Illinois Early Childhood Policy at Start Early

#EarlyChildhood advocacy and policy updates in Illinois | Hosted by Illinois Policy at @StartEarlyOrg, formerly the Ounce!

[Illinois Early Childhood Policy at Start Early @EarlyEdIL]

We're proud to share our multi-year Illinois Policy Agenda! This agenda incorporates the many advances in the field over the past four years, including @GovPritzker's Smart Start initiative, and encompasses our priorities through FY27. Read more: https://t.co/CwTDe2ynSZ

[Illinois Early Childhood Policy at Start Early @EarlyEdIL]

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: https://t.co/RAJbJNIdHo

[Illinois Early Childhood Policy at Start Early @EarlyEdIL]

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!

[Illinois Early Childhood Policy at Start Early @EarlyEdIL]

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!

[Illinois Early Childhood Policy at Start Early @EarlyEdIL]

It's a beautiful day in Springfield! Were excited to be at the Capitol advocating for Illinois' youngest learners!!! #ecad2026 #buildingtomorrowtogether #twill

[Illinois Early Childhood Policy at Start Early @EarlyEdIL]

May is Mental Health Awareness Month in Illinois! Check out these upcoming seminars hosted by the Illinois Association for Infant Mental Health on the impact of doula support (May 6) and maternal mental health (May 15): https://t.co/w7nHeKmw4h

[Illinois Early Childhood Policy at Start Early @EarlyEdIL]

This spring we're advocating for a $5 million increase in funding for evidence-based maternal & child home visiting programs. Funds would allow IDEC to increase provider compensation to state-recommended levels while expanding services. Join us: https://t.co/GSEM6qOPJM

[Illinois Early Childhood Policy at Start Early @EarlyEdIL]

This spring we're advocating for a $80 million increase in funding for the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP). These funds would allow IDEC to manage the program’s caseload & increase reimbursement rates for both home- & center-based providers. Join us:  https://t.co/GSEM6qOPJM

[Illinois Early Childhood Policy at Start Early @EarlyEdIL]

Yesterday we came before the House Ed Approps committee to discuss Early CHOICES & preschool inclusion! Shout out to @RepMaura & our partners for their work on HB5741, which allows for a continued state investment of $500k!

[Illinois Early Childhood Policy at Start Early @EarlyEdIL]

This spring we're advocating for a $75 million increase in funding for the Early Childhood Block Grant (ECBG). These funds would allow IDEC to expand infant/toddler & full-day preschool slots & increase grants to existing programs. Join us: https://t.co/GSEM6qOhUe

[Illinois Early Childhood Policy at Start Early @EarlyEdIL]

HB5225 would make Illinois the first state to authorize Speech Language Pathologists in EI to diagnose autism spectrum disorder, leading the way towards ending the autism waitlist crisis. We're excited to bring you along as it moves through the process to hopefully become law!

[Illinois Early Childhood Policy at Start Early @EarlyEdIL]

HB4606 would make Illinois one of the few states in the nation to have a statewide framework to offer resources and support for all parents welcoming a newborn child in Illinois

[Illinois Early Childhood Policy at Start Early @EarlyEdIL]

HB4606 would make Illinois one of the few states in the nation to have a statewide framework to offer resources and support for all parents welcoming a newborn child in Illinois

[Illinois Early Childhood Policy at Start Early @EarlyEdIL]

We're happy to share that both HB4606 and HB5225 have passed the Illinois House! We're excited to see the progress of both of these bills, which both represent areas where Illinois has the opportunity to lead the nation. 🧵

[Illinois Early Childhood Policy at Start Early @EarlyEdIL]

We're happy to share that both HB4606 and HB5225 have passed the Illinois House! We're excited to see the progress of both of these bills, which both represent areas where Illinois has the opportunity to lead the nation. 🧵

[Illinois Early Childhood Policy at Start Early @EarlyEdIL]

Our own Ireta Gasner, VP of IL Policy, will be leading a dynamic, in-person learning experience with Erikson Institute on 4/22! Gain tools, knowledge, and confidence to influence policy and drive lasting change for children and families. Register at: https://t.co/evV3Nt80ed

[Illinois Early Childhood Policy at Start Early @EarlyEdIL]

This spring we're advocating for at a minimum an increase of funding for the Smart Start Workforce Grant (SSWG) program by $50 million. These funds would allow IDEC to meet the growing demand for these critical workforce compensation supports. Join us https://t.co/GSEM6qOhUe

[Illinois Early Childhood Policy at Start Early @EarlyEdIL]

Join the Illinois Association for Infant Mental Health (ILAIMH) for two virtual professional development seminars this May! Learn more and register here: https://t.co/QUJT48gSsr

[Illinois Early Childhood Policy at Start Early @EarlyEdIL]

This spring we're advocating for at a minimum a $5 million increase in funding for the Early Childhood Access Consortium for Equity (ECACE). Funds would allow ISAC to issue more scholarships to those interested in entering the ECE workforce. Join us: https://t.co/GSEM6qOhUe

[Illinois Early Childhood Policy at Start Early @EarlyEdIL]

This spring we're advocating for $500,000 for the Early CHOICES initiative! These funds would allow for the continuation of high-quality inclusive care and education for young children with disabilities and developmental delays. Urge the ILGA to act: https://t.co/GSEM6qOPJM

[Illinois Early Childhood Policy at Start Early @EarlyEdIL]

Robust paid family leave polices give parents the opportunity to focus on parenting & on the wellbeing of their child, particularly when infant care is in low supply. That's why we're proud to support HB3483/SB2413 to create the Family & Medical Leave Insurance Program!

[Illinois Early Childhood Policy at Start Early @EarlyEdIL]

We support HB5238/SB3756! This legislation would create the Newborn Equity Support Transfers (NEST) program. The program would provide expectant and mothers on Medicaid with a $1,500 cash transfer in the 3rd trimester and $500/month for the first 6-12 months of the baby’s life.

[Illinois Early Childhood Policy at Start Early @EarlyEdIL]

Many EI families face gaps in services, lengthy waitlists & interruptions in care. HB4861 would extend the timeline by which EI families may request an impartial hearing to pursue due process complaints from three months to two years. Take Action for EI: https://t.co/CFCyQHcP3B