Bill > HB5204

This bill makes several changes to Illinois's early learning and childcare systems, primarily by amending the Illinois Early Learning Council Act and the Early Childhood Access Consortium for Equity Act. The Illinois Early Learning Council's purpose is broadened to advise on statewide programs and services for children from prenatal through age five, aiming to make Illinois the best state for raising young children by establishing a high-quality, accessible, and comprehensive early learning system. The Secretary of Early Childhood or their designee will now serve as a co-chairperson of the Council, and the Governor will appoint parents and caregivers of children five and under to the Council. The Department of Early Childhood will provide staffing and administrative support to the Council, and new provisions address conflicts of interest for Council members, requiring them to avoid matters that could provide a direct financial benefit or appear to be a conflict of interest. Additionally, the bill shifts appointment authority for certain members of the advisory committee to the Early Childhood Access Consortium for Equity Act to the Department of Early Childhood, ensuring greater departmental involvement in guiding the Consortium's operations.

https://www.ilga.gov/Legislation/BillStatus?DocNum=5204&GAID=18&DocTypeID=HB&SessionID=114&GA=104