High-Quality Early Development & Learning

Revamp & strengthen programs to support the needs of infants and toddlers and the professionals who work with them.

Despite research that consistently demonstrates the effectiveness of early learning and development interventions, the United States invests relatively little in its youngest learners. In Illinois, the impacts of this reality are critical 

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Early Care & Learning

Provide a continuum of affordable, inclusive, and high-quality early childhood programs that meet the needs of every family with an infant or toddler. 

Early Intervention

Deliver timely and high-quality Early Intervention services to all eligible infants, toddlers, and their families. 

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News & Resources

Raising Illinois’ Response to Governor JB Pritzker’s Proposed FY 2027 Budget

19 February 2026
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February 19, 2026 Raising Illinois’ Response to Governor JB Pritzker’s Proposed FY 2027 Budget This week, Governor JB Pritzker shared his proposed Fiscal Year 2027 (FY2027) Illinois state budget, which includes increased investments in the Early…

Understanding the Illinois Funding Landscape

16 February 2026
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February 13, 2026 Understanding the Illinois Funding Landscape A conversation on funding design In July 2026, most early childhood programs are scheduled to transition from their legacy agencies to the new Illinois Department of Early Childhood…

Raise Your Voice! How Will The HHS Funding Freeze Impact You?

09 January 2026
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Raise Your Voice! How Will The HHS Funding Freeze Impact You? Raising Illinois is collecting stories from providers on how the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Funding Freeze will impact you, your family and…

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