Financially Secure Families

Improving the Economic Health of Families Will Have a Direct and Profound Impact on Illinois’ Infants and Toddlers

Research is clear that poverty is the single greatest threat to children’s well-being. Unfortunately, poverty disproportionately impacts families with young children. Parents of infants and toddlers face countless barriers when accessing income supports, employment policies that are compatible with parenting (such as paid family and medical leave) and affordable child care programs.

Recommended Strategies

The objectives below provide tangible and achievable steps that policymakers in Illinois can take to improve the economic health, well-being and success of the state’s infants and toddlers and their families. 

600x600 Baby Playing
600x600 Dad and Baby GIrl

Income Supports for Families

Alleviate financial constraints of families by simplifying access to income support programs through policy change, investment and collaboration.

Family-friendly Work Policies

Cohesion between families with infants and toddlers and employers can improve the physical and economic health of those families and their communities.

600x600 Father and Baby Playing

News & Resources

Reflections From the Coalition on ISBE’s FY24 ECBG RFP Process

29 June 2023
Posted in

Raising Illinois asks our program partners for their perspectives on the FY24 ECBG RFP process

Spring 2023 Legislative Wrap-Up

09 June 2023
Posted in ,

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.…

Raising Illinois’ Response to the Approved Illinois Fiscal Year 2024 State Budget

30 May 2023
Posted in ,

Raising Illinois applauds the General Assembly for approving an FY24 budget aligned with Smart Start Illinois

Are you ready? Learn how you can get involved.

Discover who’s moving this work forward. Learn more.