Raising Illinois
Closing the opportunity gap for our youngest learners
The science is clear: the first three years of a child’s life are the most critical for healthy development. By investing early, we can lay the foundation for all Illinois children to have a strong start in school and life. But, to get it right, we must also address the root causes of historic disparities and create an equitable and cohesive early childhood development system for Illinois’ expecting families, infants and toddlers, and the communities in which they live. This is our chance to make a powerful commitment to our youngest generation.
75% of Illinois'
infants & toddlers
left without access
to child care
Only 1 in 4 Infants & Toddlers in Illinois Can Access Licensed Child Care
and only 5% have access to high-quality care. Barriers also exist in home visiting, early intervention and other critical services for children prenatal-to-age 3. Learn more about the Illinois Prenatal to Three Agenda.
Our Priorities
Creating the strongest foundation for success in school and life
Illinois infants and toddlers see the greatest disparities in funding to support them during their formative years. Our children are shortchanged exactly when the potential benefit is greatest. Our coalition of 100+ diverse stakeholders is working to ensure every Illinois family with children under age 3 has affordable and equitable access to high-quality learning experiences, health services and economic supports. This will create the strongest foundation for infants’ and toddlers’ success in school and life.
Stories from the Field
News & Resources
Raising Illinois Racial Equity Toolkit
Raising Illinois Racial Equity Toolkit Resources built by Erikson Institute to use in your anti-racism practice. “Anti-Racism” is the actions and practices used to challenge and transform beliefs, ideas, behaviors, policies, institutions, and systems that support…
FY 24 Funding For Early Childhood
Raising Illinois calls for a 20% across the board increase in state funding for early childhood programs
Family Leaders Reflect on the National PN-3 System Building Meeting
Family Leaders Reflect on the National PN-3 System Building Meeting When Lettie Hicks first received the news that she was going to Baltimore for the National PN-3 System Building Meeting, organized by the Prenatal-to-Three Capacity Building…