Strong Infrastructure
Rebuild State & Community Systems That Benefit Families, Infants & Toddlers.
Currently, Illinois’ early childhood system is very complex and highly fragmented, making it difficult for families and professionals alike to navigate the variety of programs and services available to them.
Unaligned Systems
A problem at community & state levels
At both the community and state levels, early learning and care programs, services and data systems are often unaligned, as are early childhood workforce competencies and professional development pathways and supports.
Recommended Strategies
These challenges compounded with extremely limited capacity at state agencies and workforce shortages hinder the state’s ability to build a stronger, collaborative early childhood infrastructure and respond to projected increases of children and families in need of services.
While our recommendations for investing in and rebuilding a strong infrastructure are undoubtedly ambitious, they are achievable and would go a long way toward supporting early learning professionals and the families they serve.
Cross-system Preparation, Professional Development & Supports
Provide our youngest children with high-quality early care and education by investing in the infant and toddler workforce.
Strong State & Community Structures
Create an equitable and cohesive early childhood support system that makes it simple for families to access holistic care through increased capacity and collaboration across state agencies serving families.
News & Resources
Stand For Early Head Start
June 11, 2025 Stand For Early Head Start Share your Early Head Start story! We’re collecting real stories from families, alumni, educators, advocates, business leaders and partners to amplify the transformative power of Head Start programs…
Raising Illinois’ Response to Approved Fiscal Year 2026 State Budget
June 3, 2025 Raising Illinois’ Response to Approved Fiscal Year 2026 State Budget Our state’s prenatal-to-age-3 coalition appreciates the ongoing commitment to strengthening child care and economic supports for families-yet other maternal health and early childhood…
National Home Visiting Week 2025
April 23, 2025 National Home Visiting Week 2025 This week is National Home Visiting Week, an opportunity to celebrate the work of home visitors who provide vital support to young children and families. Our home visiting…