Springfield, IL (WAND) – Illinois has a new state agency responsible for early childhood education programs. There have already been massive investments made in the Department of Early Childhood.
The agency launches Wednesday, roughly two years after Gov. JB Pritzker signed Senate Bill 1 into law.
The Department of Early Childhood will take over the state’s childhood block grant program, childcare assistance, home visiting and early intervention services. It will also be responsible for daycare licensing, which became an issue for the Department of Children and Family Services.
“We can create an Illinois where no outcome is predetermined by race or zip code or socioeconomic status,” Pritzker said. “That all starts in these earliest years.”
Supporters of the law said this will improve the quality of childcare, ease financial burdens on parents and reshape communities for the future.
“Children across Illinois will see and learn that we love them and that we will do whatever it takes to make their futures as bright as possible,” said Rep. Mary Beth Canty (D-Arlington Heights).
The law received strong bipartisan support in the House and Senate. Yet, some Republicans believe the agency will cause more headaches for taxpayers.
Every member of the Illinois Freedom Caucus voted against the law.
“I don’t think anywhere in the history of government, especially in the history of government in the state of Illinois, have we created bureaucracy, especially massive bureaucracy, and it worked out well for the taxpayers at the end of the day,” said Rep. Blaine Wilhour (R-Beecher City).
State officials have worked with teachers, parents, providers and stakeholders to design the best framework for the agency.
“The foundation of a child’s success and well-being is built starting the moment they are born,” said Senate Majority Leader Kimberly Lightford (D-Maywood). “As a state, it is our duty to provide the necessary support and resources to build such stability. The launch of this unique agency breaks ground on our transition to a whole, trauma-informed approach to meeting children’s diverse needs.”
You can learn more about the Department of Early Childhood by clicking here.
