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
Our Response to Illinois’ FY 2023 Spending Plan
Illinois’ Fiscal Year 2023 Spending Plan & What it Means for Infants & Toddlers Raising Illinois applauds the Illinois General Assembly for approving meaningful, new education and care funding and measures in Fiscal Year 2023 for…
You’re Invited: Introducing Raising Illinois
Access the Virtual Event Introducing Raising Illinois: A Collective Effort Driven by Collective Voices Join us virtually on Thursday, March 17 to learn about Raising Illinois and our vision to solve high stake problems facing infants,…
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…