Bill > SR0116

This resolution addresses the critical need for supporting early childhood care and education facilities in Illinois by calling for several key actions. The resolution emphasizes the importance of high-quality early childhood infrastructure, recognizing that safe, developmentally appropriate physical spaces are essential for children's learning and development, particularly in underserved communities. It urges the new Department of Early Childhood to prioritize facilities needs in its planning process, including developing a biennial assessment of physical infrastructure requirements for community-based and school-based early childhood providers. The resolution specifically recommends expeditiously awarding the remaining Early Childhood Construction Grant (ECCG) monies to qualified applicants and quickly replenishing these grant resources. This approach aims to support the state's mixed-delivery system of early care and education, addressing building and repair demands while working towards the bipartisan Funding Commission's vision of making early childhood services "simpler, better, and fairer" for children, families, and communities across Illinois. By highlighting the significant impact of quality early childhood environments on child development, workforce stability, and economic growth, the resolution seeks to prioritize strategic investments in early childhood facilities infrastructure.

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=116&GAID=18&DocTypeID=SR&SessionID=114&GA=104