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’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: https://t.co/wptxNkjTkr

[Illinois Early Childhood Policy at Start Early @EarlyEdIL]

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: https://t.co/oz12ZBJn5J

[Meredith Newman @MereNewman]

What's threatening childcare access in Illinois?

Bureaucratic delay. My latest for @IllinoisAnswers

https://t.co/4MjehL3rx9

[Illinois Early Childhood Policy at Start Early @EarlyEdIL]

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: https://t.co/kV7oadU4Rs

[Illinois Early Childhood Policy at Start Early @EarlyEdIL]

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: https://t.co/DTXKFNQk3H

[Start Early @StartEarlyorg]

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: https://t.co/iD84X6xwx3

[Start Early @StartEarlyorg]

Head Start could look different under proposed changes: fewer hours, bigger classrooms and fewer supports.

Learn more & take action by submitting a public comment: https://t.co/tddwDtecBP

This is a proposed, not final, rule. Make your voice heard. #TogetherForHeadStart

[Illinois Early Childhood Policy at Start Early @EarlyEdIL]

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: https://t.co/LVlMPScxRs

[Start Early @StartEarlyorg]

📣 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: https://t.co/YaaVoUxL0b

[Start Early @StartEarlyorg]

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: https://t.co/gFqfM4jev9

[Illinois Early Childhood Policy at Start Early @EarlyEdIL]

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: https://t.co/vZMpZqwInE

[Illinois Early Childhood Policy at Start Early @EarlyEdIL]

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: https://t.co/9uHIEqfZDg

[Illinois Early Childhood Policy at Start Early @EarlyEdIL]

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: https://t.co/CL72BZVK8f

[Illinois Early Childhood Policy at Start Early @EarlyEdIL]

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: https://t.co/EtmvGUkiBL

[Illinois Early Childhood Policy at Start Early @EarlyEdIL]

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: https://t.co/KIVdwEcQJn

[Illinois Early Childhood Policy at Start Early @EarlyEdIL]

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: https://t.co/lstHnpoetn

[Illinois Early Childhood Policy at Start Early @EarlyEdIL]

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: https://t.co/jcQvdLbmZs

[Illinois Early Childhood Policy at Start Early @EarlyEdIL]

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: https://t.co/tWTldceAwr

[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!