a statewide group virtually - zoom link provided as meeting date gets closer.
HR/Fiscal QEC - Meets as a statewide group in person at IHSA 3435 Liberty Drive / Springfield
