UChicago & Chapin Hall Partner on New Home Visiting Study

New Home Visiting Study: UChicago Joint Research Fund to Study Dual Language Learner Families Researchers from the University of Chicago Crown Family School and Chapin Hall are partnering with Baby TALK, Inc. on a project launching this October 2023 to understand how the Baby TALK Model supports dual-language learner (DLL) immigrant and refugee families. Child development, infant early childhood…

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Spring 2023 Legislative Wrap-Up

Spring Legislative Wrap-Up Major strides, but some setbacks, for infants, toddlers, and expecting families at the General Assembly In the early morning of Saturday, May 27, the 103rd General Assembly adjourned this year’s spring legislative session. Most significantly, lawmakers passed the final budget for Fiscal Year 2024, including nearly $300 million in new investments for…

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Early Childhood Advocacy Day 2023

Baby in yellow advocacy day shirt sitting on mom's lap

Early Childhood Advocacy Day 2023 Advocates like you made the day a success! Thank you! On April 18, Raising Illinois along with our partners at Child Care For All, COFI, Illinois Action for Children, SEIU, Start Early and We, the Village brought over 300 advocates down to Springfield to advocate for Illinois’ youngest learners. Advocates…

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Babies Can’t Wait Postcard Update

Your Stories: “Babies Can’t Wait” Postcards Delivered Over 100 Illinois families have shared their Early Intervention stories with us so far–read their powerful postcards below! Earlier this year, Raising Illinois launched our Babies Can’t Wait postcard campaign to hear from families about the impact that Early Intervention (EI) has had on their children, and their…

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In Aurora, Renewed Focus on PN3 Needs

In Aurora, Renewed Focus on PN3 Needs SPARK, a member of our coalition, launches Bright Beginnings Raising Illinois is grateful that SPARK is a proud member of our Coalition! SPARK (Strong, Prepared and Ready for Kindergarten) is an education initiative of Fox Valley United Way. This collaboration includes Fox Valley United Way; the city of…

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An Interview with Family Leader Mykela Collins

An Interview with Family Leader Mykela Collins Family Leader Mykela Collins was recently featured in a SchoolHouse Connection webinar that accompanied the release of their new report on infant/toddler homelessness and access to early learning. We interviewed her about why this issue is so close to her heart. Why did you agree to get involved…

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