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
A Conversation on Pregnancy Loss
October 25, 2024 A Conversation on Pregnancy Loss A conversation between Raising Illinois, Gifts from Liam & Evelyn James Co on pregnancy loss and how policy can better support grieving families. In observance of Pregnancy &…
News Release, Babies Can’t Wait: We Need EI Campaign Launch
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | MONDAY, OCTOBER 28 Families, Advocates Rally to Demand Increased Funding for Early Intervention Services in Illinois Thousands of Infants and Toddlers Experiencing Delays to Receive Life-Changing Services CHICAGO, IL – Families and…
Babies Can’t Wait Postcard
Your Early Intervention Stories Fill out a postcard and share your story! Illinois’ Early Intervention (EI) program provides critical services to children under age 3 who have or are at risk for significant developmental delays and…