University Assisted Community Schools (UAC): Growing Together: Strengthening Early Childhood Systems Through UAC Schools

**ECP Credit Available** University Assisted Community Schools: Growing Together: Strengthening Early Childhood Systems Through University-Assisted Community Schools Early childhood is the foundational stage for all future learning, yet the weight of supporting both students and their families often falls solely on educators. This 101-level session introduces the University-Assisted Community School (UACS) model—a collaborative approach where higher education institutions partner with early learning and school systems to provide sustained support. Rather than a temporary project, this model creates a "win-win" ecosystem: universities provide expertise, student interns, and resources, while early childhood and school systems gain the capacity to better serve the whole child. We’ll explore how these partnerships can help achieve goals for student and family success by leveraging the unique assets of local or regional colleges and universities. ·  -The UACS Basics: Understand the core principles of the University-Assisted model and how it differs from traditional school partnerships. ·  -Mutual Benefits: Explore how university resources can align additional resources, expertise, and capacity to support early learning and school systems. ·  -Starting the Conversation: Identify practical ways to begin identifying and engaging potential higher education partners in your community to build a more supportive fabric for our youngest learners.