Volunteer with Us
Volunteers play a vital role in supporting the children and families we serve. From helping with classroom activities to assisting at community events, your time and care make a lasting difference. Stay tuned for future opportunities to volunteer at Educare Lake County.
Join Lake County’s Community Inclusion Team
What is a Community Inclusion Team?
A Community Inclusion Team (CIT) brings together families, early childhood partners, educators, and community leaders to improve access to high-quality inclusive early care and education for children birth through age 5. CITs work collaboratively to build systems and supports so young children with and without disabilities can learn, grow and thrive together in community settings.
Lake County CIT’s Vision
The Lake County Community Inclusion Team exists to ensure that all young children in Lake County, from birth through age five, can access high-quality, inclusive early childhood education. We recognize that the identification of children with disabilities and developmental delays happens in all early learning settings – from public schools and Head Start to private child care centers and family homes – and that children should be able to receive inclusive services across all settings, depending on their needs. We leverage collaboration and problem-solving to strengthen policies, resources, and supports for parents and guardians, community partners, and educators to enable every child to experience full participation, belonging, and inclusion within their Least Restrictive Environment, across all settings.
Who’s on the Team?
To have a strong CIT, it needs to reflect the diversity of Lake County’s early childhood landscape. The group includes:
- Family members and caregivers
- School district administrators
- Early childhood program leaders
- Early intervention and special education partners
- Community agency representatives
- Early care and education providers
What Lake County’s CIT Does
- Meet monthly to plan and coordinate efforts that support inclusive practices
- Use data and community feedback to set priorities and measure progress
- Provide support to early childhood programs and connect providers with professional development opportunities
- Connect families to resources and strengthen community partnerships
Get Involved & Learn More
Want to participate, partner with or learn how the CIT supports families and providers in Lake County? Fill out this form to be added to our email list and be the first to know about future meetings.
Opportunities may include:
Assisting teachers during classroom activities or family events
Helping prepare materials or supplies for classrooms
