SPARK’s Countdown to Kindergarten Executive Committee 

FY 2025 Collaboration Meeting Notes and Outcomes 2025 

In preparation for Aurora’s Week of the Young Child 2025 (April 14–20), SPARK convened a Countdown to Kindergarten – Early Childhood Resource Committee. Our event was held on Saturday, April 19, 2025, and was designed to engage families and ensure children are prepared for kindergarten.

Virtual planning meetings were held on Mondays at 9:00 AM and included representatives from:

• SPARK

• Rosary Horne (School District 131)

• Margaret Carlile (School District 129)

• Grace Romero (School District 129)

• Lorena Nunez (Kane County Health Department)

• Cindy Rodriguez (Kane County Health Department)

• Viridiana Hernandez (VNA WIC)

• Desiree Guzman (New England Congregational Church)

Meeting Logs

Contains but not limited to outcomes and engagement 

Kickoff Meeting: March 19, 2025

Goals:

• Introduce committee members

• Share event vision and goals

• Establish meeting schedule

Outcomes:

• Agreed to host the Countdown to Kindergarten Fair on April 19, 2025, during Aurora’s Week of the Young Child.

• Set virtual meeting times for Mondays at 9:00 AM.

• Initial brainstorming of event activities, vendors, and outreach strategies.

Follow-Up:

• Begin compiling a list of agencies and organizations to invite.

• Draft initial event flyer.

Meeting 1: March 24, 2025

Goals:

• Review event flyer

• Compile agency invite list

• Discuss event logistics

Outcomes:

• Flyer: Updates were suggested to include age range, emphasize early childhood resources, and highlight that kindergarten readiness starts early. A “Save the Date” was shared.

• Agencies: A list of potential agencies, including health services (vision and dental), was developed for review.

• School Bus Tours: Rosary confirmed they would provide a stationary school bus and potential volunteers.

• Event Timing: Recognized that April 19 falls on Holy Saturday; discussion began about adding an Egg Hunt or another Easter-aligned activity.

• Historical Context: Shared the 2013 proclamation designating April 14–20 as Aurora’s Week of the Young Child.

Follow-Up:

• Update and finalize flyer.

• Confirm event activities including a potential Easter-themed activity.

Meeting 2: March 31, 2025

Goals:

• Finalize flyer

• Confirm event activities

• Begin marketing

Outcomes:

• Flyer: Finalized in English and Spanish; logos centered, design consistency improved, Egg Hunt made more prominent.

• Event Activities Confirmed:

  • Raffle (one ticket per admission, brainstorm for bonus ticket opportunities)

  • Stationary Bus Tours

  • Egg Hunt

  • Advocacy/History of Week of the Young Child Table

  • Craft Table

  • Photo Booth

  • Children’s Music during event

  • Possible school mascots, mobile clinic sign-ups, and APL Bookmobile

• Agencies: Added two mental health providers accepting Medicaid/sliding scale, COFI, and the Financial Empowerment Center to the invite list.

• Volunteers: More volunteers requested, especially to help guide families.

• Set-Up: Began confirming number of 6-ft tables needed.

• Sponsorship/Exhibitor Form: Sent to agencies; doors open to exhibitors at 9:00 AM, event runs from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM.

• Marketing: Flyer distributed for digital promotion; committee encouraged to share widely.

Follow-Up:

• Confirm entertainment, finalize agency list, boost marketing push.

Meeting 3: April 7, 2025

Goals:

• Final updates before event day

Outcomes:

• Final Check-ins:

  • Confirmed list of participating agencies and vendors

  • Confirmed volunteer assignments and event timeline

  • Egg Hunt supplies prepared

  • Raffle logistics finalized

  • School bus, photo booth, craft area, and other activities confirmed

• Reminders:

  • Doors open to exhibitors at 9:00 AM

  • Public event time: 10:00 AM–1:00 PM

  • Emphasis on welcoming and supporting families throughout the event

Follow-Up:

• Final emails with event day reminders and setup instructions sent to all agencies.

Event Day

Saturday, April 19, 2025

The Countdown to Kindergarten Fair successfully took place during Aurora’s Week of the Young Child, offering families:

• Early childhood resources

• Health screenings

• School registration support

• Fun activities like the Egg Hunt, bus tours, crafts, and more!

Thank you to all committee members, volunteers, and community partners for their dedication to helping young learners thrive!