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
Raising Illinois’ Statement on the Inflation Reduction Act
Raising Illinois’ Statement on the Inflation Reduction Act A Disappointing Lack of Investment in our Youngest Children Last week, President Joe Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act, a landmark piece of legislation which ushers in much…
You’re Invited: Child Care Roadmap Event
Child Care: Correcting Perception by Acknowledging Impact Check out a recording and supporting resources from our virtual gathering in September 2022 During this recorded event you will: Learn about the Infant & Toddler Child Care Roadmap…
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…