Early Childhood

Illinois is losing $6.2 billion a year from people exiting the workforce due to childcare challenges. Experts say a new statewide department dedicated to early childhood is unlikely to provide immediate relief.

A new report from the National Institute for Early Education Research found Illinois’ rate of growth in enrollment and funding for universal preschool is slowing, despite state efforts to expand preschool programming.

The Bloomington-Normal Economic Development Council and YWCA McLean County are proposing significant public and private sector investment in affordable child care for the community, after a yearlong study.

A Bloomington-based early childhood program for low-income families has won renewal of a critical grant to keep operating for at least another five years.

U.S. Rep. Eric Sorensen is urging the public to call Republican lawmakers to protest proposed cuts to food aid and health insurance programs for lower income people.

A Bloomington woman who’s run her own home-based daycare for over 20 years plans to break ground this spring on an inclusive child care center that will expand options for families with special needs.

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.