Survey Opportunity
Share Your Experience with DCFS Background Checks Start Early is continuing advocacy efforts to reform DCFS’ background check procedures and we would love your input! Over one year has passed since DCFS issued updated policies regarding background check procedures for the hiring of child care staff, but they have yet to address many of their internal processes causing the delays.


As many of you have experienced, background check clearances continue to take several weeks, even months, to be processed by DCFS. We’re conducting a short survey to gather additional data from child care educators to help bolster our advocacy efforts.
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Learn more and share with the providers in your networks!








Still Time To Apply!
Early Childhood Access Consortium For Equity (ECACE) Workforce Scholarship ECACE scholarships are available for degrees or credentials in early childhood education and may cover up to the total cost of attendance when paired with other financial aid supports, such as tuition & fees, transportation, room & board as well as book & supplies.


To qualify you must be:
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Currently working or have worked in positions, such as teacher, assistant or director in child care centers or homes
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Enrolled or accepted for enrollment on a full- or part-time basis at a participating institution in Illinois
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Pursuing an associate, bachelor's or master's degree in early childhood or an additional license or endorsementWhile the priority deadline has passed, applications are still being accepted!
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Learn more and apply today.







Tell Congress Not to Cut Head Start Funding in FY24!
Take Action For Head Start The federal House Labor HHS Appropriations Subcommittee has proposed cutting Head Start by $750 million for the next Fiscal Year! This will result in roughly 80,000 children nationally no longer being able to participate in Head Start or Early Head Start due to lack of funds. If the current proposal is approved, Illinois could lose nearly 2,700 seats across these critical services. We cannot allow this to happen!
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Please email your members of Congress asking them to oppose cuts to Head Start that would harm the children & families we serve.







We'd like to learn more about you!
Dear Reader, Tell Us About Yourself! Start Early wants to better serve our community by learning more about your background, interests and needs!
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Please take this brief survey so that we can continue to share communications filled with content that you'll find relevant, actionable and educational!







Incentive Benefits Approved for EI Workforce
Pritzker Administration Recognizes Early Intervention ProvidersBetween August and October of 2023, Early Intervention (EI) service providers will
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receive one-time bonus payments of up to $1,300 through an initiative administered through the Illinois Department of Human Services.


Start Early celebrates this recognition of the vital care the EI workforce provides for our youngest learners! A Service Coordinator at Clearbrook CFC #6 shares, “This was wonderful news! I look forward to learning more about retention incentives in the future. Our work makes a difference in the tapestry of support for children and families. Thank You!"



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Start Early advances quality early learning for families with children, before birth through their earliest years, to close the opportunity gap.

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33 West Monroe Street, Suite 1200, Chicago, IL 60603 - 312.922.3863


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