An Evening for Play: VOCEL 2026 Benefit Dinner

Too many Chicago children are locked out of the quality early experiences that set them up to succeed. The science is clear: 90% of brain development happens before age 5, and the adults who surround a child — not their school — are the single greatest predictor of their trajectory. VOCEL takes a different approach: hyperlocal, relationship-driven work built on one conviction — that the people closest to children, often overlooked and underestimated, make the most powerful changemakers. We find them, equip them with rigorous play-based practices, and back them. It’s working. Last year, we reached more than 7,200 children, and 85% of their parents and teachers increased their use of quality teaching practices because of VOCEL.

Join us on October 8th at An Evening for Play — a joyful, playful fundraising dinner where you, your friends and colleagues can help make transformative early education a reality for kids citywide.