Strong Infrastructure
Rebuild State & Community Systems That Benefit Families, Infants & Toddlers.
Currently, Illinois’ early childhood system is very complex and highly fragmented, making it difficult for families and professionals alike to navigate the variety of programs and services available to them.
Unaligned Systems
A problem at community & state levels
At both the community and state levels, early learning and care programs, services and data systems are often unaligned, as are early childhood workforce competencies and professional development pathways and supports.
Recommended Strategies
These challenges compounded with extremely limited capacity at state agencies and workforce shortages hinder the state’s ability to build a stronger, collaborative early childhood infrastructure and respond to projected increases of children and families in need of services.
While our recommendations for investing in and rebuilding a strong infrastructure are undoubtedly ambitious, they are achievable and would go a long way toward supporting early learning professionals and the families they serve.
Cross-system Preparation, Professional Development & Supports
Provide our youngest children with high-quality early care and education by investing in the infant and toddler workforce.
Strong State & Community Structures
Create an equitable and cohesive early childhood support system that makes it simple for families to access holistic care through increased capacity and collaboration across state agencies serving families.
News & Resources
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…
Raising Illinois’ Response to Governor JB Pritzker’s Proposed FY 2026 Budget
February 20, 2025 Raising Illinois’ Response to Governor JB Pritzker’s Proposed FY 2026 Budget Our state’s prenatal-to-age-three coalition believes that we must strengthen critical services for Illinois’ littlest learners and their families despite a challenging financial…
Early Intervention Cost Model Affirms Need for More State Funding
February 5, 2025 Early Intervention Cost Model Affirms Need for Increased State Funding Start Early Policy Specialist Zareen Kamal reflects on findings from the recent EI Cost Model report Recognizing the urgent need to reduce long…