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Building Blocks: Ongoing Progress as Illinois' New Department of Early Childhood Lays Foundation for Transition 

Early Steps
Illinois Makes Progress for Its Youngest Learners

This one-pager provides updates on Illinois’ progress in advancing the recommendations of the Governor’s Early Childhood Funding Commission, first explored in Early Steps: Illinois Makes Progress for Its Youngest Learners. As the state prepares to transition early childhood and care programs to the new Illinois Department of Early Childhood (IDEC), progress continues through increased investments in the workforce, emerging funding redesign proposals, stronger data and reporting infrastructure, and the ongoing work of the Transition Advisory Council.

Published February 2026

In 2021, the Illinois Commission on Equitable Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) presented its recommendations for strengthening the state’s system for early childhood education and care. This explainer reviews the state’s challenges as well as its progress in realizing the Commission’s goals for the future of early childhood in Illinois. 

Published November 2024