Our Response to the Illinois Fiscal Year 2026 State Budget

Last month, the Illinois General Assembly approved a Fiscal Year 2026 state budget that includes additional funding for the state’s child care system. Unfortunately, the spending plan maintains current funding levels for several other critical early childhood programs.

“Start Early commends Governor Pritzker and the General Assembly for their continued commitments to ensure Illinois families have the resources they need to thrive,” Start Early Illinois’ Executive Director Celena Sarillo said. “Although this final budget does not include all of the early childhood funding for which families and providers advocated, we are ready to work with policymakers, advocates and families this upcoming year to continue expanding access and strengthening programs and services, like preschool, home visiting and Early Intervention, that give children their best chance at success in school and in life.”

Together For Head Start

Since the new federal administration began on January 1, 2025, they have sent mixed signals about their plans for Early Childhood Education in the U.S., including their plans for Head Start.

In response, we’re collecting real stories from families, alumni, educators, advocates, business leaders and partners to amplify the transformative power of Head Start programs in communities across the country. Participation is simple— submit a short story reflecting what Head Start means to you or your community.

In the coming weeks and months, Start Early will uplift submitted stories to:

Inspire others  to share their story and advocate for Head Start
Help policymakers and the public understand the value of Head Start programs on our youngest learners, their families and communities
Celebrate  60 years of Head Start’s impact

Attention Early Childhood Educators:

Register for the 2025 Early Learning Careers Expo!

On June 28th at the Early Learning Careers & Education Pathways Expo, enthusiastic early childhood professionals and jobseekers can connect with over 50 employer and education partners in early learning careers eager to help you advance your career.

Attendees and vendors interested in sharing their organization with attendees can register below to help shape the future of early childhood education in Chicago!

This event is brought to you by the Office of the Mayor, DFSS, CPS, UIC, ECACE, Chicago Early Learning Workforce Partnership, Education Workforce Center, and the Early Childhood Workforce Partnership.

Prioritizing Background Check Reform in the IDEC Transition

On July 1st, 2026, the new Illinois Department of Early Childhood (IDEC) will officially administer our state’s early childhood programs and services and child care licensing will move from the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) to IDEC. In the meantime, IDEC officials are busy not only planning the transition to ensure a smooth launch, but they have also set redesigning Illinois’s licensing system as a priority over the next year.

In a new blog, Policy Manager Mercedes Mondragón’s reflects on the opportunity to improve the child care licensing process in the transition to the new Department of Early Childhood.

To share your thoughts on child care licensing, attend one of the following Listening Sessions on Illinois’ Daycare Licensing Process and Procedures hosted by IDEC!

Monday June 23 12:00-1:30 p.m. or Thursday June 26 5:00-6:30 p.m.
The content in both sessions will be the same, and Spanish interpretation will be available.

We Want To Hear From You!

The early childhood landscape of Illinois has weathered substantial change over the last several years and, regardless of your role, Start Early wants to continue to bring you the latest on early care and learning in our state.

There's still time to take the short survey we've prepared, in which you can tell us about yourself and what you'd like to see from us. This could be more updates from Springfield throughout the legislative session, interesting highlights from other states, the latest research, opportunities for action, or even all of the above! Take a moment to let us know.

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

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

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