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
Our FY2023 Budget Proposal Response
Our Response to Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker’s Proposed Budget Raising Illinois is happy to see investments directed towards Illinois’ expecting families, infants and toddlers in the Governor’s latest budget proposal but more is needed. Earlier this…
Introducing: 2022 Family Leaders
Introducing: 2022 Family Leaders Welcome to our 12 Family Leaders! We are thrilled and grateful to have you on board. In order for Raising Illinois to lead a movement that will fundamentally improve the lives of…
Our Fiscal Year 2021 Accomplishments
Our Fiscal Year 2021 Accomplishments Raising Illinois members have a lot to be proud of as we look back at last fiscal year. From historic investments and implementations to noteworthy legislation and system improvements, Raising Illinois’…