Illinois is one step closer to creating a new state agency to administer early childhood education programs. Gov. JB Pritzker wants the state to have a unified approach to serving families, working with providers and promoting equity.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — Illinois is one step closer to creating a new state agency to administer early childhood education programs. Gov. JB Pritzker wants the state to have a unified approach to serving families, working with providers and promoting equity.

Sponsors and advocates say the proposed Department of Early Childhood could provide a more integrated and holistic system of services for all young kids and families across the state.

"Illinois has become a national leader in the fight to enhance support for our most vulnerable children," said Senate Majority Leader Kimberly Lightford (D-Maywood). "However, we also acknowledge we can't stop our work until every child in the state has access to the best all-around care. The creation of this agency would be a grand step toward that goal."

Lightford told the Senate Executive Committee Wednesday that the new agency would take over the early childhood block grant program, child care assistance, home visiting, and early intervention services. The Pritzker administration hopes to start up the new agency on July 1.

"We are then going to take two years to work with the community, work with parents and providers to redesign the system," said Ann Whalen, the Illinois Early Childhood Transition Director. "We want to make sure that we're listening to the best way to provide services, break down barriers, make it easier for parents and simpler for providers. We start by listening to parents and providers to know how to do that."

Related Links

The Department of Early Childhood would also take over day care licensing, which is currently managed by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services. 

Advocates said enrolling in a publicly-funded early learning program can be a test of endurance for many families.

Early childhood education

Staff from the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services are currently in charge of conducting fingerprint based criminal history checks on providers at daycares and childcare facilities. 

"Currently, providers like the Carole Robertson Center must navigate the regulations of multiple state agencies to deliver programs," said Bela Moté, CEO of the Carole Robertson Center for Learning. "This leads to inefficiencies and lost hours spent maneuvering policies and outdated technologies rather than in direct service to children and families." 

The Illinois Commission on Equitable Early Childhood Education and Care Funding recommended that the state should consolidate all early childhood programs into a new agency in 2021. 

Senate Bill 1 passed unanimously out of the Senate Executive Committee and now heads to the Senate floor. An identical proposal could be heard in the House Child Care Accessibility & Early Childhood Education Committee Thursday. 

Copyright 2024. WAND TV. All rights reserved.