Early Childhood

Gov. JB Pritzker recently signed legislation creating a new Department of Early Childhood. It’s a single source for early childhood services and programs throughout the state of Illinois to improve accessibility for families and their children.

A new action plan lays out three recommendations for improving Central Illinois’ early childhood education and child care infrastructure – starting with raising public awareness about what’s not working.

Gov. JB Pritzker’s plan to consolidate the state’s early childhood programs into one new cabinet-level agency ran into tough questions this week during a House budget committee hearing.

The new leaders at a Bloomington-based early childhood program for low-income families say they’re focused on increasing enrollment and empowering staff who’ve endured a tumultuous couple of years.

A Bloomington-based early childhood program for low-income families begins the new school year facing another round of leadership upheaval and under increased federal scrutiny for failing to properly supervise a 5-year-old child.

Kalessa Edgerson was tasked with rebuilding relationships and forging new partnerships for the 58-year-old childcare center in Bloomington.

Illinois State University is getting a grant worth more than $800,000 to support the ongoing education of early childhood teachers.

An agency that serves those with disabilities in central Illinois says it will open a second pediatric therapy center.

The number of Illinois children entering kindergarten who are fully prepared to start school grew for the second consecutive year in 2019, a possible…

Central Illinois Girl Scouts are seeking new methods to recruit girls to combat a drop in enrollment.The organization has been a staple of childhood…