Illinois Action for Children’s Post

🎉 A Historic Moment! 🎉 Today, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker signed SB1 (the Department of Early Childhood Act) into law, creating the first Department of Early Childhood in Illinois! 🏛️✨ A heartfelt THANK YOU to all the advocates whose work and dedication made this milestone possible. Your passion for early childhood education has paved the way for a brighter future for our children. 🌟👶📚 Lastly, a huge thank you to state leaders including Governor JB Pritzker, Senator Lightford, and Representative Canty for continuously championing children and families in Illinois.

Join fellow supporters—including community members, advocates, generous donors, corporate partners, and civic leaders—as we commemorate IAFC’s rich legacy of championing children and changing lives and come together to invest in children and families across the state of Illinois. Learn more about the event, our featured guests, and get your tickets today: https://bit.ly/3WWnZ5Q

Are you a family child care provider in Illinois? Take the next step in your professional journey with our Race to Bronze program. Our experts will assist you in obtaining your Bronze Circle of Quality, enhancing your reputation and opening doors to new opportunities. Join the cohort and sign up today: https://bit.ly/4dmxMZW

Join our Race to Bronze program and elevate your family child care program to new heights. Our specialists will guide you every step of the way to achieve your Bronze Circle of Quality at no cost. Gain recognition, attract more families, and provide the best care for the children in your community. Sign up today and unlock your potential: https://bit.ly/4dmxMZW

Our research reveals that providers need more training and staff to ensure the best care for children with disabilities. As a state, we can support professional development and credentialing in special education for the early childhood workforce to bridge this gap. Read more provider experiences in our reports on child care for children with disabilities: https://bit.ly/4d4U6qn #disabilityawareness #disabilitypridemonth

Meet our newest Emerging Leadership Fellows! 🌟 These dedicated individuals are part of the MWLI Early Childhood Emerging Leaders Fellowship, an innovative program empowering diverse, mid-level child care providers and early learning teachers. Over the next nine months, the fellows will develop their leadership, advocacy, and systems change skills to make a lasting impact on Illinois’ early childhood landscape. 👶🏫 📣 Join us in celebrating their commitment to shaping the future of early childhood education!

🎉 Exciting Deal for Back to School! 🎉 Our amazing partners at Constructive Playthings are offering an exclusive 20% off your entire purchase to our IAFC community! 🛍️✨ From blocks and furniture to playground, sensory, and STEM materials, they have everything you need for early childhood education. Don't miss out on this fantastic deal to enhance your classroom or play area for the coming school year! 🧩 Use code IAFC2024 at checkout ⏰ Hurry, offer ends August 31! 🛍️ Shop now: https://lnkd.in/emjm96t

Parents of children with disabilities have few options when it comes to child care, our research reveals. Earmarking government funds for additional aides and increasing staff-to-child ratios across programs could help. Read these and other recommendations for supporting parents and providers in our reports on child care for children with disabilities: https://bit.ly/4d4U6qn. #disabilityawareness #disabilitypridemonth