"Illinois Action for Children also believes that investing in all areas of education is critically important and therefore recommend that ISBE requests at least $550 million in new funding through Evidence Based Funding in FY24" - Illinois Action For Children #FundtheFormula

“And while advocates applauded new funding in education, many said the state’s funding formula should increase by at least $550 million dollars this year in order to correct funding gaps more quickly.” #FundtheFormula

"In FY23 over half of the state’s students, more than one million kids, are still in districts funded below 75% of full funding. The request for $550 Million provides the state the jump it needs to put Illinois back on track to fully funding schools.” - Latino Policy Forum

We can do better we have to do better…This one hurts but it’s another reality check.

🧵 A little story about #earlychildhood education that’s too good not to share: I recently had a chance to facilitate a working group unpacking a state’s most recent 3rd grade literacy data. During our conversation one participant shared an important realization with the group…

New Parents: Babies don’t need expensive things. They need YOU. Your love. Your attention & verbal interaction. No “educational” toy, interactive bassinet, or $500 rocking chair makes a bit of difference. What makes a difference is you. Pass it on. theatlantic.com/family/archive…

As we head into this Thanksgiving week, I want to congratulate Illinois’ new Republican leaders. Leader Curran and Leader McCombie, I look forward to finding common ground and advancing our shared priorities.

Chicago’s Head Start teachers are paid $18,000 less on average than their elementary school counterparts, even when holding the same degrees. The gap is even wider among educators of color. chicago.chalkbeat.org/2022/11/22/234…

ALL Illinois students deserve a quality #education! Adequate, equitable state funding is necessary to provide that opportunity. Illinois State Board of Education, we need you to advocate for an increase of at least $550M to Evidence-Based Funding for FY24! Jaime Guzman

The public has sent a clear message: our students and educators need this funding.  More than 50 stakeholders including parents, teachers, school leaders, and advocates attended ISBE’s budget hearings this past fall to advocate for an increase to EBF above $350M. Gerson Ramírez

Us and advocates at Advance Illinois, Latino Policy Forum, Illinois Action For Children, and Council for a Strong America will testify in support of Smart Start Illinois. Tune in here to listen today at 2:00 pm: ilga.gov/houseaudvid.as…

🍼 Eliminating preschool deserts 🏫 Building and improving child care facilities 💵 Launching nation's first Early Childhood Workforce Compensation Contract program Smart Start Illinois opens up the opportunity for parents to get the best education and care for their children.

Creating more seats in preschool. Enhancing early childhood education. Improving child literacy. Reaching more families than ever before. Smart Start IL sets our youngest Illinoisans on a pathway to success by providing them the quality childcare and education they deserve.

"I can stay at a job I love, a job that I was meant to do, and a job that I can keep doing because of this program." That's thanks to Smart Start Illinois! It's time we invest in teachers like they invest their passion and dedication for our youngest. wandtv.com/news/illinois-…

Thank you Mary Beth Canty & Kimberly A. Lightford for championing HB2396 to ensure that every child has access to full-day kindergarten—a strong start to their next phase of education. bit.ly/3KoWDzO #kindergarten #Illinois

.Governor JB Pritzker's decision to appoint Ann Whalen to spearhead this critical project speaks volumes about how seriously he takes the responsibility to give early childhood the footing it needs to give every child a strong start…but we will miss her! –Robin Steans #ece #twill

Thank you Mary Beth Canty for passing #SB1 in the House w/93 bipartisan votes! You & Kimberly A. Lightford are amazing! Governor JB Pritzker’s proposal to create the Department of Early Childhood will make it easier for families to access services and reduce the administrative burden on providers. #twill

Amazing new opportunities for children and families!!

We're on the path to universal pre-k. We're eliminating childcare deserts. We're rehabilitating early childhood facilities. We're raising wages for childcare staff. We're providing families with affordable care. It's why IL is in the top 10 states for childcare accessibility.

Here in Illinois, we’re eliminating preschool deserts by 2027.