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Strategy Name Strategy Type(s) Year Funding Amount Funding Source Features at a Glance
Chicago Early Childhood Integrated Data System (CECIDS)
In 2022, the Northern Illinois University Research & Data Collaborative launched the Chicago Early Childhood Integrated Data System (CECIDS), which is governed by the City of Chicago. The system functions as a cloud-based data hub and data visualization tool for demographic, program, and individual data related to 52 specific early childhood questions and use cases. CECIDS is governed by multiple agencies and organizations (e.g., City of Chicago Department of Family and Support Services, Chicago Public Schools, and Illinois Network of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies, and others) and shares state and city data across multiple stakeholders (e.g., City of Chicago: Mayor’s Office, Governor’s Office of Early Childhood Development, Illinois Action for Children, Illinois Department of Human Services, Illinois State Board of Education, and others) for public use. CECIDS hosts a data dashboard and data visualization tool with demographic and program eligibility and services data. The system is funded by philanthropic donations, the City of Chicago, and the State of Illinois. Learn more/source: Chicago Early Childhood Integrated Data System
  • Infrastructure to Support Early Childhood Systems
    • Data Systems
    2022
    • Philanthropic Funds
    • City of Chicago, State of Illinois
    • City’s Early Learning Fund administered by the Department of Family and Support Services and philanthropic contributions from the Robert R. McCormick Foundation and Crown Family Philanthropies
    Early Childhood Integrated Data System
    In 2022, the Northern Illinois University Research & Data Collaborative launched the Chicago Early Childhood Integrated Data System (CECIDS), which is governed by the City of Chicago. The system functions as a cloud-based data hub and data visualization tool for demographic, program, and individual data related to 52 specific early childhood questions and use cases. CECIDS is governed by multiple agencies and organizations (e.g., City of Chicago Department of Family and Support Services, Chicago Public Schools, and Illinois Network of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies, and others) and shares state and city data across multiple stakeholders (e.g., City of Chicago: Mayor’s Office, Governor’s Office of Early Childhood Development, Illinois Action for Children, Illinois Department of Human Services, Illinois State Board of Education, and others) for public use. CECIDS hosts a data dashboard and data visualization tool with demographic and program eligibility and services data. The system is funded by philanthropic donations, the City of Chicago, and the State of Illinois. Learn more/source: Chicago Early Childhood Integrated Data System
    Chicago Early Learning Workforce Scholarship
    In 2018, through a partnership between the Mayor’s Office, City Colleges of Chicago (CCC), Harry S. Truman College, Chicago Public Schools (CPS), and the Department of Family & Support Services (DFSS), Chicago created the Chicago Early Learning Workforce Scholarship (CELWS) initiative. CELWS empowers the early learning workforce to take courses and earn a credential, degree, endorsement or licensure to work with young children (birth through pre-K) and families in Chicago programs. The scholarship covers 100% of tuition, plus up to $250 in books per course, but it functions as a “last dollar” scholarship in that it covers everything that students’ federal grants and other scholarships do not. The scholarship is open to any Chicago resident who wants to enter the early childhood workforce. Parents of children enrolled in a Chicago program and recent high-school graduates are encouraged to apply, and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients are eligible. CELWS recipients must commit to working in a Chicago early learning program (including CPS Pre-K and Head Start/Early Head Start/PFA/PI funded community-based programs) for a minimum of three years after completing the degree or approved academic program. Learn more: Chicago Early Learning Workforce Scholarship Source: Chicago Early Learning. (n.d.). Workforce Scholarship.
    • Workforce
      • Professional Learning
      2018
      Scholarship covers 100% of tuition plus $250 in books per course
      In 2018, through a partnership between the Mayor’s Office, City Colleges of Chicago (CCC), Harry S. Truman College, Chicago Public Schools (CPS), and the Department of Family & Support Services (DFSS), Chicago created the Chicago Early Learning Workforce Scholarship (CELWS) initiative. CELWS empowers the early learning workforce to take courses and earn a credential, degree, endorsement or licensure to work with young children (birth through pre-K) and families in Chicago programs. The scholarship covers 100% of tuition, plus up to $250 in books per course, but it functions as a “last dollar” scholarship in that it covers everything that students’ federal grants and other scholarships do not. The scholarship is open to any Chicago resident who wants to enter the early childhood workforce. Parents of children enrolled in a Chicago program and recent high-school graduates are encouraged to apply, and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients are eligible. CELWS recipients must commit to working in a Chicago early learning program (including CPS Pre-K and Head Start/Early Head Start/PFA/PI funded community-based programs) for a minimum of three years after completing the degree or approved academic program. Learn more: Chicago Early Learning Workforce Scholarship Source: Chicago Early Learning. (n.d.). Workforce Scholarship.
      Early Childhood Construction Grant Program
      Established in 2009 and renewed in 2019, the Illinois Early Childhood Construction Grant (ECCG) Program is a state-sponsored initiative to invest in quality early childhood education facilities. In July 2022, Governor J.B. Pritzker committed $60 million in capital grants for early education providers through this program. The funding supports the construction, expansion, and renovation of facilities for early learning for children from birth to age five. Centers that plan to increase their capacity to provide care and education for children in underserved communities are eligible for up to $10 million under the Early Childhood Construction Grant. The centers must contribute from 3% to 10% of the cost. The ECCG Program is administered by the Capital Development Board (CDB), an independent state agency that oversees construction of state facilities and other public purpose capital projects. Grant funds must be used for non-recurring durable improvements, such as adding onto an existing building, new construction of a facility or renovations to an existing facility to create a new early childhood center, acquisition of a facility, purchase or replacement of equipment, safety improvements, and classroom conversions. Learn More: Early Childhood Construction Grant Program Sources: IFF. (2022). Frequently Asked Questions: Illinois Early Childhood Construction Grant Program.Illinois Capital Development Board. (2022). Governor Pritzker Announces $60 Million Competitive Grant Program for Early Childhood Construction in Illinois.
      • Expansion
        • Physical Space and Facilities
        Ongoing funding
        Established in 2009 and renewed in 2019, the Illinois Early Childhood Construction Grant (ECCG) Program is a state-sponsored initiative to invest in quality early childhood education facilities. In July 2022, Governor J.B. Pritzker committed $60 million in capital grants for early education providers through this program. The funding supports the construction, expansion, and renovation of facilities for early learning for children from birth to age five. Centers that plan to increase their capacity to provide care and education for children in underserved communities are eligible for up to $10 million under the Early Childhood Construction Grant. The centers must contribute from 3% to 10% of the cost. The ECCG Program is administered by the Capital Development Board (CDB), an independent state agency that oversees construction of state facilities and other public purpose capital projects. Grant funds must be used for non-recurring durable improvements, such as adding onto an existing building, new construction of a facility or renovations to an existing facility to create a new early childhood center, acquisition of a facility, purchase or replacement of equipment, safety improvements, and classroom conversions. Learn More: Early Childhood Construction Grant Program Sources: IFF. (2022). Frequently Asked Questions: Illinois Early Childhood Construction Grant Program.Illinois Capital Development Board. (2022). Governor Pritzker Announces $60 Million Competitive Grant Program for Early Childhood Construction in Illinois.
        Early Childhood Professional Learning
        Early Childhood Professional Learning (ECPL) provides free professional learning and resources to support Illinois State Board of Education-funded programs in implementing evidence-based practices to improve outcomes for young children and their families. It offers workshops, webinars, technical assistance, and coaching for professionals working with children from birth to 5 years old. It is funded by the Early Childhood Block Grant and Illinois State Board of Education. Illinois also offers other resources to its early education workforce, including individualized coaching. Learn more: Illinois Early Education Professional Development and Resources Sources: Illinois State Board of Education. (n.d.). Illinois Early Education Professional Development and Resources. Illinois State Board of Education. (n.d.). Early Childhood Professional Development.
        • Workforce
          • Professional Learning
          Includes coaching, training, and an online component
          Early Childhood Professional Learning (ECPL) provides free professional learning and resources to support Illinois State Board of Education-funded programs in implementing evidence-based practices to improve outcomes for young children and their families. It offers workshops, webinars, technical assistance, and coaching for professionals working with children from birth to 5 years old. It is funded by the Early Childhood Block Grant and Illinois State Board of Education. Illinois also offers other resources to its early education workforce, including individualized coaching. Learn more: Illinois Early Education Professional Development and Resources Sources: Illinois State Board of Education. (n.d.). Illinois Early Education Professional Development and Resources. Illinois State Board of Education. (n.d.). Early Childhood Professional Development.
          ExceleRate Pilot
          Launched in March 2020 as part of Illinois' broader ExceleRate Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS), the 3-year ExceleRate Pilot Project sought to test new approaches to quality improvement, including a "compensation first" strategy for promoting retention and enhancing program quality. 38 programs participated in the pilot project; all programs were in rural counties and served a relatively high proportion of subsidy-eligible children (at least 40%). Participating programs were required and supported to pay a minimum baseline salary according to a salary scale based on educators' and directors' educational attainment and role. In FY2022, minimum compensation ranged from $12.25 per hour (for a teacher assistant with no credential) to $20.50 per hour (for an employee with a Level III Illinois Director Credential). This pilot was implemented through a partnership between the Illinois Governor’s Office of Early Childhood Development and the Illinois Department of Human Services using federal Preschool Development Grant Birth-Five dollars. It will continue in the future under the "Smart Start Quality Support Program (SSQS)" name. Learn More: ExceleRate Pilot Project Sources: ExceleRate Illinois. (n.d.). Pilot Project. ExceleRate Illinois. (2022). FY22 Salary Scale.
          • Workforce
            • Pay Scales and Parity
            Preschool Development Grant Birth through Five
            In FY22: Minimum compensation ranged from $12.25/hour (teacher assistant with no credential) to $20.50/hour (Illinois Director Credential, Level III)
            Launched in March 2020 as part of Illinois' broader ExceleRate Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS), the 3-year ExceleRate Pilot Project sought to test new approaches to quality improvement, including a "compensation first" strategy for promoting retention and enhancing program quality. 38 programs participated in the pilot project; all programs were in rural counties and served a relatively high proportion of subsidy-eligible children (at least 40%). Participating programs were required and supported to pay a minimum baseline salary according to a salary scale based on educators' and directors' educational attainment and role. In FY2022, minimum compensation ranged from $12.25 per hour (for a teacher assistant with no credential) to $20.50 per hour (for an employee with a Level III Illinois Director Credential). This pilot was implemented through a partnership between the Illinois Governor’s Office of Early Childhood Development and the Illinois Department of Human Services using federal Preschool Development Grant Birth-Five dollars. It will continue in the future under the "Smart Start Quality Support Program (SSQS)" name. Learn More: ExceleRate Pilot Project Sources: ExceleRate Illinois. (n.d.). Pilot Project. ExceleRate Illinois. (2022). FY22 Salary Scale.
            Illinois Department of Early Childhood
            In May 2024, the Illinois House of Representatives approved Senate Bill 1, which authorized the creation of the Illinois Department of Early Childhood. Spearheaded by Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, the new agency will aim to improve access to early education and care services by better aligning and coordinating programs, data, and policies. The Department of Early Childhood will bring together programs that previously operated under the Illinois State Board of Education, the Department of Human Services, and the Department of Children and Family Services. It will oversee preschool funding, regulations, and program licensing, as well as early intervention, home visiting, and child care financial assistance programs. Housing everything under one agency, advocates say, will support efficiency and transparency, increase savings, and eliminate duplicative services that confuse providers and families. Although the Department of Early Childhood came into existence on July 1, 2024, it will not be fully functional until July 1, 2026. To make a smooth administrative transition without an interruption in services, Governor Pritzker formed a task force  to develop a plan for the new agency.  learn more: illinois department of early childhood Sources: Start Early. (2024). Start Early Statement on Illinois Department of Early Childhood. Vinicky, A. (2024). Bill Creating New State Agency Focused on Early Childhood Programs Headed to Pritzker’s Desk. WTTW Chicago. Smylie, S. (2024). Bill creating new state Department of Early Childhood clears key Illinois House committee. Chalkbeat Chicago. Vevea, B. (2023). Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker announces new agency to oversee early childhood. Chalkbeat Chicago.
            • Infrastructure to Support Early Childhood Systems
              • Administrative + Governance Models
              2024
              New agency will aim to improve access to early education and care services by better aligning and coordinating programs, data, and policies
              In May 2024, the Illinois House of Representatives approved Senate Bill 1, which authorized the creation of the Illinois Department of Early Childhood. Spearheaded by Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, the new agency will aim to improve access to early education and care services by better aligning and coordinating programs, data, and policies. The Department of Early Childhood will bring together programs that previously operated under the Illinois State Board of Education, the Department of Human Services, and the Department of Children and Family Services. It will oversee preschool funding, regulations, and program licensing, as well as early intervention, home visiting, and child care financial assistance programs. Housing everything under one agency, advocates say, will support efficiency and transparency, increase savings, and eliminate duplicative services that confuse providers and families. Although the Department of Early Childhood came into existence on July 1, 2024, it will not be fully functional until July 1, 2026. To make a smooth administrative transition without an interruption in services, Governor Pritzker formed a task force  to develop a plan for the new agency.  learn more: illinois department of early childhood Sources: Start Early. (2024). Start Early Statement on Illinois Department of Early Childhood. Vinicky, A. (2024). Bill Creating New State Agency Focused on Early Childhood Programs Headed to Pritzker’s Desk. WTTW Chicago. Smylie, S. (2024). Bill creating new state Department of Early Childhood clears key Illinois House committee. Chalkbeat Chicago. Vevea, B. (2023). Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker announces new agency to oversee early childhood. Chalkbeat Chicago.
              Illinois Early Childhood Apprenticeship Pilot Program
              In FY 2023, Governor J.B. Pritzker allocated $12 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding to pilot an apprenticeship program for early childhood educators. The program, administered by the Illinois Department of Health and Human Services Division of Early Childhood, partners with four early learning programs and six institutions of higher education. It combines classroom learning at two- and four-year colleges, on-the-job training in early learning programs, and mentorship with seasoned providers. The program aims to keep talented early childhood educators in the workforce while they acquire a credential, license, associate degree, or bachelor’s degree. The program supports sites that  sponsor apprentices with wage supplement contracts that allocate funding to increase staff compensation. The University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) serves as the apprenticeship intermediary, coordinating the pilot program across employers and institutions of higher education. The pilot program will run until 2025 and culminate with recommendations to the state for expansion and sustainability. LEARN MORE: ILLINOIS EARLY CHILDHOOD APPRENTICESHIP Sources: Illinois Department of Human Services. (n.d.). Illinois Early Childhood Apprenticeship Pilot. Illinois Office of Management and Budget. (2023). Illinois Early Childhood Educator Apprenticeship Pilot.
              • Workforce
                • Apprenticeships
                2023 $12 million
                CCDBG COVID Relief Allocations – CARES, CRRSE, ARPA (CCDF & Stabilization)
                Apprenticeship program combines classroom learning at two- and four-year colleges with on-the-job training in early learning programs
                In FY 2023, Governor J.B. Pritzker allocated $12 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding to pilot an apprenticeship program for early childhood educators. The program, administered by the Illinois Department of Health and Human Services Division of Early Childhood, partners with four early learning programs and six institutions of higher education. It combines classroom learning at two- and four-year colleges, on-the-job training in early learning programs, and mentorship with seasoned providers. The program aims to keep talented early childhood educators in the workforce while they acquire a credential, license, associate degree, or bachelor’s degree. The program supports sites that  sponsor apprentices with wage supplement contracts that allocate funding to increase staff compensation. The University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) serves as the apprenticeship intermediary, coordinating the pilot program across employers and institutions of higher education. The pilot program will run until 2025 and culminate with recommendations to the state for expansion and sustainability. LEARN MORE: ILLINOIS EARLY CHILDHOOD APPRENTICESHIP Sources: Illinois Department of Human Services. (n.d.). Illinois Early Childhood Apprenticeship Pilot. Illinois Office of Management and Budget. (2023). Illinois Early Childhood Educator Apprenticeship Pilot.
                Illinois Early Childhood Asset Map (ICEAM)
                Since 2006, the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) and the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) have coordinated with the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign to host the Illinois Early Childhood Asset Map (IECAM). The Early Childhood Asset Map is a data visualization tool that provides demographic and program data on early childhood programs (e.g., licensed settings, Preschool For All, Head Start, and more), health factors, socioeconomic factors, and geographic regions related to services for children from birth to five. The tool is for public use and has begun to support the state’s data integration initiatives. IECAM was developed after the state’s Early Learning Council called for a web-based tool to support decision making. The IECAM is funded through the Illinois State Board of Education and Illinois Department of Human Services. Learn more: Illinois Early Childhood Asset Map (IECAM) Other sources:Illinois Early Childhood Asset Map (2023), EC Learning IL
                • Infrastructure to Support Early Childhood Systems
                  • Data Systems
                  2006
                  • Illinois State Board of Education
                  • Illinois Department of Human Services
                  Data Visualization Tool
                  Since 2006, the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) and the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) have coordinated with the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign to host the Illinois Early Childhood Asset Map (IECAM). The Early Childhood Asset Map is a data visualization tool that provides demographic and program data on early childhood programs (e.g., licensed settings, Preschool For All, Head Start, and more), health factors, socioeconomic factors, and geographic regions related to services for children from birth to five. The tool is for public use and has begun to support the state’s data integration initiatives. IECAM was developed after the state’s Early Learning Council called for a web-based tool to support decision making. The IECAM is funded through the Illinois State Board of Education and Illinois Department of Human Services. Learn more: Illinois Early Childhood Asset Map (IECAM) Other sources:Illinois Early Childhood Asset Map (2023), EC Learning IL
                  Illinois Longitudinal Data System
                  Created in 2009, the Illinois State Board of Education’s Longitudinal Data System is a P-20 longitudinal data system that includes data on state-funded pre-K, special education early childhood programs, and infant and toddler programs. The system functions as a warehouse and linking mechanism across state agencies, including the Governor’s Office of Early Childhood Development. The system links program and individual data ranging from early childhood education and care to K-12/higher education to the workforce. The individual data is deidentified with a unique identifier. Data is available internally for agencies and authorized users. The Illinois Longitudinal Data System was created through Public Act 096-0107. The system has been funded by a federal Statewide Longitudinal Data Systems Grant and the Statewide Longitudinal Data System Recovery Act Grant, which authorized the expansion of infant and toddler data collection. Learn More: Illinois Longitudinal Data System Project Sources:State of Illinois (2014). Race to the Top - Early Learning Challenge 2014 Annual Performance ReportEducation Commission of the States. (2021). Statewide Longitudinal Data Systems: Illinois.REL Blog (2018). Building a coordinated data system to support early childhood education
                  • Infrastructure to Support Early Childhood Systems
                    • Data Systems
                    2009
                    • Statewide Longitudinal Data Systems Grant
                    • Statewide Longitudinal Data System Recovery Act Grant
                    P-20 Longitudinal Data System
                    Created in 2009, the Illinois State Board of Education’s Longitudinal Data System is a P-20 longitudinal data system that includes data on state-funded pre-K, special education early childhood programs, and infant and toddler programs. The system functions as a warehouse and linking mechanism across state agencies, including the Governor’s Office of Early Childhood Development. The system links program and individual data ranging from early childhood education and care to K-12/higher education to the workforce. The individual data is deidentified with a unique identifier. Data is available internally for agencies and authorized users. The Illinois Longitudinal Data System was created through Public Act 096-0107. The system has been funded by a federal Statewide Longitudinal Data Systems Grant and the Statewide Longitudinal Data System Recovery Act Grant, which authorized the expansion of infant and toddler data collection. Learn More: Illinois Longitudinal Data System Project Sources:State of Illinois (2014). Race to the Top - Early Learning Challenge 2014 Annual Performance ReportEducation Commission of the States. (2021). Statewide Longitudinal Data Systems: Illinois.REL Blog (2018). Building a coordinated data system to support early childhood education
                    Illinois Preschool for All Program & Preschool for All Expansion Program
                    In 2006, Illinois launched its Preschool for All (PFA) Program, which was expanded in 2017 using dollars from a federal Preschool Development Grant. The program, which operates in nearly every county in the state, is a targeted one, serving children who are considered at-risk based on both economic and developmental factors. As of 2022, Illinois served 31% of 4-year-olds and 21% of 3-year-olds. Learn More: Illinois Preschool for All Sources:Illinois State Board of Education. (n.d.). Preschool for All (PFA).Illinois State Board of Education. (2023). Illinois Preschool for All Expansion Program Eligibility and Weighted Priority Enrollment Form.National Institute for Early Education Research. (2022). Illinois
                    • Expansion
                      • Public Pre-K
                        • Universal Pre-K Policy (4-Year-Olds)
                          • Targeted Pre-K Policy (3-Year-Olds)
                        2006 $412 million in FY22
                        • Preschool Development Grant Birth through Five
                        • State-Funded Pre-K
                        Percentage of 4-year-olds enrolled (as of 2022): 31% Percentage of 3-year-olds enrolled (as of 2022): 21% Minimum hours of operation: 2.5 hours/day; 5 days/week
                        In 2006, Illinois launched its Preschool for All (PFA) Program, which was expanded in 2017 using dollars from a federal Preschool Development Grant. The program, which operates in nearly every county in the state, is a targeted one, serving children who are considered at-risk based on both economic and developmental factors. As of 2022, Illinois served 31% of 4-year-olds and 21% of 3-year-olds. Learn More: Illinois Preschool for All Sources:Illinois State Board of Education. (n.d.). Preschool for All (PFA).Illinois State Board of Education. (2023). Illinois Preschool for All Expansion Program Eligibility and Weighted Priority Enrollment Form.National Institute for Early Education Research. (2022). Illinois
                        Social Impact Bonds
                        In 2014, Chicago Public Schools (CPS) and the City of Chicago partnered with the Goldman Sachs Social Impact Fund, the Northern Trust Company, and the J.B. and M.K. Pritzker Family Foundation to launch the Chicago Child-Parent Center Pay for Success Initiative funded by a Pay-for-Success contract. The contract allowed the City to expand high-quality pre-K services to more than 2,600 low-income 4-year-olds across eight schools. The funding partners provided nearly $17 million in upfront capital and included a 4-year service delivery term, and a 17-year evaluation and repayment term. In a pay-for-success model, lenders provide the upfront capital necessary to operate a program that produces long term avoided costs to the government. The government then uses those savings to repay the lenders. Learn More: Urban Institute
                        • Dedicated Funding Streams & Financing
                          • Social Impact Bonds
                          Initiative funded through $17 million in social impact bonds
                          In 2014, Chicago Public Schools (CPS) and the City of Chicago partnered with the Goldman Sachs Social Impact Fund, the Northern Trust Company, and the J.B. and M.K. Pritzker Family Foundation to launch the Chicago Child-Parent Center Pay for Success Initiative funded by a Pay-for-Success contract. The contract allowed the City to expand high-quality pre-K services to more than 2,600 low-income 4-year-olds across eight schools. The funding partners provided nearly $17 million in upfront capital and included a 4-year service delivery term, and a 17-year evaluation and repayment term. In a pay-for-success model, lenders provide the upfront capital necessary to operate a program that produces long term avoided costs to the government. The government then uses those savings to repay the lenders. Learn More: Urban Institute
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                          Demographics Link copied!

                          Demographics Data Scorecard

                          State population

                          12,582,032 Source U.S. Census, 2022

                          Rural %

                          13.1% Source U.S. Census, 2020

                          Urban %

                          86.9% Source U.S. Census, 2020

                          Number of children 0–4

                          706,621 Source KIDS COUNT, 2021

                          Poverty levels - children 0—8 below 200% poverty

                          36% Source KIDS COUNT, 2021

                          Median family income among households with children

                          $90,600.00 Source KIDS COUNT, 2021

                          Unemployment rate

                          4.7% Source U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, December 2022

                          Unemployment rate of parents

                          4% Source KIDS COUNT, 2021

                          Children under age 6 with all available parents in the labor force

                          70% Source KIDS COUNT, 2021

                          Children living in households with a high housing cost burden

                          28% Source KIDS COUNT, 2021

                          Child Population by Race and Ethnicity Source KIDS COUNT, 2021

                          Race and Ethnicity

                          • American Indian and Alaska Native (0.49%)
                          • Asian (6%)
                          • Black or African American (15%)
                          • Hispanic or Latino (25%)
                          • Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander (0.49%)
                          • Two or more races (4%)
                          • White, not Hispanic or Latino (50%)
                          Year 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019
                          Governor D D D D D
                          State House D D D D D
                          State Senate D D D D D

                          Early Childhood Education Programs Link copied!

                          Early Childhood Education Programs

                          Public Pre-K Program Name Program Length:  Half-day; minimum 2.5 hours/day, 5 days/week during school year

                          Illinois Preschool for All (PFA) Source: NIEER 2023

                          Universal or Targeted Pre-K Policy State Spending Per Child (Pre-K):  $5,405

                          Universal Pre-K Policy (3- and 4-Year-Olds) Source: NIEER 2023

                          Early Childhood Education Programs (3-Year-Olds) Source: NIEER 2023

                          Programs

                          • Percent of 3-Year-Old Children Enrolled in Public Early Childhood Education Programs (23%)
                          • 3-Year-old Children Enrolled in Head Start (6%)
                          • Other/None (71%)

                          Early Childhood Education Programs (4-Year-Olds) Source: NIEER 2023

                          Programs

                          • Percent of 4-Year-Old Children Enrolled in Public Early Childhood Education Programs (34%)
                          • 4-Year-old Children Enrolled in Head Start (5%)
                          • Other/None (61%)

                          Workforce Link copied!

                          2017–2019 Median Hourly Wages Source CSCCE 2018, 2020

                          Role

                          • Child Care Workers
                            $11.27 (2017, adjusted)
                            $11.16 (2019)
                          • Preschool Teachers
                            $14.27 (2017, adjusted)
                            $14.29 (2019)
                          • Preschool or Child Care Center Directors
                            $25.12 (2017, adjusted)
                            $24.44 (2019)

                          Funding Sources Link copied!

                          Federal and State Early Childhood Education Funding (in Millions) Source First Five Years Fund, 2022

                          Funding Source

                          • Head Start and Early Head Start Funding ($386.0)
                          • CCDBG & Mandatory Funds ($306.6)
                          • CCDBG State Match ($47.3)
                          • CCDBG COVID Relief Allocations - CARES, CRRSE, ARPA (CCDF & Stabilization) ($1700)
                          • State-Funded Pre-K ($413.0)
                          • MIECHV ($8.5)
                          • IDEA Part C ($24.8)
                          • IDEA Part B, Sec 619 ($27.3)
                          • TANF Early Learning and Care ($664.7)
                          • Preschool Development Grant Birth ($17.4)