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’ Statement on the Inflation Reduction Act
Raising Illinois reacts to the news of President Biden’s lack of early childhood investments in the Inflation Reduction Act.
Infant & Toddler Child Care Roadmap
New Resource! Infant & Toddler Child Care Roadmap New Report Provides Recommendations For Meeting the Demand of Child Care As a part of our policy agenda, Raising Illinois proposed the creation of a roadmap to meet…
Reflection on Family Leader Meeting
Family Leaders Share Challenges & Solutions for Accessing Early Childhood Programs On May 12, after celebrating Mother’s Day, the 12 Family Leaders hosted a Parent Town Hall, where we were joined by over 60 participants from…