A child’s best start in life begins before birth–ensuring every family has access to effective Early Learning and Care, prenatal to age 5, which lays the foundation for healthy childhood development, long-term success and well-being.

Our luncheon theme, “Nurture the Early Years & Empower Families to Thrive” will address the critical issues and impacts of prenatal stress and maternal mental health on early childhood development. We will also showcase Start Early programs that help children thrive, support families through challenges, and set the stage for a child’s healthy start in life.

Join us for our 23rd Annual Luncheon

11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. CT

Hyatt Regency Chicago – Crystal Ballroom

151 East Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL

Featuring keynote speaker, clinical psychologist,

Dr. Catherine Monk

Dr. Monk is a renowned researcher and specialist on the intersection of mental health and reproductive science. Her keynote will explore the impacts of prenatal stress on fetal brain development, interventions supporting maternal depression and the early factors that influence children's developmental trajectories.