High-quality Learning
Revamp & strengthen programs to support the needs of infants and toddlers and the professionals who work with them.
Despite research that consistently demonstrates the effectiveness of early learning and development interventions, the United States invests relatively little in its youngest learners. In Illinois, the impacts of this reality are critical.
> 10%
access rate for
many
communities
Flawed funding structures & inadequate access
Statewide, there are significantly fewer early childhood slots for infants and toddlers compared to their 3- to 5-year-old peers—a result of inadequate and flawed funding structures. In fact, only 25% of Illinois’ infants and toddlers have access to licensed child care, with many communities experiencing access rates of less than 10%. Access rates fall even further when it comes to high-quality care.
Early Intervention: A Critical Service Drastically Underutilized
Early Intervention (EI) services, which are critical for children who have or are at risk for significant developmental delays, are drastically underutilized across the state.
Approximately only 4% of children under age 3 in Illinois receive EI services, although research indicates that 13% of children could be eligible for EI services.
Only 4% of children
under age 3 receive
EI services in IL.
Recommended Strategies
Our recommendations outline timely and ample opportunities to revamp and strengthen current programs and services and to make the most of new investments, specifically through accessible and appropriately funded early learning and care programs and optimized early intervention services.
Accessible Family & Center-based Care and Learning
Provide necessary early learning experiences that help infants and toddlers lay the foundation for future health and success.
Optimized Early Intervention
Ensure equitable access to EI services, necessary developmental supports that can make a difference in a child’s lifelong trajectory.
News & Resources
Prenatal-to-Three Priorities Survey 2025
March 21, 2025 Prenatal-to-Three Priorities Survey 2025 Share your thoughts on what is most important for Illinois’s youngest! For the last five years, our coalition has been guided by the Prenatal-to-Three Policy Agenda. As we look…
Early Childhood Advocacy Day 2025
March 10, 2025 Early Childhood Advocacy Day 2025 On March 4, Raising Illinois along with our partners at Child Care For All, COFI, Evanston Early Childhood Council, Illinois Action for Children, SEIU, Start Early and We,…
Advocates Call For $60 Million Increase to Illinois’ Early Intervention Program in the Final FY26 State Budget
February 21, 2025 Advocates Call For $60 Million Increase to Illinois’ Early Intervention Program in the Final FY26 State Budget Start Early Policy Specialist Zareen Kamal responds to the lack of substantial increases in Early Intervention…