#EarlyChildhood advocacy and policy updates in Illinois | Hosted by Illinois Policy at @StartEarlyOrg, formerly the Ounce!
Illinois
Joined August 2020
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We’ve loved connecting with you here, but we’ll be sunsetting this account! Follow the new Start Early Illinois LinkedIn page to stay connected to our work and hear more from those helping shape early childhood across Illinois: linkedin.com/showcase/starte…
A new article by @MereNewman explores a topic that is impacting many across the state: background check delays at childcare centers. Read Meredith's article below and check out our recent blog on this issue: itl.ink/1db7f76a
What's threatening childcare access in Illinois?
Bureaucratic delay. My latest for @IllinoisAnswers
illinoisanswers.org/2026/09/…
The Chicago Board of Education election is fast approaching! In a new blog, Senior Policy Manager Kyrsten Emanuel outlines early childhood issues that candidates for Chicago Board of Education should be prioritizing as they seek public office: itl.ink/0d67a777
On 7/30, the Chicago Board of Education approved a $10.11 billion budget for school year 2027. Learn more about what this means for early childhood in a new blog by Policy Analyst Karissa Zingula: itl.ink/aa54b8d3
Illinois Early Childhood Policy at Start Early retweeted
Head Start has helped children & families thrive for 60+ years. Proposed federal changes could weaken the standards that make it so effective.
Your voice is needed. Use our public comment template to tell federal leaders why #HeadStart must be protected: bit.ly/4bAn9nk
Illinois Early Childhood Policy at Start Early retweeted
Head Start could look different under proposed changes: fewer hours, bigger classrooms and fewer supports.
Learn more & take action by submitting a public comment: itl.ink/b2f73222
This is a proposed, not final, rule. Make your voice heard. #TogetherForHeadStart
In a new blog post, Start Early policy intern Liz Palmer breaks down Illinois’ FY26 home visiting workforce salary data amidst IDEC’s launch. Read more: itl.ink/972df640
Illinois Early Childhood Policy at Start Early retweeted
📣 Head Start parents & caregivers: You can shape the future of Head Start.
Join us Aug. 12 at 12 p.m. CT for a webinar on the proposed Head Start changes and how to use your voice to protect Head Start. 🗣️ Live Spanish interpretation.
👉 Register: itl.ink/2b6edcd9
Illinois Early Childhood Policy at Start Early retweeted
Earlier today, the federal government released proposed changes to the #HeadStart Program Performance Standards that would weaken one of our nation's most successful investments in young children & families.
Read Start Early’s full statement: itl.ink/1dfbba40
In a new blog, Ireta Gasner, Vice President of Illinois Policy, wraps up our series on how IL’s early childhood landscape will be transformed under the IDEC transition & shares how advocates can stay informed with the work of the new department. Read more: itl.ink/707579f4
Policy Manager Mercedes Mondragón continues our series on Illinois' child care licensing system in a new blog exploring recently passed legislation & steps IDEC should consider to alleviate the licensing concerns raised by child care providers. Read more: itl.ink/ad9f4deb
A new article by @EvRoundTable shines a light on HB5225, legislation which makes Illinois the first state in the nation to authorize specially trained speech-language pathologists to diagnose autism in children under age 3. Read more: itl.ink/9c78caa3
This December, IL passed HB1312 to help ensure child care providers have the policies & practical resources needed to be prepared for possible immigration activity. We put together helpful resources to assist in getting & staying prepared! Check them out: itl.ink/28ca5fc8
Children are at greater risk from air pollution, so when the AQI is high it's important for child care providers to have a plan to keep children and staff safe. Check out these resources to learn more about how to protect staff & little ones here: itl.ink/c624d710
It’s a new day for Illinois! After years of planning & collaboration, IDEC is officially operational. We’re grateful to have contributed to this work & look forward to partnering with IDEC to help build a stronger, more coordinated #ECE system. Learn more: bit.ly/4p3xkEV
Creating a new state agency is a major milestone, but building a more coordinated system for children and families will take time, partnership and a willingness to learn and adapt together. We encourage you to visit IDEC's website to stay informed: idec.illinois.gov
In a new blog, Policy Manager Kayla Goldfarb celebrates the passage of HB4606 and expands on what this legislation means for Universal Newborn Support Systems in Illinois. Read more: bit.ly/4xb0KGf
Here at Start Early, we recognize the importance of infant/early childhood mental health! It is a key component of development that provides a foundation for other domains of development such as cognition, speech and language, and motor skills. Learn more: bit.ly/43nwURv
We're delighted to share that HB4606 has passed in the Senate & now heads to @GovPritzker's desk for signature! This legislation will lay a foundation for a statewide system of voluntary Universal Newborn Support Systems. Thank you to all who contributed to this crucial work!
We're getting ready to rally here in the Rotunda! If you aren't in Springfield you can join us by tuning into the live stream on the @IAFC_Cares Facebook!
